Ellipticals

A cross trainer is a piece of cardio equipment for a joint-friendly full-body workout. It simulates movements like walking, running and climbing stairs while training your legs, arms and core at the same time.

Cross trainers are used to improve endurance, for weight loss and to strengthen the cardiovascular system.

Training on a cross trainer offers plenty of benefits for fitness and health:

• Joint-friendly: no impact loading like when running
• Full-body workout: works your arms and legs at the same time
• High calorie burn: effective for fat loss
• Cardiovascular training: improves endurance

When buying a cross trainer, these criteria matter most:

• Flywheel weight: for a smooth, even motion
• Stability: important for safe training
• Resistance levels: to set your own training intensity
• Pedals & ergonomics: suited to your height
• Display & programs: for effective training

Yes, cross trainers are ideal for beginners because they allow safe, controlled training.

The intensity is fully adjustable. Beginners start with low resistance and build up step by step.

The difference between a cross trainer and an elliptical trainer lies in the motion and the construction:

• Cross trainer: rear-mounted flywheel, more circular motion
• Elliptical trainer: front-mounted flywheel, flatter and more natural motion

Which one is right for you depends on the movement feel you prefer and your training goal.

A cross trainer gives you an effective full-body workout.

• Legs: thighs, calves, glutes
• Upper body: arms, shoulders
• Core: abs and back muscles

Working several muscle groups at once results in a high calorie burn.

Depending on intensity and body weight, a cross trainer workout burns roughly 400 to 800 calories per hour.

Just 30 minutes of training is enough to fire up your metabolism and support fat burning.

A cross trainer is very effective for weight loss and fat burning. The intensive full-body workout significantly increases your calorie burn.

Keep in mind, though, that fat isn't lost specifically around the belly — it comes off across the whole body.

A cross trainer is especially joint-friendly, since there's no impact loading.

The fluid motion reduces pressure on your knees and joints, which also makes it suitable for people with knee problems or in rehabilitation.

The ideal stride length on a cross trainer is around 40 to 50 cm.

A longer stride ensures a natural, ergonomic movement, while strides that are too short often feel unnatural.

High-quality cross trainers are designed to suit different heights.