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If you're getting started with your home gym or just want to stay active, a cross trainer is a versatile choice. Suitable for just about everyone, elliptical cross trainers give you a full-body cardio workout that's gentle on your joints but still great for fitness.

What Is a Cross Trainer?

A cross trainer, also called an elliptical trainer, simulates walking, running and stair climbing without the high impact. Featuring foot pedals and moving handlebars, ellipticals engage your upper and lower body at the same time, making them one of the most complete cardio machines available for home use.

The Benefits of Using a Cross Trainer

Low Impact on Joints

The low-impact elliptical motion is perfect if you suffer from knee or hip discomfort, or for injury recovery when you still want to stay active. Unlike running or jumping exercises, the elliptical movement keeps your feet in contact with the pedals throughout, eliminating the repeated impact that accumulates on joints during higher-impact training.

Full-Body Engagement

You'll work your legs, arms, glutes and core simultaneously, which makes a cross trainer one of the most time-efficient home gym machines available. Great for toning and building endurance without needing multiple pieces of equipment.

Effective for Cardio and Weight Loss

A consistent cardio workout on a cross trainer burns calories, boosts heart health and supports weight loss when combined with a healthy diet. The ability to adjust resistance and speed means you can push the intensity as your fitness improves, keeping sessions challenging over time. If you want to see how cross trainers compare against other home cardio options for calorie burn, our guide on which cardio equipment burns the most calories breaks it all down.

Versatile and Beginner-Friendly

With adjustable resistance, pre-set programmes and a natural movement pattern, elliptical trainers are easy to use for both beginners and more experienced fitness enthusiasts. The learning curve is significantly lower than a rowing machine and the movement feels intuitive from the very first session.

Cross Trainers vs Other Cardio Machines

Not sure how a cross trainer compares to other home gym favourites? Here's how it stacks up:

Want to dig into the rowing machine or exercise bike a bit more? Our guides on 7 benefits of using a rowing machine and exercise bikes vs treadmills cover both.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping for a cross trainer, knowing what features actually matter makes the decision much easier. Not all machines are built the same and a few key details separate a machine you'll use consistently from one that ends up gathering dust.

Here are the features worth prioritising when comparing models:

• Adjustable magnetic resistance for smooth, quiet operation at any intensity level
• Cardio workout programmes and goal tracking to keep sessions structured and progressive
• Dual action handles for upper-body toning alongside the lower body work
• Hand pulse sensors for heart rate monitoring during sessions
• Smart tech such as Bluetooth connectivity and fitness app integration for those who like to track their data
• Compact design or foldable frame for smaller spaces where storage matters

Body Sculpture's elliptical cross trainer range covers models with bi-directional movement, adjustable resistance and compact footprints designed specifically for home environments. If you're still working out what equipment is actually worth buying, our guide on what to look for when buying home workout equipment on a budget is a useful read before you commit.

Care and Maintenance

Cross trainers can last for years when properly looked after. A few simple habits go a long way towards keeping yours performing well.

• Wipe the machine down after each use to remove sweat and moisture
• Check bolts and joints every few weeks to ensure everything stays tight
• Store it in a dry place if not in daily use
• For foldable or compact models, always follow the user manual when storing or moving to avoid damage to the folding mechanism

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a cross trainer good for weight loss?
Yes, absolutely. A 30-minute session on a cross trainer can burn around 200 to 400 calories depending on intensity. Combined with a healthy diet and consistent use, it's a highly effective tool for weight loss. Increasing resistance and incorporating intervals pushes the calorie burn higher and keeps sessions challenging as your fitness improves.

Can I use a cross trainer every day?
You can, as long as you vary the intensity and listen to your body. Because the movement is low impact, it's generally easier to recover from than running or high-impact training. For most people, three to five sessions a week is enough to see progress while allowing the body adequate time to recover.

Is a cross trainer better than running?
Running at high intensity burns slightly more calories per minute but places significantly more stress on the joints. A cross trainer offers comparable cardiovascular benefits with far less joint load, making it a better long-term option for many people, particularly those with knee, hip or ankle concerns.

Can older adults or beginners use a cross trainer safely?
Yes, and it's one of the best machines for both groups. The natural, low-impact movement pattern is easy to pick up from the first session and the absence of joint stress makes it safe for regular use at any fitness level. Look for models with a low step-up height and steady, supportive handles for added confidence.

Is a cross trainer good for toning?
Yes. Elliptical cross trainers work both the upper and lower body, helping to tone the arms, legs, glutes and core over time. Adding resistance increases the muscular demand of each session, which supports toning alongside the cardiovascular benefits. Combining cross trainer sessions with some strength work using dumbbells or resistance bands on separate days produces the best overall results.