Best Cross Trainer 2017 Reviews
Want to get a good all round level of fitness with improved health, muscle tone and skin? A cross body trainer helps you achieve all of this.
This wonderful machine gives your body a full workout and is ideal for raising your fitness levels, losing weight and feeling better about yourself – all from the comfort of your own home.
A cross body trainer will get you much fitter and slimmer without the hard hitting wear and tear that you can sustain on your knee joints from running (the impact can be as much as 2 to 3 x your body weight if you are overweight (see here for facts (opens in a new window)).
When looking for a suitable trainer, bear in mind the features you’d like and of course what sort of budget. It is possible to purchase a cross trainer for “well under” £100 and at the other end spend high 3 or 4 figures on one.
Pro’s and con’s to both ends of the price spectrum, but just something to be aware of.
Did You Know?
Using a cross trainer or any form of exercise equipment can be REALLY good for osteoarthritis. Stop those painful flare ups. Here’s an article in the Daily Express about it.
So what is a cross trainer?
In essence it is a piece of fitness equipment that aims to work the majority of the muscles on your body, so that your whole body gets a workout.
In fitness terms, this is a great bit of kit as targeting multiple muscle groups helps strengthen your whole body and as a result suffer from fewer injuries, and enjoy faster recovery times.
What sort of room do they take up and would you get along with it?
Well, let’s say this.
This isn’t a piece of kit you can can use sat down in front of Coronation Street or Men & Motors channel.
You stand up or sit on the machine and you legs will be moving while your arms also move.
The ones with seats attached are called “2 in 1” machines. Some will let you remove the seat for stand up cross training, however true cross training enthusiasts will claim that it has to be “no seat whatsoever”.
Some cross trainers let you pedal backward as well as forward so that you can target both the front thigh muscles and the rear thigh muscles. We think this is a “must have” feature to maintain good all round strength.
In The News:
Ever imagine gardening would be as good as using a cross trainer? Read how one person came to this realization while doing some work in their garden recently.
After all our “exhaustive” jogging pants wearing testing, our conclusion is that the JLL cT300 Luxury Cross trainer is our main favourite in terms of price and features.
All the others in this list are so close in terms of second place that it’s hard to choose between them.
A tough rugged machine
Here is a nice cheap option at round £14 that interlocks.
This helps silence the noise plus also helps keep the floor protected.
Take a look at this 2 minute video that shows the basics of a nice cardiovascular health workout using a cross trainer:
(courtesy of JTX Fitness)
Picture Cross Trainer Comments Click To View Current Best Price
1: JLL CT100 2 IN 1 Cross Trainer
Our rating:
A great machine at a great entry level price Usually £72.99 click below to get the latest price:
2: JTX Strider X7 Magnetic Cross Trainer
Our rating:
A superb machine with magnetic resistance Usually around £464.00 but click below to get the latest price:
3: JLL CT300 Luxury Cross Trainer Our Choice!
Our rating:
We love this. Combines great value with features. One of our favourites, Usually around £153.99 but click below to get the latest price:
4: XS Sports Pro XS Cross TrainerOur rating:
A superb machine at a superb price! Usually around £78.95 but click below to get the latest price:
5: SportsTech CX610 Cross Trainer Our Choice!
Our rating:
High quality, high performance and packed full of Bluetooth app technology. One of our favourites! Usually around £379.00 but click below to get the latest price:
6: Fitnessform P1100 Cross Trainer
Our rating:
Nice price and a nice machine Usually around £139.99 but click below to get the latest price:
7: Bodymax E60 Cross TrainerOur rating:
A design and build masterpiece. Usually around £329.99 but click below to get the latest price:
8: Body Sculpture BE-6720G Cross TrainerOur rating:
Great build quality and function Usually around £184.99 but click below to get the latest price:
9: Viavito Setry Cross TrainerOur rating:
A superbly good looking cross trainer that also works well Usually around £349.99 but click below to get the latest price:
10: Ultrasport XT-Trainer 700M Cross TrainerOur rating:
A good quality cross trainer Usually around £198.99 but click below to get the latest price:
So let’s take a closer deeper look at each of our “best 10”. Remember these have already been weeded out from the rest of the ones for sale due to their strong features, price points and build quality.
1: JLL 2-in-1 Elliptical Cross Trainer Exercise Bike CT100, Fitness Cardio Workout Machine-With Seat + Pulse Heart Rate Sensors, Console Display, 5-level seat adjust and 4-level handlebar adjust. Black colour review
£72.99 – bargain!
We like the JLL brand. Affordable and yet highly adjustable. A company who know their target audience and create the right cross trainer machines for them.
This model, the CT100 has the seat meaning you can also use it like riding a bike.
Here are the CT100 features:
- This is the JLL Fitness 2-in-1 Elliptical Cross Trainer & Exercise Bike.
- Dual purpose doubles up as an exercise bike and Cross trainer for maximum workout potential.
- Max user weight: 110kg (17.3 stones in weight) although as it is robust we feel you could get away with more.
- Fully adjustable multi level resistance to increase work out intensity – simply turn the resistance knob located on the frame down between your legs when stood on it.
- Multi Function LCD Display: Pulse, Time, Speed, Distance and Calories burned.
- Front Mounted Flywheel for extra stability. Dual Action Handlebars and Fixed Bars with Pulse Sensors to Monitor Heart Rate During Workout.
- Extra Wide Pedals. Adjustable Seat Height. Light Weight, Durable Steel Frame. Front Wheels for easy transportation
User manual can be found here.
JLL Ct100 Assembly instructions:
Take a closer look at the JLL CT100 trainer:
Pro’s and Con’s of the JLL CT100:
Pros
Cons2: JTX Strider-X7: Magnetic Cross Trainer review
£464
If you are aiming for a cross trainer that is much like a gym machine but without spending 4 figures then the JTX Strider X7 may just be the perfect solution.
We have tested this (well one of us was lucky enough to have done) and the overwhelming verdict is that it is a brilliant cross body trainer (if aching the next day is anything to go by).
During normal use (2 to 4 times per week) the Strider X7 is very quiet and smooth running, with very little vibration and feels very sturdy.
A fabulous well packed machine with many high gym features
We liked this machine as is obviously very high quality and customer service is exceptionally good.
Features:
- Large full colour touchscreen monitor
- 21 in built programs to go through (heart rate, hills, intervals etc.)
- 16 levels of magnetic resistance to push your body to the next level
- 4 self programmable levels too – that’s a great feature for dedicated fitness enthusiasts
- Adjustable floor pads ensure uneven surfaces don’t cause any issues
- 28 day money back guarantee. 5 Year frame warranty and 2 Year in-home repair warranty including all parts and labour.
- Compact but robust design with a maximum user weight of 110kg (17St 4lbs).
- Cross trainer weight: 54kg.
- Cross trainer dimensions: 170cm(h) x 70cm(w) 130cm (l)
- Maximum length in use 146cm
Take a closer look at the JTX Strider X7
Pro’s and Con’s of the JTX Strider X7
3: JLL® CT300 Home Luxury Elliptical Cross Trainer, 2016 New Magnetic resistance elliptical fitness Cardio workout with 8-level magnetic adjustable resistance, 5.5KG two ways Flywheel, console display with heart rate sensor and tablet holder. Silver colour review
£153.99
Pedal forwards or backwards to suit your exercise regime and target both front and rear muscle groups in your legs. The CT300 has good features at a nice price too.
The JLL CT300 features:
- 8 magnetic resistance levels.
- Quiet belt drive technology.
- Display: Time, Speed, Distance, Heart rate, Calories, Body fat and Pulse recovery
- Heart rate sensors on stationary handlebar. 5.5KG two ways Flywheel.
- Maximum user weight: 100kg(15.7 stones)
Take a closer look at the JLL CT300 Luxury Cross Trainer:
Pro’s and Con’s of the JLL CT300 Luxury Cross Trainer:
4: Pro XS Sports 2-in1 Elliptical Cross Trainer Exercise Bike-Fitness Cardio Weightloss Workout Machine-With Seat + Pulse Heart Rate Sensors review
£78.95
Enjoy full body workouts with the Xs Sports Pro XS cross trainer thanks to it’s full range of motion and 2 way crank allowing for both forward and backward pedalling (to target hamstrings at the back as well as the front of the legs).
Fully adjustable seat handles and feet to ensure suitability for most people (maximum weight is just over 17 and a half stones / 110kg / 250 pounds).
Take a closer look at the Pro XS Sports Cross Trainer:
Pro’s and Con’s of the Pro XS Sports Cross Trainer:
5: Sportstech CX610 professional crosstrainer with Smartphone App control + Google Street View, 18 KG inertia, HRC – Bluetooth – 32 resistance levels – hometrainer ergometer elliptical stepper review
£379.00
What’s not to love about the Sportstech CX610 cross trainer?
Being able to handle up to 18 and a half stones in weight this home cross body trainer impressed us right from the start.
Why wouldn’t it?
A list of impressive features that make fitness so much more appealing – (even on your “can’t be bothered” days!)
Sportstech CX610 Features:
- Pedal forwards and backwards to target front and rear leg muscle groups
- Quiet operation and easy screen controlled resistance levels – 18KG inertia with whisper ripped belt rear-drive system – computer controlled resistance level in 32 steps and motorized magnetic brake system
- App compatible Bluetooth console + tablet holder for Fitness-App with built-in Google Maps function for training with Street View display + training history
- big-size anti-slip pedals for optimum grip – adjustable in 3 steps – practical transport wheel for easy storage – water bottle holder including water bottle
- large program variety with 12 pre-programmed trainings + manual mode + watt training + HRC function + cardio training – pulse belt compatible for heart rate training
- assembly size: (LxWxH) – 1320x660x1550mm – pedal length 370mm – maximum user weight up to 120 KG (18.8 stones in weight) – optimum training of the major muscle groups and posture + movement coordination
Tell me about the apps for the Sportstech CX610
The app lets you connect to fitness apps such as Kinomaps or you can use the inbuilt iconsole app.
The console comes pre-loaded with “Iroute” (part of I-console+) and means you can plot your own favourite route on google maps and then follow it on google street view (making it far more interesting).
The tension on your CX610 crosstrainer changes according to the relative altitude compared to the max and min (ie tension doesn’t relate to slope).
It is also compatible with MapmyRoute.
This means you can import “GPS data” from existing routes you have done) and additionally “KinoMaps” (where you can either use existing geotagged videos or for a subscription upload your own (you don’t need a GPS video camera as the software merges your GPS file and video footage that can be acquired on different devices)).
Take a closer look at the Sportstech CX610 Professional Crosstrainer:
Pro’s and Con’s of the Sportstech CX610 Professional Crosstrainer:
You can see the CX610 iconsole app in use below:
If you want to read up more on the app you can.
The company behind the Sportstech band are Innovamaxx – a German company (here is their website)
You can download the console user guide here (Google drive location).
6: Fitnessform® P1100 Cross Trainer 2-in-1 Fitness Elliptical Exercise Bike (New Model) review
£139.99
The Fitnessform P1100 X10 cross trainer is both a cross trainer and exercise bike so you can vary up your workout routine whenever you wish.
The price point is nicely nestled in – not too expensive and not overly cheap either.
When testing we lost 9 pounds in weight over the course of 4 weeks with a fairly healthy diet (basically cutting out the rubbish junk food!)
Features of the Fitnessform P1100
- We found that the unit was very compact compared to others.
- Nice and easy to move around (not too heavy)
- 2 year warranty on parts and the frame
- A great low impact cardio machine that doesn’t impact on your joints
Take a closer look at the Fitnessform P1100 2 in 1 cross trainer:
Pro’s and Con’s of the Fitnessform P100 2 in 1 cross trainer:
7: Bodymax E60 Elliptical Home Exercise Cross Trainer review
£329.99
If you need “brilliant” then we feel this matches expectations.
Size wise this machine measures 5 foot 6 inches tall (to top of handles), 4 foot 8 inches in length and 1 foot 11 inches wide.
Everything you need during use can be accessed via the monitor, except for your water bottle that is (a water bottle holder would be handy on the machine but there are other options such as a belt to hold your bottle).
Pedal forwards or backwards on your Bodymax E60 via the circular motion and target most of your core muscle groups.
Take a closer look at the Bodymax E60 Elliptical Cross Trainer:
Pro’s and Con’s of the Bodymax E60 Elliptical Cross Trainer:
8: Body Sculpture BE-6720G Elliptical Trainer review
£184.99
One of the quietest cross trainers we tested. It is pretty much “almost silent” thanks to the magnetic braking system.
We almost fell in love with this machine and felt it pretty much idealized what a cross trainer is.
The BE6720G features at a glance:
The display monitor will show you the following metrics and results:
- Scan
- Time
- Speed
- Distance
- Calories
- Pulse
- Body Fat
- Recovery
- RPM
This great computer includes 22 programs.
Each of the 22 in built programs are designed to target specific fitness goals.
It also features 1 manual setting and 4 user customisable settings so each user can create and store their own individual workouts.
Good eh?
Here is the breakdown of the programs available:
- 1 Manual Setting
- 4 heart Rate Controls (55%, 75%, 90% and Target Heart Rate)
- 13 Pre-set Programs
- 4 User Setting
Net/Gross Weight: 39.5kgs/45kgs
Size: 98.5 x 60 x 156.5 cm
Pro’s and Con’s of the Body Sculpture BE-6720G Elliptical Trainer:
9: Viavito Setry 2-in-1 Elliptical Trainer and Exercise Bike review – Black/Red
£349.00
Viavito combines style with fitness and this is the result. The Setry is very appealing.
User comfort is a positive here. The oversized feet plates make it easy to get the right position to suit you.
Take a closer look at the Viavito Setry Cross Trainer:
Features of the Setry cross trainer
- A fair weighted flywheel at 5kg (11lbs) (however other machines can be as high as 18kg in this list)
- Stride length: 31.2cm (12.3″)
- 20 challenging programmes (4 are customisable)
- 32 levels of computer controlled magnetic resistance
- Easy to read backlit LCD display
- Oversized footplate
- Horizontally and vertically adjustable seat for user comfort
- Heart rate measurement via hand pulse sensors + wireless receiver (an optional chest strap can be purchased)
- Maximum user weight is 18.5 stones approximately
- Warranty: 2 years (you must register within 28 days to get 2nd year)
Pro’s and Con’s of the Viavito Setry Cross Trainer:
10: Ultrasport XT-Trainer 700M Cross Trainer/Elliptical Trainer with Hand Pulse Sensors, incl. Drinking Bottle review
£239.99
The floorspace needed for this machine is 104 cm in length x 49 cm wide x 133 cm high.
We loved the fact that this machine looks very stylish AND is well built.
We also like the water bottle holder and the free water bottle (although when really full it fell out a few times so best not to overfill this).
Take a look at the pictures and see how nice it looks.
Features of the Ultrasport XT-Trainer 700M
- Makes a complete body workout with cardiovascular improvement easily possible, max. user weight: 264 lbs (120 kg)
- 2-way principle for training of leg, hip, butt, arm and shoulder muscles
- Training computer with different modes: time, distance, scan, calories, speed
- 8 different resistance levels, magnetic braking system with 11 lbs (5 kg) flywheel
- Assembled dimensions: approx. 41 x 19 x 52 in (104 x 49 x 133 cm)
Take a closer look at the Ultrasport XT Trainer 700M Cross Trainer:
Pro’s and Con’s of the Ultrasport XT Trainer 700M Cross Trainer:
Cross Body Trainer Machine Resources / Links
Places we used to help produce this review
JTX Fitness – for the Strider X7
JLL Fitness – for their CT100 and CT300
Amazon – for product knowledge
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