Crosstrainers from the biggest brands

The crosstrainer (sometimes called an elliptical trainer) is a fitness machine that combines a number of exercises such as walking or running, stepper movement and cross-country skiing. Crosstrainers have pedals suspended above the ground that move back and forth and up and down. Since the user's feet never touch the ground, the impacts that occur when walking or running are eliminated, which is essential for people suffering from back problems. The hanging pedals move in an oval (elliptical) shape and, during training, mainly stress the legs.

Crosstrainer Rotex 600

Technogym - XT Pro

Crosstrainer Rotex 600 Technogym

Listed price 7 740 € in.VAT

990 € in.VAT825 € ex.VAT

Crosstrainer Glidex 600

Technogym - XT Pro

Crosstrainer Glidex 600 Technogym

Listed price 8 388 € in.VAT

1 254 € in.VAT1 045 € ex.VAT

Crosstrainer E9500HR

Life Fitness - Next Generation

Crosstrainer E9500HR Life Fitness

Listed price 7 188 € in.VAT

1 446 € in.VAT1 205 € ex.VAT

Crosstrainer E1 GO

Life Fitness - Home

Crosstrainer E1 GO Life Fitness

 Brand-new device

1 452 € in.VAT1 210 € ex.VAT

Crosstrainer CardioWave 500

Technogym - Excite

Crosstrainer CardioWave 500 Technogym

Listed price 4 464 € in.VAT

1 458 € in.VAT1 215 € ex.VAT

Crosstrainer E8000

Matrix - Johnson

Crosstrainer E8000 Matrix

Listed price 4 382,40 € in.VAT

1 866 € in.VAT1 555 € ex.VAT

Crosstrainer EFX815 P10

Precor - 810 Line

Crosstrainer EFX815 P10 Precor

Listed price 7 275,60 € in.VAT

1 902 € in.VAT1 585 € ex.VAT

Crosstrainer CardioWave 700i

Technogym - Excite

Crosstrainer CardioWave 700i Technogym

Listed price 6 348 € in.VAT

1 938 € in.VAT1 615 € ex.VAT

Crosstrainer E1 Track Connect

Life Fitness - Home

Crosstrainer E1 Track Connect Life Fitness

 Brand-new device

1 980 € in.VAT1 650 € ex.VAT

Crosstrainer EFX833 P30

Precor - 830 Line

Crosstrainer EFX833 P30 Precor

Listed price 10 188 € in.VAT

2 070 € in.VAT1 725 € ex.VAT

Crosstrainer E1x-01 EP95

Matrix - 1X

Crosstrainer E1x-01 EP95 Matrix

Listed price 5 493,60 € in.VAT

2 142 € in.VAT1 785 € ex.VAT

Crosstrainer TBT

Star Trac - E Series

Crosstrainer TBT Star Trac

Listed price 6 987,60 € in.VAT

2 250 € in.VAT1 875 € ex.VAT

The machines are designed in such a way that the resistance can be changed to make training easier or more intense. Because the elliptical movement is fluid, the use of such an apparatus will not cause any stress on the spine.

The advantages of the crosstrainer

  • Very low stress on the spine and joints in general.
  • This device provides an effective cardiovascular workout and helps build muscle strength when the higher resistance settings are used.
  • Most crosstrainers allow the user to adjust the resistance levels.
  • Some models offer pedals that move in two directions (i.e. forward or backward) which exercises multiple muscle groups and adds variety to the workout.
  • Some models of elliptical trainers also have handles that will stress the upper part of the body (in a movement similar to that of cross-country skiing).

The disadvantages of the crosstrainer

  • Some people find it difficult to start the movement because of the pedals that are not resting on the ground. On the other hand, you have to exert enough push to start the movement.
  • As the movements are flexible and offer a low impact, this exercise requires no force and therefore does not strengthen the bones and muscles (a key element for the prevention of osteoporosis)
  • The effort is mainly concentrated on the legs, even on machines which have a “ski” function thanks to their mobile arms. Practitioners will therefore take care to add exercises that apply to the upper body in order to benefit from a balanced training.
  • Crosstrainers can be expensive. If the basic models cost only a few hundred euros, the high-end models, with more features, cost several thousand euros.
  • Annual maintenance may add additional costs.

What to Check Before Buying A Cross Trainer

Ideally, it is best to test the model in a gym or sporting goods store to determine if it offers the features you expect and, more prosaically, the space it occupies (crosstrainers are large).

In addition, the following characteristics are also to be considered:

  • The setting and relevance of the stride length. Some crosstrainers offer a specific stride length that may or may not be appropriate, while other models offer adjustable stride lengths, allowing the user (or multiple users) to tailor the range of motion to their template.
  • Movement of pedals and arm grips. The movement should be gentle and uniform. If not, the exercise will cause stress at the joints.
  • The maximum user weight that the machine can support. Some models do not tolerate more than 90 kilos while high-end devices can go up to 200 kilos.
  • Noise pollution in operation. Low and mid-range crosstrainers are louder and interfere with other activities in the same room.
  • Availability of spare parts. Spare parts must be readily available in order to reduce the downtime of the machine.