How to choose the best indoor bike trainer among lots of alternatives? Here is the comparison guide on top brands – Peloton vs NordicTrack.
I think you’ll agree with me when I say:
It’s REALLY hard to choose high-quality fitness equipment presented on the market.
What’s the solution?
Rely on fitness experts’ experience. This article contains proven facts together with real customers’ feedback to help you make the right choice.
Peloton vs NordicTrack
First of all, consider the NordicTrack indoor bikes available:
Now we present Peloton vs NordicTrack comparison chart that highlights the main differences. Consider the pros and cons of both brands before making a decision.
Peloton pros and cons
Pros
- Big screen display with clear images
- Elite trainers with great music
- Very smooth flywheel
- Cycling shoe clip-in option
Cons
- Higher price point
- Additional monthly fees
- No fan in display or tray for items
- Dumbbells not included
- Screen does not swivel
NordicTrack pros and cons
Pros
- Screen swivels for off-the-bike workouts on iFit Coach
- 1-year iFit membership included in the purchase price
- Very smooth flywheel
- Bike moves up and down with incline/decline
- Big fan on console
- Ability to follow real-world mapped rides
Cons
- Screen swivels for off-the-bike workouts on iFit Coach
- Price point is higher
- No tray for personal items
- Complex assembly
What is NordicTrack?
NordicTrack is a leading brand that specializes in producing exercise bikes as well as other fitness equipment. The innovative method of manufacturing is committed to protecting the environment.
The purpose of their movement: an active fight against climate change and its consequences by reducing CO2 emissions from production.
Here’s the deal:
This brand is also a part of a great association ICON Health & Fitness. Nordictrack simulators differ by its quality. As the company has been manufacturing high-quality innovative equipment for more than 25 years.
Nowadays, it continues suggesting new modern solutions for you to improve your achievements in fitness. The brand created a great variety of simulators from the classic exercise bike to other equipment for home use.
- In the 90s, the company went ahead and started manufacturing treadmills, exercise bikes, elliptical and many other simulators. For staying in the ranks of leaders, the company used the same principles of manufacture as before. It is a combination of style, design, and innovations.
It gets better:
NordicTrack regularly invests in new research and development with an aim to develop and improve production. Thanks to this, each buyer receives the simulator based on innovative technology.
The company has the aim to help you achieve new results providing with all the necessary tools.
- Since May 2011, NordicTrack has launched an ambitious program: reducing and offsetting emissions from the production, marketing, use and disposal of company waste.
The research team creates the products and methods of manufacturing that provoke less similar substances. In such a way, restricting the influence on climate. Currently, it is impossible to reach zero indicators.
That is why the manufacturer goes forward and compensates completely the production results with the program “Love the World”. Within one year, 13,000 tons of CO2 were destroyed.
- Supply: from the network
- Simulator weight: 48 kg
- Shipping rollers: yes
- Manufacturer: NordicTrack
- Load levels: 22
Horizontal NordicTrack GX 4.7 exercise bike is one of many horizontal simulators compatible with iFit. It will give you more choices and diversify your exercises. It will help you save the motivation to continue exercising and achieving better results.
Now as to convenience:
A comfortable seat with back support is easy to regulate for people of different height. LCD-control presents many variants of training, except for those you get with iFit.com. Besides, it has installed speakers for playing via a tablet or mp3 player and the ventilation for more comfortable training.
- innovative ergonomic design allows easy and fast training
- large seat with soft paddle equipped with ventilated lumbar support, so you can relax and concentrate on training
- fast and responsive management regulates your resistance practically with one button click, that allows concentrating on training, not on the choice of variants
- bottle holder will help to easily maintain the hydro balance that your body needs on an optimal level during the whole training
- Load levels: 22
- Flywheel: 7 kg
- Maximum user weight: 125 kg
- Load system: electromagnetic
- Landing Type: horizontal
- Display: LCD display
- Console metrics: time, distance, speed, calories, pulse, load level, pace
- Integrated heart rate sensors: yes (cardio sensor on the handle, the ability to connect a wireless sensor)
- Ability to connect an MP3 device: yes
Have playlists with favorite music?
Connect your iPod or mp3 player to the installed audio system. Thanks to the speakers, you will be able to increase the sound volume and tempo of training. Experts proved that the tempo is adjusted to the music. Besides, it is proved that music relieves the load level.
- IFit support: compatible, not included
With a subscription to iFit, you get the VIP access to the best fitness technologies. Thanks to the Google Maps support, you are able to visually carry out your training in any part of the world, enjoying beautiful pictures Google Street View on the display.
Choose the route from our big collection or create your own. So iFit will sync it with your simulator, ensuring the unique and fully personalized training. iFit library comprises hundreds of automatic training programs created by certified personal trainers specially for your simulator.
An automatic statistics count will allow you to monitor your training process. You will need the wireless unit module that is bought separately. Buying it, you get 1 year of free iFit subscription.
- Pedals: with fixing straps
- Seat adjustment: horizontal
- Installed fan: yes
- Shipping rollers: yes
It is easy to move the simulator thanks to installed shipping rollers.
- Tablet holder: yes
Train with innovative technologies, thanks to the tablet holder. It will fix your device on the comfortable distance so you have accsess to all the training functions and media content.
- Bottle holder: yes
The convenient holder will ensure easy access to the bottle with water. So you will be able to quench thirst during the training.
- Supply: from the network
- Simulator weight: 48 kg
- Dimensions: 137 x 64 x 131 cm
- Load levels: 25
- Fly wheel: 10 kg
- Installed fan: yes
The NordicTrack Commercial VR21 horizontal exercise bike provides good back support thanks to a specially shaped seat and ergonomic backrest. It allows you to unload the spine during training, and the design minimizes the risk of joint damage during pedaling.
Want to know the best part?
At the same time, NordicTrack Commercial VR21 is quite effective – it allows you to achieve results not only for those who decide to maintain their physical shape, get rid of extra pounds, but also for those who are aimed at full-fledged, intensive training.
Now as to comfort:
The seat provides excellent lumbar support and is easily adjustable to fit your body. Therefore, during classes you will be in the most correct and convenient position.
In addition, the horizontal location on the simulator allows you to watch programs, films during training, which makes classes even more fun. You can also connect your iPod to the simulator and enjoy music.
NordicTrack Commercial VR21 is equipped with a built-in fan, which allows you to refresh yourself with intensive training. There is also an adjustment of the angle of the console. NordicTrack is a simulator that allows you to become a cycling follower regardless of age, level of fitness or work schedule.
- Performance
- Load levels: 25
- Flywheel: 10 kg
- Maximum user weigh: 125 kg
- Load system: electromagnetic
- Landing type: horizontal
- Display: 5 “backlit
- Console metrics: time, distance, calories, pulse, speed
- Integrated Heart Rate Sensors: yes (on handles)
- Wireless technology: Bluetooth
- Ability to connect an MP3 device: yes
Have playlists with your favorite music?
Then connect your iPod or MP3 player to the built-in audio system of the simulator. Thanks to the speakers, you can increase the volume of music and increase the pace of training.
The experts found that we adjust the pace of the workout to the music that sounds at that moment. It has also been proven that music reduces stress.
- IFit Support: + (built-in iFit Live module)
- Pedals: with adjustable straps
- Seat adjustment: horizontal
- Integrated fan: yes
- Shipping rollers: yes
The simulator can be removed easily and quickly thanks to the integrated transport rollers.
- Floor roughness compensators: yes
- Tablet holder: yes
Train with the latest technology at your fingertips. The built-in holder will securely fix your tablet at a comfortable distance, so that you have access to all training functions and entertainment content.
- Bottle holder: yes
This convenient holder will provide you easy access to a drink container and you can quench your thirst right during your workout.
- Supply: from the network
- Weight of the exercise machine: 58 kg
- Package Weight: 65 kg
- Dimensions 155 x 59 x 132 cm
- Supply: from the network
- Weight of the exercise machine: 35 kg
- Shipping rollers: yes
- Manufacturer: NordicTrack
- Load levels: twenty
What’s the bottom line?
The GX 2.7 U is a new exercise bike with 20 training programs and iFit Bluetooth, for more productive workouts. This bike is also equipped with 20 resistance levels that will vary the intensity of your efforts. The GX 2.7U bike gives you exceptional movement.
- Load levels: twenty
- Fly wheel: 7 kg
- Maximum user weight: 125 kg
- Load system: electromagnetic
- Landing type: vertical
- Display: 5 inch backlit
- IFit Support: + (built-in iFit Coach module)
- Comfort
- Seat adjustment: horizontal/vertical adjustment
- Installed fan: yes
- Shipping rollers: yes
- Bottle holder: yes
- Supply: from the network
- Weight of the exercise machine: 35 kg
- Dimensions: 114 x 55 x 148 cm
Benefits of using NordicTrack
Those who cannot live without usual bicycle constantly miss such pleasure during the cold weather. And it’s not just about convenience and ease of movement – for this, a simulator is used.
- 1. The main benefit of exercise bikes is health improving. This kind of fitness load helps to develop the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Besides, it strengthens the muscles.
But not everyone can allow himself daily riding the bicycle. The reasons for this are numerous: raining, the lack of time, great workload. That is why another solution should be found.
- 2. NordicTrack exercise bike would be a perfect choice for different conditions. You can keep your tempo despite the weather.
Want to know the best part?
Using his type of simulator, you lose weight, strengthen the heart, and tone your body. Choosing the right model, pay attention to horizontal simulators. Let’s consider them more detailed.
Choosing functional home equipment
Exercises at home make us more confident, dynamic and allow to care for your health. If you have the necessary fitness equipment at home then you will have no reason to miss the training. In such a way, you will manage to maintain the muscle system in tonus.
You might be wondering:
Except for it, strengthens the cardiovascular and respiratory body systems. Such a pleasant set is provided by modern vertical and horizontal NordicTrack exercise bikes.
Effective and ergonomic horizontal bikes
It is strange that such fitness equipment often stays beyond users’ attention. Though, it has some advantages competing with its vertical analog.
- Exactly this kind of exercise bike is installed for rehabilitation goals, helping to recover after the different injuries.
- Besides, it is chosen by people who have difficulties with musculoskeletal functions. Due to the low position and comfortable seat with a back, your spine gets much lower load. Such an inventory will suit older people and those who suffer back and joints diseases.
- Moreover, it is not reflected in its effectiveness. That is why you will get the desired result if you wish to maintain the physical shape and make the body perfect. Such intensive training will help you forget about the excess kilos as it has 25 resistance levels. Combining them with 32 programs, you will choose the optimal regime and successfully cope with a given load.
- During the exercises, control of your indicators with the help of electronic sensors is ensured. This way, you will be able to fix your pulse and regulate the load. For ensuring even more comfort, practically all the horizontal exercise bikes are equipped with a little ventilator, that allows them to freshen up.
- The seat is easily regulated depending on your body parameters. That is why each exercise will pass taking the maximally comfortable and correct position.
- In case you find riding the exercise bike boring, then you are able to turn on the Internet and watch favorite films and serials, creating the body of your dreams. Besides, a pleasant bonus is the possibility of connecting an iPod. It will enable enjoying the workout listening to favorite music.
What about the vertical exercise bikes?
This is a classic version that will fit the sportsmen with different levels of training, sex, and age. You can have no doubts that this purchase is profitable for you.
- If you need the fitness tool that can be used by the whole family, not changing the training program – then you found a perfect variant. This simulator has lots of possibilities and programs that can be adapted to inquires of any user.
- The device has a sufficient weight limit, so can withstand the maximal weight. That is why, creating the body of your dream, pay attention to these indicators.
- There are 24 programs available on the menu. You can use optimally the most effective for you. Depending on your fitness goals, you can broaden the training plan and get visible results. But that is not all the possibilities.
- Vertical NordicTrack exercise bikes help to monitor your parameters, presenting them in a special display. In such a way, you will always know the load level and specifics of the chosen program. You will get 22 load levels, that is why you can regulate the intensity. You decide on the character of exercise – calm home warm-up or professional training.
- The design features are maximally focused on human biomechanics. For ensuring the correct body position, the seat of each simulator has an ergonomic form. You are able to regulate it in a horizontal and vertical position and adjust according to your needs.
- Concerning the wheel, here it also has a special form and perfect placing. It is made for lowering the load on hands and keeping the correct position.
NordicTrack simulator is optimally created for doing exercises at home. Besides, there is a possibility of installing the fitness tool in the flat, in the countryside or other rooms. Additional shipping rollers help to move the device: from room to room, where you exercise.
For installing on the floor, there is a system of compensating the irregularities. That is why, without the additional engineering work, you will be able to install the equipment in any chosen place.
To make your training more comfortable, there is a special bottle holder on the device. With its help, you will always have the possibility to refresh not interrupting your training process. You can follow your sports achievements and save the statistics to evaluate your progress on time.
But here’s the kicker:
The installed module iFit Live allows broadening new horizons. That is why buy the simulator and enjoy your success.
How to choose an exercise bike?
The bicycle evokes joyful memories of our childhood, and even now we would dare to ride. But the first time I came across exercise bikes recently.
Muscle pain, which appeared the next day, even made me think – perhaps it’s worth restraining yourself and not too obsessed.
The exercise bike is noticeably younger than its mobile prototype, which has a two-century history – it appeared in the 70s of the last century. Nevertheless, immediately becoming popular, it has long been a sales leader among cardiovascular equipment. And today it is one of the three most bought along with a treadmill and an orbiter.
An exercise bike, like a regular bike, is able to perform many tasks:
- Strengthening the muscles of the abdomen, legs and hips
The most obvious function of an exercise bike, which does not make it less valuable. Often, sedentary work and the presence of a car form the habit of moving around every day with small rushes “home – office.”
Here’s the way out:
Of course, such a schedule does not provide sufficient load on the muscles. Exercise bike – one of the solutions to the problem.
- Aerobic training
During classes, the lungs are actively working, starting the mechanism of renewal of the whole organism: you inhale more air, blood circulation improves, normalizing metabolism. This is the most important aspect of caring for your health.
What is the result?
Thanks to such loads, the cardiovascular system is strengthened, and varicose veins and the development of vegetovascular dystonia are prevented. In addition, medical studies confirm that exercise on a stationary bike, as well as riding a regular bicycle, increase immunity.
“Cyclists” are 70% less ill with colds in the cold season.
- Slimming
Exercise bikes have long established themselves as one of the best ways to lose weight. Even daily 15-minute classes contribute to tangible weight loss. This type of load is very suitable for burning calories.
- Improving the emotional state
Exercise on a stationary bike will distract you from daily worries, improve your mood and overall well-being.
A pleasant bonuce:
In addition to all these advantages, the exercise bike is easy to use. He undoubtedly outperforms the bicycle – primarily by practicality. You will have no doubt whether to train or not, even if:
- you have only half an hour of free time;
- outside the window – rain, snow, wind, frost or heat;
- It will get dark soon, but you do not live in the safest area;
- you remembered the relief of your favorite city “on seven hills”;
- you accidentally heard on the radio statistics of road accidents involving cyclists;
- you live on the fifth floor in a house without an elevator.
Where to begin?
The variety an exercise bike’s functions can confuse you a little when choosing. We advise you to recall the expression “you cannot embrace the immense” and determine the goals of your purchase – which of them are the main and which are related.
For example, the idea of buying an exercise bike may arise due to a desire to improve the cardiovascular system, or to increase overall tone, lose weight, replace your favorite bike with winter time, or because of a dozen other reasons.
Of course, any exercise bike will perform all its tasks, but knowing your main goals, you will understand what to look for first and in what price category to look for. The higher the price, the more functions the exercise bike has – but “more” does not always mean “better”.
Have determined your goals?
Now it is important to consider all the exercise bikes’ features. So, we proceed to a more detailed examination of their differences.
Design
- Vertical – the usual and most common type of exercise bikes for us. In fact, this is a complete analogue of a conventional bicycle. Its pedals are under the seat, respectively, the legs work in a vertical plane.
The undoubted advantages of exercise bikes of this kind are compactness, familiarity and effectiveness of training the main muscle groups. They are perfect for dieters and fast food enthusiasts.
At the same time, they have several disadvantages and limitations. Such a simulator does not spare your back and knee joints. If you have problems with them, take a look at the following type of exercise equipment.
- Horizontal – this type of exercise bike was created primarily for rehabilitation. The pedals in it are under the steering wheel, the design provides a comfortable seat with a back.
The advantages of this type will be appreciated by people who have problems with the musculoskeletal system. The position of the athlete’s body is as comfortable as possible, there is no extra load on the back or joints. This type is also recommended for people with high blood pressure.
Some cons?
The disadvantages of the simulator include its bulkiness (in comparison with the vertical view). In addition, most experts agree that exercises are less effective. Sure, you will achieve the desired results, but most likely it will take more time. Such simulators are on average more expensive than vertical ones.
Summarizing the consideration of the two main types of exercise bikes, I would like to advise a very simple choice scheme:
- If you prefer significant loads and strive for quick results, and most importantly – do not have medical contraindications associated with back and joint injuries, choose a vertical exercise bike.
- If you are going to use the simulator for rehabilitation purposes, or if you are simply not ready for above average loads, think about a horizontal simulator. At the same time, keep in mind that it takes up a lot of space.
The development of the industry has led to the appearance of other models of exercise bikes. Compared with vertical and horizontal, they are very rare, but still worthy of attention:
- Hybrid – an attempt to combine vertical and horizontal simulators. Its seat is adjustable in several planes, which makes it possible to conduct training both sitting and reclining. These are expensive simulators that are not in high demand so far.
- Portable – the most compact version of the exercise bike, although it does not have all the advantages of standard options. The design does not include the seat and steering wheel. It can be easily transported, but due to the different position of the athlete’s body, the simulator is not so effective. It is intended primarily for people who are constantly on the move.
Load types
There is another division of exercise bikes into types – depending on how the flywheel brakes. Mechanical exercise bikes are good because they do not require an electrical connection, are compact and relatively inexpensive.
This type of exercise bike, in turn, is divided into two more:
- Belt – the flywheel is braked by a belt attached to it. The load level increases or decreases by changing the belt tension. This type of simulators is gradually becoming a thing of the past because of its shortcomings – fragility, rigidity and noise.
- Pads – inherited from a conventional bicycle. The only difference is that on a bicycle, the pads serve only occasionally for braking, and in the simulator they are pressed constantly against the flywheel, creating the necessary load. The flywheel in such devices, as a rule, is large enough, which ensures good smoothness of movement, which means that it allows you to work out muscles efficiently and protects against injuries. At the same time, such simulators are heavy and often short-lived – the pads wear out quickly and require replacement.
The load in magnetic exercise bikes is regulated by changing the distance between the permanent magnets and the flywheel. This design allows you to use a greater number of load levels than in previous versions, and more precisely control them.
These are mid-priced fitness equipment. Most of them are silent in operation, have a good ride and do not require an electrical connection. The principle of operation of electromagnetic simulators is the same as in the previous case. There is only one difference – the load is created not by a constant, but by an electric magnet.
Such equipment requires an electrical connection and costs more, but its functionality is much higher. Electromagnetic simulators are of high quality training, the accuracy of determining the appropriate training scheme and a variety of programs.
Now:
Generator exercise bikes are essentially the same electromagnetic ones. The only difference is that they have a built-in generator, which makes them independent of the power supply network.
Control
Almost all models of exercise bikes have a built-in computer. The simplest, most basic options include a standard module that displays speed, time, distance traveled, and calorie consumption.
In more expensive electromagnetic models, the computer allows you to control a whole range of characteristics that help in the classroom. In addition to the pulse meter and adjustments to the load level, it has many predefined programs, as well as the ability to set the necessary training parameters yourself.
Such opportunities, among other things, also make your classes more diverse. As a result, the exercises do not bother, which is very motivating to continue training.
How many programs you need?
It depends on your goals and needs. Carefully study the capabilities of the computer before buying. Some models have functions for watching videos, listening to music and connecting to the Internet, which will turn classes into the entertainment.
- A heart rate meter is an important structural element, especially for people who have problems with their heart, blood vessels, or blood pressure. The ease of use of such meters, as well as their accuracy, depends on the type of sensor.
There are two options – the sensors are built into the handrails or mounted on the body of the athlete. In the second case, the readings are more accurate, but the disadvantage of such a mount is some discomfort – not all athletes can get used to it.
More options:
The signal transmission method for remote sensors is also important. Wired sensors are more accurate, but not as convenient to use as wireless ones.
What is the best range of heart rate values for exercises?
Approximately this can be calculated as follows: calculate your profit center (maximum age pulse) by subtracting your age in years from the number 220. During classes, the heart rate should not exceed 70-80% of the profit center.
This is a general formula that does not take into account your individual characteristics. Therefore, focusing on it, adjust the load yourself, because no one knows your body better than yourself. In this aspect, special built-in training programs can be very useful.
Individual characteristics:
Some elements and characteristics of exercise bikes should be made exactly to your specifics.
First of all, pay attention to the maximum users weight. Even if you have no problems with being overweight, think about the physique of all family members – it is unlikely that the new exercise bike will not interest your close people.
The height of the steering wheel and pedals are also of great importance. Not only ease of use depends on them, but also the degree of load on the joints, proper muscle training. A good solution is exercise bikes with adjustable seat and steering wheel.
Here, perhaps, are all the basic criteria for choosing an excellent partner in daily training. In the end – a few tips on how to train effectively and without overvoltage.
- The main thing – always listen to your body. It must be loaded, but can not be brought to exhaustion.
- Match workouts to your biorhythms. Owls can practice in the evening, and larks in the morning. Remember only that it is advisable that after an hour or two has passed and you should not be zealous at night – this may affect the serenity of your sleep.
- After eating, at least 2 hours should pass before the start of classes.
- Try not to drink water during exercise, but to quench your thirst it is better to simply rinse your mouth with water or take a sip. You can restore water balance later, having a little rest after training.
- For workouts, choose lightweight and comfortable clothing that allows the body to breathe.
- Always do a little workout before training, preparing your body for the load and warming up the muscles.
- Classes on a stationary bike with the right approach to training can achieve amazing results. Choose exactly what will serve as the best tool to achieve your goals. If you are attentive to all the details – go ahead! You have an amazing opportunity to make a small contribution to your health and good mood every day.
- Do not forget that the key to success is to work with inspiration and your pleasure. If you catch yourself thinking that workouts pass with a smile – you are on the right way!
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