Comparison Concept2 PM5 vs Nordic Track RX800

The value of the maximum allowable load on the design of the rowing machine (due to the weight of the athlete). If the weight of the athlete exceeds the maximum value, then the structural elements of the equipment may fail. The most common user weight limits are: up to 100 kg, up to 120 kg, up to 140 kg and over 140 kg.

Rowing machines can work with varying degrees of load. Depending on the model, the equipment can counteract the athlete's efforts both in a wide range of values (the possibility of fine-tuning the load is implied) and in the mode of stepwise load creation. The widest range of loads is created by rowing machines with an electromagnetic load system (see paragraph "Load system").

The ability to adjust the length of the footrests allows you to adjust the machine to the height of any user.

The exercise machine is equipped with a foldable frame which can be easily folded to a compact size. This makes the storage process more convenient since the foldable design allows you to significantly reduce the dimensions of the rowing machine. Note that the folding type of construction does not reduce the rigidity of the frame of the rowing machine. Folding does not require much effort or a special tool, the process takes only a couple of minutes.

Transport rollers allow the rowing machine to be easily manoeuvred around the gym until the most suitable location for the equipment is determined. When the optimal place for installing the rowing machine is found, the wheelbase is replaced by fixed stops, that is, the rigid legs of the machine's frame.

Training programs allow the athlete to purposefully carry out loads on certain muscle groups. The most common types of programs are muscle strength training (the machine creates an optimal load to quickly and effectively strengthen the main muscle groups), cardiovascular training (the machine creates loads that can effectively strengthen the athlete’s cardiovascular system), training to increase the tone of the body, etc.

During training, you can synchronize the intensity of the movement of the rowing handles with the imitation on the display of the movement on the boat through the water. Virtual workout makes the process of training more exciting and fulfilling. The image of the movement on the boat can be carried out both using the built-in LCD and using a modern TV, which has the appropriate ports for connecting external devices.

— Workout time. This feature allows you to precisely control the execution time of each training set. The start and end of the timer are activated using the button located on the control panel.

— Distance. The machine allows you to control the length of movement of the rowing handles and converts the received data into an estimated distance that the user travels during the workout. In most cases, the metric system for measuring distance travelled is used. If necessary, you can use other calculation systems, for example, measure the path in nautical miles or yards.

— Speed. The machine allows you to control the speed of movement of the rowing handles. The received data is converted into the value of the speed of movement of the simulated rowing vessel. Speed is measured in the metric data system, but you can also get values in knots.

— Stroke rate. The machine allows you to control the number of cycles of movement of the rowing handles. At the end of the training session, the athlete can get acquainted with the exact number of strokes, this makes it possible to control the ratio of the number of rowing movements per unit of time.

— Total number of strokes. Counting the total number of strokes allows you to evaluate the effectiveness of the training. By this param...eter, you can estimate the number of calories burned, the distance travelled and many other parameters.

— Heart rate. The ability to display the athlete's heart rate on the screen. However, the heart rate monitor itself is not provided in rowing machines and must be purchased separately.

— Recovery test. With the help of the hardware-software complex of the machine, the estimated time required for the athlete to fully recover after training is calculated. The calculation of the data is carried out based on information about the number and intensity of training approaches and the load received by the athlete. This parameter allows the athlete to organize more effective workouts, as he will be aware of a more or less accurate time that can be spent on rest between power sets.

— 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 machine does not measure the energy spent by the athlete, the calculation is carried out as follows: the device takes the data stored in the memory about the approximate calorie consumption 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.

— Generated power. Power generated — the amount of power that was transferred to the rowing machine 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 screen displays a graph of the training programme, which in a convenient form fixes the level of load and duration. The chart allows you to visually assess the amount of energy expended, and at the same time, the calories burned, at various stages of the lesson. Additionally, it allows you to take control of the pace. A decreasing or increasing graph will tell you when to push and when to slow down to evenly distribute forces throughout the training programme.

— Fat analyzer. This feature allows you to display your 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 machine electronics. By passing the discharge, the percentage of fat 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.

— Body mass index (BMI). The automatic calculation of the body mass index allows you to adjust the training modes for each user, as well as more objectively evaluate the result of training programmes. 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 BMI is considered to be an index from 19 to 24. If the user's BMI is insufficient (less than 19), then the machine will develop workouts based on gaining body density and increasing muscle mass. When the BMI is excessive (over 24), the machine will recommend using a training programme to reduce fat mass.

— Basal metabolic rate (BMR). The machine 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 is spent 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 programmes. Additionally, the level of basal metabolism should be taken into account when compiling the diet.

— Room temperature. Display of the ambient temperature on the 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 exercise, and then adjust it accordingly before each session.

— Mains. For the full-fledged operation of the rowing machine, a regular connection to a household electrical grid with standard parameters of 230 (V) and 50 (Hz) is required. Such machines do not depend on replaceable batteries; their cost, in comparison with other types of power supply, is low, and the power of the mains is quite enough even for electromagnetic load systems.

— Battery. The uninterrupted operation of the machine is ensured by the rechargeable battery, which is supplied with the training equipment. Most often, the battery is located under the cover of the machine. To charge the battery, you need to connect the machine to a household electrical outlet. Usually, one battery charge is enough for 10-12 hours of continuous operation of the rowing machine.