Buying an Elliptical Trainer: What to Look For?

Why choose a cross trainer?

On a cross trainer you make a smooth, round movement that resembles running, but without the impact. That makes a cross trainer kind to your knees, hips and back. Because your arms move along, you train your whole body and burn more calories than when you only use your legs.

Still choosing between a cross trainer, a treadmill or a rowing machine? A cross trainer is easier on your joints than a treadmill and also trains your upper body.

• Full-body training: legs, glutes, arms, shoulders, back and core work at the same time.
• Low impact: no impact load, so gentle on your joints.
• Train anytime: whatever the weather, whenever it suits you.
• Full control: you decide the resistance and intensity, from easy to hard.

Tip 1: Decide where and how often you will use the cross trainer

Start with the question of where and how often you will train. A cross trainer for home that you use a few times a week does not need to be as heavy-duty as a machine for a gym, physiotherapy practice or corporate fitness. At home, comfort, a quiet brake and apps are often important. In a professional environment it is all about a strong frame, many hours of use and a machine that is easy to adjust for different people. For that, take a look at our cross trainers for professional use.

Looking for a cross trainer for a professional setting, such as a physiotherapy practice, gym, company or hotel? Then choose a model built for intensive daily use.

Tip 2: Pay attention to stride length and movement

The stride length is the distance the pedals travel from the front to the rearmost point. This is the most important point when choosing a cross trainer, because it determines how natural the movement feels. The taller you are, the longer your stride should be. As a guideline: up to around 1.70 metres a stride length from 40 centimetres is fine, between 1.70 and 1.85 metres you are better off with 45 to 50 centimetres and if you are taller than 1.85 metres, 50 centimetres or more feels most comfortable. Entry-level models often have a stride length of around 40 centimetres, mid-range models around 50 centimetres.

In addition, every brand has its own movement: one cross trainer feels rounder, another flatter, more like cross-country skiing. A shorter stride puts the emphasis on your thighs, a longer stride works your hamstrings and glutes more. There is no perfect stride; it is about what feels natural to you. So if you can, try out a few models.

Tip 3: Choose front drive or rear drive

Cross trainers come with the flywheel at the front (front drive) or at the back (rear drive). You can see the difference straight away on the machine.

Front drive

The movement is slightly flatter and resembles walking or cross-country skiing. These cross trainers are often more compact and feel sturdy. You lean slightly forward, which some people find sportier. View all cross trainers with a front flywheel.

Recommended front-drive models

Rear drive

The movement is rounder, more like a natural step, and often feels softer and smoother. You stand more upright, which many people find pleasant during longer workouts. These cross trainers are usually a bit longer. View all cross trainers with a rear flywheel.

Recommended rear-drive models

Which is better depends on your preference. In doubt? Then try both types in our showroom.

Tip 4: Look at the flywheel

The flywheel ensures a smooth, even movement. In the past the rule was: the heavier, the better. With modern magnetic brakes that difference has become smaller, but a heavier flywheel still gives a calmer and smoother movement, especially at low resistance. The cross trainers in our range have a flywheel of around 9 to 35 kilos.

Tip 5: Choose the right brake system

The resistance of a cross trainer is set by braking the flywheel. That way you decide the intensity yourself: if you are just starting out, you begin low and build up. If you are already fit, you set the resistance higher. When recovering from an injury or operation, a finely adjustable resistance is also useful.

• Manual magnetic: you set the resistance with a knob. Simple and affordable.
• Computer-controlled magnetic: you choose the level on the console or in a programme, and the cross trainer adjusts the resistance automatically. This is the best choice for most home users.
• Induction: the resistance is controlled electronically and very precisely, often by wattage. You mainly find this on more expensive and professional cross trainers.

Tip 6: Choose a console with the right programmes and apps

The console shows, among other things, your time, speed, distance, revolutions per minute, wattage, calories and heart rate. Many cross trainers have preset workouts, for example interval training, hill programmes or heart rate training. The more programmes, the more variety, and that helps you stay motivated.

Many cross trainers have Bluetooth, so you can connect them to apps such as Kinomap or Zwift. Then you train virtually through landscapes and keep track of your results. The more luxurious models sometimes have a touchscreen with streaming services or live classes, such as the Sole Fitness E95.

Tip 7: Pay attention to the Q-factor

The Q-factor is the distance between the outer edges of the pedals. The smaller the Q-factor, the closer together your feet are and the more natural the movement, similar to walking. That reduces the strain on your hips, knees and ankles. A large Q-factor can be comfortable for some people, but feels unnatural to others. Not every manufacturer states the Q-factor, so trying it in the shop is the best test.

Tip 8: Look at the maximum user weight

Every cross trainer has a maximum user weight. If you weigh more than the machine can handle, it will wear faster. So choose a cross trainer that can take at least 20 kilos more than your own weight. The cross trainers in our range usually have a maximum user weight of 130 to 150 kilos. Models for a higher weight have a sturdier frame, thicker tubes and stronger bearings.

Tip 9: Measure the space and ceiling height

A cross trainer is usually around 1.5 to 2 metres long. Also allow for space around the machine, as your arms and legs move. Pay attention to the ceiling height too: on a cross trainer you stand around 30 to 50 centimetres above the floor. Add your height and some extra room, especially if you train under a sloping roof. Setting up a whole room? Then also read our tips to build and set up your own home gym.

Tip 10: Multigrips and handy extras

Multigrips are handles that you can hold in different ways. That lets you vary your arm movements and train your shoulders, arms and back in different ways. It makes your workout less monotonous and can help improve your posture.

Also look at extras such as a bottle holder, tablet holder, speakers, a fan or adjustable pedals. Place a protective mat under your cross trainer to protect your floor against scratches and sweat; choose one that is slightly longer and wider than the machine. With a heart rate strap you can train precisely in heart rate zones. Also view all cross trainer accessories.

Place your cross trainer on a NUCCLR protective mat to protect your floor and dampen vibrations.

Tip 11: Set your budget

Your budget largely determines what you get. Roughly speaking, there are three price ranges:

• Entry level, around €700 to €1,000: fine for training a few times a week, with computer-controlled resistance and apps. For example the Flow Fitness DCT2000i or the Hammer SpeedMotion II.
• Mid-range, around €1,200 to €2,000: a longer stride, a heavier flywheel and more programmes, such as the Hammer CrossPace 7.0 NorsK or the Sole Fitness E25.
• Premium, from around €2,500: built for intensive use, with a stronger frame and an extensive console, such as the Sole Fitness E35 and the Sole Fitness E95. Professional cross trainers for gyms cost more.

Premium cross trainers for intensive use

In the premium segment you will find, for example, the Matrix E50 XR and the Life Fitness E5 Go console.

Which cross trainer brands are there?

With us you will find cross trainers from brands such as Flow Fitness, Tunturi, Hammer and Sole Fitness for home, and premium and professional brands such as Life Fitness, Matrix and Octane Fitness. Each brand has its own movement and strengths, so it pays to compare.

What do you want to achieve with your cross trainer?

• Better fitness: training regularly strengthens your heart and lungs and improves your endurance.
• Losing weight: because you use your whole body, you burn plenty of calories. Train regularly, for example three to five times a week for 30 to 45 minutes, and combine it with healthy eating.
• Stronger muscles: with a higher resistance you train your legs, glutes, back and arms harder.
• Recovery and rehabilitation: thanks to the low impact, a cross trainer is suitable for building up gently after an injury or operation, in consultation with your physiotherapist.

Tip 12: Try the cross trainer and buy from a reliable shop

Stride length, movement and Q-factor are best felt when you stand on the cross trainer yourself. Many cross trainers from our webshop are on display in our showroom in Volkel, where our specialists help you with honest advice.

Also buy from a reliable shop. Fitness24 is a member of Thuiswinkel Waarborg, the Dutch quality mark for online shops, so you can be sure of a safe purchase. Looking for an extra sharp price? Then also take a look at our second-hand cross trainers: fully checked and with a warranty. Prefer not to assemble it yourself? Then choose delivery and installation by our technicians.

Frequently asked questions about buying a cross trainer

What should I look for when buying a cross trainer?

Mainly look at the stride length, the drive (front or rear), the brake system, the maximum user weight, the space and your budget. The stride length is the most important: it determines how natural the movement feels.

What stride length do I need?

As a guideline: up to around 1.70 metres 40 centimetres is fine, between 1.70 and 1.85 metres choose 45 to 50 centimetres and above 1.85 metres 50 centimetres or more feels most comfortable.

Which is better: a cross trainer with a front or rear flywheel?

Neither is better; it is a matter of preference. With front drive the movement is flatter and the cross trainer is often more compact. With rear drive you stand more upright and the movement feels rounder and softer.

How much does a good cross trainer cost?

A good cross trainer for home costs around €700 to €2,000. For intensive use or heavier users you pay from around €2,500.

Can you lose weight with a cross trainer?

Yes. Because your arms and legs work at the same time, you burn plenty of calories. Train regularly, for example three to five times a week for 30 to 45 minutes, and combine it with healthy eating.

Cross trainer or treadmill: which suits better?

A cross trainer is gentler on your joints and also trains your upper body. A treadmill is better if you want to run or walk, for example to prepare for a running event. Take a look at our tips for buying a treadmill.

Conclusion

You choose a good cross trainer based on your height, your training goal, the space and your budget. Above all, look for a stride length that suits you, a quiet magnetic brake and a maximum user weight with enough margin. Whether you choose front or rear drive is a matter of feel, so try both if you can.

View all cross trainers or visit our showroom to try them yourself.

Curious which cross trainers we think are best? Then take a look at our list of the best cross trainers for home.

Need help choosing?

Our fitness specialists are happy to help you choose the right cross trainer for your situation. Call +31 85 773 00 57, send an email or visit our showroom in Volkel, the Netherlands.