Step onto a cross trainer – or elliptical trainer as they’re sometimes known – and your feet are positioned on two large platforms, your hands reaching forward to grip two handles. This is the arrangement that a cross-trainer uses to simulate walking, running or stair-climbing movement, allowing your feet to roll from heel to toe just as if you were on a treadmill or jogging around your local park. The big difference? As your feet never leave the pedals, your knees, joints and tendons don’t take a pounding – for those of us who struggle with running or are recovering from injury, a cross trainer is a godsend. This is generally the most effective and efficient form of resistance. However, motor-based resistance systems allow you to control the resistance via the onboard console. So, this is a handy feature when compared to a standard mechanical control knob. Smoothness of Stepping The CT300 cross trainer comes with a built-in 5.5kg flywheel, which is combined with a belt and magnetic resistance. In our experience, this combination on a budget cross trainer is rare but ensures its smooth and quiet operation. However, resistance will need to be changed manually, which is done by twisting a dial on the machine, typical with most budget-friendly elliptical trainers. Additional features of the SportsTech Cx608 include mobility wheels that allow you to easily move the cross trainer around and a small little holder for a water bottle. To make the most of these features, or indeed if you would like to just watch Netflix from the more comfortable position of the recumbent bike mode, there’s a handy tablet holder on the main console of the machine.

affect the condition and overall lifespan of your item, please read your manual for more information. Buying a cross trainer can be an excellent way to get in shape and also lose a few kilos without having to leave home. The low impact activity is easy on the joints and is perfect for people who have a history of joint issues, or for whom running and jogging aren’t biomechanically possible yet.The cross trainer is designed to have a sturdy base offering safety and stability to its users. MORE FEATURES 6 Function Monitor displays time, speed, distance, calories burned, pulse & odometer Ergonomically designed arms ideal for a wide variety of users Easily transportable and can be moved from room to room as it has wheels built onto it Maximum User Weight of 100kg The pulse sensor only works if you grab on to the handlebars. So, even if a user is working out their legs, they would need to grab on to the handlebars for a few seconds to read their current pulse rate. However, this type of pulse sensor tends to be pretty standard on cross trainers in this price range. The XS Sports Luna Pro 2-in 1 devoid of fancy features like speakers or a stand for your phone, but in all fairness, other cross-trainers don’t have those features either.

Therefore, your joints will be protected which gives it the edge over alternative fitness machines including the treadmill. We like the fact that this cross trainer comes with a tablet holder, which makes passing time when getting a workout easier. You can watch TV or listen to music while exercising. Who is the JLL CT300 for? The SportsTech Cx608 is best suited for someone who is looking for a compact cross trainer that does not break the bank. However, there are a few issues with durability and build quality, which causes those occasional squeaks and wobbles. While features such as a bottle holder and a tablet/phone holder are most definitely not essential, this can be hugely beneficial when working out.

Please ring JLL Fitness if you receive your item in a damaged condition sowe can arrange for replacement parts or equipment to be sent to you. Unusually for a machine of this price is the ability for it to measure your body fat % too. Whilst this is an impressive feature, we wouldn’t put too much faith in the values it spits out, as it only utilises the pulse sensors to measure your body fat. Doing it this way typically provides poor values, especially for those who have above-average muscle mass. Weighing just under 36 kgs, it is more solidly built than rivals and can accommodate up to a 100kgs person.

If your priority is to build muscle then a home multi gym may be a better choice. Take a look at our best home multi gym guide. What is Better, a Cross Trainer or a Treadmill? The electronic monitor includes 4 Heart Rate Control Programs, which work to calculate and target your cardiovascular zones during a workout. It also helps to control the intensity of the program or workout based on the chosen pulse limits, essentially allowing users to design a customized program. However, the cross-trainer does come with 5 Custom Courses and one that shows a Random Program on the screen. When it comes to compact design without compromising important features, we think that the SportsTech Cx608 is the best home cross trainer in the UK. It boasts lots of features both inside and outside, which should help many users meet their fitness goals. The SportsTech Cx608 cross trainer offers a pretty decent arm workout via the handlebars, but it isn’t a replacement for good old bicep curls. The 8 levels of manual resistance help to add intensity to your workout, but it might not be as challenging for someone who worked out on a cross-trainer at a gym for years. Who is the SportsTech Cx608 for?

The best cross trainers you can buy in 2023

The flywheel is 7kgs, and the CT500 uses magnetic resistance. This is ideal for smooth and predictable resistance. You change it via a dial, which is in easy reach while you work out. The I.EASY by BH Fitness comes with a pretty hefty set of features, which we’ll get into in the next section, but its 12 well structured preset programs coupled with 24 levels of intensity will put most people through their paces. The cross trainer has been specifically designed for home use, which means you can put up to 7 hours a week into it and fold it up when not used. It also boasts of a long stride length and a max user weight of around 100 kgs. In terms of the build quality, everything feels as it should. There are no rattly, poorly-designed parts, and it feels smooth and comfortable to use for longer periods of time.