Jump right in – Quick Pick | Best Cross Trainers | By Price | Buyer’s Guide
With a surge in popularity in recent years, cross trainers, also known as elliptical trainers, can give a good cardio workout. But, choosing the right one can be a difficult task – especially as there is so much choice online.
Cross Trainers Currently In Stock
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L60 x W29.5 x H68 inches | L51 x W27.5 x H67 in | L56.6 x W24.8 x H66.5 in |
| features: • 3 levels incline • 17kg/ 37lbs Flywheel • 18 pre-set programs + custom • 16 resistance levels • 16-20 in/ 41-51 cm adjustable stride • App compatible | features: • Best seller for fitness and weight loss • 12.5kg/ 27.5lbs Flywheel • 24 pre-set programs + 4 custom • 16 electro-magnetic resistance levels • 16 in/ 41 cm stride • Transport wheels and compact size | features: • Popular basic model • 9kg/ 20lbs Flywheel • 20 pre-set programs • 32 electronic resistance levels • 15 in/ 38 cm stride • Dual handles |
Best Cross Trainers – Our Top 9 Picks
We review a variety of cross trainers to keep the top list comparison updated. The models below are currently available with online retailers and are highly recommended.
1. Bowflex Max Trainer M5 – Best High-End Model
Top of our list is the Bowflex Max Trainer M5, which at over £1000 is at the high end of the market.
Combining the benefits of the elliptical and the stair climber in one machine, you’ll certainly be in for a challenging workout. However, this is one of the biggest benefits of the M5 as each 14 minute workout can allow you to burn 2.5 times more calories than on a standard elliptical, and it’s low impact too.
In addition to this, the M5 is also able to link up with your smartphone via Bluetooth. Essentially, this means that you’ll be able to sync workouts which is a particularly useful option for those who use fitness apps to keep a record of their exercise routines.
For each of these reasons and more, the M5 is our choice for the best high-end trainer.
Generally, you will get what you pay for. However, no matter what your budget is, we are here to help you make the right choice – whether you have £100 to spend or if you can stretch out to over £1000. So, read on, and you’ll find out everything you need to know.
2. JTX Tri-Fit – Best Under £1000
With a variable stride length of between 16” – 20”, multi-user set up, 12 pre-programmed routines and more, the JTX Tri-Fit gets our pick for the best Under £1000.
If your budget extends to this price point, then you are going to get a premium product with this particular model. Electro-magnetic resistance ensures that you get smooth operation with every stride, and this is helped further by the 17kg flywheel.
Bluetooth connectivity is a great bonus feature, as this allows you to follow interactive routes on an external device such as a tablet and monitor your workouts too. This equates to a fantastic experience and you really do get a lot for your money with the JTX Tri-Fit.
It’s safe to say that we were very impressed with this unit, and it comes highly recommended by us.
3. JTX Strider-X7- Best Under £500
Made by one of the leading manufacturers of fitness equipment, JTX is undoubtedly a reputable brand that is renowned for its plethora of well made and easy to use a range of fitness machines.
The JTX Strider-X7 is certainly no exception to this, and it is a best-seller in the mid-range category.
It’s easy to see why this is the case. After all, it is a sturdy and durable machine that comes complete with a touchscreen onboard computer, 21 built-programmes, a 16” stride length, and 16 levels of resistance for a range of challenging workouts.
Although, the downside that we identified is that the hand pulse sensors aren’t always accurate.
In spite of this, the JTX Strider-X7 is a great all-rounder at this particular price point and comes recommended by us if your maximum budget is around the £500 mark. For a detailed review of the JTX Strider-X7 see our detailed review.
4. Hammer Crosstech XTR
With a substantial 16kg flywheel, 16 levels of resistance, and 16 built-in workouts, it’s safe to say that we were very impressed when we reviewed the Hammer Crosstech XTR.
The built-in workouts are great for beginners, and they form a great basis to get you started. Adjustable loads are available on 12 of the profiles, whereas the other 4 allow you to stay in the target heart rate range.
In turn, this leads to optimal calorie burning and we really liked this feature. As well as this, the multiple levels of resistance allow you to gradually move onto more challenging workouts.
Combined with the hefty 16kg flywheel, we found that this was definitely one of the best features of the Hammer Crosstech XTR as the smooth operation meant we were able to take part in our workouts comfortably without any issues.
However, the fact that there’s no bottle holder and it is more suited towards beginners means that more advanced users might be better looking elsewhere.
5. JLL CT300 – Best Under £300
Featuring a 9 function on-board computer, a 5.5kg flywheel, and multiple resistance levels, the JLL CT300 is an affordable option for those with a slightly larger budget than our sub £100 recommendation.
Combined with built-in heart rate sensors and a tablet holder, the JLL CT300 is certainly a great option at this price point.
We found that it offered a great range of resistance levels and operated smoothly thanks to the 5.5kg two-way flywheel.
However, there are no built-in workout programmes available. That certainly isn’t a deal breaker though, and it gets our choice for the best model under £300. Our JLL CT300 review takes a closer look if you want to know more.
6. Pro XS Sports – Best Budget Cross Trainer
If you have a limited budget but would still like to purchase an elliptical, then you’ll find that the Pro XS Sports 2 in 1 is a great choice machine on a tight budget.
Coming in at less than £100, this particular model is a great entry-level machine – perfect for those who are looking for something that gets the job done at a low cost.
Adjustable resistance on this particular model ensures that you can adjust the tension to your liking – depending on whether you are performing a high or a low intensity workout.
The resistance is controlled using a tension dial, a chain driven flywheel, and belt resistance which is often used on entry level models.
The maximum user weight comes in at 110kg. This is less than some of its competitors which are often around the 130kg maximum weight mark.
2 in 1 Functionality
One of the biggest benefits of the Pro XS Sports is that it is a 2 in 1 machine. Essentially, this means that this model comes with an adjustable seat.
This allows you to use the machine like a stationary bike too, which adds to the appeal of this trainer.
Furthermore, there is also an LED display that measures time, speed, distance and calories. It also measures heart rate too using hand sensors – displaying your pulse rate on the screen.
You can pay extra to have the product assembled professionally, but this will push the cost beyond £100.
Expert assembly costs around £40, but if you can stretch out those extra few pounds it is definitely worth it.
However, if you choose to assemble it yourself, you can rest assured that full comprehensive instructions are provided.
If you are looking for exercise equipment that is even cheaper and compact then a stepper machine is a good option.
7. Maxi Glider 360 – Best Folding Cross Trainer
For those who are in search of a machine that also folds away for easy storage, the Maxi Glider 360 might well be the option you are looking for.
It allows you to get a full body workout by utilising 10 major muscle groups. So, for overall calorie burn, this gives it the edge over other options such as the treadmill which places more stress on the joints.
Four different types of movement including a 360 rotate, glide, ski, and split are a major selling point of this model, and it comes in at a reasonable cost of less than £130.
For those who are short on space and looking for a budget-friendly and easy to move unit, this is certainly a fantastic choice.
The fact that the Maxi Glider 360 comes complete with a tablet holder is a nice added bonus too. This allows you to store your device in a convenient place so that you can watch videos while you work out.
8. JTX Fitness Zenith
JTX’s top of the line Zenith model is a gym grade elliptical cross trainer. It ticks all the boxes, as a professional machine should. Starting from build quality to console connectivity.
Specs of this machine consider extensive use – duration and user weight. The machine’s weight is 190 lbs/86 kg and it leads to a very robust and durable machine that can handle a user weight of up to 364lbs/165kg. This is one of a few machines that are relevant to heavy users. It is also a big machine that would be comfortable for users of all heights.
You’ll benefit from a wide range of workout difficulty levels with a flywheel of 37.5lbs/17kg and 16 resistance levels, and a stride length of 21in/53cm.
There are 19 pre-set programs and the option of setting custom ones. The Bluetooth feature allows connecting with different smartphone and tablet apps – workout in tracks around the world.
9. Reebok ZR8
Reebok might be known for its renowned sportswear range. But, they also produce a range of fantastic fitness equipment too. The Reebok ZR8 is just one of their cross trainers – coming complete with 12 pre-set workout programmes and 32 levels of resistance.
This is perfect for adding variety into your workouts and allows you to increase the difficulty as you become more advanced. Therefore, the Reebok ZR8 is a fantastic option for home users and claims the title for our recommendation for the best home cross trainer.
For starters, it is an affordable option from a reputable brand – coming in at less than £200 which is great if you have a limited budget.
The maximum user weight comes in at 120kg too, which is decent for a mid-range model.
Assembly
If you’re willing to put in the graft and assemble it yourself, then you can save yourself money. However, the biggest drawback is that assembly most definitely isn’t the easiest. So, if you don’t really know what you’re doing, you might just find putting the product together with a difficult and time-consuming task.
Thankfully, there is an option to have the product assembled by an expert. However, this comes in at an additional cost of around £40 which might push you beyond your budget.
In spite of this, we’d definitely recommend going for this option as it can save you so much time and effort and you’ll know that it has been put together properly.
You can take a closer look at this model in our Reebok ZR8 cross trainer review.
Update: there is a newer version of this model available: the Reebok ZR9.
Cross Trainers by Price
Under £100
£100 – £299
- Reebok ZR9
- Roger Black
- JLL CT300
- Body Sculpture BE5920
- V-Fit MCCT1
- We R Sports 2-In-1
- Ultrasport F-Bike
- Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3804
£300 – £599
- York Aspire
- Reebok ZR8
- HealthRider 1250
- JTX Strider-X7
- Hammer Crosstech XTR
- NordicTrack E9.5
- York Active 120
- YUMO Elliptical
- XIAOWEI Cross Trainer
£600 – £999
- NordicTrack E7.2
- JTX Tri-fit
- Branx Fitness X-Fit
- JTX Mission Air Bike
- JTX Zenith
- JLL C600 PRO
Over £1,000
What to Look for When Buying a Cross Trainer
There are plenty of things that you need to look out for. In this section, you’ll find out everything you need to know.
Length of Stride
This is an important feature to consider.
This is because a smaller stride length is typically more beneficial for those who are starting out and in search of a lower intensity workout.
However, if you are looking for a more intense workout, then a bigger stride length is exactly what is needed.
A stride length of between 16”-21” is optimal if you’re in search of a more difficult workout. But, even if you are a complete beginner, this gives you more room to increase the difficulty over time as you become more advanced.
Resistance
At the lower end of the scale, a belt is often used for resistance. These are generally low quality so they might not be as robust or be able to stand the test of time.
However, mid-range to high end range models often feature a flywheel that offers a greater range of resistance. As well as this, they are far more likely to handle regular use for many years.
Adjustable resistance is an absolute must. This is because having control over your workout gives you more freedom to work at a level that you are comfortable with. Or, conversely, it allows you to challenge yourself so that you can get fitter over time.
The top machines out there offer you multiple levels of resistance. They can either be controlled digitally using an onboard console, or a traditional dial.
The on-board console option is likely to be available on higher end options. Although, they can also be found on cheaper models too, albeit with more basic functionality.
In high end models, the resistance is often controlled by electromagnetic resistance. But, this can vary depending on the actual model itself.
This is generally the most effective and efficient form of resistance. However, motor-based resistance systems allow you to control the resistance via the onboard console. So, this is a handy feature when compared to a standard mechanical control knob.
Smoothness of Stepping
If you are hoping to make your workout experience as comfortable as possible, it is important to pay attention to the stride of the cross trainer.
An unstable or jerky motion is sure to make for an unpleasant workout. Therefore, it is advisable to ensure the drive train is of high quality and that the weight of the flywheel is substantial enough.
If you’re looking to purchase a flywheel based unit, then it is a good idea to stick to one with a flywheel with an absolute minimum weight of 5kg.
This is to ensure that it runs as smoothly as possible.
On-Board Console
Most cross trainers nowadays feature what is called an onboard console. This is a small computer type device that looks a little like a cycle computer that you would attach to a bicycle.
While its features are often limited on budget models, they usually provide information that allows you to track your workouts.
This includes the option to track the length of your workout, speed, distance, and even calories burned.
Some units even come complete with a heart-rate monitoring function. The heart-rate sensors are usually placed either below the onboard console or on the handles which you hold while working out.
External heart rate monitors can even be linked to certain models. Although, you will usually need to purchase one separately.
On-board consoles can also feature built-in workout programmes too. This makes a change from the standard resistance levels available on more budget options. This will help add more variety to your workouts and even track your progress.
Maximum User Weight and Stability
A good quality trainer will typically have a maximum user weight of around 130kg (20 stone).
If the maximum user weight is around this figure or above, then this typically suggests that the build quality of the machine is decent.
Stability is also something which you should consider.
The last thing that you want to happen is for the machine to tip up during use. So, effective stabilisers are needed to ensure that this doesn’t occur.
Additional Features
Having easy access to your sports equipment while exercising is most definitely a bonus feature when choosing the best model for you.
While features such as a bottle holder and a tablet/phone holder are most definitely not essential, this can be hugely beneficial when working out.
A place to hold your phone or tablet is handy as you will be able to watch videos and/or listen to music throughout your workout.
Furthermore, having easy access to a drink will help you stay adequately hydrated throughout your session.
Routine maintenance
The basic maintenance of a cross trainer includes cleaning, lubricating, tightening loose screws, and replacing batteries. Our complete guide covers maintenance and troubleshooting anyone should perform regularly, and a number of useful links.
Used Cross Trainer Machine
If you have the patience, you could find hardly used exercise machines at low prices. There’s some risk when buying second hand, but with a few helpful tips and some leg work you could score big.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Benefits of Cross Trainers?
If you are looking to get a great cardio workout, then you’ll find that a cross trainer is absolutely ideal for exactly that.
Not only will you be able to burn a high number of calories, you’ll also be able to work the entire body while taking part in a low-impact exercise.
Therefore, your joints will be protected which gives it the edge over alternative fitness machines including the treadmill.
In addition to this, you will be able to easily adjust the intensity of your workout too. You can do this by adjusting the resistance of your machine.
This makes them perfect for all levels of ability – whether you’re a complete beginner or more of an advanced user.
How Many Calories Can You Burn During a Cross Trainer Workout?
As you will be working your whole body, it’s possible to burn a high number of calories – whether it is a high intensity interval training session or a steady state cardio routine.
The moving handles mean that you will utilise muscles in your upper body.
However, to burn a higher number of calories, it is best to keep the intensity to a medium-high level.
In terms of actual numbers, you can often burn up to 240 calories in a 30 minute session.
Although, this varies on the intensity of the workout.
Which Muscles Are Used in a Cross Trainer Workout?
As we mentioned previously, the cross trainer provides a fantastic workout that utilises muscles in the whole body.
In terms of the lower body, it will work your hamstrings, quadriceps, and glutes too.
This will allow you to tone these areas effectively and it supplements lower bodyweight training exercises such as squats and the leg press nicely.
In addition, it also works the upper body too. This includes the chest, back, biceps, and triceps.
With each revolution you perform, you will be utilising pushing and pulling movements in these muscle groups – that’s if you hold onto the moving handles.
Overall, if you are looking to increase your fitness levels and are in search of the perfect cardio workout alongside your weight training, the elliptical is a great option.
If your priority is to build muscle then a home multi gym may be a better choice. Take a look at our best home multi gym guide.
What is Better, a Cross Trainer or a Treadmill?
Both are two hugely popular methods of getting a cardio workout.
However, the cross trainer has the edge in terms of overall calorie burning potential.
This is because it works muscles both in the lower and upper body, meaning it’s a great way to increase your heart rate and help those who are looking to lose weight.
If burning fat is one of your goals, I’ve listed a few cross trainer workouts for weight loss. These workouts are ordered by their duration.
An added bonus is the low impact movement. This means that there is less stress on your joints when compared to using a treadmill for example.
How to Safely Use a Cross Trainer?
A cross trainer is a type of elliptical machine that simulates running, walking and stair climbing. Like other cardio machines, they’re easy to use – although they do require some coordination. I listed the dos and don’ts of the cross trainer in my how to use a cross trainer article.
Using a cross trainer is as simple as:
- Stepping onto the machine and placing your feet on the pedals.
- Pushing forward to start pedaling.
- Select your resistance level or built-in workout.
- Holding onto the moveable arms while pedaling.