Is an ergometer the same as an exercise bike? Many people actually have this opinion, but it is not correct. Do you know what the term “ergometer” means?
Find out here what an ergometer is and why it can be worthwhile to train on one - especially if you want to pursue your training goals ambitiously!
What does ergometer mean and what is the difference to the exercise bike?
An exercise bike is a bicycle for training at home. An ergometer does not necessarily have to be a bicycle. Recumbent bikes, rowing machines and cross trainers can also be ergometers. The term does not refer to a device per se, but rather aims at certain properties that home fitness devices must have in order to be called that.
The word “Ergo” comes from the Greek and means work. “Meter” refers to the measurement, so ergometers are devices that measure work precisely.
An ergometer indicates the work done (i.e. your training performance) in watts. It can be adjusted and controlled precisely and so you can also precisely understand the performance provided.
The intensity can be adjusted very precisely. This is not only useful for medical monitoring, but also for amateur athletes. The difference to ordinary fitness equipment is the exact setting of the resistance in watts. The setting and measurement must also be done by computer so that the device can be called an ergometer.
Tip: If you are looking for an ergometer, you should pay attention to which devices in our shop have the suffix “-iE” in their name. The “i” stands for intelligent products that can be controlled via an app, for example. The “E” stands for ergometer. An example of this is our popular rowing ergometer “SP-MR-030-iE”.
Also look in the product description to see whether the term “watt-controlled” is mentioned. Then you can be sure that it is an ergometer.
5 good reasons for an ergometer
After we have clarified what an ergometer actually is, let's take a look below at the advantages of training with an ergometer at home.
Compared to normal home fitness equipment, training with an ergometer is simply more precise and individual. But there are a few more arguments.
#1 | Measurable successes
Your performance can be measured specifically, making successes visible. You can decide exactly how intensively you want to train and watch week after week as you reach new watt levels and last longer.
#2 | Comfortable setting
The resistance of an ergometer is usually set via a training computer. This is not only particularly accurate, but also very simple. For example, instead of turning a knob, as is required with entry-level models, all you have to do with an ergometer is press a button.
#3 | Ideal for weight loss
Your physical performance is directly related to your calorie consumption. Ergometers can estimate your burned calories better than fitness machines that only come with a manually adjustable resistance system. So if you want to be able to better estimate how much you burn, you should get an ergometer.
#4 | Interesting training programs
Of course, there are many tricks to motivate yourself to workout, but it's even better if your training device offers you so much flexibility that it doesn't even get boring.
Most ergometers have many different training programs in which the computer automatically adjusts the resistance. For example, you feel like you're on a mountain stage in the Tour de France - and with the Kinomap app you can get that feeling visually too!
#5 | Training for every requirement
Thanks to the targeted adjustment of the resistance, an ergometer is suitable for beginners, advanced users and professionals. The higher your training level is, the higher you should choose your wattage. A good choice here would be the SP-SRP-3000 – an ergometer speed bike with up to 500 watts of power. Everyone really starts to sweat!
Conclusion: Ergometers are the right choice for precise training
Ergometers offer the opportunity to precisely measure your own performance and adjust the resistance precisely. This is particularly important for endurance training and weight loss. Whether an ergometer is necessary or whether, for example, a classic exercise bike with manual resistance adjustment is sufficient depends on the respective training goals and your requirements for accuracy.
If you always want to know exactly what you have achieved, it may be worth using an ergometer. Whether it is a bike or a cross trainer or a rowing machine is entirely up to you and your ideas.
