10 Best Cross Trainer for Training at Home in 2022

An elliptical cross trainer is a fitness device that can be used in fitness studios and in your own four walls. The cross trainers in the fitness studios are much more robust and professional in their equipment than the cross trainers in the home area.

For those who want to save the trip to the gym or the costs for it and prefer to improve their stamina and fitness at home , a cross trainer can be very useful. Such a device mimics human walking.

Nowadays at a not too high price for the purchase of the device. Unlike running on the treadmill or in nature, training on an elliptical cross trainer is very easy on the joints, which is why the devices are suitable for seniors or rehabilitation sports.

Since the arms are also used on the cross trainer, numerous muscle groups are trained. At the same time, the user completes endurance training. By training on the cross trainer it is possible to burn fat, lose weight and build muscle.

There are different versions of these devices – from the simple entry-level devices to the cross trainers with app. connection, Bluetooth and a variety of different programs.

How does the cross trainer work?

The Crosstrainer, or crosswalker, consists of a body with two robust step shells on which the user places his feet. To move the arms, the cross trainer has a handle in the middle and two movable handles that the user can hold on to during training. In terms of the form of movement, a harmonious sequence of walking movements should be created.

There is often a training computer in the middle handle and hand sensors incorporated, with the help of which the measurement and display of the pulse rate is possible.

A flywheel, also known as a flywheel , provides the appropriate resistance. The user can – depending on the fitness equipment – regulate this more or less individually.

The advantage of training with the cross trainer is that there are no vibrations on the body when running – unlike, for example, when jogging. The joints are only subjected to minimal stress.

The cross trainer imitates a harmonious, even running movement and uses almost all muscle groups, including the arms and trunk.

In addition to the muscles, the user trains the cardiovascular system with the cross trainer. Some devices offer special programs for this, which are individually adapted to the athlete based on the measured pulse.

Many of the cross trainers – including some from our comparison – offer the option of running backwards. When running backwards, the user can use some muscles that are not available in most sports.

Are there alternatives to the cross trainer for training at home?

When looking for the ideal fitness device for at home , consumers can discover numerous options: treadmills, rowing machines, bicycle ergometers and the smaller versions of the cross trainer, the so-called stepper, are just a few examples.

When making a choice, consumers should primarily focus on the sporting options and preferences. Below we briefly introduce some home trainer variants:

1. Stepper: Steppers are similar to cross trainers in their construction. They have step shells and, depending on the model, handles. However, the steppers do not imitate a forward, elliptical running movement, but rather the movements when climbing stairs. The feet move up and down, not back and forth.
2. Bicycle ergometers: The bicycle trainers were very popular in earlier decades. The goal of fitness-enthusiastic users was to “trample” on the bike in the evening, to move around and maybe lose a few pounds. Today the well-known bicycle is still used as an exercise bike – but it has become much more modern and effective, with the same fitness goal. The bicycle ergometer has also made a name for itself in rehab and popular sports with its positive training effect. This home trainer is efficient for leg training. However, the arms are trained less and thus somewhat neglected.
3. The treadmill: The treadmill is probably one of the most effective home trainers. Athletes can use the treadmill to simulate running, walking and jogging at home. Completely independent of the weather, you can cover several kilometers while the device simulates the relevant sport. It is important to pay attention to the joints. These are more stressed than with a cross trainer.
4. The elliptical trainer: The elliptical trainer is a subspecies of the cross trainer. Both devices differ in their structure, the functionality is the same. Elliptical trainers are easier on the knees and train leg muscles and arms equally. They are the best choice if you have problems with your knees.
5. The cross trainer: During a training session on the cross trainer, many muscle groups are trained. Those who want to burn fat and lose weight can achieve good results with regular training or interval training on a cross trainer. The training is very easy on the joints. For example, when watching your favorite series, the fat metabolism is stimulated while training with the cross trainer and calorie burning gets going.

Cross trainers and treadmills are among the fitness equipment with which a targeted training for fitness, condition and coordination is possible.

The advantages and disadvantages of a cross trainer at a glance:

What should I look for when buying a cross trainer?

Some cross trainers are equipped with many special features.  Others limit themselves to the minimum.

In the presentation of the individual cross trainers in our comparison, interested parties were able to get a first impression of the features and equipment of the cross trainers. 

If you want to buy a cross trainer for at home, you should pay attention to the following criteria when buying:

The handles

Can the height of the cross trainer handles be adjusted or are they rigid? The focus is on the upper body. When training on the cross trainer, the elbows and shoulders should be at the correct angle to each other.

This can prevent tension and poor posture in the upper body. That is why an adjustable handle is ideal – especially for small or very tall people.

The stability

Steppers are small and some of them have no handles. This promotes the sense of balance. The steppers without handles are often not so stable on the floor that they can tip over in the worst case.

In contrast, most cross trainers are very stable and stable. The footrests should be coated with rubber to prevent slipping or slipping while exercising.

The flywheel

In our cross trainer comparison it became clear that the cross trainers each have a different flywheel mass.

The flywheel mass indicates the counter weight with which the cross trainer slows down the momentum with the selected resistance by pedaling.

Often the resistance can be regulated continuously . There are also cross trainers whose resistance levels can be individually regulated. Good cross trainers have a flywheel mass of 20 kilograms and more.

The maximum weight load

The resilience of the cross trainer is different. When buying such a fitness device, consumers should ensure that the permissible user weight is sufficiently high. Good cross trainers can often cope with a body weight of up to 150 kilograms without hesitation.

The braking system

Numerous cross trainers are equipped with a magnetic brake or an eddy current brake, also known as induction brake. A magnetic field brakes the flywheel in both variants.

In the case of a cross trainer with a magnetic brake, the magnetic field is created by a permanent magnet. In a model with an induction braking system, an electric coil generates the magnetic field. 

The models with magnetic brakes or eddy current brakes usually offer a low volume and are long-lasting.