Our Guide To Buying Elliptical Cross Trainers

If you’re confused about how to pick your ideal Cross Trainer (also known as Elliptical Trainer) then read on – our advice is completely impartial. Remember, you can call us if you’re not sure what is right for you. 

Click the following link to take a look at the cross trainers that we highly recommend. Look out for the "More Information/Product Review" button which will tell you all you need to know about the machine:

http://www.inspire-fitness.co.uk/categories/recommended_cross_trainers.php

For general advice about how to choose a cross trainer then take a look at the following points.

How tall are you? 

You need to think about your stride length and make sure that the cross trainer is suitable. The stride length is shown in the information box for each cross trainer that we stock.

How heavy are you?

The weight limits for cross trainers vary by brand and model. You need to make sure that you find a cross trainer that is compatible with your current weight.

What features do you want?

Most cross trainers have a variety of features and functions – programs, resistance levels, quick keys, heart monitor facilities and so on. Be realistic about which facilities you really want in your cross trainer and consider how easy you’ll find it to operate. We’ve included pictures of the consoles of all of the cross trainers that we stock along with a breakdown of the features so that you’ll get an idea of how easy or complex each machine is to operate and what it can do.

Front or Rear Driven?

Some cross trainers are driven from the front and others from the rear – take a look at the pictures and you’ll see the difference. Essentially, both front and rear cross trainers work in the same way but you’ll get a different feel when using them. If you’re used to using a particular type then we’d recommend that you pick a cross trainer that works in the same way. If not, then either front or rear driven will be suitable.

Where will the Cross trainer be situated in your home?

Cross trainers can be heavy! The weights of cross trainers vary between approximately 40kg and 70kg – a typical washing machine weighs about 80kg to give you a comparison. You need to think about where the cross trainer will be located – if it’s upstairs then you need to consider how you’ll get it there. It’s definitely a two person job to install a cross trainer in an upstairs room so you’ll require a willing friend or relative to help. You also might want to consider only those cross trainers that are delivered in kit form so that you can carry the individual parts upstairs and build the machine in the room that it’s to be used. 

We’ve installed different cross trainers in lots of different rooms – upstairs and downstairs – so please call us for an honest opinion about the location of your proposed cross trainer. If we don’t think that it’s feasible, then we’ll tell you.

Will you want to move the cross trainer when it’s not in use?

Some of the cross trainers that we stock can be folded when not in use and can be moved out of the way, others don’t fold at all. You need to consider where you will be storing the cross trainer and check the dimensions, including folded dimensions where appropriate, before making your final choice. All of the cross trainers have wheels and can be moved with relative ease.

Building your cross trainer

All cross trainers come “flat-packed” to some degree, with some machines being easier to construct than others. Be honest with yourself – if you struggle putting a bathroom cabinet together then you might be better with a cross trainer that requires the minimum of construction. If on the other hand you’re a wizard with a spanner then you won’t have a problem with any of the equipment in our store. We are constantly building different cross trainers, so please give us a call if you’re not sure which cross trainer is the right one for you.

We hope that this guide has helped you to decide which cross trainer is suitable for your needs. Remember that help is only a phone call away if you need any further advice.