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Rowing Machines Vs Cross Trainers – Which Are Better?

If you’re a fitness fanatic, you’ve probably heard of the hype surrounding the elliptical cross trainer. The machine made it on the scene with a bang creating a lot of hype and attention due to its ability to work-out the lower and upper body. However, we’re going to conduct thorough scrutiny to compare the cross trainer and the rowing as we try to find out which one is much better.

Assuming that you’ve obviously been to the gym, you’ve obviously seen the cross trainer. Some of us even have it at home. There’s no doubt that these machines are excellent for weight loss and toning the body. This is especially the case if you consider cardio workouts.

You might also have come across the rowing machines, they’re elitist and demanding. However, people tend to shy away from them due to differing reasons. Some people are limited by their bodies while others have no idea how to go about it. On this note, we’re going to take a look at each of these machines and see what they have to offer.

Rowing Machines

These machines are great if you’re overweight and you want to work-out the cardiovascular system. However, they’re also used for full body workouts. They can be used for building muscles, losing weight, and even gaining fitness. While using this machine, it’s highly recommendable that you introduce the aspect of variety. This will help you avoid stagnation.

Muscles Engaged By A Rowing Machine

This machine is able to engage all the muscle groups in the upper and lower parts of the body. This includes the core, arms, and legs. So if you feel like you need to work out the various muscle groups in your body, then this is the way to go.

The other aspect involves cardiovascular fitness, rowing helps you in this regard. Apart from burning calories, rowing engages the cardiovascular system thus allowing you to lose weight while you improve the lung and heart condition.

Some of the rowing machines don’t need to be connected to the power source, you can consider buying such machines if you’re looking to purchase one. This is especially the case if you want one for home use. The idea is that you can always find one that is cost-effective and efficient.

Remember that rowing is low-impact on your hips and joints and if you engage in some intense workout, you’ll be in a position to burn substantial calories. The form on which you engage in while rowing often takes time for you to master but it’s worth the effort. All you need is to find a perfect balance and once you’ve mastered the process you’ll be set.

It’s also important to mention that you need to take care while you row, this is because if you bend too much you might injure your back. So what you need is to concentrate on the movements that you’re making taking care to do it in the right form.

Comparison Between Rowing Machine And The Cross Trainer

  If you’re trying to lose weight, understand those cross trainers will also do the job. This is because they have the capability to offer the same benefits that you derive from the rowing machines. They work well for cardio workouts and will also do a great job if you intend to gain fitness. The idea is that you need to have a variety of positions so that you’re able to progress faster.

Cross trainers do an excellent job if you’re a beginner who is trying to learn the basic motions without much hassle. This machine works best if you start working out at a low level of resistance and then progress gradually.

Keep in mind the fact that unlike rowing machines, cross trainers have less risk of injury on your back because there’s no strenuous bending involved. The other thing is that there’s no impact on the joints while using the cross trainers, this makes them ideal for use while you’re rehabilitating the knees or joints.

The other advantage with cross trainers is that you can use them without having to engage the arms, ideally, you can customize this machine to the ideal setting that will help you in the quest to achieve your fitness goals.

Cross trainers also help you improve your balance and overall posture. The only thing you need to make sure is that your form is on point. Make sure that the form is correct then make sure that you’re consistent while working out. At all time you should make sure that your back is straight so that you avoid injuries. This will help you strengthen your back and legs, thus improving your overall posture.

The other factor you need to consider is the fact cross trainers give you the opportunity to control the speed at which you’re going to pedal. This accommodates different training regimens based on your needs and what you’re trying to achieve. Cross trainers are also great if you’re considering high-intensity interval training since they help you burn more calories in a significantly short period of time.

Drawbacks To Keep in Mind

Athletes tend to find the cross trainers to be very boring due to the stationary state and the repetition that comes with the machine. However, you can always spice it up by having a variety of motions that you engage in so that you eliminate the element of monotony.

Consider This

After all, is said and done, you need to consider the fact that different people have different inclinations and what works for me might not be the case with another person. First, you need to understand your body and how it works, then you can use that knowledge to make an informed decision on which way to go.

Why Would You Consider A Rowing Machine?

Limited space

Limited budget

You’re overweight

You need to engage in a whole body work-out

You love rowing

If you’re a fitness fanatic, you’ve probably heard of the hype surrounding the elliptical cross trainer. The machine made it on the scene with a bang creating a lot of hype and attention due to its ability to work-out the lower and upper body. However, we’re going to conduct thorough scrutiny to compare the cross trainer and the rowing as we try to find out which one is much better.

Assuming that you’ve obviously been to the gym, you’ve obviously seen the cross trainer. Some of us even have it at home. There’s no doubt that these machines are excellent for weight loss and toning the body. This is especially the case if you consider cardio workouts.

You might also have come across the rowing machines, they’re elitist and demanding. However, people tend to shy away from them due to differing reasons. Some people are limited by their bodies while others have no idea how to go about it. On this note, we’re going to take a look at each of these machines and see what they have to offer.

Advantage Of Using A Rowing Machine

  Needs little space

No need for a power supply

Engages the whole body

Easy storage

Boosts your cardio-vascular fitness

Disadvantages of Rowing Machines

It’s dull and boring to some people

Some of the budget models are unreliable

Why Consider a Cross Trainer?

You’re interested in aerobic fitness

In the event that you succumb to some joint problems

If you want to work-out the lower and upper body

If you’re recovering from injuries

Advantages Of A Cross Trainer

Low risk of sustaining injuries

Ideal for cardio-workouts

Ideal for rehabilitation

You can get one while on a budget

Little stress on your joints

Good For upper body and the legs

Disadvantages of a cross trainer

Can Be quite boring and dull

Takes more space

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Top Low Impact Machines – Rowing Machines Or Exercise Bikes

Choosing between a rowing machine or exercise bike is not an easy task, there’s an element of hesitation and dilemma that tend to creep in as you try to make your mind up. It’s for this reason that we hope to help you make an informed decision on which way to go.

There’s no doubt that the rower seems to be more tasking and demanding but the fact is that it’s more efficient relatively compared to the exercise bikes, especially if you’re trying to lose weight. However, some people are trying to build muscles, strengthen their legs or even buttocks. We’re going to address all these concerns in this article. In some extreme cases you might be having an injury in your back or knees, then how do you address such issues? We’re going address all these issues in an effort to ensure that you make the right decisions.

Rowing Machine or Exercise Bike for Weight Loss?

If you’re considering losing weight then you need to understand that both of these machines give you some really nice cardio workout that will go a long way in burning calories. This stems from the fact that both machines can be used in different varying intensity workouts. This is done using the machines capability to adjust the resistance.

Exercise Bikes Vs. Rowing Machines: Which One Burns More Fat/Calories? This is one of those questions where it all depends on hard and how long you exercise. The idea is that both machines operate using the same principle, the only difference is that the rowing machine incorporates an additional feature that works using the arms to rower.

Both machines can burn the same amount of calories if you engaged in intensive training for one hour. However, as you decrease the time and intensity, the number of calories burnt will also decrease.

How About The Exercise Bike’s Efficiency?

There’s one factor that you need to consider about the exercise bikes, they have the element of ease of use in that one can exercise for prolonged periods using a stationary bike. You’ll, therefore, find it easier to exercise on a bike for a prolonged period compared to working out on a rowing machine. This is especially true if you consider the tasking position that you’ll be in while working out on the rowing machine. On the other hand, movements on the bike are constant and comfortable.

  Which Machine is Best For Losing Weight?

Considering the information above, it’s obvious that the exercise bike is much better if you’re considering losing weight. The bike gives you the opportunity to alternate different cardio workouts over a period of one hour to several minutes depending on your stamina.

Muscle Groups Used In Both Machines?

These machines are both cardio fitness machines, this implies that they both work out the heart. However, they also help in refining the muscles by making them firm.

Both machines also help you strengthen your legs, buttocks, and thighs. On this note, if you’re looking to lose weight, it’s important to consider these machines, they’ll help you a great deal.

However, we need to mention that the rowing machine uses more body muscles compared to the bike. However, most of the effort comes from the legs while the rest comes from the arms and pendulum movement.

The rowing machine works-out the following muscles:

Leg, thigh, gluteal, calf, anterior tibial, arms, back, abdominal, and deltoids Muscles

Why Use Rowing Machines?

There are certain situations when you might have to consider using the rowing machine over the exercise bike. This is the case when you want to exercise more muscle groups as mentioned above.

Strengthening The Thigh Muscles

The two machines do a good job in strengthening the thighs, this is because they make it possible to increase the resistance to the desired level. This helps the thigh muscles work harder due to the varying levels of resistance.

The exercise bike does a great job at working out the thigh muscles and legs, these machines give you the capability to focus and concentrate your effort on this section of the body. This gives you an added advantage to prolong your exercise for long period, this is unlike the case with the rowing machine which will task you after some time.

However, we need to mention that muscles are not built easily, you need to put in the effort that’s required before you can see any substantial results. On this note, we recommend that you increase the resistance on the machine. Resistance also helps you to burn more calories.

Which Machine Works Best If You Have An Injury?

In the event that you have a back problem or a knee injury, you need to be cautious about which machine you’ll work with. Understand that the stationary bike puts very little strain on the back of your back, unlike the rower which puts lots of pressure on the back. On the other hand, if you have a knee injury, you need to be cautious but the advantage with the exercise bike is that it allows you to adjust the level of resistance, this ensures that you don’t apply excessive pressure on your knees.

This is why we highly recommend that you use a stationary bike if you have a knee injury. It will help you rehabilitate the knee by exercising under moderate pressure. On the other hand, you’ll not have any issues with your back.

Considering the rowing machine, we find that it’s very demanding on your back. This is very good for strengthening the back but if you have an injury it will not be ideal. This is why you need to evaluate your situation before you decide on which way to go. The other thing that you need to consider is the bending that you need to do while using the rowing machine. We highly recommend that people with knee or back problems and even the elderly should use exercise bikes since they’re more ideal.

Additional Points To Consider

Adopting the right technique while training on a rowing machine is also detrimental if you’re trying to avoid back pains. Ideally, you push the machine using the legs then slide the seat backward and then pull it using your arms. This motion should then be repeated the other way round.

Pros And Cons of The Exercise Bike And The Rowing Machine

Both machines are cardio workout machines which offer many benefits to the cardiovascular system and the heart. They also improve your overall endurance and fitness thus allowing you to strengthen your buttocks, legs, and thighs. They also help you lose weight is you engage in a proper exercise regimen.

  Pros Of The Exercise bike

The exercise bike is easy to handle Offers different capabilities or you to engage in various training routines They can facilitate interval and cardio workouts Effective for training the legs and thighs They’re safe for the joints They’re ideal for beginners

Cons While Using The Rowing Machines

Rowing machines call for some level of experience before one can grasp the right position and movements They’re demanding when used for interval and cardio workouts They’re demanding when used for ankle joints, hips, and knees

Conclusion

It’s pretty obvious that the exercise bike is more user-friendly. This is the case of you consider uses such as weight loss, muscle toning, rehabilitation, or even staying in shape.

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Are Treadmills Good Low Impact Workout Machines?

In your quest to attain the desired level of fitness that you have in mind, you’ve definitely thought of whether the treadmill is an ideal low impact machine. To answer this question objectively, it’s important for us to first scrutinize the treadmill and look at what it is all about.

The treadmill as you might probably know is an exercise machine that’s used for running or walking. Simply put, this machine provides you with the platform on which you can exercise with a wide range of movements. The treadmill constitutes a wide conveyor belt that is driven by an electric motor. However, you’re required to engage in some movements on the speed belt.

There are several options that come with each treadmill, most have the cardio mode which helps you to define the target for the heart rate and the speed that you want. By persisting on the specified target heart rate this can be easily maintained as you desire. The idea is to build on your endurance, strength, and speed.

The other thing that you need to keep in mind is that while you’re walking, you need to support the body weight so that you can increase the number of calories that you burn. The advantage with a treadmill is that although it is hard on your joints, the speed can be adjusted and controlled, this will give you the opportunity to slow down whenever you want.

Pros and Cons of Treadmills

Treadmills are ideal for low and high-impact workouts.

This answers the topic question by providing an objective and accurate answer. The fact is that the treadmill allows you to choose the mode on which you intend to operate with, you can choose to run or walk, this will give your body and the joints as much impact as you want.

The treadmill is ideal for a low-impact workout in that you’re well positioned since the surface has the element of shock absorption. This allows you to put some little impact on your joints and hence you can go intense if you wish to do so.

Treadmills allow you to run or walk at different speeds and also incline

It doesn’t matter on which level of fitness you’re in, you have the option of choosing the speed that suits you. This is where the low-impact exercises can be done with little to no pressure. The treadmill also allows you to change and adjust the level of incline you’ll use thus it facilitates different workout regimens on the same treadmills. The point is that it doesn’t matter whether you’re an amateur or expert in fitness, you can adjust the machine to fit your specific needs. The machine is both convenient an versatile.

Treadmills Are Easy To Use

Relatively compared to other machines which are complex and hard to use, the treadmill allows you to engage in different exercise regimens in a straightforward manner. The idea is that you don’t have to coordinate different body parts on different parts of the machine, you can just take care of the movements on your legs. This stems from the fact that you already know how to run and walk.

Cons With Treadmills

Treadmills can get very boring

Some athletes call this machine the dreadmill due to the level of monotony that comes with working out on a treadmill. This is true if you consider the fact that there’s some level of monotony that comes with working out on a treadmill. You’ll find yourself on the same spot doing the same thing for a prolonged period of time, it’s not fun.

Comparing this with running where you get to experience different sceneries, this can turn into something boring. However, if you find it uncomfortable, you can always find something to do such as listening to some important podcast or audiobook.

The Treadmill doesn’t exercise all the muscles in the body

There are some factors that don’t come into play when you’re exercising using a treadmill. For instance, when you’re working out on a treadmill, there’s no wind resistance in place, there’s also no terrain to counteract.

This translates to some ease while you’re working out, inevitably the muscles that you engage in are not as many as you would engage in while exercising. The other thing about the treadmill is that the belt also helps you run faster This stems from the fact that the belt helps you with the turnover, thus making the movements easier. For this reason, most runners find that they’re in a position to run faster while they’re on the treadmill as compared to when they’re running on the road.

Some of the high-quality Treadmills are Expensive

The high-quality treadmills will set you back over $1,500, add to this the maintenance cost that comes in when you’re using the machine often. The majority of these machines are actually designed for use at home so you might find that they get out of shape of you run often.

Remember that the treadmills that you find in the gym are very different from what you might have purchased for use at home. It’s therefore important to consider the difference before you engage in some intense workout.

If you’re interested in getting some effective aerobic workout, you can consider using a treadmill despite sustaining some injuries. Low-impact workouts come in handy if you think that you’re overweight or maybe you have some injuries that you’ve sustained along the way. This will do the job while having a low-impact on your joints.

Some Factual Information To Consider

There are low-impact treadmills that can help you if you’re suffering from joint ailments such as chronic joint inflammation. If you have such conditions, you need to consider exercising on a low-impact treadmill. Regular exercise despite such ailments often helps you to rehabilitate your joints which inevitably leads to quick recovery.

Some of the Uses Derived From Low-Impact Treadmills

If you suffer from knee or joint-pains, you can engage in some low-impact exercise which will help you recover from muscular and knee injuries.

If you’re able to use this machine regularly, you’ll derive very many health benefits. This is especially the case if you can’t engage in outdoor exercises. Treadmills can also help you burn a significant amount of calories if you engage in a well-planned exercise regimen.

There are different types of treadmill machines out there in the market if you’re thinking of acquiring one, then you need to consider the impact level of the exercise you intend to engage in. Some people are well suited to engage in low-impact exercise while others will do both the high and the low-impact workouts. In such cases, you need to understand where you currently stand and what exactly you want.

If you want to engage in some low-impact workout, then you can consider machines such as the Orbiter Treadmill, for example. This machine offers a trampoline-like deck that cushions your feet as you walk or run.

The other low-impact treadmill is the TreadClimber, this machine deploys two individual decks. Each foot has its own deck thus stimulating the uphill or stair-stepper action with minimal pressure on the joints as you work-out.

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Best Home Cross Trainers – Reviews 2018 – 2019

What is a cross trainer?

A cross trainer is a piece of cardio gym equipment, popular around gyms across the world. They have a unique design unlike no other type of equipment that gives you a full body workout. It has your legs moving in an oval motion while your arms move the handles back and forth for a full body workout.

Mainly used for a low impact impact workout, cross trainers are a brilliant tool to help with weight loss. The amazing benefit of using a cross trainer is the ability to train without putting a large amount of pressure on your joints.

Knee and hip injuries are very common problems, but with a cross trainer, you are eliminating the pressure on your joints. This makes it a very useful piece of equipment to allow you to exercise without stressing your body.

What should you look for in a cross trainer?

If you are looking to purchase a cross trainer, there are a lot of points to consider before making the decision. There are hundreds of cross trainers on the market right now, so make sure you acquire the right one by checking our list of things to look out for:

Was features does it have? – When choosing your cross trainer, checking what features it includes can be the difference between buying one over another. The more features the better! Tracking distance, heart rate and time are great ways to make sure you are on track to meeting your goals. If you love to track your workouts or like to monitor them using your smartphone then look below. We have listed some cross trainers which might be ideal for you.

How can I store the cross trainer and what is the size? – Storage is key because cross trainers aren’t small. Depending on where you will put your cross trainer will depend on how you look at this. If you don’t have much space, some cross trainers can fold up to allow for more room.

Does it have resistance levels? – If you want to vary your workouts, then choosing a cross trainer with different resistance levels is a good idea. Having a low resistance makes the workout easier, but putting the resistance up makes it a lot harder. The more levels, the more control you have. Being able to change the resistance quickly can really improve your workouts. The more resistance levels available, the more subtle you can make changes to the difficulty.

What extras are included? – Some cross trainers have offers which include free items such as heart rate belts. Check to see if there are any cool extras added to save yourself some money! Some of the cross trainers listed below have cool little additions which add to the product.

Is it battery powered? –  Depending on where you will store the cross trainer, you mightn’t have access to a plug. Some of these cross trainers are actually battery powered which means you can put the cross trainer wherever you like, allowing for more control over where you workout!

How long is the warranty? – Getting a longer warranty obviously saves you if the machine breaks. Always be wary and check to see if you are covered. Picking a cross trainer depends on your goals and needs. Below, we’ve selected a few based on the current market and based on different features. Check them out and decide which one is best for you:

The best cross trainer for bigger budgets:

JTX Tri-Fit: Extendable Long Stride and Incline Cross Trainer

If you have a big budget, then this is the cross trainer for you. There are a lot of great options on the market, but if you’re looking for the best of the best then we believe this is the one for you.

Pros:

Variable stride length, so you can adjust for different users. If you have multiple people using the cross trainer, then you can change the stride length each time. Perfect for families who vary in height.

You can increase the incline to change the focus of the workout on your stomach and glutes. Not only this, but you can reduce the incline which will then focus the workout on your legs and increase cardio fitness.

It has an advanced technology which allows connectivity via Bluetooth to a free iConsole app on your phone or tablet to create motivating visual training tools. It is compatible with both Apple and Android phones and tablets.

With its patented space saving design and bio-mechanic multi-grip handlebars, you won’t get a better cross trainer on the market.

There are 19 workout programs and custom program feature which is tailored to your goals and needs. You can monitor your programs based on your heart rate, adjusting resistance for a more efficient workout.

Cons:

Cost.

If you want a cross trainer with all the features and programs you’ll ever need, then look no further. The reviews speak for themselves and after our research, this is our number one choice. It may come at a premium price, but for the best in the business, we believe it is worth it.

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The best cross trainer for smartphone users:

Sportstech CX625 Cross Trainer

For a good price, this cross trainer has an outstanding amount of features, especially compatible with smartphone technology. Lots of modern features for the new age of cross trainer.

Pros:

There is a cross-trainer’s fitness app. The app interface has 22 training programs makes your training special and unique to you. You can now keep everything in sight including your smartphone or tablet with a holder for your device.

You can train with a heart rate belt and one of the 5 pre-installed HRC programs for even more accurate results. Basing exercise on your heart rate is an efficient way to meet your goals.

For a more quiet machine, this is the one. It has a silent grooved belt drive and its computer-controlled brake system.

It is very practical too. It has really useful transport wheels which allow easy storage of your cross trainer, allowing for more space when you need it.

Cons:

Have to pay extra for assembly.

This cross trainer ticks all the boxes and more! It has fantastic features and it was very hard to find anything to go against this fantastic product. With all it has included, it is hard to find a product on the market that offers the same for this price range.

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The best cross trainer for heart rate technology:

JTX Strider-X7 MAGNETIC CROSS TRAINER

With its built-in screen and plenty of programs included, this is a very high spec cross trainer. It has a five year warranty and comes in cheaper than the more premium options. It also has a higher weight limit than the more expensive options.

Pros:

Built in is a large colour touch screen console. Most cross trainers don’t have a colour screen so this is a massive benefit.

It has 21 programs including heart rate control, hill, interval or fat burning. This allows you to pick and choose depending on your goals

Features a 12.5kg flywheel for a quiet, smooth and stable movement. No one wants a loud machine, this is a great addition.

It comes with a Polar compatible wireless chest strap.

There are 16 levels of magnetic resistance allowing you to control your own workout.

It has the ability to save up to 4 of your own workout programmes which are fantastic for people who want to stick to a plan.

Cons:

No smartphone connection.

No bottle holder.

If you want to incorporate your heart rate into your training, then after our research, we believe this is the one for you. Using your heart rate to base training is a great idea. Your heart rate can be an indicator of what type of exercise you are doing.

Whether that is fat loss or cardiovascular training, you can choose your workout by aiming to reach a certain heart rate and sticking to it.

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The best cross trainer for dual exercise:

Viavito Setry 2-in-1 Elliptical Trainer and Exercise Bike

This 2 in 1 is a brilliant way to get the best of both worlds. If you’re looking to buy both an exercise bike and a cross trainer, but lack space, then look no further. This is a machine that combines both together to allow you to vary your workouts using just one machine.

Pros:

With its oversized footplates, this allows for more comfort and control for all different users.

Horizontally and vertically, you can adjust the seat for ultimate comfort for not just you, but any other users of the machine. 

You can measure your heart rate with its hand pulse sensors. It has a wireless receiver which also allows you to connect a heart rate monitor if you have one.

There are 32 levels of computer controlled magnetic resistance. This is a lot of different resistances which you can pick and choose from for different workouts and base them on your goals.

You can add 4 user profiles, for families, this is a great idea as you can adjust your own profile, rather than always using just one.

It takes up far less space than having both an exercise bike and cross trainer. It is very easy to store also.

Cons:

No smartphone technology.

Not the quietest machine.

No bottle holder.

Out of all the cross trainers listed, this one stands out for its dual feature. Not many products on the market can offer what this cross trainer does. To be able to use it as a cross trainer, and an exercise bike is quite revolutionary and unique.

If you are looking to bulk up your gym and add some new equipment at a low cost, then you don’t have to look anywhere else because this should be the first piece of gym equipment on your list.

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The best cross trainer for lower budgets:

Marcy Azure EL1016 Elliptical Cross Trainer

Finally, we have an item which the cheapest of the five. However, that doesn’t mean it is lacking in any way. This is filled with features and gives you a lot for a smaller price.

Pros:

For its price, having eight resistance levels is really good.

This cross trainer is battery powered, meaning you can workout wherever you want and don’t need to be near a mains outlet. no mains needed. Perfect if you want to workout in a place that isn’t close to an outlet or if you want to move the machine around.

The display shows speed, distance, calories, and pulse. This gives you a small overview of your workout, but it is all the key features you need for a basic cross trainer.

Ergonomic design makes it easy to get on and off the machine. It also has thick safety compliant steel, making it more durable and last longer. It has safety and comfort in mind with big oversized foot holder and grips for your hands.

Cons:

No programs built in.

Not foldable.

No smartphone features.

For our lowest priced option, you are still getting a lot of features. For a beginner, I would suggest that you purchase this cross trainer. It has all the features for a really good price. It may not boast the features the more expensive cross trainers have but has everything you need for a good workout.

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  So, as you can see above we have listed five cross trainers based on different needs and features. Depending on your goals and budget, you can see that there are lots of different cross trainers on the market right now which vary in their own ways.

Check out the ones listed above and find out more about the cross trainers. There are hundreds on the market right now. The ones we have mentioned have been researched and selected. They are great value for money and have received rave reviews.

So, if you’re a beginner, bargain hunter or simply looking to upgrade your gym, we have selected the top five cross trainers based on different needs. Check them out and best of luck with your new equipment!

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Cross Trainers Or Exercise Bikes – Which Are More Effective?

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What Is A Cross Trainer? Find Out Here

Why should you use a cross trainer?

For some people, the bustle of a busy gym can be one of the most enjoyable parts of exercise. However, others prefer to exercise solo or with select company – which means a decision is necessary. If a gym isn’t a good fit for you, you may wish to consider other locations.

Exercising outdoors is one option, but it may be weather-dependent. Consider whether you will still enjoy your chosen activity come rain or shine. There are also logistics to think about – if you live in a built up city, it may prove difficult to find an outside space that works for you.

An increasingly popular choice is to exercise in the comfort of your own home, whether it’s one piece of equipment in a spare room or an entire home gym. If you value your privacy, or want to save money on memberships, it should be considered. Modern home gym equipment has been designed so you can safely work out alone, at your own pace and in your own environment.

A good starter choice for home gym equipment is a crosstrainer, offering a low-impact full body workout that can be adapted to target specific areas as required.

What should you look for in a crosstrainer?

It is important to know what you are looking for when you purchase a crosstrainer. Here are a few things you may wish to consider before you decide –

How much space do you have? Crosstrainers can be bulky so it’s important to check the dimensions of both the machine and the location it will be in. Add 15cm to the width and length of it to ensure enough room for a comfortable workout.

What is the stride length? ‘Stride Length’ is the distance between your two feet as you exercise. Walking on a crosstrainer requires a short stride length, but faster or more intense workouts will extend the length. Buying a machine with the wrong stride length can cause your workout to be uncomfortable and/or ineffective.

How heavy is the flywheel weight? The flywheel weight affects the smoothness and resistance of the machine. The higher the weight, the better. Occasionally crosstrainers are advertised with false flywheel weights listed – check the total weight of the item and use common sense. If the total looks too low compared to the flywheel weight, you should reconsider.

Is it suitable for you? A lot of crosstrainers come with a maximum user weight – be sure to check this before you make your decision. If you weigh more than around 13 stone, you should look for a machine that is larger than 140x75cm to ensure a stable and comfortable workout.

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Our Workout Diaries

How long To Use A Cross Trainer Each Workout? Cross trainers are designed to enable you to get a fantastic cardiovascular workout that boosts your muscle tone and strength. The cross trainer provides a full body cardiovascular workout since it works almost all muscles in the body, including arms, back, shoulders, thighs, abdominal, bum and calves. Consistent cardiovascular exercises on a cross trainer will help the body to remain active, and assist you to stay fit and manage your weight. This keeps the risk of you getting diseases such as high blood pressure and heart attack low. Easy on Joints and Knees The cross trainer offers you all the benefits of running or walking without putting too much strain on your joints and knees as experienced on treadmills. This means that those suffering from back or joint problems can easily have a cross trainer workout without the worry of injuring themselves. Burn More Calories If burning more calories and fat in less time is the reason for exercising, then a cross trainer is the perfect exercise equipment for you as it can help you burn up to 9 calories every minute you use it at a high intensity. Since you can exercise both the lower and upper body with a cross trainer, more muscles are exercised helping to tone more of your body. A cross trainer also lets you exercise harder than the body perceives, enabling you to accomplish more from your workout. Start Easy then Increase the Speed and Resistance When using a cross trainer to exercise, start with an easy pace. The first five minutes should be spent on a pace that is easy on the body. After every five to seven minutes, increase the speed and resistance of your cross trainer strides, and pay attention to how your body responds. Your body will work harder to pedal when you select a higher resistance, building more strength in your upper and lower body and burning more calories. In addition, to get the most out of your cross trainer workout, you need to pay close attention to the exercises you are engaging in and add variety to the workout. Distance per Week To benefit the most from your cross trainer workout, use it to walk or jog the equivalent length between twelve and twenty miles per week. The distance you have travelled will be shown on the cross trainer’s console. If you take fifteen minutes to do one mile, five days a week, then you will need to spend between 35 and 60 minutes on each workout session. On the other hand, if you exercise for only 3 days a week, you will need to spend between 60 to 100 minutes per session. If you find it difficult or don’t have the time to use your cross trainer for long periods at once, for example 30 minutes, you can opt to exercise for ten minutes in the morning, ten minutes at lunch time and ten minutes in the evening. This will have the same effect on the cardiovascular system. Repeat Cycles for Improved Fitness To improve your cardiovascular fitness, add interval training to your cross trainer workouts. After your workout, interval training is known to boost your metabolism, leading to more calories being burned as compared to exercising at a steady pace. Interval training is done by repeating a cycle of short and high intensity spurts of speed, followed by slow recovery periods. Doing this trains the body to recover more efficiently and boosts your fitness levels. Intervals in your cross trainer workout can be added by incorporating periods of faster pedalling. For example, you can pedal at a slow speed for 5 minutes to warm up, pedal as fast as you can for 1 minute, then pedal at a normal speed for 3 minutes in order to recover, and then repeat the cycle several times. After doing this for a while, your body will get fitter and you will be able to increase the pedalling time to top speed and reduce the rest periods. Add Variety to Your Workout In order to keep motivated and prevent boredom from setting in, add variety to your cross trainer workouts. This can be done in various ways. One way is by using the cross trainer with your hands off the handrails. This engages your upper body’s core and abdominal muscles to help maintain your balance, resulting in a stronger and leaner you. You can opt to spend 7 minutes on each session pedalling at maximum intensity to mimic running fast intervals. This is guaranteed to help improve your fitness and endurance levels. Another way to add variety to your workout is to pedal backwards to work your quads and improve your agility and balance. This can be done by removing your hands off the handrails and pedalling backwards while squatting down into your legs for 30 seconds. Repeat this every few minutes and reap the benefit of toned upper legs and bum. Lastly, add variety by pulling and pushing on the handlebars while using the cross trainer in order to tone your upper body, including your chest, back, arms and shoulders. To execute this move, stop pedalling with your legs and hold onto the handlebars. Pull and push with your arms to move the cross trainer. Your back should remain straight to prevent injury. The pull movement will work your back, biceps and shoulders, while the push movement will work your triceps and chest. Spread 2 or 3 intervals of training the upper body throughout your cross trainer workout to reap maximum benefits. https://ourworkoutdiaries.co.uk/