Which is better, a treadmill or an elliptical trainer? Comparison and recommendations for selection
Various exercise machines allow you to get rid of excess weight in the shortest possible time. The only problem is that most models are too bulky and expensive for home workouts, and not everyone has time for training in the gym. It is quite possible to overcome all these difficulties if you use an orbitrek for weight loss, which has gained great popularity since the end of the last century due to its compactness and versatility.
It belongs to the category of cardio equipment and combines elements of a stepper, treadmill and exercise bike. Regular exercise on it is equal in effectiveness to cycling, skiing and gymnastic exercises. The ellipsoid is worth the money spent on it because it can perfectly correct the most problematic areas of the body.
Advantages and disadvantages
Still, buying an exercise machine for home is a responsible decision, which may initially raise a lot of doubts: does the orbitrek help you lose weight and what results can be achieved by regularly and correctly exercising on it?
Before spending money on purchasing this sports equipment, carefully study all its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
- Orbitrek pumps up the deepest abdominal muscles, reducing waist size and helping to lose weight in the abdomen.
- For many, problem areas are the buttocks and thighs with orange peel and fat deposits. To eliminate them, use an elliptical trainer to train your quadriceps muscles. It perfectly pumps the inner and outer thighs, distributing the load evenly.
- The ellipsoid is also useful for correcting the shape of the legs, as it provides sufficient load on the calves and hamstrings.
- As a result, the shape and relief of the figure are improved.
- Muscle mass, body flexibility, strength and endurance increase.
- Develops the heart muscle, develops the respiratory system, improves metabolism. All this contributes to effective weight loss.
- The elliptical trajectory of the pedals and smooth stroke reduce the load on the joints.
- In many models, you can change the tilt of the body, so that the load on the muscles is distributed differently.
- Coordination improves, dexterity develops, and all this contributes to maximum motor activity and burning extra calories.
Flaws
- Presence of contraindications: problems with blood pressure, heart, joints, oncology, diabetes, infectious diseases.
- If you leave the edges of clothing hanging loosely, they can get caught in moving parts of the machine and cause injury.
- Some models are quite large and take up a lot of space at home.
- Training on an ellipsoid puts a powerful strain on muscles, joints and many internal organs. If left unchecked, you can seriously harm your own health.
Comparing these two lists allows you to understand why this exercise machine is at the peak of popularity and is a bestseller. If you support regular exercises on the orbitrek for weight loss with a low-calorie diet, you can achieve impressive results and lose up to 5-6 kg of excess weight in a month.
This effect inspires you to purchase this sports equipment for your home. But first you have to understand the variety of products offered.
Variety of models
Trainers with rear, front and central flywheel placement
On the one hand, on the orbit track you can effectively work out in the gym, but such training has its drawbacks (travel time, extra eyes, you need to adapt to the schedule, etc.).
Therefore, many people dream of purchasing this weight loss machine at home, where they can relax and have fun at any time of the day, without embarrassing anyone. When you go shopping, decide which model suits you more than the others.
Classification by flywheel location
The flywheel ensures continuous pedaling during training. The more it weighs, the smoother the movements become, the more comfortable the exercises are and the less damage it causes to the joints.
- Rear wheel drive
The classic type of orbitreks, when the flywheel is located at the rear. They are characterized by longer pedal travel and extremely smooth movements. Movable levers are mounted to the pedals and can also help slim your arms. Such designs are not cluttered with moving parts and are easy to maintain.
- Front wheel drive
When exercising on such orbitreks, you can see the flywheel in front of you. The weight is shifted towards the front, making the structure very unstable. The problem can only be solved by using a heavy flywheel.
Interesting fact. The front-wheel drive design of ellipsoids is forced for many companies, since Precor has patented rear-wheel drive technology in its name. After such a cunning move, the rest had to redo the development and produce only front-wheel drive orbitreks.
- With central flywheel
This model appeared on the market quite recently. It has a short shape and excellent stability due to the wide base, which makes weight loss exercises very comfortable. The flywheel allows for optimal placement of the pedals on this design. It is compact and takes up very little space at home.
Pulse measurement sensors (on the handles), mini computer and resistance load regulator of the exercise machine
Classification by type of resistance
- With mechanical resistance
Orbitreks with a mechanical drive are the simplest and most affordable. For loading, a belt is used around the flywheel. Reminds me of its system. The weight loss load of different parts of the body can be adjusted with a special handle located on the panel.
However, such models have many disadvantages: lack of smooth operation, fragility of the belt, strong noise effect during operation. Among the advantages are low price, independence from the power supply, and compactness. After training, they can be folded and put away so that they do not take up much space.
Models: Style SS-82001 or 822 (USA).
- With magnetic resistance
The load in orbitreks with magnetic resistance is carried out by the influence of magnets on the flywheel. It can be changed in any range. The model is characterized by smooth braking. The degree of resistance is adjusted manually or using a special servo drive. Such simulators belong to the middle price category.
Models: Style SS-94E or 7788, Vigor AL602E (USA).
- With electromagnetic resistance
These are the most functional orbitreks, which are very convenient to use for weight loss. The load is carried out by the influence of an electromagnetic field on the flywheel. It is regulated by an electronic system. The built-in computer includes a large number of user programs that allow you to calculate the load based on the weight of the person doing the exercise. Pulse and motion sensors analyze readiness, warning of overloads.
There are minimal moving parts here. Durability is a definite plus. The price will empty your wallet for a considerable amount.
If you want exercises on an orbitrek for weight loss to be as effective and comfortable as possible, you will have to make a hole in your budget and purchase a model with a central flywheel and electromagnetic resistance. It will be very expensive, but you will really like losing weight with it. And don’t forget to pay attention to smaller details when purchasing, which will prevent you from being disappointed with your purchase.
How not to make a mistake with your choice?
To purchase a good orbitrek simulator for weight loss at home, pay attention to its following parameters and our recommendations for them:
- The drive location is rear.
- The dimensions of the flywheel are impressive.
- The amplitude of movements is maximum.
- Load capacity - at least 90-130 kg.
- Load adjustment is mandatory.
- Ease of use - having a built-in computer.
- Design. Stationary ones are stable, but take up a lot of space in the apartment. Folding ones are characterized by lightness and ergonomics.
If the sports equipment is chosen correctly, taking into account all these recommendations, training on the orbit track will provide maximum comfort. They will be a joy, because after just a couple of weeks of classes you will feel lightness and flexibility throughout your body. The extra pounds will begin to melt, your figure will improve, and your self-esteem will increase.
Do you want to achieve brilliant results? Then you will have to develop a weight loss program.
Lesson program
If the orbitrek training program for weight loss is chosen correctly, with regular exercise you can achieve maximum results in a short time.
For newbies
- Frequency: 3-4 times a week;
- Duration: 20-30 minutes;
- Heart rate: 60-70% of maximum;
- Steps: 50 per minute;
- Weight loss course: 6-8 weeks.
How to measure your maximum heart rate? The formula is simple: 220 minus your age.
Interim program
- Frequency: 3-5 lessons per week;
- Duration: 20-45 minutes;
- Heart rate: 70-80% of maximum;
- Steps: 60 per minute;
- Weight loss course: determined individually.
For professionals
- Frequency: 4-6 times a week;
- Duration: 30-60 minutes;
- Heart rate: 80-90% of maximum;
- Steps: 60-80 per minute.
All these programs are well complemented by special orbital exercises for weight loss, which help eliminate fat deposits and reduce volume in problem parts of the body.
- Move in a standing position, keeping your back straight. This exercise works all muscles and parts of the body.
- Move by leaning your body back, keeping your hands on the handrails. This will give you a good workout on your buttocks and thighs (if you see a problem in these parts of the body, you can do this in addition to exercises on the orbit track).
- Perform the movements by tilting your body forward. This exercise helps you lose weight in your legs.
- Move backwards. Bend your knees as you move your legs. The load is on the buttocks.
Such weight loss exercises, performed on an orbitrek, will allow you to correct your figure in the most problematic areas and make it more prominent. Their advantage is that, despite weight loss, the muscles will be in constant tone. This will make your body very beautiful and fit.
Muscles involved during exercises on the orbit track
If you decide to get rid of extra pounds using an orbitrek at home, you will need the advice of a professional. After all, sometimes the effectiveness of training depends on small nuances. Follow certain rules - and your weight loss exercises will be worth the time and effort spent on them:
- Do not exercise early in the morning to avoid overstraining your heart.
- Finish your workout no later than 2-2.5 hours before bedtime, otherwise you are guaranteed insomnia.
- You must not eat food 2 hours before classes and 2 hours after them.
- But water and green tea are allowed in unlimited quantities.
- Always start with a warm-up.
- Choose any low-calorie diet that, in tandem with Orbitrek, will promote fast and effective weight loss.
- Lead a healthy lifestyle.
First, study in detail how to properly exercise on an orbitrek for weight loss (you can watch training videos), and only then start training.
If you feel bad after them, try to find out the reasons. Maybe you ignored the contraindications? Or did you choose the wrong program that does not match your physical fitness? Try to correct these points in order to still see the necessary numbers on the scales.
Alternative options
When buying an ellipsoid for home, everyone thinks about the rationality of the choice. Orbitrek, like a treadmill with an exercise bike, improves heart function, strengthens muscles, and promotes weight loss. But each of these devices has its own advantages.
So what is better for losing weight...
- Orbitrack or treadmill?
— The ellipsoid provides an even load on all muscles. The treadmill makes the heart work easier.
— Orbitrek burns fat in any part of the body, the treadmill works mainly with the legs and buttocks.
— The elliptical trainer is universal, while the treadmill is recommended for athletes.
- Orbitrek or exercise bike?
— Both pump up the muscles of the buttocks and legs, but the elliptical also puts stress on the back and arms.
— Orbitrek burns more calories.
— The elliptical trainer puts maximum load on different parts of the body.
- is more suitable for beginners, while Orbitrek helps everyone lose weight.
In order for weight loss training on the orbitrack to be effective, you need to competently draw up a training program and strictly follow it. If certain difficulties arise, it is better to initially seek help from a trainer, who will help you select the right exercises and give recommendations on how to perform them correctly.
An elliptical trainer is a great find for those who want to get rid of extra pounds without leaving home. This is one of the most effective sports equipment for self-correction of the figure.
Main characteristics of orbitreks
1. Orbitrack type:
Different types of load affect both comfort and reliability, as well as price.
A) Mechanical
- the simplest and most inexpensive type. The load in it is created by the pads rubbing against the steel flywheel of the orbitrek. Load adjustment occurs mechanically.
Pros:
- Complete energy independence.
Minuses:
- Noisiness;
- The need to periodically replace the pads;
- Lack of smoothness;
- Manual mechanical load adjustment;
b) Magnetic
– the type of load is created by the influence of a magnet on the orbitrek flywheel. The load level varies depending on the distance between the magnet and the flywheel. Adjustment is made only manually using a wheel. This system provides good smoothness compared to the mechanical type of orbitreks.
Minuses:
- Power supply of the computer and screen from AA batteries;
- Lack of training programs.
V) Electromagnetic
– the load is created by the same influence of the magnet on the flywheel as in the previous type of orbitreks. The load level is automatically adjusted during exercise using a built-in servo drive. The computer allows you to use and dynamically change various training programs, as well as create individual training programs depending on your physical data and level of training.
Pros:
- Various types of power supply (from mains, batteries or built-in generator);
- Availability of training programs;
- Ability to create your own training program;
- Convenient remote change of load levels.
2. Various countries producing orbitreks:
Among manufacturers, it is worth distinguishing three categories in terms of production quality and reliability of elliptical trainers:
A) USA – as a country with a large percentage of people with weight problems, it occupies a leading niche in producing countries elliptical trainers. Orbitrek was developed by an American company PRECOR . First of all, US orbitreks are distinguished by their quality, reliability, and large margin of safety.
b) Europe – (Spain, Germany) is distinguished by European quality, as well as a beautiful and convenient design of orbitreks. European manufacturers produce cardio equipment that is present in all segments of the fitness market. Designers are constantly improving their products, which are replete with new functions combined with excellent design, combined with new technologies and stylish elements.
V) China, Taiwan – it is worth separating the official production of high-quality companies in factories in China and the underground, unlicensed production of low-quality products. There will be a huge difference between these models of simulators.
3. Number of orbitrek load levels:
Important for achieving your elliptical training goals. A large load should be used to pump up the muscles. Medium load is relevant for staying in shape and losing excess weight. The easy level is useful for rehabilitation. The load level is significantly affected by the weight of the flywheel.
4.
First of all, the weight of the flywheel affects load levels. The greater the weight, the greater the maximum and minimum load. This is important for those who set a goal to build muscle mass. True, there are exceptions - orbitreks NORDIC TRACK
(older models) compensate for the low flywheel weight with large magnets, which allows for a larger range of load levels to be achieved with a low flywheel weight. There is an opinion that the low weight of the flywheel negatively affects the smoothness of the ride. It is not true. The smoothness of the ride depends on the type of orbitrack, the quality of parts and assembly, and the presence of bearings in the moving parts of the simulator.
5. Maximum user weight in the orbit track:
Important parameter. In addition to the user’s weight limit, it also allows you to determine what loads the orbitrek can withstand. Which will undoubtedly help when choosing a model with an emphasis on reliability. It should also be understood that some unscrupulous manufacturers artificially increase the maximum user weight. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to the weight of the simulator itself. The heavier the orbitrek, the greater the maximum user weight, the greater the reliability!
6. Orbitrack step length:
By far one of the most important features for an elliptical trainer. It directly affects the effectiveness of training on the orbit track. Each person has a different step length depending on their height. When exercising on an orbit track with a shorter stride length than is necessary for growth, the amplitude of movement significantly decreases, and therefore the number of muscles involved.
Orbitrek is the best cardio simulator, so the ability to record a person’s pulse is absolutely necessary. All orbitreks have built-in heart rate monitors on the handles. Most models are equipped with a sensor on fixed handles, but there are also movable ones (which is more convenient, as it records the heartbeat when using the hands). More advanced orbitreks have the ability to connect a chest heart rate sensor (wireless or wired). When choosing a heart rate-dependent program, orbitreks can increase or decrease the load to prevent heart overload.
8.
The display is an element that influences the convenience of training. When choosing, you should consider the screen size, color scheme, and the presence of backlighting. More expensive models boast a modern multimedia touch screen. Simpler ones - a monochrome screen.
9. Training programs in orbitrek:
This characteristic is inherent only to electromagnetic orbitreks. The presence of programs has a beneficial effect on interest in training, since it allows you to simulate descents and ascents, training time, compare results, and compete with a computer. Some models of elliptical trainers allow you to set your own workout parameters.
10. Additional devices in orbitreks (pleasant and not so pleasant):
Modern orbitreks have a certain number of additional options and characteristics. Whether they are useful or not, let's consider in more detail:
Optimal orbitrack models
It’s worth noting right away that orbitreks by price category should be divided into several groups, depending on their characteristics and quality: minimum (up to 3000 UAH), average (from 3000 to 6000 UAH), optimal (6000 - 15000 UAH), high-quality semi-commercial (15,000 - 35,000 UAH) and elite (from 35,000 UAH). Models of the minimum group are magnetic orbitresses with low quality and ease of training. The performance indicators will not please you either. By purchasing such an orbitrek, you risk buying an inconvenient clothes hanger in the future. The average group can already boast of an electromagnetic type of load and minimal training convenience. The optimal group of orbitreks will allow you to choose between different characteristics and provide the necessary level of quality, as well as comfort in classes. If you are choosing an orbitrek for your home, you should take a closer look at these models. High-quality, semi-commercial models are already reliable and comfortable exercise equipment with a high level of performance that can withstand heavy loads. The elite level of orbitreks already boasts the highest quality (able to withstand the load of a sports club), and also make your activities as comfortable and interesting as possible. You can buy orbitreks provided in the list of optimal models (as well as many others) on our website.
List of the most optimal (price-quality) orbitreks of different price groups:
1. Minimum (up to 3000 UAH):
- Body Sculpture BE 1690, $250
- Life Gear LG 93590 Meteor. $310
- Body Sculpture BE 6750d. $369
2. Average (from 3000 - to 6000 UAH):
The elliptical trainer is considered one of the most effective exercise machines, which has a comprehensive effect on all muscle groups and promotes weight loss. Since modern manufacturers do not always offer the buyer a quality product, you need to know how to choose an elliptical trainer for your home and what parameters it is important to pay attention to.
Orbitrek is an excellent choice for home; with regular exercise you will be able to create a beautiful, toned figure
General selection criteria
How to choose the right elliptical trainer? Before purchasing, you need to answer the following questions:
- How many people want to regularly study on the orbitrek? If all family members will train, then it is necessary to choose a model that has the ability to adjust the step.
- What is the weight of each person who wants to exercise? You need to choose a model in such a way that the maximum permissible weight is 10-20 kg more than the weight of the person exercising on it.
- What features are needed?: simple simulator or “smart”? Many models now include additional functions - a heart rate monitor, health assessment and fitness level.
- Which drive is preferable? There are rear-wheel drive and front-wheel drive models. How to choose the right elliptical trainer? A convenient option is selected through a test drive.
- What type of load control is needed? There are magnetic, mechanical and electromagnetic types of orbitreks. Magnetic ones ensure silent operation, and load adjustment is carried out using the control panel. Mechanical models are the noisiest, but have an affordable price; the load is adjusted manually.
- What space can be allocated in the apartment for placing a simulator? To operate the orbitrek you need a large amount of free space. When purchasing, you need to pay special attention to this point, since you cannot be in a cramped state during training.
Which elliptical trainer is better - magnetic or electromagnetic? It is better to purchase an electromagnetic orbitrek. This is due to the fact that the magnetic one begins to make a lot of noise over time. In addition, on electromagnetic models you can independently set your parameters to the computer, and it will calculate a suitable program for training.
Important! Orbitrek effectively affects all muscle groups, but does not cause stress on the knee joint, since there is no impact of the foot on the pedal.
Important nuances when choosing
There are several important points that you should pay attention to before purchasing. The most important thing is that you need to buy only an orbit track from a well-known brand and select an elliptical trainer according to its parameters. You should not save, as cheap fakes will quickly fail and require additional cash costs, which will ultimately make the orbitrek even more expensive.
When choosing an elliptical trainer, it is important to test in practice which model is more convenient - rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive
The next important point is the width of the pedal. The choice depends on the build of the student. If the whole family will be exercising, then it is better to choose a model with wide and long pedals.
You also need to consider how to choose your stride length on the elliptical. It will be inconvenient for a person of average height to exercise on an orbitrack with a step length of more than 50 cm, and a person with a height of more than 180 cm, when exercising on a model with a step length of 35 cm, will not be able to properly work out the muscles. Therefore, when buying a simulator for the whole family, it is better to buy a model with an adjustable step length.
User height (cm) | Minimum stride length (cm) | Recommended stride length (cm) |
155 | 30 | from 30 |
155-160 | 33 | from 35 |
160-165 | 34 | from 37 |
165-170 | 35 | from 40 |
170-175 | 37 | from 43 |
175-180 | 38 | from 45 |
180-185 | 40 | from 47 |
185-190 | 45 | from 50 |
190-195 | 47 | from 50 |
from 195 | 50 | from 53 |
How to choose an elliptical trainer based on your height.
Advice! It is also important to take care of the handrails. In addition to movable handles, the simulator must have fixed “horns”. This will make it possible to greatly expand the range of exercises performed.
You should definitely try out the trainer before purchasing. And it is better to do this immediately in the sales area, otherwise the likelihood of purchasing a low-quality product will significantly increase.
It is very good if the elliptical trainer model has the ability to be assembled. Thanks to this, problems with its transportation are eliminated.
In general, I am not an ardent sports fan. Because children drain so much during the day that there is no moral strength left for sports. I’ve been doing bodyflex for a long time, but honestly, I’m tired of it. Although I periodically return to it again. WHEN the question arose about buying an exercise machine, I immediately decided that it would not be an exercise bike, because my father had one and I hated it. The most stupid creature. You sit, hunch over and twist and twist. I was considering a treadmill, but really high-quality ones are large in size and have a very high price. Therefore, I settled on an elliptical, because when training on it, all muscle groups are involved, and perhaps this is the only exercise machine that I find more or less enjoyable to exercise on.
If you are looking for a good ellipse, and just like me, you have been surfing the net and trying to understand what’s what, read this post and I think it will be easier for you to decide.
I've been working out on the gym for about a week. It took me a long time to choose. At first I considered the cheapest option, about 10 thousand, then Torneo up to 23. In the end, after going through a bunch of forums, amateur ones and advice from fitness instructors, professionals, I settled on Spirit Fitness 218 Used. BUT I took the simulator actually new, which is also very important. Because if you decide to take the exercise machine from your hands, then it is advisable to find one that is as unused as possible, maybe. if an uncle weighing more than 100 kg ran on the machine even for a couple of months, the flywheel and the filling inside may grunt after some time, remembering old grievances.
About my model.
My new model a week ago cost about 45-48 thousand. Now it costs 60 thousand everywhere. You can’t find it cheaper((So I was very lucky to snag it for only 23 thousand along with a cardio belt. The flywheel is 9 kg, the step length is 41, there are a lot of programs that are really well thought out, I realized this with experience. Each program is set up with different obstacles , which are displayed in the form of columns on a large backlit screen. That is, for example, I start running on a flat plane, after a while I enter a phase with obstacles (uphill), then the load becomes even higher, then decreases, and so the load replaces one another. This is not done for fun and as an extra trick, but for a more effective load. There is a program to run without obstacles, with it I burn fewer calories during the same time, and after training I don’t feel much stress on the muscles, so programs with obstacles are better for me. Muscles They immediately tighten up and become toned. I feel how my body works.
About training
At the moment I can study for 45 minutes at a time, stopping for a few seconds to drink water. You can drink WATER during training, don’t listen to those who say otherwise. I can do more, but children don’t give me that opportunity. I think I can make it up to an hour, but honestly, I don’t want to go any further. For more than an hour it will be really boring and monotonous. After training, I'm all wet, I'm just dripping. The good news is that you don’t feel like eating for a very long time.
In the future I want to split the training. 40 minutes during the day and 40 minutes in the evening. I think the effect will be much better.
I noticed one thing. It becomes easier to exercise after half an hour of continuous running. The most difficult are usually the second 10 minutes. Something in between the beginning and the end. I personally don’t like working out while watching TV or a movie at all. Just the thing with music!
I understand that I have been doing very little training so far, but having understood the specifics of the elliptical trainer, I came to the conclusion that you can lose extra pounds on it ONLY with the help of proper nutrition or diet. If in everyday life you eat flour, sweet, fried, fatty foods, the maximum that the ellipse will give you is a more toned body and toned muscles.
I noticed that the ellipse trains all the muscles of the legs the most, especially the buttocks and arms. I honestly don’t really see the load on the abs.
The advantages of my simulator -
1.front-wheel drive. That is, no matter how tall you are, you won’t hit anything with your knees, unlike rear-wheel drive models.
2. Bright big screen. It’s really convenient to keep track of the loads - when the next obstacle started, how many cells I burned, how much I ran, my pulse, the pace in the room, etc.
3. They gave me a complete set with the simulator cardio belt. At first I didn’t attach any importance to this, but then I realized that this was a very necessary thing. Because if it is not there, you will have to constantly touch the handrails, and they never show a reliable pulse, but only an approximate one, far from reality, this is also written in the instructions for the simulator. And as you know, fat begins to burn when the pulse is 120 and above, so the cardio belt helps to constantly monitor your real pulse and control it, change it in accordance with the desired goal.
4. Dimensions of the simulator. Yes, this is very important to me. I know there are a lot of good front-wheel drive ellipses, but they are really gigantic, I don't want to waste space in the only large room out of three. It is only 135 cm long, 50 cm wide, and 160 cm high. Plus, it folds compactly, although I don’t fold it, it sits quietly in the room and doesn’t spoil the appearance. During training, it does not wobble or squeak, the cycled parquet does not scratch, so I did not take a mat under it.
5. Abundance of programs. There are more than 20 of them. Each has its own goal and task. I already wrote about them above.
MINUSES.
1. Step length I still don't have enough. My height is 175 cm, and I think 50 cm would be just right, but that’s completely different money.
2. I feel real handles are not long enough. I mean, I don't really understand. Maybe this was done on purpose so that the person would be on slightly bent legs for the effectiveness of the training. But sometimes I want to straighten up completely, but the height of the arms does not allow me to do this.
3. No bottle holder. Really important function. You have to pour water and place it next to the exercise machine.
4. Lack of built-in ability to play music and a special phone holder. I have to put my smartphone on a piece of hardware and I'm always afraid that it will fall and break.
Well, and advice to those who, like me, painfully and for a long time choose an ellipse for themselves.
1. Since I managed to use cheap and slightly more expensive Torneo, which look like plastic toys and have a tiny handwheel, and then I got on a good trainer, I advise you not to consider the Torneo company at all, because this brand was invented by the Sportmaster store and it is assembled somewhere in the Moscow region by someone unknown. These exercise machines break down very quickly, squeak like hell and, due to the ridiculous flywheel, do not provide a good workout to the muscles. In addition, if you weigh more than 70 kg, this exercise machine will sway from side to side.
2. If you are considering more budget models, Don't be fooled by the weight of a 16 kg type flywheel,22 etc. This is inertial weight and has nothing to do with the actual weight of the flywheel, which affects the smoothness of the pedals and the stability of the structure. In the best case, the weight of the declared flywheel of 22 kg will be 6-9 kg. Good well-known brands, such as Spirit Fitness, Kettelr, Oxygen, Nordic, etc. The manufacturer often indicates the actual weight of the flywheel without being truthful.
3. If you don't have the money for a good new exercise machine with normal characteristics and durable construction, It’s better to buy an initially expensive exercise machine from a well-known, trusted brand. than a cheap outright Chinese ram, which will not give a normal load and will fall apart in a couple of months.
4. If your height is less than 170 cm, Feel free to take step 40, it will be enough for you. If higher, then 50 is no less. Also, if your height is above 175 cm, it is better to look at front-wheel drive simulators.
5. NU and look at the reliability of the design. Ellipses break very often, the belts in the flywheel come off, the pedals fall off, and terrible squeaks appear. This is especially true for cheap models or unknown brands. My horse, for example, is fat and his structure is very strong. For example, the Torneo, Proxima, etc. simulators. Thin flimsy handles, the frame itself and a toy flywheel. Maybe for a weight of 40 kg this bike will last a long time, but I doubt anything over 60 kg.
My horse)
When exercising on an orbit track, the muscles of both the lower and upper parts of the body are trained, and at the same time a load is applied to the whole body, this is what makes this type of simulator so popular for home users.
The two main types of orbitracks that can be bought in stores today are simulators with a mechanical, otherwise called belt, load system and a magnetic one. The belt system is considered obsolete; its principle is simple - the pedals of the exercise machine move thanks to a belt placed on the flywheel. Due to the simplicity of the system, the cost of such orbitreks is significantly lower than their more advanced “brothers”. But orbitresses with a magnetic loading system are considered more durable; in addition, they are practically silent and more convenient to use.
Several parameters influence the cost and ease of use of an orbitrek. So, pay attention to the control system of the simulator, the method of regulating its load. It can be manual or electronic. Manual is usually just a rotating handle; turning one way means decreasing the load, turning the other means increasing it. In the case of an electronic system, the load can be adjusted directly by changing its value on the display.
Find out from the seller or by reading the technical specifications of the simulator how large the distance between its pedals is and what the step length is. It is believed that a minimum distance will be more natural, and therefore effective and safe when exercising, otherwise you can waste time while training ineffectively and even injure yourself. The stride length is usually set at 45 cm. This roughly corresponds to the average height of the user. If your height differs significantly from the average, then it is better to pay attention to models with the ability to adjust the stride length. This function will be especially useful if several people of different heights are training on the machine. For example, when an orbitrek is purchased for shared use by all family members.
It is also worth carefully studying the functionality of the electronic orbitrek control system. On a special display, which almost every model now has, you can see a variety of information, from your heart rate and speed to the approximate number of calories burned and time countdown. Do you need this information or would you rather not pay extra for features you won't use?
Another important technical parameter of the orbitrek is the weight for which it is designed. It is better to choose models with some reserve, but the safest and most preferable are models with maximum load capacity; the larger the number indicates this parameter, the better.
When choosing an orbitrack, first of all, try to use store-bought samples and run on the simulator for a few minutes. This way you will understand whether the size of the exercise machine is comfortable for you, whether it is suitable for your height, whether it is comfortable to hold the handles installed in different positions, whether you can intuitively understand the control system, etc. If the simulator suits all the parameters, but during direct use you feel discomfort or something confuses you, then it is better to look for another model that is suitable specifically for your case.
In addition, if the model you like makes various sounds during direct use, for example, creaks, crackles, etc., then it is better to refuse the purchase. Also pay attention to how smoothly the machine moves when in use. There should be no jerks, sideways movements or even slight obstacles; all this will indicate poor quality assembly.