JTX’s Zenith is an impressive cross trainer that is more expensive than the Strider X7, but offers a lot of additional value. A lifetime warranty on the frame and a three-year warranty on parts and labour offer consumers protection when purchasing their trainer.
Over a dozen programmes, resistance levels, an advanced monitor and easy transport provide the function of a gym-quality cross trainer in reach of at-home enthusiasts.
Features and Specification
- Computer: real-time feedback, Bluetooth and iConsole
- Dimensions: 190(l) x 87(w) x 173(h)cm
- Flywheel: 17kg
- Max Weight: 165kg
- Programmes: 19
- Resistance: 16 levels; magnetic
- Stride: 21”
- Transport Wheels: Yes
- Weight: 90.6kg
- Warranty: Lifetime frame; 3-year labour and parts
JTX Zenith Review
Assembly
Assembly is easy, with JTX stating that the entire process takes 45 minutes. Upon arrival, the Zenith comes with all of the moving parts assembled. The upper handlebars are the only parts that require assembly.
The JTX Zenith comes with a user guide that walks you through the entire assembly process.
Build Quality
Build is a major consideration for a typical cross trainer. Home models are often built for non-intense usage and lack some of the most important features that make using a cross trainer beneficial for the user.
The unit comes with transport wheels and weighs a staggering 90.6kg, which shows the overall quality of the JTX Zenith.
Q-Factor is built-in to the design and is what allows for a comfortable, natural stride. The Q-Factor keeps your legs a natural distance apart and avoids rubbing, which is uncomfortable with longer sessions.
The Q-Factor is set at 150mm and the stride is kept long at 21.”
A 17kg flywheel provides a smooth workout and adds to the resistance of the cross trainer. Large resistance ranges allow for smooth, silent riding.
Reading through multiple reviews from users indicates that people, not just us writing this review, feel that the JTX Zenith has a build quality that you won’t often find outside of the gym. The heavier weight and bulkier frame keep the trainer stable throughout the entire session like most gym models offer.
If you need a cross trainer that offers better quality and stability than a regular home cross trainer, the JTX Zenith is a gym quality cross trainer that ticks all of these qualities off of the list.
Built-in Speakers
Working out is less repetitive and more fun when music is blasting in the background. Users can connect their MP3 player directly to the unit and take advantage of the high-quality speakers. You can easily cycle through your playlist and enjoy high quality sound at the same time.
Resistance
Resistance levels are controlled using JTX’s Smooth-Drive system that provides easy adjustment and silent transfers. Electro-magnetic resistance provides levels of difficulty that are available to both beginner and advanced users.
There are 16 levels of resistance to swap between.
A tap of a button is the only thing necessary to change resistance levels. Users should adjust the resistance to build more muscle and burn more calories. Throughout your transition from potentially out of shape to fit, your body will change, and you’ll need to adapt your difficulty level to accommodate the changes.
Resistance and heart rate are two ways to push your exercise to new heights and truly test your limitations.
Display Features
A home gym must offer the features you love with the data you need to increase your workout’s intensity. JTX has an advanced computer with Bluetooth built-in to accurately:
- Track stats
- Connect to fitness apps
- Measure heart rate
Statistics are displayed on the computer console, including time, distance, pulse, calories, RPM and pulse. The console further enables you to measure heart rate through hand sensors or a Polar chest strap that isn’t included.
Pre-programmed workouts are included in the console, 19 in total, that allow users to rapidly step on their cross trainer and enjoy a robust workout in the process. The programmes are intense and range from easy to advanced difficulty.
Users can adjust their profiles to change the difficulty of the programme.
Hill and interval programme options are included, with the following programme breakdown available:
- 1 manual
- 4 heart rate programmes
- 1 watt programme
- 1 design programme
- 12 fitness programmes
Users can change the settings to add a hill experience, which engages more muscles and requires users to exert more energy to complete their workout. If users hold onto the sensors or choose to purchase the chest strap, can burn excess calories and fat by increasing the intensity of their session.
Manual programme options provide the most flexibility, allowing users to adjust the incline and resistance to create a session that is difficult for them. Advanced users often prefer to use the manual option, although there are more than enough options built-in.
Price
The JTX Zenith is a well-built piece of exercise equipment offering users a professional 21” stride, multiple high-end features and a lifetime warranty on the frame. Price is set higher than a traditional home cross trainer due to the unit’s commercial-grade quality.
Pros
- 19 programmes for all fitness levels
- Large stride for natural movement
- Built-in speakers for additional workout motivation
- Quick, hassle-free assembly
Cons
- Tall design makes positioning difficult
Pedal height is 36cm and users will have to add their own height to this measurement to better estimate if their ceiling height is too low. If you’re living in a flat with a lower ceiling height, make sure it’s high enough before you complete a purchase.
Conclusion
JTX designed the Zenith model to be a commercial, gym-quality cross trainer. A long stride, heavy flywheel and multiple user programmes make the Zenith one of the best quality trainers available. A taller height can make it difficult for tall users to use the cross trainer without bumping their head on the ceiling in a smaller flat.
Aside from this one small complaint, this gym cross trainer has programmes and resistance that are perfect for new and advanced users.
When it comes time to move the unit, transport wheels allow you to move it in front of the table or a window. Advanced features, functions, massive stride and a lifetime frame warranty make the JTX Zenith a smart buy for serious, dedicated users.
You’re welcome to have a look at my picks for the best cross trainers or read reviews of related cross trainers below.
Related Reviews:
JTX Fitness Tri-fit
Branx Fitness X-Fit