Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between the DYNO and the Indoor Rower?
- Why is it called the DYNO?
- How does the monitor measure the force?
- If I press 100 pounds on the DYNO what does that mean?
- When I finish a set the force number changes and says AVE. Is that my average force?
- If I can achieve a force reading of 100 pounds on the DYNO does that mean I should be able to lift the same amount using weights?
- How does this compare with traditional weightlifting where I lift 200 pounds to failure on the last rep?
- In traditional weightlifting, you either lift the weight or you don't. With the DYNO, how do I know if I have achieved my lifting goal?
- What are the dimensions and weight?
- How hard is it to assemble and how long will it take?
- What are the construction specifications?
- What kind of maintenance is necessary on the DYNO?
What is the difference between the DYNO and the Indoor Rower?
The DYNO should be thought of as a weightlifting machine. The Indoor Rower is more useful for aerobic training, overall body conditioning, and specific rowing training. The DYNO provides three basic lifts, which build a foundation of strength for many types of activities.
Why is it called the DYNO?
DYNO is short for dynamometer, which is a device that measures force.
How does the monitor measure the force?
When you push or pull on the DYNO, the force you apply accelerates a weighted fan.
Specifically: Your force accelerates the mass of the fan and your force opposes the air drag of the spinning fan. The more force you apply, the more you will accelerate the fan and the faster the fan will spin.
During your "lift" the force monitor is precisely measuring the acceleration and speed of the wheel. The force required for acceleration can be calculated using the acceleration measurement since the moment of inertia of the fan, calibrated at the factory, is a known constant. The component of the force needed to resist the air drag is a function of the speed of the wheel and the air drag coefficient (or "load"). The drag coefficient is precisely calculated during each rundown of the fan. This is the key to the high accuracy of the force readings at any drag setting.
If I press 100 pounds on the DYNO what does that mean?
That means you have applied an AVERAGE of 100 pounds of force over the course of the rep.
When I finish a set the force number changes and says AVE. Is that my average force?
Yes. After completing a set, the monitor calculates the average of all the rep force readings achieved for the set. This is a good value to record for tracking your progress through your training program.
If I can achieve a force reading of 100 pounds on the DYNO does that mean I should be able to lift the same amount using weights?
Do not assume that you can. When you lift 100 pounds of weight, 100 pounds is the minimum force you apply to the bar, not the average. You will have to apply 100 pounds at your weakest part of the lift.
How does this compare with traditional weightlifting where I lift 200 pounds to failure on the last rep?
To best illustrate the comparison look at this example:
Using Traditional weights:
"I maxed out (failed to complete) on rep # 7 with 200 pounds."
"Next week I hope to complete 8 reps with 200 pounds."
Lifting on the DYNO:
"I did max effort for 8 reps and got a "set average" of 198 pounds."
"Next week I hope to do 8 reps and improve my "set ave" to 203 pounds."
In traditional weightlifting, you either lift the weight or you don't. With the DYNO, how do I know if I have achieved my lifting goal?
With the DYNO you will always be able to complete a lift. Every lift is scored instantly by the Force Monitor, so you know how much force you have applied. In addition, at the end of your set, your average will be displayed. This gives you two benchmarks for your lifting session - your MAX or best single lift of the set; and your AVE or average for the whole set. Besides telling you whether or not you reached your lifting goal, the DYNO also tells you how far above or below your goal you were.
What are the dimensions and weight?
Fully assembled the DYNO measures 7’11" x 20" at the floor (note the handle bar is 32 inches wide). The weight is 120 pounds (54.5 kg).
There are two shipping options available for the DYNO. The first option is to receive the DYNO in three boxes via UPS, and assemble the DYNO yourself upon receipt. The second is to have us assemble the DYNO for you, place the assembled DYNO on a shipping pallet and have it delivered to you. Note that this option requires you to be able to receive a truck shipment - typically this means that the trucking company will only deliver the DYNO to a loading dock.
Three box shipment (assembly required):
- 34" X 15" X 30" 65 pounds (29.5 kilos)
- 33" X 18½" X 8" 52 pounds (23.5 kilos)
- 6½" X 3¼" X 64" 27 pounds (12.2 kilos)
- Combined total: 144 pounds (65.2)
- 8’ by 32" wide and about 4’ high.
- Total shipping weight: 170 pounds.
How hard is it to assemble and how long will it take?
We estimate the assembly will take about two hours. It will be easier for two people although it can be done by one.
What are the construction specifications?
The frame is steel (no aluminium as with the Indoor Rower). Parts are epoxy-coated. The carriage rolls on a stainless steel track similar to the Indoor Rower.
What kind of maintenance is necessary on the DYNO?
We recommend periodic application of chain oil to the chain as well as wiping of the monorail, similar to the Indoor Rower, to clean off sweat and dirt accumulation. We also suggest that you check periodically to see that all bolts are snug.
