What is the best cross-trainer machine? First, look at the machine's performance. The stepping motion should be smooth and comfortable, which depends on the weight of the trainer's wheels. That said, you should not opt for trainers with excessively heavy wheels weighing more than 12 pounds. The thing is that using such a machine, it will be less comfortable for you to pedal. The range of stepping motion is another essential factor to consider. A large diameter of the flywheel provides a greater range. Besides, you should look at the resistance and adjustability. The level of resistance can be adjusted mechanically and with the use of the console. The letter allows the machine to automatically switch between different resistance levels during exercise. We believe that the Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical meets these criteria best.

What Is a Cross-Trainer?

Cross-trainers, aka x or X trainers, are pretty similar to an elliptical or stair master since they allow you to walk and even run without putting too much strain on your legs.

They are usually about the size of most other stationary machines, have a round back, two foot-pedals that are connected to armbars, and some of the newer models have LED screens to record your workout progress or let you watch (stream) workout feeds, depending on the model.

What Is the Hype About Cross-Trainers?

One of the biggest reasons they are becoming pretty popular is because they can be fairly affordable compared to other workout machines, and they can be pretty versatile as well.

The biggest love for them is the fact that you can get such a good, nearly full-body workout, in just one machine that can be smaller than most other stationary workout machines out there.

What Are the Advantages of Cross-Trainers over other Types of Trainers?

Cross-trainers have bars that you hold onto which move along with your legs, giving you a chance to work out your upper body and have a safer workout, too.

Treadmills, bikes, and other stationary machines are usually focused only on the lower body, and can often be less safe to use by people who are injured or are recovering from an injury, especially those from the waist down.

What Benefits Do Cross-Trainers Offer and Who Should Use Them?

Because of the safety benefits, cross-trainers can be one of the most age-friendly workout machines out there, and they can be excellent for casual exercisers or pros who need a recovery machine for when they overdo it.

They can be great if you are trying to strengthen (or lose fat around) your ankles, calves, knees, hips, arms, and more.

What Is the Difference Between Models From Various Brands?

There are some brands that are specializing in making models that are a bit different from the traditional ones, and these usually include seated models or models that use an up-down stepping motion rather than a circular-running motion (the traditional motion).

Some brands can also be a bit more basic while others can be customizable from the angles of the seats and bars to the workout routine.

A Review of the Best Cross-Trainer Machine

Below, you will find a review of the three most popular cross-trainer machines at a price ranging from $750 to $1,800. The first one is an affordable model that is adjustable and can be used for whole-body workouts. The second one is designed for vertical workouts and is equipped with a screen display, pulse-sensing handlebars, built-in speakers, and a tablet holder. The third option combines the traditional foot and handlebars with an adjustable seat for sitting-down workouts.

1. Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical | Best for Total Body Workout

If you have trouble working out while walking or standing, then you may want to consider this cross-trainer since it is one of the few that has a specially designed seat that you can easily adjust to accommodate your workout needs.

The handlebars can also be adjusted so that you can focus on one area only or multiple at once including your arms, legs, chest/back, and biceps/triceps.

Teeter: Check the current price

2. ProForm Cardio HIIT Elliptical Trainer | Best for Burning Calories

This is one of the few cross-trainers that is smaller because it focuses on a vertical workout rather than a horizontal one. It also has handlebars that are connected to the unit rather than the feet.

If you prefer having all of the bells and whistles, then you may want this model for the screen display, pulse-sensing handlebars, tablet holder, and built-in speakers

ProForm Cardio HIIT: Check the current price

3. ProForm Hybrid Trainer Pro | Best Bluetooth Campatible

You might like this model if you want a blend between an older design and a newer one since it has the traditional foot and handlebars but also comes with an adjustable seat for sitting-down workouts. This model comes with a screen, a built-in tablet holder, and built-in Bluetooth speakers, too.

ProForm Hybrid Trainer Pro: Check the current price

12 Best-Selling Cross-Trainer Machines Comparative Table

What Is the Difference Between a Hybrid, Cross, Cardio, Trio, And Elliptical Trainers?

The biggest difference between all of these trainers is the designs and areas of workout. Cross trainers are one of the few that can work out arms, legs, and more, while elliptical and cardio trainers can only focus on one area, usually the lower.

Hybrid and trio trainers can be an in-between, but they can also be just as if not more expensive than cross-trainers; costing just as much without getting as much of a workout.

Other interesting articles about cross trainer machines

Equipment for CrossFit® | Rogue Fitness

A buyers guide for all of your CrossFit Equipment. Whether you are new to CrossFit or have been doing it for years, we have hand-picked equipment packages and individual gear to suit your level of experience and provided descriptions to help you chose the exact product that is right for you.
https://www.roguefitness.com/crossfit-equipment

Best Air Walker and Air Glider Exercise Machines of 2021

An air walker or air glider lets you do full-body, calorie-burning cardio exercises from the comfort of your home. Here are our favorites.
https://www.businessinsider.com/best-air-walker-glider-exercise-machine

Best Connected Fitness Equipment 2021 | iMore

These are the best smart fitness machines to work out with at home. Bring the boutique fitness experience straight to your living room with the best connected fitness equipment.
https://www.imore.com/best-connected-fitness-equipment

Tips and advices on YouTube

BEST ELLIPTICAL MACHINES! (2020)


The Best Elliptical Machines For Home 2021


5 Best Elliptical Machines You Can Buy In 2021

Add comment