Ah, cardio, the biggest love-hate relationship of all. We like the idea of it, hate doing it, but we can all admit that the post-workout feeling is second to none. The endorphins are flowing, our mood is instantly better, and we feel ready to conquer the world.
However, if classic cardio exercises are not your cup of tea – we don’t blame you. High-impact workouts like running do our knees absolutely no favours (even if you do have a nifty treadmill desk), and can also get pretty boring – yes, even with that fire Spotify playlist. So, what’s a better alternative? None other than the magical cross trainer.
Cross trainers, AKA the machines that are always occupado at the gym, allow us to get in a steady cardio workout, while also burning LOTS of calories. If you enjoy HIIT classes (we can’t relate) ellipticals also make it easy to get in those short and quick sweat-inducing workouts, without the high impact on our joints, because, let’s be honest, those are creaking enough as it is.
Sometimes those dark and gloomy days make the idea of leaving our house to go to the gym or for a run outside daunting. That’s why having a cross trainer at home is a fab way to get in your exercise without having to go anywhere.
We know what you’re thinking - this isn’t exactly a casual investment. That’s why we’ve created a list of the best cross trainers on the market, to help you bite the bullet and knock your fitness goals out of the park. All you'll need to do is grab your wireless earbuds and get to work.
Features to look out for when shopping for a cross trainer
Resistance levels
Cross trainers have varying levels of resistance which increase gradually. Usually, models with a greater range of resistance levels are more expensive as they provide you with greater choice, matching the resistance to your goals and fitness levels.
Stride length
Stride length is the distance between your front and rear foot during your workout. Depending on the machine, you may be able to adjust the stride length manually. In general, a longer stride is preferred as it will provide the most natural elliptical motion.
Safety handles
Other than motion handles, some cross trainers are also equipped with a set of safety handles to rest your arms when they get tired. Safety handles can also monitor your heart rate.
Consoles
A console on a cross trainer displays important workout metrics, such as speed, distance, calories burned and time. Pricier elliptical machines will have larger displays, which feedback more information.
Portability
Foldable models or models with in-built wheels are likely the best options if you’re tight on space or don’t have a dedicated gym area. These features will make storing your machine away quick and easy.
The best home cross trainers at a glance:
The best home cross trainers UK
Editor's pick
This best-selling Reebok cross trainer is all you need to smash those fitness goals out of the park. You'll get a challenging yet smooth low-impact workout that will improve your stamina gradually, and with 32 levels of resistance, you can tailor the intensity level as much as you like. The 20 in-built fitness programs are designed by Reebok trainers to improve your endurance, and all your metrics will be clearly displayed on the large backlit LCD screen.
Review: "Fantastic cross trainer - everyone that visits has a go! It is gym standard and I am thrilled with it. Do not hesitate, if you're hesitating, it was very straightforward to put together and is going to get us fit. Couldn't ask for more."
Dimensions: | 144 x 63 x 169cm |
Weight: | 48kg |
- 32 intensity levels
- 20 fitness programs
- LCD screen
- Cushioned footplates
- Two-year guarantee
Runner-up
Acting as a cross trainer and an exercise bike in one, the XS Sports Pro can help tone legs, bum, arms and shoulders for a total body workout. With adjustable resistance, you can tailor your exercise difficulty as much as you like, experiencing both high and low-intensity workouts depending on your fitness levels and mood. Pulse sensors will monitor your heart rate throughout, as well as plenty more real-time workout stats.
Review: "This is a great basic cross trainer/bike. It was really easy to assemble and lightweight enough to move from room to room with ease. Have had it about 5 weeks and two of us are using it every day for up to 2 hours overall. It's sturdy enough to be used regularly, using both cross trainer and bike and we've only had to tighten the bolts once after a month of regular use. It is exactly what we wanted and expected for the price. Very pleased with it and would recommend to anyone else wanting a basic machine."
Dimensions: | 122 x 160 154cm |
Weight: | 28kg |
- Front-mounted flywheel
- Adjustable resistance
- LCD display
Best quiet cross trainer
Stylish and durable, this cross trainer has magnetic resistance, and stimulates exercises such as climbing, walking or running. The durable belt results in a smooth and quiet performance, even when intensity levels are at their highest. It's lightweight, meaning you can transport it from room to room as and when you please and can be folded easily when it comes to storing away.
Review: "Firstly, WOW! What a machine! God given! It arrived earlier than I expected. The down part, hubby wasn't home so had to bring it in myself but GUYS/GIRLS! IT'S WORTH IT! The most amazing machine ever! Compact, and yet powerful, solid, I had never got any training machines at home always went to the gym! How silly I was! The best decision I have ever made! Just had 10 minutes work out this morning, my whole body feels just how I used to train at the gyms! I LOVE IT! THANK YOU!"
Dimensions: | 115.5 x 75 x 158cm |
Weight: | 30.2kg |
- Eight resistance levels
- LCD display
- 5kg flywheel
- Seven function display
Best for small spaces
Another great machine by JLL, this one has built-in wheels for easy transport and eight levels of magnetic resistance to build your endurance. The 5.5kg flywheel will provide a challenging workout, and is bi-directional for front and backward pedalling. With an eight-function monitor, including body fat percentage, you will keep on track and be ready to progress to the next level.
Review: "What a superb product. Very easy to assemble with a little help, clear instructions. Very very sturdy. Operation is very smooth and almost silent. Great item. Also worth mentioning the delivery agents were excellent, great communication."
Dimensions: | 120 x 61 x 167cm |
Weight: | 39.8kg |
- Eight-function LCD display monitor quiet
- Transportable
- 5.5kg flywheel
- Tablet holder
Best professional cross trainer
Do you love the step machine as much as you do the elliptical? If so, we've found your perfect match. Whether you're in the mood for a casual workout or a marathon, the in-built elliptical and step training programs offer varying levels of intensity and 16 manual levels of resistance. The LCD screen measures time, distance, calories and pulse rate to help you stay on track and work towards your goals.
Review: "Got this to train at home rather than paying high gym fees, I am really impressed with it, it is the real deal, a proper gym sized elliptical trainer made to the highest standard, the machine has lots of options depending on your capability, the fly wheel gives your legs and abs a great workout, I would recommend installing their app to set weight loss goals etc, the app works in conjunction with the elliptical to achieve desired goals, for example, gives you recommended training lengths each day. Overall I'm very happy and would highly recommend this trainer to anyone that is serious about losing weight at home."
Dimensions: | 143.5 x 69 x 43.5cm |
Weight: | 14kg |
- Integrated smartphone app
- Whisper silent motion
- Low-impact high-intensity
- LCD display
Best multi-function cross trainer
This four-in-one elliptical has the ability to be your complete at-home gym. You can use it as a stepper, treadmill, bike and cross-trainer. It has large anti-slip pedals to suit your stride length, plus added stability and comfort. The fixed handlebars have a soft, sweat-resistant surface and the adjustable seat is really comfortable. The 4.5kg two-way flywheel and V-belt drive ensure smooth, quiet running and the advanced LCD digital monitor shows you exercise speed, heart rate, time, distance and calories. Choose from eight-levels of magnetic resistance, and move it around easily thanks to the front wheels. It is rather heavy, so you're best finding a spot for this where it can live full-time.
Review: "This is an excellent cross trainer. We are glad that we purchased it, it's great for fat burning. I use it 4 to 5 times a week for 60 minutes. 8-level adjustable magnetic control for different workout. It took my partner about 90 minutes to assemble, which is not difficult but time consuming. Would recommend this sturdy and smooth product to anyone who wants a bit of a workout at home. LOVE THIS."
Dimensions: | 152.4 x 101.6 x 50.8cm |
Weight: | 35kg |
- 4-in-1 design
- Noiseless
- Advanced LCD monitor
- 4.5kg flywheel
Best value
www.argos.co.uk
This two-in-one cross trainer and exercise bike is a budget option, but it has great reviews. The handle and seat height are both adjustable and comfortable, making it suitable for people of different sizes. The screen shows your speed, distance and calories burned. It doesn't have a set of handlebars for you to rest, which may be an issue for some, and it doesn't have the flexibility in terms of resistance, but it's a good, affordable starter machine. It's very light and easily transportable.
Review: "Was amazed when this briefly came back into stock. It took a while to put together and was fiddly getting the handlebar rod in as there's an internal lip and it kept getting stuck. The counter works well and its a decent workout. I like the fact there's a seat so I can alternate and keep going for longer. The lack of bike handlebars doesn't bother me. It gets a bit clunky and I've had to tighten it a few times but good value for money and does the job for a lockdown workout."
Dimensions: | 151 x 63 x 92cm |
Weight: | 25.5kg |
- Air resistance system
- Console feedback
- Free tension control
- Self-levelling pedals
Best luxury cross trainer
www.nordictrack.co.uk
If you're really looking to up your workout game, the Nordic Track elliptical is what you're after. Equipped with a seven-inch smart display, you can view over 12,000 on-demand workouts created by world-class trainers. The power-adjustable incline will tone your legs more than ever before, and the built-in fan will cool you down in seconds. Plus, you can visit locations around the world while you workout - is there anything this machine can't do? It is very heavy, so will need a couple of people to put it together, and it's unlikely you'll be able to move this around the house often.
Review: "The Nordic Track arrived when expected. It weighs 400Lbs! They recommend two people move it. It was pretty simple to put together. A slight problem is that it wobbles a bit when in use, perhaps because it's on carpet in our house (?) That's why it has the four star rating."
Dimensions: | 178 x 73 x 177cm |
Weight: | 98kg |
- 12,000 on-demand workouts
- Star tracking
- Incline
- Workout fan
How to use a cross trainer?
First, place each foot on the pedals and hold onto the handles. This might take a little balance and coordination at first, but you’ll get used to it in no time.
Next, drive one leg forward to trigger the cross trainer motion and keep moving. You’ll be able to adjust the resistance level of your workout to make it more challenging and burn more fat.
What does a cross trainer do and what muscles does a cross trainer work?
A cross trainer provides a full-body workout, targeting your arms, legs, torso with less stress to your body, particularly your joints and muscles.
While you’ll be working out your whole body, the cross trainer works on all the muscles of the lower leg, making it the perfect exercise for toned legs. By pumping the handles back and forth, you’ll also be sculpting your arms and upper body. It will target:
• Glutes
• Quads
• Hamstrings
• Calves
• Shins
• Triceps
• Biceps
• Chest
• Abdominals
What is a cross trainer good for?
A cross trainer is great for weight loss, toning and overall health. Using a cross trainer often will increase your stamina and endurance, while also burning body fat quickly due to the high number of calories burned.
While a cross trainer is known as a form of cardio, it can also double as a strength trainer due to the high resistance that you can add. This means your legs and whole body are exerting greater force to get the pedals moving, resulting in a build-up of muscles over time.
Is a cross trainer good for weight loss?
Studies show that a cross trainer is a great way to lose weight and is more effective for calorie burning than traditional cardio workouts. On average, you can burn between 270-400 calories on the elliptical, depending on the intensity and your current weight.
What is an elliptical cross trainer?
A cross trainer is a type of elliptical machine, which allows you to undertake aerobic exercise without much impact on your joints. Where cross trainers differ from standard elliptical machines is that they allow you to work your upper body as well as your lower body.
Can you use a cross trainer when pregnant?
A cross trainer is the ideal pregnancy workout machine due to the fact that it’s low impact. Having said that, if you’re having any doubts about exercising during pregnancy, please make sure to check with your doctor.