Andes 3 tested: cross trainer, home trainer or jogging?
19.9.2017
Translation: machine translated
I've grown tired of my home trainer: Too little variety and not intense enough. So I got myself the Horizon Fitness Andes 3 cross trainer. A sensible investment or would a pair of new jogging shoes have done?
I like jogging. I always have, actually. It helps me switch off and I like being in the forest. However, I sometimes lack motivation, especially in the grey winter months. That's why I got myself an exercise bike several years ago. My wife and I were actually very happy with the Kettler Eco, but over time the pedalling became a bit too monotonous. The physical exertion is also very one-sided. Without further ado, we decided to buy a cross trainer - an elliptical trainer to be precise.
The main difference between an exercise bike and a cross trainer lies in the leg work, which is more like jogging than cycling on a cross trainer. There is also the additional upper body workout provided by the moving handles (bars). However, people often mistakenly refer to a cross trainer when they actually mean an elliptical trainer. They differ in the position of the flywheel. On the elliptical trainer, it is at the front, which enables a longer stride length and a gentler movement. This is referred to as a lower Q-factor. The almost natural walking and jogging motion is only possible with elliptical trainers. This also makes them somewhat more expensive.
And what about jogging?
"Both the home trainer and the cross trainer are easier on the joints than jogging," says Peter Matti, university sports teacher in Bern. But that doesn't mean that indoor sports are better per se. "You're comparing apples with pears," says Matti. "Normal fitness people just don't go outside when it's grim. That's why cross trainers and home trainers are a good way to get started if you have a little less discipline." You don't have to go anywhere to jog either. You can start straight away without having to consult the weather forecast and choose the right clothes. And for people with allergies, there is also a lot to be said for indoor sports. "If you're training for a run, jogging outside is obviously better", says Matti. This allows, for example, the different terrain conditions to be specifically integrated into training.
If you compare cross trainers with home trainers, the verdict is clearer: "The cross trainer is definitely better when you look at the movement," Matti is convinced. It also engages the arm and shoulder muscles. Cross trainers can be used more specifically with their resistance levels and offer many options for training strength and endurance. Home trainers are ideal if you want to take it easy after (knee) rehabilitation. This allows you to increase the volume and intensity in a targeted manner that is gentle on the joints. "Basically, what matters is that you move as much as possible," concludes Matti.
Structure, operation, functions
The Andes 3 is quick and easy to assemble. Including unpacking, it took me about half an hour. All the necessary tools are included. Although the device is significantly bulkier than my old home trainer, it can be folded up easily with a handle. It is even slightly shorter than the Kettler. Folding and unfolding is super easy and doesn't require much force. To move the Andes 3, you tilt it slightly backwards and then move it round on the two wheels. My wife didn't trust the massive construction (77kg) at first, but she now gets on well with it too. I really like the fact that the pedals are braked when they fold out. They don't hit the ground with force when you let go of the handle.
Because of its induction brake, the Andes 3 requires a separate power supply. My old home trainer was self-sufficient and generated energy independently by pedalling. With the Andes 3, you need to have a power socket nearby if you want to make use of the various functions. And despite the power supply, the display of the training computer has no backlight. This makes it difficult to read in poorly lit rooms such as our living room.
Apart from this, the training computer is quite clear and easy to use - in German, French, English or Dutch. Up to four different users can be set up and numerous training types can be selected. Speed, heart rate, calories burned, time, etc. are shown on the display. At the bottom of the display is a slightly protruding surface on which you can place your mobile or tablet. There is also a cup holder.
The HR wheel is practical. The round circle on the left of the display shows the heart rate and organises the heart rate into five zones: Warm Up, Weight Loss, Improve Fitness, Improve Performance and Maximum Performance. This allows you to see at a glance what level you are at and adjust the intensity. However, the HR wheel only makes sense if you have previously set up your personal profile (age, weight, height). Otherwise, the zones are not correct.
The practical HR wheel is somewhat compromised by the lack of heart rate monitors in the bars. Only the rigid handle in the centre of the elliptical trainer measures the heart rate. The device is primarily designed to be used with the moving handles, so why can't heart rate monitors be installed there? I solved the problem with a Polar chest strap that I still had lying around. First I spent half an hour searching the internet to find out how to connect the two devices. The solution: just strap it on and stand on the elliptical trainer, done. The chest strap connects automatically. Very nice, I can only say. According to the manufacturer, it should also work with Garmin models.
How is the workout
I like the workout much better than the home trainer. It's a lot more intense and after 45 minutes of hitchhiking and lifting, I can clearly feel it in my arms, legs and upper body. The elliptical trainer is also more varied than monotonous cycling - I actually really enjoy travelling on real bikes. The ten included training programmes provide additional variation. For example, you can choose between watt-controlled and heart rate-controlled programmes.
Unfortunately, the crotch width cannot be adjusted, but at around 50 centimetres it offers a good average measurement. The length fits my wife (165cm) and I (175cm) relatively well. However, if I could, I would move the pedals slightly forwards. Nevertheless, the posture is more comfortable than on a home trainer. The Kettler could not be optimally adjusted for my wife, so she regularly complained of back pain.
Conclusion
The Horizon Andes 3 is a really great device. It folds up surprisingly compactly and is relatively easy to move. There is nothing to criticise about the workmanship and it can be assembled in no time at all. The main points of criticism for me are the lack of heart rate monitors in the handles, the excessively dark display and the necessary power supply. I would also have welcomed a connection to sports apps such as Strava. Unfortunately, this is only available on the newer Viewfit-compatible models. Apart from that, my wife and I don't regret for a second that we swapped our home trainer for this elliptical trainer. The training is more efficient and at the same time more varied. And the Andes 3 doesn't look bad either - an aspect that shouldn't be underestimated when it's in the centre of the living room, as it is in our home. <p
Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chBeing the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.
Beauty
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
Health
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest