Monday, 9 September 2019

Schwinn MY17 270 versus Schwinn MY16 230 Recumbent Exercise Bikes, Comparison Review

Schwinn MY17 270 Recumbent Exercise Bike, comparison review with MY16 230, differences in features compared
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Schwinn MY17 270 Recumbent Bike
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The Schwinn MY17 270 (2017) and Schwinn MY16 230 (2016) Recumbent Exercise Bikes supersede the 2013 Schwinn 270 and 230 models and incorporate the same high-quality build and features of the previous models but with a newly designed console that’s more user-friendly and intuitive to use. The Schwinn MY17 270 also has the addition of Bluetooth connectivity which the previous model and the Schwinn MY16 130 do not have.


For reference, the Schwinn MY17 270 Recumbent Bike was launched in the early part of the year 2017, while the Schwinn MY16 130 was launched towards the latter part of the year 2016.

Both the Schwinn 270 and Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bikes are ergonomically designed for user comfort and feature a low step-through frame design for easy mounting and dismounting.

The Schwinn 270 (2017) and Schwinn 230 (2016) both utilize a high-speed high-inertia perimeter-weighted flywheel together with ECB magnetic resistance to deliver quiet operation and smooth momentum.

Both recumbent bikes offer a great range of resistance levels and programs to keep your workouts interesting and progressively challenging.  But comparing the Schwinn 270 and 230: the Schwinn MY17 270 is the higher-end bike over the Schwinn MY16 230 and, as you would expect, offers more program variety (29 compared to 22) and additional resistance levels (25 compared to 20).  The Schwinn MY17 270 also allows for 4 user profiles compared to just 2 on the Schwinn MY16 230, so more people can use the bike on a regular basis and keep track of their workout stats.

Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike's console, image
Schwinn 270 console

Both the Schwinn MY17 270 and Schwinn MY16 230 Recumbent Bikes come with a newly designed console that’s easier to use than the previous models, yet still incorporates all the same high-quality features we’ve come to love.  Both consoles feature USB charging port, acoustic chamber speakers with MP3 input, 3-speed cooling fan, media shelf, and Dual-track LCD screens.

However, note the difference in the color of the displays between the two Schwinn recumbent bikes in the pictures below.  The Schwinn MY16 230 has a standard black/grey LCD display whereas the Schwinn MY17 270 has a blue-backlit LCD display which is easier to view.

Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike's console, image
Schwinn 230 console

Both consoles display motivating workout stats as you exercise, including time, speed, distance, calories, pulse and more (see full details listed in the comparison charts below).  You can even transfer your workout data to online fitness apps for online tracking such as SchwinnConnect, MyFitnessPal or other compatible apps.  However, the way you can transfer the data differs between the two recumbent bikes: the Schwinn MY17 270 has Bluetooth connectivity whereas with the Schwinn MY16 230 you have to use the USB port.

Both the Schwinn MY17 270 and Schwinn MY16 230 Recumbent Bikes feature contact pulse grip heart-rate sensors in the handlebars by the side of the seat  to help you keep within your target heart-rate zone as you exercise.  However, the Schwinn M17 270 has the added advantage of also being telemetry enabled for more accurate wireless chest-strap heart rate monitoring (chest-strap not included).

Both the Schwinn MY17 270 and Schwinn MY16 230 have a slider seat rail system with Easy Adjust Lever that makes it easy to adjust for different user heights.  The seat on both bikes is comfortable with a backrest for added support, however the design of the seat differs between the two bikes.  The Schwinn MY17 270 has a thick-padded contoured seat bottom with a large vented backrest.  The Schwinn MY16 230 also has a large vented backrest but the seat bottom is vented contoured (not padded).

With recumbent bikes, you sit lower to the ground with the pedals located towards the front of the bike (rather than sitting higher up with the pedals below the seat as with upright bikes).  The Schwinn MY17 270 has an upgraded 3-piece crank system compared to the Schwinn MY16 230’s 1-piece crank system.  The Schwinn M17 270 also comes with over-sized pedals compared to the 230’s standard pedals.

Both the Schwinn MY17 270 and MY16 230 are solidly constructed with integrated levelers and large mid-frame support for smooth stable operation and allow for a maximum user weight capacity of up to 300 lbs.





UPDATE - New Schwinn 230 2020 Recumbent Bike now available - read review here:


Let’s take a closer look at the main differences and similarities in features and specifications between the Schwinn M17 270 and Schwinn MY16 230 to help you decide on which is the best recumbent bike for you:


Tuesday, 21 August 2018

WaterRower Club Rowing Machine in Ash Wood with S4 Monitor, Review

WaterRower Club Rowing Machine in Ash Wood with S4 Monitor, commercial quality
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With its water flywheel, the WaterRower Club Rowing Machine in Ash Wood with S4 Monitor provides an authentic rowing experience in the comfort of your own home.

Simulating the dynamics of a boat moving through water, the WaterRower Club Rowing Machine operates extremely smoothly and fluidly with no jerky/jarring movements that are typically associated with conventional rowing machines.

You’ll love the super quiet operation of the WaterRower – you’ll just hear the gentle “whooshing” sound of the water as you row, just like real water rowing!

The WaterRower Club Rowing Machine’s water flywheel system comprises of 2 paddles that sit in an enclosed water tank (no dust build-up!).  Resistance is self-regulated – you can increase the drag by paddling faster for increased resistance or paddle slower for a less intensive workout.  (The amount of water you have in the tank also affects the level of intensity/resistance.)

The WaterRower Club is virtually maintenance-free – there are no moving parts so nothing can wear out over time and even the recoil belt and pulleys require NO maintenance or lubrication.

The WaterRower Club Rowing Machine is highly-functional and beautifully designed in handcrafted solid premium Ash hardwood (sourced from replenished forests for sustainability).  The Ash wood is finished in a black and rose stain and Danish Oil to provide its deep lustre color.  The Ash wood construction is chosen for its sound and vibration absorbing properties.

The WaterRower Club Rowing Machine is highly durable and designed for high-traffic areas such as commercial gyms, rehabilitation clinics etc.  Its rails have been styled to prevent scuffing and its rosewood finish is more resistant to soiling compared to the lighter colored Natural WaterRower.

WaterRower Club Rowing Machine with High Risers, image, review plus buy at low price
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WaterRower Club with
optional HIGH-RISERS 

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For added stability and a smooth workout, the WaterRower Club’s seat has 4 corner wheels and sits on a dual rail system.  The design of the seat/rail system also helps to reduce the amount of sweat build-up.  The seat itself has a contoured design and a 2” thick padding for comfort.  The seat measures approx.  12.5” wide by 9” deep and sits around 12” off the ground.

Alternatively you can buy optional high-risers to raise the seat another 8” to take it to 20” off the ground to make it easier to mount/dismount.

The WaterRower Club Rowing Machine comes with a user-friendly Series 4 Performance Monitor, which includes 6 information and programming windows, 6 Quick Selection buttons and 3 Navigation buttons and displays motivating workout stats including intensity, stroke rate, heart-rate, zone bar, duration, distance and WATTS.  The monitor is compatible with an optional wireless heart-rate chest strap.

For convenience, the WaterRower Club Rowing Machine can be stored upright to save space without having to empty out the water tank and it’s fitted with front-mounted transport wheels for easy relocation.

Sturdily constructed, the WaterRower Club supports an extended user weight capacity of up to 1,000 lbs.




The WaterRower Club Rowing Machine is also available with Hi-Rise Attachment:



Fitness tip:  Exercising on a Rowing Machine for just 30 minutes could burn between 262-449 calories for women or 310-531 calories for men, depending on the intensity of the rowing.


Let’s take a look at the features and specifications in detail of the WaterRower Club to help you decide if it’s the best rowing machine for you:


Wednesday, 15 August 2018

Keiser M3iX Indoor Cycle Spin Bike, Review

Keiser M3iX Indoor Cycle Spin Bike, with pivoting X-bars, belt-drive, eddy current magnetic resistance
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Simulate road, hill and mountain biking with the Keiser M3iX Indoor Cycle Spin Bike!

Take your indoor cycling to a new level with the Keiser M3iX’s unique pivoting patented X-Bars which allow you lean into turns and corners to simulate a more natural cycling experience in the comfort of your own home or gym.

The Keiser M3iX Indoor Bike is equipped with a smooth belt-drive system and whisper-quiet Eddy Current magnetic resistance that effectively allows for unlimited resistance levels.

The pivoting motion of the Keiser M3iX’s  X-Bars adds great core, upper torso and arm workouts to your traditional lower-body cycle workout and helps to burn more calories overall.  The X-Bars provide 7 levels of handlebar resistance and you can easily increase or decrease the X-Bar movement with the simple turn of a knob. 

M-Series digital monitor on Keiser M3iX Indoor Cycle, Bluetooth, Polar heart-rate compatible
M-Series digital monitor
The Keiser M3iX Indoor Cycle Spin Bike comes with an M-Series automatic backlit digital monitor that displays motivating workout stats as you cycle including Cadence (RPM), Power Output (Watts, calories burned),  heart-rate, elapsed time, resistance level/gear, odometer/ trip distance.

The M3iX’s monitor offers Bluetooth wireless technology and is compatible with Polar heart-rate monitors to help you stay within your target heart-rate zone as you exercise.

The Keiser M3iX Spin Bike’s v-shaped frame/handlebar design makes the bike easy to mount/dismount and the full adjustability of the bike’s seat and handlebars allows for a custom fit for all riders.

The M3iX Indoor Cycle features Keiser’s newly designed revolutionary M-Series dual-sided pedals (SPD/toe cage) that are more user-friendly and commercial-grade durability, featuring stronger bearings and axles, integrated cage (not just added on!), ramped bars for secure foot placement without insertion difficulty, and pedal curvature to match typical shoe design to eliminate pressure points on feet.

Dual-sided pedals on Keiser M3iX
Dual-sided pedals
Dual-sided pedals on Keiser M3iX
Dual-sided pedals



Sturdily built, the M3iX Indoor Bike allows for an extended user weight capacity of up to 300 lbs.




Fitness tip:  Just a 30 minute cycle ride could burn between 207-345 calories for women, or 252-420 calories for men, depending on the intensity of the cycling.


Let’s take a closer look at the features and specifications in detail of the Keiser M3iX to help you decide if it’s the best Indoor Cycle Spin Bike for you:


Tuesday, 31 July 2018

Octane Fitness ZR8 Zero Runner, Review

Octane Fitness ZR8 Zero Runner, unique machine for walking, jogging or running without the impact. Natural stride motion with up to 58" stride length. SmartLink compatible console for great range of workout programs
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Octane Fitness ZR8 Zero Runner
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The performance-driven Octane Fitness ZR8 Zero Runner is Octane’s premium flagship running machine that replicates a natural walking, jogging or running motion with zero impact on the body, making it suitable for people of all fitness levels.

Uniquely constructed, the Octane Fitness ZR8 Zero Runner features innovative hip and knee joints that replicate natural stride motion with a stride length of up to 58” and fully engages your glute and hamstrings for increased performance.

The ZR8 is constructed with aircraft-grade aluminum legs and lightweight pedals with 1.4” spacing for greater efficiency.

The Octane Fitness ZR8 Zero Runner also works your upper body with two different sets of handles – contoured grip moving handles and performance grips that replicate the natural arm motion you use outside with traditional running.

ZR8 Zero Runner SmartLink compatible console, image. 4 built-in programs, Quick Start, Cool Down options. SmartLink app for customized training programs plus app is compatible with select Garmin smartwatches
ZR8 SmartLink
compatible
console
The self-powered Octane Fitness ZR8 Zero Runner offers user-defined running motion with performance resistance range and 4 built-in programs to keep you motivated and challenged, along with Quick Start and Cool Down options.

In addition, the ZR8’s console is SmartLink compatible for a great range of additional training programs and online fitness tracking.

Available on iTunes, the SmartLink app offers customized training programs based on your specific goals including endurance, strength and active recovery.  Workouts available through the SmartLink app include:  14 Endurance programs, race training, marathons, pace intervals; 12 Tone up programs, strength training, target muscle groups; and 10 Active recovery programs, flexibility, Run+, balance.

The SmartLink app is also compatible with select Garmin smartwatches so you can track data from both indoor sessions and outdoor runs on one training log.

Also available on the SmartLink app is a unique Stride Tracing feature that enables you to monitor the health of your stride.  As you walk, jog or run on the ZR8 you can see how your stride length changes as you fatigue, allowing you correct imbalances for greater consistency.

The Octane Fitness ZR8 Zero Runner also comes with a free set of resistance bands that can be attached to different connection points on the machine (7 connection points) for Cross Circuit training, allowing you to incorporate strength training into your cardio workout for increased results.

To help you stay within your target heart-rate zone as you exercise, the Octane Fitness ZR8 Zero runner offers both contact-pulse and wireless heart-rate monitoring.  Digital heart-rate sensors are built into the machine’s static handlebars and the console is compatible with Polar, ANT+ and Bluetooth 4.0 (SmartLink app required for Bluetooth connectivity).

Additional features of the Octane Fitness ZR8 Zero Runner include a user weight capacity of up to 300 lbs, low step-up height of 5.2”, rubber non-slip step, media rack, water bottle holder, and transport wheels.

The Octane Fitness ZR8 Zero Runner is solidly constructed with a heavy-duty frame and offers ultra-smooth motion with whisper-quiet operation.




Let’s take a look at the features and specifications in detail of the Octane Fitness ZR8 to help you decide if it’s the best Zero Runner for you:


Tuesday, 24 July 2018

Octane Fitness ZR7 Zero Runner, Review

Octane Fitness ZR7 Zero Runner, cardio machine. Walk, jog or run with zero impact.
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Octane Fitness ZR7 Zero Runner
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The Octane Fitness ZR7 Zero Runner replicates a true running experience without the impact!

The zero-impact Octane Fitness ZR7 Zero Runner is suitable for people of all fitness levels and is uniquely constructed with innovative hip and knee joints that allow you to simulate walking with shorter strides or speed up to a jogging or running motion with a stride length of up to 58” without any impact.

The Octane Fitness ZR7 Zero Runner fully engages your glute and hamstrings for better performance and features moving handlebars to work your upper body.

The Octane Fitness ZR7’s console features a head-up display, 4 built-in programs, Quick Start (run), Cool Down, Bluetooth 4.0 for mobile device connectivity, and is also SmartLink compatible for additional training programs and online fitness tracking.

Octane Fitness ZR7's console with SmartLink compatibility, image, 4 built-in programs, Quick Start, Cool Down, Bluetooth 4.0, head-up display
Octane Fitness ZR7's console
with SmartLink compatibility
The SmartLink app is available on iTunes and allows you to develop customized training programs based on specific goals such as endurance, strength or active recovery.  Additional programs available via the SmartLink app include:  14 Endurance programs, race training, pace intervals; 12 Tone up programs, strength training, target muscle groups; and 10 Active recovery programs, flexibility, Run+, balance.

The ZR7’s console displays all your essential workout data and through SmartLink you can also monitor the health of your stride with its Stride Tracing feature which shows how your stride length changes as you fatigue.

The Octane Fitness ZR7 Zero Runner comes with a set of resistance bands and features 7 connection points for Cross Circuit training, allowing you to combine cardio and strength intervals in one workout for increased results.

The Octane Fitness ZR7 Zero Runner is equipped with digital heart-rate sensors (built into the stationary handles) and also offers wireless heart-rate monitoring to help you stay within your target heart-rate zone as you exercise.  It is compatible with Polar, ANT+ and Bluetooth 4.0 (SmartLink app required for Bluetooth connectivity).

Additional features of the Octane Fitness ZR7 Zero Runner include 2.0” pedal spacing, 5.2” low step-up height, media rack, water bottle holder, transport wheels.

The Octane Fitness ZR7 Zero Runner is whisper-quiet in operation and is self-powered so you don’t have to worry about placing it near a power socket.  Sturdily constructed, the ZR7 allows for a maximum user weight capacity of up to 300 lbs.




Let’s take a look at the features and specifications in detail of the Octane Fitness ZR7 to help you decide if it’s the best Zero Runner for you:


Tuesday, 17 July 2018

Octane Fitness xR650 Recumbent Elliptical, Review

Octane Fitness xR650 Recumbent Elliptical, light commercial recumbent elliptical machine with Power Stroke technology, self-powered,
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Octane Fitness xR650
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The light-commercial Octane Fitness xR650 Recumbent Elliptical is a durable machine that revolutionizes seated workouts thanks to its Power Stroke technology that helps to burn up to 23% more calories and activates up to 3x more muscles than a standard recumbent exercise bike.

Offering a total body workout, the Octane Fitness xR650 Recumbent Elliptical delivers high performance without the jarring impact on your joints typically associated with many other types of exercise.

With a great range of programs (16) and resistance (30) options, the Octane Fitness xR650 Recumbent Elliptical is suitable for both beginners and advanced athletes as well as people recovering from injury who have been advised to exercise in a low-impact way (check with your health adviser first!).

45-degree angled seat with multiple height & tilt adjustments on Octane Fitness xR650 Recumbent Elliptical
45-degree angled seat with
multiple height & tilt adjustments
Designed with a step-through frame for easy access, the Octane xR650 Recumbent Elliptical is easy to get on and off and the seat is designed to sit at a 45-degree angle which helps to ensure correct posture with lower back support while opening the torso and maximizing the use of the hip muscles.  The seat itself is roomy and comfortable with a large cushioned base and backrest support and can easily be adjusted to suit different rider heights (20 height adjustments / 5 tilt adjustments).

The Octane xR650 features a great range of motivating programs including Manual, Random, Interval, Custom Interval, Hill, 10K, Fat Burn, Cardio, Heart-rate Interval, Heart-rate Custom Interval, Heart-rate Hill, Heart-rate Speed Interval, New Leaf Custom, 30:30 Interval, Constant Watts, and Constant METs.

In addition to the xR650’s 30 resistance levels and 16 built-in programs, this recumbent elliptical also features Octane’s exclusive Workout Boosters for increased results.  Combining cross training with strength training, the xR650 offers 3 Booster Modes:  Leg Press booster (challenging intervals to tone your legs), Chest Press (focused intervals for toning your arms, shoulders and chest), and Muscle Endurance (muscular endurance training).

Octane Fitness xR650 console, image, with 30 resistance levels, 16 programs, 3 Booster Modes
xR650 console
The Octane Fitness xR650 Recumbent Elliptical’s console displays a range of motivating workout data as you exercise including time, speed, distance, calories burned, heart-rate and resistance level.  To help you stay within your target heart-rate zone as you exercise, the xR650 offers two different options for heart-rate monitoring:  compact pulse sensors in handles by side of seat or telemetry with a wireless chest strap.

Ergonomically designed, the Octane Fitness xR650 Recumbent Elliptical provides a natural moving workout with its Converging Path moving handlebars and elliptical-path motion soft-grip pedals.  You can work both the upper and lower body at the same time or isolate an upper or lower body workout thanks to the machine’s stationary foot pegs and optional upper body lockout.

Additional features of the Octane xR650 include dual water bottle holder/accessory holder (located at side of seat), media shelf integrated on the console, and transport wheels for easy relocation.

Sturdily built, the Octane Fitness xR650 Recumbent Elliptical allows for a high maximum user weight capacity of up to 400 lbs.

The Octane xR650 is self-powered so you don’t have to worry about finding a space to place it near a power socket!




Let’s take a glance at the features and specifications laid out in the table below of the Octane Fitness xR650 to help you decide if it’s the best recumbent elliptical trainer for you:


Monday, 9 July 2018

Octane Fitness xR6000 Recumbent Elliptical, Review

Octane Fitness xR6000 Recumbent Elliptical, commercial-grade, with Power Stroke technology, 30 resistance levels, choice of 17 programs on smart console or 14 programs on standard console
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Octane Fitness xR6000
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The commercial-grade Octane Fitness xR6000 Recumbent Elliptical is a truly impressive fitness machine that revolutionizes seated workouts for a super effective low-impact workout.

Utilizing Octane’s exclusive Power Stroke technology, the xR6000 xRide facilitates optimal leg extension and burns up to 23% more calories and activates up to 3x more muscles than a standard recumbent bike.

Suitable for both beginners and advanced athletes, the Octane Fitness xR6000 Recumbent Elliptical offers a great range of resistance levels (30) and program variety (17 on Smart console or 14 on Standard console) to keep you motivated and challenged no matter what fitness stage you’re at.

The Octane Fitness xR6000 Recumbent Elliptical is available with a choice of either a Smart console or Standard console.  The Smart console is electric powered and offers premium features like web browsing, video streaming, video coaching and more, while the Standard console offers self-powered operation and has a few less features (see full features in the table below).
Octane Fitness xR6000 standard console
xR6000 standard console
Octane Fitness xR6000 smart console, image
xR6000 smart console



Workout programs on the Octane xR6000 include Manual, Random, Interval, Hill, Distance goal, Calories goal, Fat burn, Heart-rate interval, Heart-rate hill, Heart-rate speed interval, Constant watts, Constant METs, 30:30 interval, and MMA (mixed martial arts).

For additional challenge and increased results, the xR6000 features Octane’s signature Workout Boosters:  X-Mode, Leg Press and Chest Press.  These booster modes combine cross training with intervals for HIIT training.  The X-Mode booster offers random intervals.  The Leg Press booster offers challenging intervals to tone your legs.  The Chest Press booster offers focused intervals for toning your arms, shoulders and chest muscles.

Both the Smart and Standard Octane Fitness xR6000 consoles feature an LCD display that shows motivating workout stats as you exercise including time, speed, distance, calories, heart-rate and resistance level.  The xR6000 offers both contact pulse (sensors in stationary handlebars by side of seat) and telemetry heart-rate monitoring (Polar, Ant+).

Additional features of the Octane Fitness xR6000 Recumbent Elliptical include a media shelf, water bottle holders, 3-speed cooling fan, finger-tip controls in static handlebars, converging path multi-grip moving handlebars, elliptical-path motion soft-grip pedals, stationary foot pegs, and transport wheels.

Ergonomically designed, the Octane Fitness xR6000 Recumbent Elliptical features a step-through frame design for easy mounting and dismounting the comfortable wide cushioned seat.  For a custom fit for different users, the seat is easily adjustable with an hydraulic seat height/tilt feature, offering 20 seat height positions and 5 tilt positions.  The seat is positioned at a 45-degree angle to help open the hip flexors and torso for ultimate comfort and correct posture that reduces stress on your lower back as you exercise.

The Octane Fitness xR6000 is a commercial-grade recumbent elliptical machine, built to withstand intensive use and allowing for a maximum user weight capacity of up to 400 lbs.




Let’s take a glance in the table below at the features and specifications that the Octane Fitness xR6000 has to offer to help you decide if it’s the best recumbent elliptical trainer for you: