The presence in your own home or apartment of a simulator for sports today is hardly surprising. Manufacturers of such equipment seek to develop small-sized, mobile and easy-to-use models that can be used independently without outside help. At the same time, despite the active entry into the segment of innovative technologies, traditional solutions remain relevant. These include the mechanical treadmill, reviews of which emphasize its reliability and effectiveness. Of course, the usual principle of the simulator's operation against the background of more modern analogues has some disadvantages that should also be taken into account when buying equipment.
Mechanical Treadmill Overview
The fundamental difference between models of this type is the complete elimination of power drive mechanisms, including the electric motor. This means that the movement of the running belt will be driven directly by the user. This method of functioning determines the pros and cons of a mechanical treadmill. Reviews, for example, note that the mechanical principle of work contributes to increased stress on the joints. And on the other hand, getting rid of the need to connect to the mains allows you to use the equipment offline.
The main parameters that should be considered when choosing models of this type will be reduced to the size of the canvas and the configuration of the handles. Despite the extensive adjustment options, the issue of matching a specific model of a user’s configuration always remains relevant. The brake with which the simulator is supplied also matters. The treadmill of a mechanical one is controlled by the effort applied by the user, but the braking mechanism can also correct the movement of the web in accordance with the optimal rhythm.
Simulator maintenance manual
The equipment should be installed on a flat surface so that at least 50 cm of free space is maintained around the training venue. The treadmill should be firmly fixed - if possible, it should be placed on gymnastic mats that will minimize noise and vibration during training. During operation, you should periodically check the reliability of the connections of individual parts of the equipment and the quality of the main fastening to the floor covering. The unit must be cleaned regularly. The maintenance period, which will serve without a mechanical treadmill repair, depends on how well care products are selected. Reviews emphasize that it is best to use a soft cloth pre-moistened with a neutral mixture of detergent to clean the surfaces. Manufacturers themselves do not recommend the use of aggressive and abrasive solutions based on white spirit, benzene, acetone, etc.
User's manual
Classes should begin after an easy warm-up and at a slow pace, which should gradually increase. It is advisable to refuse loose clothing, as its individual parts can be pulled into the moving mechanisms of the equipment. During the run, the simulator should not be swayed to the sides - despite fixation, excessive vibrations contribute to the wear of the equipment. The exercises themselves must be performed in accordance with a previously thought-out program. This applies to the time of occupation, and to the pace of running. A typical instruction manual for a mechanical treadmill warns against exercising with approaches for more than one hour and notes that the simulator is not intended for medical purposes. End a running session should be smoothly, focusing on the pace of slowing down the speed of the canvas.
Torneo Model Reviews
The Italian brand Torneo is, if not the leader, then one of the leaders in the segment of equipment for sports. Fans of the manufacturer in this case pay special attention to the Sprint T-115 treadmill, which is suitable even for owners of small apartments. According to users, the unit is compact, convenient to use and mobile. What is very important, this is not a classic mechanical type simulator. It is connected to the mains, but not for an electric motor, which is not in the design, but to provide additional functionality. The measurement of heart rate, tracking time and speed are just a few of the indicators that this mechanical treadmill reflects on the display. Reviews also note the wealth of training programs, among which there are also pulse-dependent ones.
HouseFit Model Reviews
The line of the American manufacturer HouseFit also has a lot of interesting offers. The most modern and attractive model is the HT-9147HP. Again, this is an example of a combined solution that combines both sensor sensors and a traditional mechanical simulator. The treadmill receives positive reviews for its long and wide belt, ergonomic handles and ease of assembly. This option is especially convenient for people of large physique, although if desired, the design can be adjusted to the needs of low and thin users.
This simulator also has negative aspects. So, during the classes, many owners note the noisy work of the rollers, which can be eliminated only by updating the system for fixing work items. However, an acceptable price tag compensates for this shortcoming. On the market, the HouseFit mechanical treadmill is on average available for 12–13 thousand rubles.
Atemi Model Reviews
The AT-605 model from Atemi will make worthy competition to the simulators described above. It is also a compact version with ample opportunities to measure various parameters, but it also has several original features. In particular, users note the adjustment of the slope of the canvas and the increased sensitivity of the brake to a given pace. In terms of physical interaction with humans, the Atemi running track can be considered one of the best in the class. However, these benefits are overshadowed by the slow response of the pacemaker. Still, the software is not the most successful in this model. Also, owners do not recommend this simulator for large people.
Which treadmill is better - mechanical or electric?
Both types of treadmills are attractive in their own way and each of them will be the best in certain conditions. For example, preference should be given to mechanics in a situation where there are no serious health problems, a little space is allocated for the installation of the simulator and the financial issue is not the last. That is, it is a small-sized and inexpensive unit, which will provide an additional load on the joints and back. But, the question of which treadmill is better, mechanical or electrical, cannot be resolved without comparing the working properties of the equipment. And in this part the strengths of models with an electric motor are revealed. The user of such a simulator receives many adjustments to the movement of the canvas, the ability to customize individual characteristics of running, etc. But for these advantages you will have to pay the cost of electricity.
Conclusion
Not so often, modern drive systems are inferior in terms of performance to the more familiar and obsolete inertial technique with bearings and rollers. However, mechanical treadmills for the home, according to some selection criteria, are more attractive than analogues with an electric motor. Another thing is that within this segment there are offers of different quality. For example, budget models of treadmills are often criticized for noisy work and low working life of elements. In expensive units from leading manufacturers, such shortcomings are practically not found.