Comparison Pro-Form HIIT L6 vs Bowflex Max Trainer M6

The maximum weight of the user for which the machine is designed, in other words, the maximum weight of the athlete, at which the stepper is guaranteed to work the amount of time stated in the characteristics without the risk of breakage. This parameter must be adhered to as accurately as possible, do not be mistaken about the fact that 3-5 kg over the calculated weight will not affect the design. Yes, most likely, the stepper will be able to work for some time. But it will experience loads exceeding the calculated ones, and at best it will fail earlier than expected, and at worst it may break at the most unfortunate moment, which is fraught with injuries. In addition, this case is usually not covered by the manufacturer's warranty, and you will have to eliminate the consequences at your own expense.

The number of predetermined load levels (pedal resistance during movement) provided in the design of the stepper. The more such levels, the wider the possibilities for adjusting the load and the more accurately you can adjust it to certain requirements. At the same time, the abundance of adjustments accordingly affects the price.

The weight of the flywheel installed in the machine. It is a massive wheel, the rotation of which ensures the movement of the pedals and creates a load on them. It is believed that the more weight, the better: a massive flywheel provides smooth movement with a minimum of jerks and creates uniform loads that mimic natural ones as much as possible. This is especially important for athletes with a large body weight — from 100 kg and above. At the same time, note that the cost of the entire stepper directly depends on the weight of the flywheel, and for home non-professional use it is not always justified to look for a machine with a very heavy flywheel.

The number of training programs provided in the design of the stepper. Different programs have different purposes — strengthening the cardiovascular system, maintaining physical fitness, burning fat, etc. At the same time, the operation of the program relieves you of the need to manually set the parameters — this is done by the machine itself. Accordingly, the more training programs, the wider the possibilities of the stepper and the more convenient the training. And some models may even provide the possibility of custom programs.

Steppers for Nordic walking are equipped with handles that move along with the pedals. Thanks to the handles, it becomes possible to work out the muscles of the upper body. Nordic walking allows you to keep the muscles of the legs, abs, chest, back and arms in good shape. Many Nordic walking steppers allow you to detach the handles, which makes them classic steppers.

Various models of steppers can inform the user about certain data. Among which there are also the simplest ones in the form of training time, distance, speed, step frequency, number of steps, heart rate measurement, calorie consumption, generated power; and more advanced ones such as training chart, recovery test, fat analyzer, body mass index (BMI), basal metabolic rate (BMR), etc.

— Training time. The display of training time can include both a total time counter and specialized functions — for example, the time spent in the “target zone” (working at a certain heart rate that is optimal for a particular mode), the total training time per day/week/month, etc. Specific features differ from model to model.

— Distance. Display of the "distance travelled" — the distance conditionally overcome by the user during the workout. By default, this feature displays the distance travelled since the machine was turned on, but some models may have more advanced features, such as summing up over a certain period.

— Speed. Displaying the conditional speed of the athlete (that is, the speed that would give the same load as the work on the stepper at the current moment). Usually, a function...is provided to display the current speed, however, some models can also calculate the average speed of the distance — this provides additional features for monitoring loads and tracking progress.

— Walking frequency. Displaying the frequency of steps. In general, it is similar to informing about speed (see above) and is also useful for accounting and analyzing loads.

— Number of steps. Displays the total number of steps taken by the user. In the simplest models, steps are counted from the moment they are turned on, in more advanced versions, summation over a certain period, calculation of the average amount per workout, and other additional features may be provided.

— Heart rate measurement. The ability to measure the athlete's heart rate during training. This parameter is one of the most important for any serious training on the machine because, for different purposes (burning fat, maintaining tone, strengthening the cardiovascular system), the optimal heart rate will be different. It also depends on several other parameters: gender, age, physique, physiological characteristics, etc. Exceeding the maximum allowable heart rate is fraught with unpleasant health consequences. You can learn more about this in the specialized literature, and best of all, consult a trainer or doctor. To measure the heart rate special sensors are used. Different models of steppers can have different sensor designs: a clip on the ear, a chest sensor with a belt, sensitive plates on the handrails, etc.

— Calorie consumption. It displays the amount of energy expended by the athlete during training. This allows you to evaluate the effectiveness of the training to a certain extent, especially if it is aimed at burning fat and you need to track energy expenses. Note that in most steppers, the estimate of calorie consumption is made quite approximately, without taking into account the individual characteristics of the body. However, for amateur training, this accuracy is quite enough.

— Recovery test. The presence of a recovery test function allows you to determine the rate of recovery of the body after physical exertion and, accordingly, its general physical condition and fitness for such loads. Usually, for this, the heart rate is measured twice — immediately after training and 1 minute later — after which the machine gives an estimate, which is deciphered using special tables. Recovery test machines are, by definition, capable of measuring heart rate (see above).

— Generated power. The display shows how much power, in Watts (W), was generated during the workout. Advanced users use this data to gauge the overall level of efficiency of a workout. Upon reaching a certain value of the generated power, you can finish the workout.

— Workout chart. The screen displays a schedule of the training program, which in a convenient form fixes the level of load and the duration of the workout. 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, this allows you to take control of the load rate. A decreasing or increasing schedule will tell you when it is desirable to increase the load, and when to reduce it, to evenly distribute forces throughout the entire training program.

— Fat analyzer. The action of the fat analyzer is based on the use of a weak electric current passed through the human body: different types of human tissues have different resistance, and the amount of fat tissue can be deduced from the characteristics of the discharge. This technology is not accurate, but to a certain extent it allows you to evaluate the features of the physique; and by measuring the fat content before and after a course of training, you can get a pretty clear result. Measuring current is considered harmless to healthy people, but has several limitations.

— 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 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 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). Ability to calculate basal metabolism — the minimum amount of energy required by the body for normal functioning (for the respiratory, circulatory, and nervous systems, as well as various organs). In other words, basal metabolic rate is the amount of energy that the body spends directly on functioning, without putting it off in the form of fat tissue. This parameter is extremely important for organizing proper nutrition, especially when exercising to burn fat and reduce excess weight. There are formulas to determine BMR by weight, height, age and sex of a person; however, they allow you to get only an average result, while the machine can take into account many additional factors that affect the metabolic rate. Usually, basal metabolism is determined by energy spent per day.

— Room temperature. The ability to measure and display on the screen of a stepper of indoor temperature. This function will help you more accurately assess the conditions for training and choose the appropriate clothing, as well as, if necessary, take measures to ensure a comfortable temperature (open the window; turn on the air conditioner or the heater).

The above list is not exhaustive; in modern steppers, other types of information can also be displayed on the screen.

— Handlebar controls. The control buttons for training modes are placed on the handles of the stepper. With their help, you can change the load without stopping the training. However, the control options in each model may be different.

— Expanders. Steppers can be equipped with mounts for expanders. This solution allows you to increase the number of exercises available with the machine: training the arms and upper body provides a complex load — after all, the stepper itself loads only the legs. In most models , expanders are included.

— Torso twist (twister). To turn the body, a hinged platform is used, which is called a twister. And so that the user does not lose balance, the machine usually provides a stand with handrails. Exercises with twists of the torso allow you to strengthen the muscles of the back and abs.

— Fan. The stepper has its own fan. This feature is useful for cooling during intense workouts, especially in warm weather.

— Bottle holder. The presence of a special stand in the design of the stepper, on which you can put a bottle or a glass. Thus, you will always have a supply of water at hand, and to replenish its amount in the body you will not have to be distracted from training with the machine.

— Colour screen.... The presence of a colour screen in the design of the stepper. This function does not affect the main features of the stepper. However, such displays are considered more convenient and pleasant to view than monochrome ones.

— Bluetooth. The presence of a Bluetooth wireless module allows the stepper to be synchronized with the user's smartphone, tablet or laptop/PC. Thanks to data synchronization, the user will be able to control the results of training in a convenient form. Additionally, Bluetooth wireless communication can be used to download new training programs to the machine's computer, and synchronize with the heart rate monitor via the ANT protocol.

— USB port. USB can be used to connect heart rate sensors and other specialized accessories, to play music and/or video from external media, to update the firmware using the same media, etc.

— mini-Jack 3.5 mm (Aux). The audio jack is designed to connect an MP3 player or smartphone/tablet and output sound from devices to the speakers built into the simulator.

— Speakers. The presence in the design of the stepper's speakers. Music can be played through them, as well as various service messages.

— Tablet stand. Allows you to securely and safely mount a tablet with almost any screen size on the machine. Thanks to this, the user can enjoy watching TV shows or movies directly during training.

Dimensions of the equipment are assembled and ready for operation. It is important to note that in reality, more space is needed for comfortable and proper operation of the simulator.