Elliptical cross trainers are a type of home exercise equipment that has grown significantly in popularity over recent years.
They are great because they are low impact and provide a full body workout, with the range of motions implicating both the upper and lower body.
After the summary table below, we discuss what to look for when considering an elliptical cross trainer, followed by reviews of the five best ones in Australia.
Best Value: Powertrain Elliptical Cross Trainer
This elliptical designed by PowerTrain is a great economical option to get a good home workout. The steel frame and the wide base insure its sturdiness and you can easily move it around as it has transport wheels.
The LCD monitor indicated time, speed, distance and calories which is great to track your progress.
In terms of ergonomics, the height of the handlebars is adjustable and the pedals are anti-slip.
You can also vary between stationary or dynamic handlebars and reverse the motions quickly which makes for a more diverse workout.
Downsides to this elliptical are the absence of set workout programs and the fact that the resistance is determined by a knob that has to be turned which may not be as precise for tracking progress.
PROS
- Reversible movement
- Monitor: speed, time, calories, distance
- Handlebars can be stationary or elliptical
- Steel frame
- Anti-slip pedals
CONS
- No integrated programs
- Resistance is not precise
ProForm CardioHIIT Cross Trainer
Designed to utilise High-Intensity Interval Training, this cross trainer will help you reach your workout goals fast. By applying maximum effort for a set time followed by short recovery periods, you burn more calories and build more strength.
The ProForm CardioHIIT Trainer combines the movement of stair climbing with the intense workout of boxing, to activate a wide range of muscle groups and burn calories.
Thanks to the smooth motion, this machine offers a true low impact workout, with little stress on joints.
A 7 inch backlit display provides all the data and stats you need to plan and record your workout.
PROS
- Combines stepping and boxing motions for intense, calorie burning workout.
- Designed to be used with HIIT
- Low impact means minimal stress on joints
CONS
- Worldwide workouts require membership, sold separately
York X515 Elliptical Cross Trainer
The York x515 cross trainer has 24 levels of electronic resistance and has 14 integrated programs. It also has reverse motion as well as static and dynamic handlebars for more workout options.
The Blue Backlight LCD screen indicates time, speed, distance, resistance and heart rate. It also has a tablet holder as well as MP3 input with speakers which is a nice touch to keep you entertained you during your workout.
The ergonomics are quite good on this elliptical, while it also includes adjustable stabilizers for uneven surfaces, accessories holder and a 2 degree inward slope for the pedals to reduce joint strain.
The only downside is the higher cost of the this elliptical cross trainer.
PROS
- 24 levels of resistance
- 14 integrated programs
- Reverse motion
- Accessories holder
- Adjustable stabilizers
- LCD screen monitor
- Heart Rate Sensors
- Australian owned and operated
CONS
- More expensive
Lifespan XT-38 Cross Trainer
The XT-38 Elliptical Cross Trainer has 16 levels of resistance and 21 pre-set integrated programs which will be sure to satisfy your workout needs.
It has all the essentials including reverse motion, anti-slip pedals, transport wheels as well as static and dynamic handlebars.
The large LCD screen informs you of time, distance, resistance, speed, calories and heart rate. Made of tubular steel, this sturdy elliptical also indicates your body mass index (BMI) which is useful to keep track of your weight goals.
The only disadvantage with this model is that it might be less compact than others on the market which might not be suitable if you are working with a really small space.
PROS
- 16 levels of resistance
- Hand pulse monitoring system
- Anti-slip pedals
- Monitor: time, speed, distance, calories, heart rate, resistance
- Reverse motion
- Steel frame
- iPad holder
- Static and dynamic handlebars
- 21 integrated programs
CONS
- Less compact than other models
Endurance Elliptical Cross Trainer
Endurance designed this elliptical cross trainer with 16 levels of adjustable resistance as well as reverse motion to provide a wide range of workout options.
The monitor will indicate time, speed, distance, calories as well as pulse given that the handlebars have a pulse monitoring system.
You can also watch your favorite show or read a book utilising the integrated iPad holder.
The pedals are also anti-slip and there are extra static handlebars in the middle if you wish to work only the legs.
The frame is tubular steel and you can easily transport it with integrated wheels.
This elliptical doesn’t have any integrated programs, however, so you will need to come up with your own. This cross trainer is still considered the best value in this guide as the price is very good for all the features it provides.
PROS
- Affordable
- 16 levels of resistance
- Hand pulse monitoring system
- Anti-slip pedals
- Reverse motion
- Steel frame
- iPad holder
- Static and dynamic handlebars
- Monitor: time, speed, distance, calories, heart rate
CONS
- No integrated programs
Lifespan Fitness X-18 Elliptical Cross Trainer
This Elliptical cross trainer is equipped with both in-motion handles as well as fixed handlebars that have a heart rate sensor. Your heart rate will be displayed on the LCD monitor along with calories, distance, time and speed.
You will feel stable on the X-18 as its frame is made of steel and it has non-slip pedals. The handlebars are also padded for added comfort and it is equipped with a ipad and book stand to keep you entertained during your workout.
Don’t worry about moving it around because it also has wheels for ease of transport.
This elliptical doesn’t have set exercise programs and also only has 8 levels of magnetic resistance which is suitable for moderate workouts.
PROS
- Affordable
- Hand pulse monitoring system
- Anti-slip pedals
- Monitor: time, speed, distance, calories, heart rate
- Steel frame
- iPad/book holder
- Reverse motion
- Static and dynamic handlebars
CONS
- No integrated programs
- Only 8 levels of resistance
Choosing A Cross Trainer
1. Range Of Resistance
When it comes to ellipticals, resistance is really important, as this is what provides the workout.
Therefore, there needs to be a wide range of resistance, otherwise you may get bored quickly and find you are not working hard enough.
Your machine needs to be able to have the resistance options to progress with your strength and fitness improvements over a period of time.
The required range of resistance will depend on what type of workout you are looking for, so setting goals before purchasing your next elliptical is important.
2. Ergonomics
This refers to how the elliptical cross trainer is designed and how it can adapt to your body type.
You’ll want to look at how the arm pedals are designed. Some have the option of being static or dynamic and some also have different types of grips. The foot pedals are also worth considering, with the better models having grip to prevent the foot from sliding forward.
Ideally, a cross trainer that can also go in reverse motion is great because you can target a wider range of muscles.
3. Quality Of Materials
Typically, you will find either steel or plastic materials. Of course, steel will tend to be more expensive, but it will also be more durable. It all depends on how often you use the machine and how intense your workouts will be.
4. Screen Monitor
This last element is a must if you want to track your workout. Some screen monitors will be more high tech than others, which will usually be correlated with an increase in price. At a minimum, the monitor should indicate time, resistance and estimated calories burned.
Now that you have a better idea of what to look for, let’s dive into a review of the five best elliptical cross trainers available in Australia.
Verdict
At the end of the day, any of these machines will provide you with a great workout, you just need to find one that best suits your specific needs.
Remembering to consider level of resistance, ergonomics, quality of material as well as screen monitor are the main points before purchasing this piece of exercise equipment.
Happy exercising!
