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Best Cross Trainer for Beginners
Today, we live in a fast-paced world of technological advancement. High technology is present in almost everything, even in fitness machines and cross trainers!. There are times where we are presented with a lot of different inviting choices that we can end up confused, especially if you are a beginner. So we have lined up our Top Cross Trainers for Beginners.
Our Top Cross Trainers for Beginners
Last update on 2022-01-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Before we dive down to details, let’s go over a few things first…
Why choose a Cross Trainer over other fitness machines?
vs Treadmill
Treadmills give a good cardio workout and are helpful in keeping your daily exercise routine manageable. Yes, there are manual treadmills, but the best treadmills need electricity to have their features put to use. Depending on your frequency usage and brand, it requires a bit more maintenance like lubricating the running thread and oiling the motor. Since you use most of your lower body to move and exercise, treadmills also focus more on the development of your lower body. In comparison with a cross trainer, like it or not you would have to involve your arms when using it.
This, of course, leads to a whole body workout. How about the midsection? When generating force, it starts from your lowest point of gravity (your foot) travels through your midsection and then to your upper body. The transition from the lower body to the upper body is stabilized and carried over by your core muscles, this is what tones your stomach and boxer cuts. The intensity hitting your midsection is harder when using a cross trainer leading to a full-body workout.
vs Rowing Machines
Rowing machines offer a great whole body workout. That is if you know the proper form. See, proper form when exercising is a lot more important than most of us might think. Ever noticed that the guy going to the gym for the past few months and hasn’t changed as much as the guy who enrolled within the past few weeks? Chances are, the first guy is not exercising in a proper form.
Hence, muscles do not develop the way they should be. Same with rowing machines, you would also need to be careful of how you pull the bars. The growth in your muscle depends on what muscle you mainly use. The thing is, you need to squeeze the muscle you want to develop, e.g. back, forearms, triceps, biceps, etc. Cross Trainers, on the other hand, you would only need to stand up straight and start pedalling away.
vs Exercise Bike
Exercise bikes may be different from treadmills but they would practically yield similar results as you mostly use your lower body in operating these machines. Like the comparison between a treadmill and a cross trainer, a cross trainer’s edge over an exercise bike would be the overall body workout.
# Tips for beginners…
- If you are going to use the cross trainer for cardio training and weight loss purposes, find one that offers workout programs. These will help you stay motivated and challenged.
- If you are going to use it for injury rehabilitation like in sports, for example, you might want to prioritise comfort and entertainment. Healing takes time.
- Before you pick a brand, checking if it comes with a warranty is always worth it. This makes sure that your earnings are not wasted.
- Note that cross trainers are not as space saving as other fitness machines, it would be nice to find a dedicated space where you can work out. Or, you can choose a cross trainer with rollers so you can easily move it around.
- Decide whether you need a manual or an electric. An electric cross trainer is powered by a motor and lets you adjust the difficulty level using the buttons in a console. A manual cross trainer, on the other hand, has a knob you can turn to increase or decrease intensity.
- The heavier the flywheel, the more stable the cross trainer is. The flywheel assists your every stride and reduces the impact on your joints. It also acts as an extra push to keep you exercising.
A Quick Review on out Top Cross Trainers for Beginners
NordicTrack Elliptical Cross Trainer E11.5
- 30 Programmes
- 20 Resistance Levels
- iFit Live Pwered by Google Maps
Last update on 2022-01-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- 20 levels of resistance
- 9kg flywheel
- Adjustable stride length
- 30 Workout levels
- iFit compatible
NordicTrack Elliptical Cross Trainer E11.5 might be a cross trainer beginners would consider buying. It has 20 resistance levels which might keep first-time users interested on how they would progress. The oversized pedals are adjustable to make sure they fit users of all fitness levels and different physique builts. Beginners might find the fan as an advantage as they would feel a little breeze as they exercise.
Though it is not that vivid, the LCD console displays stats a beginner will look for like time, distance, speed, calories, and heart rate. Users can easily monitor their heart rates while working out because the sensors are built right into the handrails. NordicTrack Elliptical Cross Trainer E11.5 adds music compatibility and compatibility with it for extra points. Though this cross trainer folds for extra space saving feature. Most reviewers also mention that it is very easy to assemble upon delivery.
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NordicTrack E7.2 Incline Elliptical Cross Trainer
Last update on 2022-01-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- 9kg Flywheel
- 20 Resistance levels
- 5 Manual inclines
- iFit compatible
Unlike the NordicTrack E11.5, E7.2 Incline Elliptical Cross Trainer has its flywheel installed in front of the machine which provides stability to the overall build. Like most of NordicTrack’s cross trainers, it has a 9kg flywheel which is perfect for beginners since a heavier flywheel may start up a bit tough but once you get going, it supports your every stride. It is iFit compatible to have beginners to be part of something like events etc. The only downside is that as of now, iFit is not compatible with Virgin media routers.
The console displays just what you need like time, distance, speed, calories, and heart rate. This cross trainer is also compatible with most MP3, and iPods. The stride length is adjustable making it more convenient for beginners to start off with a comfortable stride until the time they would challenge themselves into longer, fuller strides and change resistance levels or add some incline. The maximum user weight is still in question but one reviewer says NordicTrack E7.2 has easily supported her 220-pound husband.
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Proform Endurance 720 E
Last update on 2022-01-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- 9kg Flywheel
- 25 workout programmes
- 4 levels of incline
- 20 levels of resistance
- Warranty
Proform Endurance 720 E Elliptical starts off the same as the other contenders on this list. The 9kg flywheel adds stability and assistance for every stride. The LCD console displays what every cross trainer user would look for like time, distance, calories, speed, and heart rate.The sensors are built into the handrails. An added feature in the console that other cross trainers don’t have is a tablet holder and water bottle holder. The small things do matter if you are trying to compete against other cross trainers that are as equally well-known. The maximum user weight is 135kgs.
Moving the 90kg Proform Endurance 720 E Elliptical is easy thanks to the rollers attached to the bottom of the frame. Beginners might consider the variation of workouts for this cross trainer as it is equipped with 25 workout apps. The good thing about this is that they would envision themselves using Proform Endurance 720 E until the time they transcend to intermediate and expert levels.
For further challenges, 20 levels of resistance will prove to be a good challenge to overcome. Music compatible, iFit ready, and a cooling fan is something beginners might also be interested in. Arguably the best feature is not on the cross trainer, but with the warranty that comes with it. 2 years warranty for parts and labour.
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ProForm Cardio HIIT Elliptical Cross Trainer
- Product: Hybrid Elliptical Stepper for HIIT...
- 13 kg Inertia enhanced flywheel, smr silent...
- 7 inch backlit Ifit display, Ifit bluetooth smart...
- 32 preset workout apps (8 calorie burn, 7 HIIT...
- Digital resistance 1-24, coolaire workout fan, ekg...
Last update on 2022-01-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- 24 levels of resistance
- 32 workout programmes
- Warranty
ProForm Cardio HIIT Elliptical Cross Trainer would also be a safe choice for beginners. It is a bit pricey but after one look, and you’ll see what the extra money was for. The design is cutting edge and reviews really love it. 24 levels of magnetic resistance give beginners something to look forward to when they have used it for some time. 32 preset workout programmes offer beginners no hassle in using it for weight loss purposes, or cardio training.
The 7-inch display shows what everyone would look for in fitness machines like time, distance, speed, calories, and heart rate. Ideal for beginners and would still be challenging when they transcend to expert level. But still, beginners might not want to risk extra money for something that they are not familiar with. They might also find this cross trainer too advanced and intimidating. Music compatible and iFit ready. ProForm Cardio HIIT Elliptical Cross Trainer comes with a 2-year warranty if registered within 28 days.
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Conclusion
Deliberation is not easy. The top cross trainers for beginners offer similar features but for a different price range. But the winner of the best cross trainer for beginners topped off its contenders by combining warranty, a variation of workout routine, flywheel weight that is not too light, built stable, at the right price.
We feel that you need not spend too much for something you are yet to try, but also not to under-spend since this is an investment in your health. Warranty to ensure you don’t waste your money is a comfortable thought for beginners. We give you the best cross trainer for beginners: Proform Endurance 720 E.
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