Domande frequenti - Macchine cardio HIIT

• What sets HIIT cardio machines apart from traditional cardio machines?
  HIIT machines such as the Air Bike, Air Row and Air Ski use fan-based resistance that increases in proportion to the athlete’s effort: the harder you push, the more resistance the system offers. This makes them suitable for short, intense interval training programmes, where rapid metabolic peaks are required. Traditional cardio machines, such as motorised treadmills or electromagnetic exercise bikes, operate at a constant resistance and are more suited to continuous aerobic exercise.
• Is the Curve Run a traditional treadmill?
  No. The Curve Run is a non-motorised curved treadmill: the running surface is curved and moves solely through the runner’s own momentum. It has no motor and is not powered by electricity. Your speed depends on where you position yourself on the curve: the further forward you run, the faster the belt accelerates. Compared to a motorised treadmill, it engages the posterior muscle chain more effectively and burns up to 30% more calories in the same amount of time, according to independent studies on the curved model.
• Which programmes can be set on the Air Bike and Air Rower?
  The Air Bike and Air Rower form the basis of training protocols such as Tabata (20" work / 10" rest x 8), EMOM (every minute on the minute), timed AMRAP, 30/30 or 40/20 interval training, and conditioning tests such as the 500m rowing sprint or the classic Assault Bike 10-9-8. They are also used for low-intensity active recovery sessions and for gradual warm-ups before strength training sessions.
• Are Sidea HIIT cardio machines suitable for a home gym?
  Yes, if you have the space. An Air Bike or an Air Rower requires around 1.5–2 metres of operating space, plus some space around it for the fan to circulate air. No mains power is required for the Air Bike, Air Row, Air Ski and Curve Run: they all operate using air or mechanical resistance. They’re the right choice for anyone looking for commercial-grade gym or home gym equipment, even in a garage or a fully-fitted basement.
• What is the difference between Air Ski and a traditional ski ergometer?
  The Air Ski Sidea replicates the motion of double-poling whilst skiing using fan-based resistance, following the same principle as the Air Bike and Rower. Compared to electromagnetic ergometers designed for indoor skiing, it features a progressive resistance curve and does not require a power supply. The HC004 model can be wall-mounted or used with a floor stand (HC004/2 Floor Stand), which is useful when it is not possible to drill into the wall or a portable solution is required.
• How many users a day use these machines at a CrossFit box?
  The HIIT Sidea range is built for intensive commercial use. In a box with 8–12 athletes per class and 6–8 classes a day, an Air Bike or Air Row is designed to withstand continuous use without structural fatigue. Critical components (fan, bearings, chain/belt) are selected to withstand the work cycles typical of high-intensity conditioning. For gyms with a workload exceeding 60 sessions per week on a single machine, we recommend quarterly maintenance of the bearings.
• Do they require frequent maintenance or spare parts?
  Routine maintenance is minimal: cleaning dust from the fan, periodically checking the chain or belt on the Air Bike and Rower, and checking that the pedals and seat bolts are tight. Genuine spare parts are available in the dedicated section of the Sidea website for every single model in the HC001–HC004 range. In a commercial setting, a full service every 6 months is sufficient to maintain consistent performance.
• Air Bike or Air Rower: which one should I choose if I can only have one?
  It depends on the user. The Air Bike is more inclusive: anyone who can cycle can use it, and it engages all four limbs without requiring any specific technique. The Air Rower requires a basic understanding of the rowing motion (legs, back and arms in sequence) but offers a more comprehensive muscle workout and is less stressful on the knees. In personal training studios with a mixed clientele, the advice is to start with the Air Bike; in CrossFit boxes and for athletic training, the Rower is almost always present.
• Do these machines measure watts, calories and distance?
  Yes. Every machine in the HIIT LINE Sidea range is fitted with a console that displays key parameters: instantaneous watts, calories per hour, distance, time, RPM or stroke rate, depending on the model. These are the metrics needed to programme intervals based on constant power output, replicate tests such as the 2000m rowing test, or set watt/kg targets in conditioning protocols.
• Are they suitable for recovery from injury or for older users?
  The Air Bike and Air Rower are low-impact on the joints and can be adapted to any level of intensity: those who cycle or row gently encounter little resistance. They are often used in sports physiotherapy for post-injury rehabilitation of the lower limbs. The Curve Run requires more careful consideration: running on a curved surface demands stability in the ankles and knees, so it is not the first choice for sedentary users or those undergoing rehabilitation.
• What instalment payment options are available?
  Sidea offers a range of instalment payment options to make it easier to purchase professional equipment. Please see the dedicated page: Payment options Sidea.
• I’m a fitness professional – can I get special rates?
  If you work in the fitness or sports sector, register on the website as a Professional or as an ASD to gain access to the price list reserved for industry professionals. Pro registration allows you to view exclusive discounts and special terms across the entire Sidea catalogue.
• Is Sidea listed on the MEPA for public sector procurement?
  Yes, Sidea is an authorised supplier on the MEPA (Public Administration Electronic Marketplace). Public bodies, schools, universities, local authorities and public sports facilities can purchase Sidea equipment via the platform Public Sector Online Procurement. For information on product codes and direct MEPA orders, please contact Sidea customer service.
• What are Sidea’s returns and warranty terms?
  Sidea guarantees the right to cancel within 14 days of delivery for all online purchases, in accordance with current legislation. Products must be returned undamaged and in their original packaging. For full details on returns, refunds and the warranty, please see the page Terms and Conditions of Sale.
• Why choose Sidea equipment?
  Sidea has been designing and distributing professional fitness equipment since 1999: over 25 years’ experience serving gyms, sports coaches, CrossFit boxes, personal training studios and enthusiasts of advanced home fitness. Official distributor StrongFirst e Luxiaojun, which is exhibiting at the FIBO international trade fair and is the technical sponsor of the Summit of Strength. Every product is designed with durability, functionality and suitability for real-world operational contexts in mind. The service Gym Design Offers bespoke design services with 3D renderings. A warehouse covering over 4,000 m² in Gambettola (FC) to ensure rapid order fulfilment, direct technical advice and a special price list for professionals and amateur sports clubs.