Cross Trainer

 
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The cross trainers available in our catalogue stand out for being the best on the market in terms of quality and price. Brands such as Life Fitness, Sole Fitness, BH Fitness and NordicTrack are some of the names you will find in our catalogue. We will guide you and help you to find the one that best suits your needs and goals. We have a range of different models: folding cross trainers, home models, professional models and many more.

All shipments made from Spain & Portugal are free and, in addition, you can pay your purchase in practical and comfortable instalments to make everything even easier for you.

Guide to buying cross trainers

If you've come this far, it's probably because you're thinking of buying a cross trainer, right? If the answer is a resounding yes, read on because this is of interest to you. Here at GymCompany we offer you a practical buying guide to help you find the perfect elliptical cross trainer for you.

So before you start looking through our extensive catalogue of cross trainers, let us give you some advice. Why? Simple: a purchase of this kind is not only a financial investment, but also a health investment. That's why we don't want you to make decisions lightly.

We want you to buy the best fitness product and the one that best suits what you are looking for. In short, do you want a cross trainer but don't know which one to choose? Don't worry, Gym Company can help you.

Below we will answer some of the most common questions you may have along your journey in search of the best cross trainer. Let's get started!

What is a cross trainer?

The cross trainer is one of the most used and loved cardio machines by users. Designed to exercise all the muscles of the body simultaneously, this elliptical trainer is the best option and alternative for gentle physical activity. Many people comment that the exercise is not so heavy on them and that they have much more fun doing it. A gym machine that will help you achieve your fitness goals.

The cardio rooms in gyms are full of them, and there are even centres that offer classes with elliptical trainers! Going back to the cardio rooms, I'm sure that more than once you've experienced this typical situation: you walk in the door of the gym, approach the cardio room and see that all the elliptical machines are in use.

Yes, this is a somewhat annoying setback. However, it is also an excellent sign of the success of these machines. For this reason, more and more people are looking for an affordable model of home elliptical trainer so that they don't miss their cardio session and avoid not doing any physical activity at all.

Their success is not only due to the purchases, but also to how easy and comfortable they are to use. Moreover, it is perfect for all types of users: both beginners and experienced fitness enthusiasts. This seems to be the case with all types of cardio machines, but with these in particular, this fact is much truer.

What is the difference between a cross trainer and other cardio fitness machines?

In fact, we are going to solve one of the most frequently asked questions by our customers and users in general, the answer to which is also the reason for its success in sales.

Surely you too have asked yourself what the difference is between an elliptical trainer and, for example, a treadmill or an exercise bike. Well, the biggest difference between them lies in the impact of the exercise on your body and joints.

Cross trainers offer a cardiovascular workout based on oval movements. These are similar to those of a traditional bike but involve many more muscle groups than a traditional bike. This type of movement means that the joints of the legs (knee and ankle) do not receive a direct and aggressive impact, but the natural and fluid impact of the body. Something that, if you are one of those people who are just starting out in the world of fitness, is perfect for you. And if you are one of those who have a lot of experience in races and marathons, it will help you to improve possible pain and injuries caused by the constant impact with the asphalt.

Going back to the number of muscle groups involved in elliptical training, these muscles are expanded and move the whole body. In other words: with this machine you will exercise your upper and lower body completely. This is not the case with other cardio machines that you can find in a gym. Exercise bikes, for example, only involve all the leg muscles more directly.

Benefits of the cross trainer

In short, the cross trainer combines the benefits of step, rowing and exercise bikes in a single machine. This means that with the use of this machine you will be able to:

  • Promote fat loss
  • Increase your metabolism, do cardio
  • Increase your endurance
  • Do physical exercise without joint wear and tear
  • Exercise your muscles completely

This applies to all types of ellipticals that exist, of course, which we will explain a little further on.

Types of cross trainer for sale online

Did you know that there are different types of cross trainer? Each of them has specific and differentiating characteristics, although they all start from the same operating basis. Let's see which ones exist!

Front-wheel drive cross trainer

The flywheel of this type of cross trainer is located at the front of the frame. The movement it provides is flatter than that of other machines, but it also offers a much wider stride.

This last feature is decisive for those people who are looking for more demanding workouts and who need a wider and larger stride. These users will have more fun with it.

Rear-wheel drive cross trainer

This type of cross trainer has the flywheel located at the rear, which provides more inertia. This detail results in an ergonomic, smooth and comfortable stride.

In addition, it contains fewer moving parts compared to a front-wheel drive elliptical. Therefore, it does not require as much maintenance and repairs, making it a very practical model for both home and professional gyms.

Centre-drive cross trainer

These cross trainers are characterized by being smaller than the rest and by focusing the mechanism of action in the centre of their structure. The rest of the mechanisms are located on the sides. In this way, their structure is more solid and resistant. The user's body is also in a more natural and ergonomic position.

Folding cross trainer

As the name suggests, these cross trainers are characterized by the fact that they can be folded and are distinguished by the characteristic of being fixed, precisely because of this attribute. This feature is very beneficial and interesting for users who are looking for a competitive model, but do not have much space at home to keep it.

Is this you? If so, you know what your best option is. Keep in mind that these models offer almost the same features as non-folding models.

Outdoor cross trainer

This is perhaps the best option for those who can't do an indoor cardio workout. In fact, if you are a fan of running on asphalt, you should know that with this elliptical trainer you will be able to enjoy it without harming your body: no severe impact on your joints!

You may not be familiar with them, but outdoor cross trainers are a hit in the USA, where studies have been carried out to analyse the exact benefits of these cross trainers. The most famous model for some years now has been the Elliptigo. These machines provide the same performance as their indoor sisters but are much lighter and faster.

What is the price of an cross trainer?

The price of elliptical cross trainer varies greatly depending on the features and extras they incorporate, as well as the materials they are made of. Not to mention the brand to which a particular model belongs. Each manufacturer builds its elliptical according to its own criteria and applies the most competitive price for it.

Generally speaking, the following price ranges can be distinguished according to the price of each model:

  • High range: professional models ranging from £1000 upwards.
  • Mid-range: Here we find ellipticals with a good price-quality ratio, between £400-£1000.
  • Low range: This scale includes cheap cross trainer priced between £100 and £400.

To choose between models, you need to consider how much money you have available. In other words, what your budget is. In this way, you can focus on those machines that are more affordable for you. However, our experience has confirmed a fact related to limited budgets.

If this is your case, let us tell you that sometimes it is better to invest a little more and go for a machine whose features will allow you to achieve your goals and have a bike with a longer service life. We are not talking about disproportionate amounts, but we are talking about being aware that quality is worth it: you are not only investing money, but also your health!

How much space does a cross trainer take up at home?

When it comes to the measurements of elliptical trainer, there are many parameters. They all depend on the model and type of machine. To answer this question, you must first answer another one that will allow you to better understand your possibilities. "How much space do I have at home?” The answer to this question will be much more useful and effective for you, as well as letting you find out what type of elliptical trainer is best to buy for your needs.

The size of your cross trainer is a crucial detail to consider before choosing one model or another. The reason lies in your comfort. It is not the same to finish exercising and leave the machine in the same place, as it is to move it to another part of your home. In fact, it is not unusual to find that cross trainers intended for home use are usually smaller than those found in gyms.

For this reason, GymCompany recommends that in addition to the size, you take into account the shipping and transfer facilities offered by the different existing models. For example, the wheels and grips for transport and whether or not they are foldable are some of these convenience-based features.

Broadly speaking, the standard dimensions of an elliptical trainer are usually in the following range:

  • Length: 180-200 cm
  • Width: 50-60 cm
  • Height: 160 cm

Also, when choosing a particular model, you should consider who will be using it. A taller person will not use an elliptical in the same way as a smaller person. Therefore, you should also keep stride length in mind. Ideally, 50-51 cm is the stride length of most gym ellipticals.

Features of a cross trainer

Flywheel

The flywheel is one of the most important points of any elliptical trainer. It determines not only the type of machine, but also the type of mechanism that makes it work and allows you to pedal.

In short, the flywheel is the modern and updated version of the classic chain of the traditional bicycle. It consists of an iron disc that activates its movement when the user starts pedaling. This disc will always go faster than the pedaling, something that will indicate the degree of smoothness of the pedaling. In other words, the faster the flywheel, the smoother the pedaling and therefore the movement.

The resistance of the cross trainer is also determined by the flywheel, as well as the weight of the flywheel. The greater the weight of the flywheel, the greater the resistance it exerts on the machine. This will involve more or less wear and tear on the joints, always bearing in mind that ellipticals do not cause them to suffer excessively.

However, for this reason, for those people with joint problems or ailments, it is more advisable to buy an elliptical trainer with a low weight flywheel.

Magnets

Before magnets, these machines incorporated friction belts to increase resistance. As time went by and technology advanced, it was discovered that this only meant more wear and tear on the machine, more noise and a greater need for periodic maintenance. For this reason, the paradigm was changed and magnets began to be used.

This point directly influences the quietness of the pedalling movement on the elliptical trainer. The magnets receive the force of the movement of the flywheels, which is transmitted to them in the form of heat. They must therefore be able to withstand the heat in order to function fully.

With this in mind, there are two types of cross trainers:

  • Aeromagnetic: they have magnets whose quality is higher and whose structure is equipped with slots for air to pass through, allowing them to cool down.
  • Electromagnetic: they incorporate transformers with a function that allows them to convert electricity into magnetic energy. For this reason, they must be connected to the electrical current during use. They also usually incorporate ventilation holes.

Resistance

The resistance of the elliptical trainer is its major and key feature. This feature differentiates them from, for example, treadmills, which focus more on speed.

Depending on how you intend to use your elliptical, you will need to provide more or less resistance to your training programme. Training for a race is not the same as training to burn calories or increase your body's metabolic rate. Likewise, if you are an experienced exerciser, you may well need a greater variety of levels than those who only use their machine occasionally.

Each type of elliptical trainer seen above has two types of resistance:

  • Mechanical: a simple mechanism that is unlocked by turning the central rosette. This activates the cable that brings a magnet close to the flywheel, creating the resistance you want.
  • Motorised: allows you to adjust the difficulty of the ride from the console screen. Unlike the mechanical model, this one contemplates a greater number and variety of resistances. It also allows you to process training programmes and pre-configured routes.

Drive belt

The drive belt is responsible for connecting the flywheel and the pedals in terms of movement. It also plays an important role in how long you can use your bike. In other words: depending on the quality of this element, you will be able to use your bike more or less hours per week.

Therefore, before you choose a cross trainer in our shop, you should consider how many workouts you intend to do per week and how long each one lasts. You don't have to determine this in a fixed way, but it’s good to have a rough idea.

Pedals

Connected to the flywheel, the pedals are responsible for supporting your movement on the elliptical trainer. They are the basis of your workout and the reason why the machine spins. They can be adjusted to different resistances and move back and forth.

Many cross trainer also offer adjustable pedals to suit the user's height and the angle of their feet. Others offer a damping system that allows the pedals to be tilted by up to 2°. This offsets the pressure on ankles and knees, making pedalling easier and less tiring.

Stride length

Stride length directly influences the smoothness of pedalling. To put it more concretely, the longer the stride length, the more beneficial the machine is for your body's health.

This varies from about 7 inches on simpler models, up to 21 inches on higher quality machines. Some ellipticals even come with stride lengths of 26 inches for taller users.

Weight of users

In the same way that not everyone has the same hair colour, not all users weigh the same. That is why, like any other gym machine, elliptical trainers adapt to their users. The vast majority of these machines can tolerate up to 100 to 120 kilograms of user weight.

Console

Thanks to the advancement of technology and smart devices, many fitness machines have integrated consoles with screens to make them easier to use. They have even integrated the possibility of making tablets and mobiles compatible. Thanks to them, you can be aware of what you are doing and how you are training.

On the technical side, they are usually LED or LCD screens of between 5 and 7 inches. Some features that you can find in the configuration of elliptical trainer screens are:

  • Pedal speed
  • Exercise in progress
  • Incline levels
  • Time spent
  • Distance travelled

Cross trainer extras

Many brands add extras to their elliptical trainers to complete their features and add some useful accessories. To give you an idea, some of the most common extras are as follows:

  • Bottle holder
  • Tablet and device holder
  • Headphone jack
  • Ventilation systems
  • And a whole host of other features

Which elliptical trainer should I choose?

When faced with this doubt, there are two points you must establish. Firstly, what you want to use it for and secondly, what budget you have available. Both have already been mentioned before, but it is always a good idea to take stock.

At Gym Company, we offer you a large catalogue of cross trainers of all ranges and brands. All of them have their own characteristics and particularities, but none of them will leave you indifferent. You can also see the price range of their elliptical machines and the intensity of use for which they are intended in the following table:

Brand

Price range

Intensity of use

Cross trainer by BH Fitness £339 - £5996 Low - Professional
Cross trainer by Bodytone £849 - £4446 Medium - Professional
Cross trainer by Cybex £3195 - £14696 Professional
Cross trainer by Fytter £285 - £570 Low - Medium
Cross trainer by Horizon £419 - £1430 Low - High
Cross trainer by Kettler £473 - £2800 Low - High
Cross trainer by LF Commercial £3595 - £11596 Professional
Cross trainer by Life Fitness £1495 - £11996 High - Professiona
Cross trainer by Matrix £4699 - £10686 Professional
Cross trainer by NordicTrack £449 - £2000 Low - High
Cross trainer by Octane £2195 - £8996 High - Professional
Cross trainer by Precor £2995 - £14996 High - Professional
Cross trainer by Proform £379 - £1400 Low - Medium
Cross trainer by Reebok £349 - £1196 Low - Medium
Cross trainer by Star Trac £4995 - £9996 Professional
Cross trainer by Technogym £3295 - £5796 Professional

Can I buy a professional elliptical for my home?

Of course you can. If you have the space in your home to accommodate it, it is entirely feasible to buy the best cross trainer for the home environment. Luckily, there are brands that offer commercial (Professional) folding models that are a good option to consider.

In addition, these types of gym machines are always a safe bet, and a very good investment. The durability of these machines is exceptional compared to other domestic models. On the downside, they are less enjoyable and somewhat more complex to use. It will take a little more time to get used to it, but it will be worth it.

As you will have seen, Ellipticals put a whole world of cardio training within your reach. More and more people are interested in them and end up falling in love with their machine.

We hope we have helped you with your doubts. And now you know that if you have any questions or queries, go to the contact page of our website. There you will find the means by which you can get in touch with us, we will be happy to help you!