What's the best cross trainer? What's the difference between a cross and an elliptical trainer?
Let's clear up the issue of cross or elliptical trainer first. You'll hear both terms used but they're both the same - it just depends how you use it. 'Elliptical' refers to the crescent or flattened circular action of the pedals. If you use your arms to move the handles as well it becomes a cross trainer, i.e., you're using both your arms and legs.
An elliptical cross trainer is a good choice if:-
- You're currently very overweight
- You're recovering from an illness or injury
- You live in a flat or apartment
- You want to improve your cardio-vascular fitness
Advantages:
Very easy to use.
Suitable if very overweight.
Good for weight loss if new to exercise.
Puts very little stress on your joints.
Tones legs, bums, shoulders and arms.
Foldable models available.
Excellent for rehabilitation.
Can be used with or without arms.
Very little chance of injury.
You can get a good machine for under £350.
Good for cardio-vascular training (although not as good as a treadmill).
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Disadvantages:
Some can find the action a bit dull.
Takes up more space than an exercise bike.
Budget models can have a short stride length which limits benefits.
Foldable models can still be bulky.
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So What's The Best Cross Trainer For Me?
One of the main features of an elliptical trainer you should consider is the stride length. Most budget models come with a 16" stride which is fine if your under 5' 10". If you're taller than this the benefits will start to diminish.
You'll need to spend over £400 to get a cross trainer with an 18" stride length. Some of the top of the range machines will have a 20" pattern. The stride is only an issue for taller people as you'll only use the range your legs can manage, that is, if you're under 5" you can use any machine.
Elliptical trainers offer a great way for those over weight, recovering from injury or completely new to exercise. Many people who've suffered knee injuries from sport find the long elliptical stride is easy on their joints. Because your feet never leave the pedals this is a very low impact type of exercise.
Like bikes and treadmills, many modern cross trainers have pre-set programmes to control the resistance on the pedals or set target speeds. This can help to get your heart beating at the optimum fat-burning rate and keep you in that zone for the period of your training.
The top of the range machines have varying stride patterns available to work different muscle groups - but these cost over £2,300!
Best cross trainers in our view are:-
Top of the range - Life Fitness ellipticals - prices start at around £1,400.
Mid-priced models - Kettler Cross Trainers - prices start at around £500.
Budget trainers - NordicTrack or York Cross Trainers- prices from around £250.
For more help see finding the best cross trainer at our elliptical review site.
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