Cross trainers have become a staple in modern home gyms, providing a perfect blend of cardiovascular exercise and strength training. In this guide, we’ll explore the best cross trainer equipment available, the benefits of each, and why they should be part of your fitness arsenal.
Whether you’re just beginning your fitness journey or you’re a seasoned gym-goer, a cross trainer offers a low-impact way to build endurance, improve your heart health, and engage multiple muscle groups.
Cross trainers are versatile and essential pieces of equipment that have found a place in almost every fitness enthusiast’s routine. Whether you’re just beginning your fitness journey or you’re a seasoned athlete, a cross trainer can give you a full-body workout, all while being gentle on your joints.
Table of Contents
What is an Elliptical Exercise Machine?
A cross trainer, often referred to as an elliptical machine, is a piece of cardio equipment designed to simulate walking, running, and stair climbing, all while reducing the impact on your joints. This makes cross trainers particularly suitable for individuals who are recovering from injury or those who prefer a low-impact cardio workout.
What sets cross trainers apart from other cardio machines like treadmills and stationary bikes is their ability to engage both the upper and lower body simultaneously. This provides a total body workout, making it more efficient for calorie burn and overall fitness improvement.
Benefits of Elliptical Machine or, Cross Trainer
One of the standout Benefits of Elliptical Machine or, cross trainers is their ability to provide a full-body workout. By incorporating both arm handles and foot pedals, you engage multiple muscle groups, from your legs to your arms, back, and core. The low-impact nature of the machine also makes it gentler on the joints compared to running on hard surfaces, making it an excellent choice for people with joint issues or those looking for a safer way to get their cardio in.
Cross trainers also offer a highly customizable workout experience. With adjustable resistance levels, you can increase or decrease the difficulty of your session to suit your fitness level, whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned athlete.
Different types of Elliptical machines or, Cross Trainers
Not all cross trainers are created equal. There are several types to consider based on your fitness needs and goals:
Hybrid Cross Trainers: These combine the features of a stepper and an elliptical, like the ProForm Carbon HIIT H7, offering the benefits of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) alongside cardio.
Elliptical Cross Trainers: The most common type, elliptical cross trainers provide a smooth gliding motion that engages both the upper and lower body.
Recumbent Cross Trainers: Machines like the Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer allow you to exercise in a seated position, making them ideal for users with mobility issues or those looking for a low-impact cardio option.
Best Cross Trainer Equipment
Bowflex Max Total 16: A Game Changer in Cross Trainers
For those looking to level up their fitness game, the Bowflex Max Total 16 offers a unique, high-performance experience. Known for its innovative design, this machine combines elements of both a stair climber and an elliptical, providing a high-intensity cardio workout. With interactive coaching and performance tracking via its built-in display, this model is perfect for those who love data-driven workouts.
Schwinn 470: Best home elliptical trainer & Perfect for Home Gyms
If you’re short on space but still want a top-tier cross trainer, the Schwinn 470 is a great choice. This compact elliptical fits seamlessly into any home gym, offering adjustable resistance levels, heart rate monitoring, and a display that tracks your time, distance, speed, and calories burned. It’s ideal for fitness enthusiasts who want to track their progress with precision.
Teeter FreeStep LT3: Best recumbent Elliptical for seniors
For a low-impact workout that’s gentle on the joints, the Teeter FreeStep LT3 is a fantastic option. Its recumbent design ensures that your body is supported throughout the workout, making it an excellent choice for individuals with mobility issues or those recovering from injury. Despite its low-impact nature, the FreeStep still offers a challenging workout, engaging both the upper and lower body.
ProForm Carbon HIIT H7: High-Intensity Interval Training Redefined
Looking to combine cardio and strength training? The ProForm Carbon HIIT H7 is designed for high-intensity interval training, providing short bursts of intense activity followed by periods of rest. Its adjustable resistance levels allow you to push your limits while still protecting your joints. This makes it ideal for those looking to burn fat and build muscle simultaneously.
Nautilus E618: Advanced Features for Serious Fitness Enthusiasts
The Nautilus E618 is another high-end cross trainer that offers magnetic resistance for a smooth and quiet workout experience. With multiple resistance levels, advanced performance tracking, and app integration, it’s perfect for users who take their fitness seriously and want to see real-time progress. Whether you’re training for a marathon or just trying to stay in shape, the Nautilus E618 has the features to help you succeed.
Top Features to Look for in a Cross Trainer
When shopping for a cross trainer, there are a few key features to keep in mind:
Heart rate monitor: Machines like the Schwinn 470 often come with built-in heart rate monitors, ensuring you stay within your target heart rate zone for optimal results.
Levels of magnetic resistance: Ensure that the machine offers enough resistance levels to match your fitness level and goals. Most high-quality cross trainers, such as those from Sunny Health Fitness, come with adjustable magnetic resistance, allowing you to tailor the difficulty of your workout. As you progress in your fitness journey, you can increase the resistance to push yourself further. This flexibility helps ensure that the cross trainer can adapt to your growing strength and endurance.
Display tracking: Look for cross trainers that display important metrics such as time, distance, speed, and calories burned.
Stride length: A longer stride length offers a more natural, comfortable movement.
What muscles does the elliptical work
Cross trainers are unique in that they engage multiple muscle groups at once. The pedaling motion targets the lower body, particularly the quads, hamstrings, and calves. At the same time, the handles engage your upper body, including your arms, chest, and back.
By adjusting the resistance, you can increase the intensity and challenge both your upper and lower body more effectively.
Cross Trainers vs. Other Cardio Machines
Compared to treadmills and stationary bikes, cross trainers offer a low-impact cardio option that is gentler on your body. Treadmills can be hard on the joints, especially during high-intensity running, while stationary bikes primarily target the lower body. Cross trainers, on the other hand, provide a total body workout, making them a more versatile piece of equipment.
Monitoring Heart Rate During Workouts
Many cross trainers come equipped with heart rate monitors, allowing you to track your heart rate in real-time. This is particularly useful for ensuring you’re working out at your target heart rate, which is essential for maximizing your cardiovascular workout and improving endurance.
Cross Trainer Workouts for Different Fitness Levels
Cross trainers can cater to all fitness levels. Beginners can start with lower resistance and shorter workouts, while more advanced users can increase the resistance and duration. Customizable workout plans make it easy to tailor your routine to your fitness goals, whether it’s weight loss, endurance building, or muscle toning.
How to Track Your Progress
To ensure that you’re making progress, use the display features on your cross trainer to track time, distance, speed, and calories burned. These metrics will give you a clear picture of how you’re improving over time and can help you adjust your workouts for optimal results.
Maintaining Your Cross Trainer for Longevity
To keep your cross trainer in top shape, regular maintenance is key. Ensure that the machine is clean and lubricated to prevent wear and tear. Regular checks on the magnetic resistance system and the pedals can help prolong the life of your machine.
How to Choose the Right Cross Trainer for You
When choosing a cross trainer, consider factors like space, fitness goals, and budget. If you’re unsure, consult a personal trainer to help identify which features are most important for your specific needs. Are you looking for weight loss, endurance building, or strength training? The type of cross trainer you select should align with these goals. If you’re unsure, consulting a personal trainer can help steer you in the right direction.
Conclusion
Cross trainers are an excellent addition to any home gym, offering a full-body, low-impact workout that is suitable for all fitness levels. Whether you’re aiming to lose weight, improve your cardiovascular health, or tone your muscles, investing in a high-quality cross trainer can make all the difference.
FAQs
How many calories can you burn on a cross trainer?
The number of calories burned depends on factors like resistance, intensity, and duration. On average, you can burn anywhere from 300 to 600 calories in a 30-minute session.
Is a cross trainer good for weight loss?
Yes! Cross trainers provide a great cardio workout that can help with weight loss when combined with a healthy diet.
Can a cross trainer help improve your endurance?
Absolutely. Regular use of a cross trainer can improve cardiovascular endurance and overall stamina.
How often should you use a cross trainer?
For best results, aim to use your cross trainer at least 3-4 times a week for 30 minutes to an hour per session.
Is a cross trainer suitable for people with joint issues?
Yes, cross trainers are low-impact, making them ideal for people with joint problems or those recovering from injuries.
