Comparison Vigor XPL1000 vs Jada Fitness JS-4500

The highest weight of an athlete, at which the treadmill is able to work indefinitely for a long time (at least during the warranty period) without negative consequences. Most modern models have a "weight category" of the order of 150 kg and even more, which allows them to be used even by people of large build; however, there are exceptions, so this parameter is still worth paying attention to when choosing a treadmill.

Note that it is worth choosing a model by weight with a significant margin — at least 10 kg more than your weight, even if you expect to lose it during training. If, on the contrary, you are going through a comprehensive training course in order to gain weight, then you should focus on the result you want by the end of the course. Anyway, the "weight category" of the simulator must be greater than the weight of the user — otherwise the device will work with off-design loads and may break at any time.

If the treadmill is planned to be used for several users, accordingly, you need to focus on the weight of the largest of them.

Power of the motor installed in the electric treadmill (see "Type"). This indicator is directly related, first of all, to the smoothness of the ride and the maximum speed (see above) — the more powerful the engine, the more uniform the movement of the canvas will be and the faster it can move. Also, engine power determines the resistance to high loads: with an equal weight category (see "User weight"), a more powerful model is better suited for people with large body weight, especially at high speeds.

In general, most recreational treadmills have motors between 1.5 and 2.5 hp; more powerful options usually belong to the professional class.

It is worth noting that above we were talking about the constant power of the engine — that is, the power with which it can work for a long time without being subjected to overloads. In some models of simulators, the so-called peak power — the power that the engine can develop for a short time, for a few seconds. It is higher, but long-term operation at such a load is fraught with the failure of the device. Therefore, before buying, it is worthwhile to clarify, if possible, what power is implied in the characteristics — nominal or peak; this is especially true for high power models.

The cushioning system softens the shock felt when running on the treadmill and thus reduces stress on the bones and joints. Roughly speaking, due to this system, the canvas “springs” under your feet, and the run turns out to be softer. This feature can be useful to any user, but it will be especially useful for those who are just starting out, as well as for people with a large body weight.

As the name suggests, this feature allows you to fold the treadmill, greatly reducing its size. It will come in handy if there is not a lot of space in your home and a permanently installed simulator can create inconvenience — during non-working hours it can be folded and put away, for example, in a closet. Also, folding models should be paid attention to those who often move — for example, in the summer months they choose to go to the country: a folded treadmill can easily fit even in a passenger car, while an awkward one may require certain tricks for transportation.

The number of training programs provided for in the design of the simulator. This is not about load levels, but about automatic modes of operation, during which the track can change the speed of movement, signal the beginning and end of a lesson, etc. For details on the number of programs, see Built-in Programs.

— Training time. Show workout time on the treadmill display. In the simplest version, found in all models with this function, the calculation takes into account the time of one workout — from the moment the simulator is turned on or the movement starts until it stops. More advanced models can sum up the total time or time for a certain period (for example, a week), count the time in the "target zone" (at the optimal speed and load mode), display the average training time, etc. The specific capabilities of the time counter should be specified in the documentation for each model.

— distance. Displaying the distance conventionally covered by the user on the simulator. Separate functions of such a display may differ from model to model, they may include both a simple counter that takes into account the distance from the moment the simulator was turned on, and the summation of distances for a certain period, the calculation of the average distance for a workout, the countdown of the distance to the desired indicator, etc.

— Number of circles. Displays the number of laps completed by the user on the conditional ring track. The ability to simulate such tracks is found in some advanced models of simulators, while such simulation may include changing the load in different sections. Lap counting is more of a welcome addition than a "necessity", but it can be qui...te handy when considering workloads.

— Speed. Displaying the conditional speed of the athlete on the treadmill, in fact, the speed of the movement of the simulator canvas. Models with this function are able to at least display the speed at the current time; and more advanced options include fixing speed records, deriving the average speed for a workout, warning about exceeding / decreasing relative to the desired indicator, etc.

— Measurement of the pulse. The ability to display on the screen the heart rate (pulse) of the athlete at the current moment of training. The pulse is one of the most important parameters in both everyday physical education and professional training. First, the optimal heart rate values will be different depending on the goals — for example, for burning fat, the optimal frequency will be lower than for training to strengthen the cardiovascular system. Secondly, there is the concept of the maximum allowable heart rate — it differs depending on age, gender, physique, etc.; Exceeding this frequency is fraught with health problems. Everyone can derive specific figures for the moments described for themselves using the formulas available in specialized sources, or check with specialists. Here we note that the vast majority of modern treadmills have the function of measuring the pulse, but it can be implemented in different ways. In some versions, the sensors are placed on the handrail, you need to hold on to them with your hands during training; others may use remote sensors mounted on the arm, on the earlobe, etc. Also, the measurement of the pulse may include additional functions — for example, an alarm about exceeding safe values.

— Recovery test. The ability to work the treadmill in the recovery test mode (aka "fitness test"). This check allows you to determine the degree of fitness of the body, or, to put it more simply, whether the athlete is in good shape. The basis for the assessment is the ability to recover after physical exertion, and this ability is determined in this way: the simulator measures the pulse immediately after the test programme, then after 1 minute, and displays the result based on the ratio of these data. The result is usually expressed in points, which can be deciphered using special tables; usually such tables are included in the documentation set for the simulator with the recovery test function.

— Calorie consumption. The ability to display on the screen of the treadmill information about the cost of energy (calories) for the time since the start of the workout. Note that the simulator does not measure the energy actually spent by the athlete, the calculation is carried out as follows: the device takes the data stored in the memory about the approximate calorie costs in a particular mode of operation and multiplies this figure by the training time in this mode. Thus, the calculations do not take into account the individual characteristics of each person, and the data is very approximate. However, if your goal is not professional sports, this accuracy is usually sufficient.

— Generated power. Power generated — the amount of power that was transferred to the exercise bike during exercise. This parameter allows you to more objectively assess the energy consumption of the user, and also allows you to more accurately calculate the rate of calories burned.

— Workout chart. The treadmill screen displays a workout schedule that conveniently records the intensity level and duration of the workout. The chart allows you to visually assess the amount of energy expended, and at the same time calories burned, at various stages of the lesson. Additionally, it allows you to take control of the pace of the run. A decreasing or increasing schedule will tell you when it is desirable to increase the load, and when to reduce it, in order to evenly distribute forces throughout the entire training programme. Some models allow you to save the results of training in a graphical form and compare the diagrams of past sessions with each other.

— Fat analyzer. This feature allows you to display your treadmill's body fat percentage. Measuring the amount of fat is based on the fact that different types of human tissues have different resistance to electricity: when measured, an electric discharge is passed through the body, which is not felt by a person and is safe for him, but at the same time sufficient for the simulator electronics. By passing the discharge, the percentage of adipose tissue is determined. Of course, these data are very approximate, but they may well be useful, for example, to compare the state of the body before and after a course of training. Note that the use of a fat analyzer requires certain precautions to be observed: in particular, this function cannot be used by children, pregnant women, and people with electronic pacemakers. A complete set of such rules, usually, is prescribed in the documentation for the simulator; before use, be sure to familiarize yourself with it and strictly adhere to it.

— Body mass index (BMI). The automatic calculation of the body mass index allows you to adjust the training modes for each individual user, as well as more objectively evaluate the result of training programs. Body mass index (BMI) is the ratio of a person's height to their weight. Calculated using the following formula: weight / height / height. Let's assume that the user weighs 70 kg and is 1.76 m tall. In this case, BMI = 70/1.76/1.76 = 22.6. The normal MBI is considered to be an index from 19 to 24. If the user's MBI is insufficient (less than 19), then the simulator will develop workouts based on gaining body density and increasing muscle mass. When the MBI is excessive (over 24), the machine will recommend using a training programme to reduce fat mass.

— Assessment of basal metabolism (BMR). The treadmill analyzes your basal metabolic rate to more accurately calculate calories burned during your workout. The basal metabolic rate (BMR) characterizes the consumption of calories that go to support basic physiological processes in the body, that is, it describes the amount of energy expended outside of training sessions when a person is at rest. BMR assessment is important when developing individual training programs. Additionally, the level of basal metabolism should be taken into account when compiling a diet.

— Room temperature. Displays the ambient temperature on the treadmill screen. This is not a basic function, but it can be useful for comfort: for example, you can determine at what temperature it is most convenient for you to train, and then adjust it accordingly before each session.

Under the dimensions of the canvas in the characteristics of treadmills, they usually mean the dimensions of the working area — that is, the platform within which the user's legs stay during training. There are a number of points that determine the optimal length and width of the canvas.

The long treadmill length ensures safety — less likely to seriously stumble and fall out of rhythm. On the other hand, a long canvas requires a more powerful motor, and the dimensions of the simulator increase accordingly. With all this in mind, it is believed that the optimal length for home use is 120 – 130 cm; longer tracks are designed for use in fitness centers and professional training.

Both safety and comfort when using the simulator also depend on the width of the canvas; This parameter is especially important for people of large build — on a narrow canvas, they can be “cramped”. On the other hand, as in the case of length, a large width means a large size of the simulator itself. In general, entry-level models have a canvas up to 40 cm, in more advanced tracks there are options for 45 cm, and for professional use this figure can reach 50 cm.

In fact, when choosing a treadmill according to the size of the canvas, it is best not only to take into account all of the above, but also to try out the option that interests you in fact before making a purchase. After all, a lot depends on personal characteristics and preferences, and it is possible that...a seemingly suitable simulator will be small — or vice versa, a more compact and inexpensive option is quite suitable.

The dimensions of the equipment in the assembled and ready to work state. It is important to note that in fact more space is needed for comfortable and proper operation of the simulator.

The total weight of the treadmill when assembled.

All such simulators are quite massive — models weighing up to 50 kg inclusive are considered light. And when choosing, it is worth considering that both small and significant weight have their advantages. So, lightweight structures are more convenient when moving, while weighty ones are more stable, often have more extensive functionality, and are also better suited for people with large body weight.