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Commercial Elliptical Cross Trainer

Buying an elliptical cross trainer - I bought mine on ebay and bought a programmable one.

It was quickly assembled by my partner and I had my first go on it.
I've had a stepper for a long time and can easily do half an hour training on it using weights for my arms too - however I was not prepared for how exhausted I am after the first ten minutes of being on the cross trainer.

It's much harder work than my stepper - but I will say I have been under the weather a bit this week (Is that a good excuse for being unfit?)

I feel that it'll take me a week or so to work up to being able to do a decent length session on the cross trainer - but I will be keeping a note of how much I do and how fit I feel!

Highly recommended purchase if you're serious about getting fit!

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Commercial Elliptical Cross Trainer

A cross trainer can burn 550 calories an hour

Buying a cross trainer to use at home is a great alterntative to going to the gym.

A cross trainer works several sets of muscles for an all-over effect making it a good item to have at home.

Lose weight with a cross trainer as this will help burn calories at a steady pace without giving you bulging muscles.

If you want to get fit and healthy but without bursting muscles like you get from weight training then an eliptical cross trainer is just the thing for you.
If you've seen them in the gym you'll know that they are two handles and two foot pedals and give a striding/skiing action.
They can help you increase your every day fitness, lose weight and become more flexible.

Lose weight
Buying Guide graphic: muscles used on a cross trainer

Muscles used are thigh muscles, heart will get plenty of workout too, secondary muscles used are in the back and arms, and to a lesser amount those in the calf.
This gives you an allover workout.

They are an effective way to burn calories - about 550 an hour - and as you're supported all the time there is no excess force on your joints.
They flex the stomach and sides through the gentle turning motion and this gives the cross trainer it's benefits over other gym items.

Keeping your muscles active allows you to become more flexible. An eliptical cross trainer moves your body in ovals: side to side, up and down, and forwards and backwards at the same time

Using the cross trainer for a few sessions a week will improve your aerobic fitness - Better aerobic fitness means you will have more energy and enthusiasm for everyday life.

Features to look for in a cross trainer

There are two types of cross trainer.

belt cross trainer - usually cheaper, but noisier, good for a basic workout though, less variation in resistance though.

A magnetic cross trainer use magnets to create resistance to your pushing and pulling, so usually have a range of training levels and programs giving you a variety of workouts. Magnetic cross trainer are also quieter than belt cross trainers.

A cross trainer has
handlebras
Pedals
Flywheel - ensures a smooth non-jerky workout
heart rate monitor for pulse, often through grips
Display - basic or complex

What can the displays show you?

The speed you would be travelling at if you were really ski-ing.
Time - how long you've been working out, or how long you've got left to do.
Calories - how many calories you've burnt off
Distance - how far you've travelled.
Pulse monitor - can be measured from hand grips, chest strap or ear clip.
Motivational messages - to encourage you to keep going.
Power output - how much energy you're putting out

What is a programme?
Rather than you just working out at your own time and effort a set program gives you a planned workout. They can simulate different inclines or speeds and are useful for giving you a goals and ensuring you work out maximum.

If you are very heavy then you need to look at whether your machine can take your weight - if you're more than 15 stone you should check. Some machines take 19 stone but always check.

If you want to get fit then the heart rate monitor can help you measure how you're improving.

For building your strength then a cross trainer with different functions and programmes will help you.

Any cross trainer can help you become more flexible

A combination of functions and programmes can make it more fun and a challenge, so can encourage you to keep using it,

If you want to train for another event - marathon, or other sporting activity then some other activity is also beneficial, but for a good basic workout a cross trainer gives you everything you need.


How big are they and how much room do I need?d
Always check the measurements. If you've got room for a 2 seater sofa you've probably got room for a cross trainer. And if your spare room has room for a bed then you've definately got room for a cross trainer.

What footwear should you wear?
You might need some ankle support from your footwear as you get some ankle movement.

What makes cross training great?
If gives you the chance to build strength and flexibility as well as a good workout getting your heart rate going. One with programs can help you train to improve your strength.

What are the costs?

The cheaper the cross trainer the less likely you're going to get programs. The more expensive models have more programs and options.

Cross trainer glossary

belt - the bit of the machine which offers resistance.

console - the digital readout and programme display

frame - the structure that doesn't move

Functions - how you use the machine - forwards, backwards, pedals only,

Heart monitor - takes your pulse, can be on handles or separate monitor attached to body

programmes - variety of workout patterns (such as simulating cross-country ski-ing, point-to-point, or downhill)

Self generating power - you charge the machines batteries by using it

Transmission the bit inside the machine that creates resistance - can be physical or magnetic.
The more levels of resistance a machine can offer the more varied a workout can be.
Magnetic machines are quieter than those which rely on other meas of resistance.

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