Elliptical Cross Trainers

Elliptical Cross Trainers

Elliptical Cross Trainers are one of the most popular pieces of cardio equipment for homes and gyms. Unlike most cardio machines, cross trainers require users to use both their arms and legs, providing a full body workout. Cross trainers are widely used because they are easy to use and low impact, whilst still offering all the benefits of a high impact cardio workout. An elliptical works to burn calories and hit weight loss goals without causing stress on the knees and joints. Get a comfortable balanced workout every time on a cross trainer with the cushioned footplates and dual action handlebars.

Lifespan Fitness Cross Trainers are fitted with a flywheel either at the front drive or rear drive. Rear wheel cross trainers are a popular home gym option as they are typically smaller and more cost friendly in comparison to a front wheel drive. The motion of a front drive vs rear drive elliptical is different, with the rear drive providing a more rounded up and down stride whilst the front drive creates a flatter, more natural stride. The flat smooth motion of a front drive is largely due to the dual roller guides that cause the pedals to roll backwards and forwards along the rail as you pedal, creating less interruptions. Whereas, a rear drive pedal follows the shape of the cross-trainer body lending itself to a forwards direction producing a downhill motion whilst pedalling. Some of our cross trainers are structured with reversible motion, making it possible to pedal forwards or backwards. Pedalling in either direction will allow you to engage more muscles groups in the lower body from your ankles, quads, calves, thighs and glutes.

Incline levels are a common feature on front drive ellipticals that can be manually adjusted to add more resistance and versatility to your workout. Training on an incline can lead to muscles growth and definition as the high resistance movement simulates climbing up a hill or stairs, similar to walking on a treadmill incline.

Choosing a cross trainer with a big enough stride length to your height is key to a comfortable and effective elliptical workout. Front drive flywheels allow for a larger, more natural stride with bigger models having an extra-long 50cm stride length. A larger stride length will allow taller users to take full strides that is going to feel more comfortable and natural. For shorter users, a rear or front drive elliptical are both great options, just remember to check the stride length before making a purchase.

Lifespan Fitness ellipticals feature variable automatic resistance or adjustable mechanical resistance, making it easy to complete interval training and varied workouts. Tension can either be adjusted manually via the twist dial or automatically through the touch screen and buttons on our higher end models. Increasing resistance pushes users to challenge themselves, and switch between a low impact workout to a higher intensity cardio session. Our cross trainers are equipped with resistance levels starting at 8 levels on our smaller models up to 24 levels on larger front drive ellipticals.

Our elliptical frames are made using tubular steel with higher end model being sturdier and heavier. Bigger models will have a stronger frame to accommodate larger users and more rigorous training sessions. Bigger users will also find more comfort in bigger ellipticals with the larger anti-slip footplates, and some models featuring an adjustable footplate giving free reign over your positioning.

The flywheel weight in your cross trainer will affect the smoothness and consistently of your ride. Our cross-trainer flywheels come in a variety of weights from 5.5kg, 6kg, 7kg, 8kg up to 12kg. A heavier flywheel weight will help maintain a steady cadence for a better workout. The evenness of each rotation also goes hand in hand with the belt drivetrain. A belt drivetrain is more durable in comparison to a chain, the belts smooth surface stimulates a quieter, seamless ride. The belt drivetrain in combination with magnetic resistance make this machine a silent one and a great option for home use, including apartment living. A magnetic resistance system consists of magnets that move closer or further away from the flywheel altering resistance, most of our cross trainers are fitted with magnetic resistance. The main benefits of this resistance system are that it requires zero maintenance and it consistently offers a smooth silent ride. Some models have mechanical resistance, which consists of a pad that moves closer to the flywheel creating resistance. Friction pads typically offer an unlimited level of resistance as resistance can be increased to a complete stop; however, they will require replacement over time.

All cross trainers feature an LCD display screen in the console with most models including an intuitive feedback system and large display screen. Most LCD display screens will relay workout feedback including time, speed, distance, calories, pulse and RPM. Advanced displays will also track watts, heart rate and odometer. Pre-set programs are also available on mid to higher end models, a great feature for riders looking for customisable workouts. Pre-set workouts are ideal for beginners as they guide users through workouts, changing resistance automatically.

Our hybrid cross trainers allow users to switch between a cross trainer and exercise bike, providing a dynamic cardio workout. 2-in-1 cross trainers are a great machine to integrate into your home gym as you can save space while enjoying the benefits of two exercise options on the one machine. Some of our hybrid ellipticals come equipped with dumbbells and resistance ropes that can be attached and stored on the machine. With transport wheels and floor levellers, all our cross trainers are designed with convenience and home adaptability in mind.

Like many cardio workouts, elliptical cross trainers provide great cardiovascular health benefits. Regular use of a cross trainer is linked to improving your general aerobic fitness, increasing endurance and toning the entire body. For users with limited fitness capabilities or pre-existing injuries, a cross trainer is a perfect supplementary training option to add to your fitness routine that is low impact on the knees, joints and back. This also reduces the likelihood of an injury. For regular gym goers and athletes, an elliptical can be easily adapted to meet your training needs through increasing resistance, incline and pace.