Ellipticals & Crosstrainers Buyers Guide

Which is best?

Generally and for the purposes of home exercising there is no difference between the two. top of the page

What do they do?

Crosstrainers allow you, through their elliptical motion, to exercise both the upper and lower body parts simultaneously. They are free of impact and avoid undue stress on the joints. top of the page

Who are they suitable for?

Due to their non-impact and fluid motion they are suitable for most people, however those who are very overweight, over 40 or have not exercised for some time are advised to consult their GP before undertaking exercise. top of the page

Resistance

Many extol the virtues of ''magnetic resistance'' in actual fact almost all todays crosstrainers will use a type of magnetic brake. The differences then become between the types and the quality of those systems. top of the page

Standard magnetic resistance

Resistance is created by moving a strong magnet often known as a Neo-dynamic magnet towards or away from the moving flywheel. As the magnet moves towards the flywheel so the current generated between them increases causing a resistance. For the technical amongst you or those who remember their Physics days at school this know as Eddy Current.

There are 2 main ways in which this system is employed on your crosstrainer. The first uses a cable between the magnets and a control dial, as you turn the dial the magnet is moved towards the flywheel and the resistance increases. The other method involves moving the magnets by the use of a small electric motor, net result though is the same i.e. the motor turns and moves the magnet. top of the page

Electro-magnetic resistance

Many of the models higher in the range use this method. Quite simply instead of a magnet being moved this system involves the use of an Electro magnet to do the job. The electro magnet is positioned very closely to the flywheel and varying amounts of current are passed through it to create a resistive force, so the more current the higher the resistance. Electro magnets are very controllable and offer a much greater range than other magnetic systems they are also very good for creating programmes having the ability to make very small changes to the resistance level top of the page

Belt Resistance

Rarely is this system is found nowadays and should be avoided. top of the page

Frames

One often overlooked aspect of a crosstrainer is the frame, bearing in mind that you will be stood on this and likely to be rocking from sided to side as you use it, the strength of the frame is very important.

A cheaper machine will invariably mean a cheaper build, this leads to weak joints and early failure, a well-built frame will easily tolerate these stresses and last for years. top of the page

Programmes

Most of the higher value items are equipped with a range of pre-set programmes, essentially these are a series of various resistances designed to simulate differing level of uphill gradients (sorry no downhill ones!). More effective though is the Heart Rate Control programme which allows the user to exercise at the most appropriate heart rate level for their particular needs, i.e. for weight-loss one might use a heart rate of say 125bpm and for fitness 145bpm, (these are random figures and should not be used) the HRC programme will allow the user to exercise at the precise level they choose. top of the page

The Manufacturers

Marcy - Price £189.00 - £299.00
Manufactured in the Far East the base model, Nimbus, should only be considered for light occasional use, at the other end the Stratus compares well with others at similar price points but must still be considered for light use only

Recommended Model - Stratus £299.00

York - Price £248.00-£318.00
Again manufactured in the Far East these offer reasonable value for money, the upper model 360HRC is well made with a decent range of programmes.

Recommended Model - 360HRC £318.00

Bremshey - Price £269.00 - £559.00
Another Far Eastern manufactured product the Bremshey range is well made and has proven reliability. The base model Spirit is fine for light use but the Orbit Control is worth the extra

Recommended Model - Orbit Control Hre £399.00

Kettler - Price £269.00 - £625.00
With one exception these are manufactured in Germany and are typical of the build quality you would expect. The Sirocco, the one made in the Far East compares favourable with others at a similar price but is a long way short of the build strength of the other Kettler models. So confident are Kettler of their reliability they have given their range a 3 year parts and labour warranty.

Recommended Model - Mondeo £520.00

Trimline - Price £749.00 - £1850.00
Most famously known for their treadmills the two crosstrainers are manufactured at their Far Eastern factory but are of good quality and have proven to be reliable. The upper model E320 has been very popular in the last couple of years but is now beginning to look a bit dated, plus with the new models from Tunturi this now has some serious competition.

Tunturi - Price £465.00 - £1695.00
As the price suggests these models are at the top of the tree when it comes to performance. The base model C30 is well made but is we feel a little overpriced compared to offerings from other companies, but when you reach the C60 models and above they really do come into their own. Recent additions, the C80 and C85 bridge the gap between the home and gym models giving the user the feel of a true gym machine at less than half the cost. Wonderful intuitive programmes will keep you motivated and challenged.

Recommended Models - C60 £750.00 - C85 £1695.00 top of the page