Elliptical cross trainers are an effective exercise tool to reduce weight and enhance cardiovascular health. Compared to a high-impact activity like running, striding on an elliptical machine is gentler on the joints, bones, and connective tissues. They are also ideal for folks of all ages and fitness levels.
However, making the correct choice amidst a sea of different models with various eye-catching offers can take time and effort. But we can make your search easier. In this guide, we have researched and handpicked the best elliptical cross trainers in Australia to boost your home workout sessions.
Our Top Picks
For a quick purchase, here are the top three elliptical cross trainers available to Australians:
NordicTrack Commercial 9.9
Best overall elliptical cross trainer with a 159 kg weight capacity, 22 resistance levels, and a solid, high-quality steel build.
Lifespan Fitness X-41 Trainer
Best elliptical cross trainer with 150 kg weight capacity, app control, and 16 resistance levels for medium-high intensity workouts.
York Fitness Elliptical Trainer
Best cross trainer with a 100 kg weight capacity, integrated hand pulse sensors, LCD screen, and 8 resistance levels for beginners.
Top 6 Elliptical Cross Trainers for Australians
In case you're wondering how we came by these top six elliptical cross trainers for Australia, we researched the market and then shortlisted our top picks based on each cross trainer's performance, features, customer reviews, and overall suitability for the Australian fitness landscape.
1. NordicTrack Commercial 9.9
Best Overall Elliptical Cross Trainer
Product weight: 108 kg
Weight capacity: 159 kg
Resistance levels: 22
The NordicTrack 9.9 Elliptical Cross Trainer is a commercial-level machine with a solid, high-quality steel frame and supporting cross beams. Its features include powder-coated rails and a ramp made of composite material. These combined attributes make this NordicTrack model capable of withstanding frequent and intense workouts. The machine provides 22 digital resistance levels to inspire you to pedal harder and give you an efficient workout session.
The most impressive feature of the NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 Elliptical is its adaptability. For instance, you can adjust its stride length from 46 to 51 cm (18 to 20 inches). With this functionality, users with long or short gaits can comfortably exercise with the same cross-trainer. The cross trainer also supports a maximum user weight of 159 kg, making it suitable for a wide range of users and perfect for sharing at the gym or home.
Pros
- Value for money
- Seamless auto incline and decline function
- Quiet and non-disruptive machine
- Easy-to-navigate NordicTrack Australia website
- Innovative workout app
Cons
- Requires ample ceiling height
- Display text may not be big enough for seniors
- Assembly can take time
2. Lifespan Fitness X-41 Cross Trainer
Best for Medium-High Intensity Workouts
Product weight: 58.5 kg
Weight capacity: 150 kg
Resistance levels: 16
Suppose you're looking for a compact elliptical cross trainer with a longer stride length for medium-high intensity workouts at a reasonable price. In that case, the Lifespan Fitness X-41 cross trainer is your best option. It has a rear magnetic flywheel weighing 8kg, which keeps you grounded enough to try out any of the 18 workout programs and 16 degrees of resistance. In addition, the big footplates and long stride length (46cm) with forward or reversible motion work together to give you a smooth workout.
This cross trainer is Fitlink compatible. Therefore, you can sync the display to the Fitlink app on your mobile device to control your workout from your smartphone. It also comes with touch controls and an LCD, making using or changing resistance levels simple and intuitive. With a maximum recommended height of 200 cm and a maximum user weight capacity of 150 kg, Lifespan's good-quality cross trainer is reasonably priced.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Compact with a longer stride
- Fitlink helps control your workout from your phone
- 120 kg weight capacity
Cons
- Setup requires quite a bit of work
3. York Fitness Elliptical Cross Trainer
Best Cross Trainer for Beginners
Product weight: 32 kg
Weight capacity: 100 kg
Resistance levels: 8
For a good quality, beginner-friendly elliptical cross trainer, choose the York Fitness Elliptical Cross Trainer. It's also ideal for beginner cross-trainer users, as it includes only 8 resistance levels to ease you in slowly. Beyond this, it boasts an integrated holder for your books or tablets. However, we do not recommend multitasking on your cross-trainer, especially as a beginner.
The design of the York Fitness Elliptical Cross Trainer is compact and features a rear flywheel weighing 7 kg and a stride length of 30 cm. It has integrated hand pulse sensors and an LCD screen that displays metrics such as time, distance, calories, and pulse. The maximum weight limit for York Fitness is 100 kg. We only recommend the York Fitness model if you want a reliable cross-trainer for a beginner's workout at home.
Pros
- Affordable
- Integrated book/tablet holder
- Good quality
Cons
- 100 kg user weight limit
4. Reebok AstroRide A4.0 Cross Trainer
Best Cross Trainer for Mobility
Product weight: 46 kg
Weight capacity: 120 kg
Resistance levels: 8
Like the York Fitness model, the Reebok Astroride is a compact elliptical cross trainer. It has a moderate price and an LCD to help you monitor your workout progress. It also features a rear 7 kg flywheel and has eight different resistance levels, integrated hand pulse sensors, and a stride length of 38 cm.
The difference between the two is the user weight capacity and ease of use or mobility. Reebok AstroRide can carry users that weigh up to 120 kg, 20 kg more than the York Fitness model. The former also offers the best mobility among the two models. It comes with transport wheels for this very purpose.
The cross trainer is ideal for anyone looking for an elliptical to deliver beginner-level to medium-intensity workouts with a compact setup.
Pros
- Sleek and compact setup
- Transport wheels for easier transportation
- Large battery-operated LCD
Cons
- Initial assembly is time-consuming
5. Proflex XTR4 II Elliptical Cross Trainer
Best Cheap Cross Trainer
Product weight: 25 kg
Weight capacity: 100 kg
Resistance levels: 8
The Proflex XTR4 elliptical cross trainer offers great value for your money and is a perfect choice if you're searching for an affordable elliptical trainer to use occasionally. It has all the essential tools you need to start working out at home, such as fitted pulse sensors, a rear magnetic flywheel, and big non-slip footrests. You choose from 8 resistance levels at the touch of the dial.
Proflex's cross trainer permits forward or backward pedalling to work out different muscle groups. However, note that similar to the York Fitness cross trainer, the maximum weight capacity of the Proflex is 100 kg. It's also the most lightweight cross trainer on our list, weighing only 25 kg. To compare, this is almost 1/4 the weight of the NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 cross trainer.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Great value for money
- 12-month warranty
Cons
- 100 kg weight capacity
6. Lifespan Fitness X-22 Cross Trainer
Best Cross Trainer Under $700
Product weight: 50 kg
Weight capacity: 130 kg
Resistance levels: 16
The Lifespan Fitness X-22 model has a decent array of features. It's very compact compared to other rear-drive elliptical cross trainers. It has a 7 kg rear flywheel and 36 cm stride length for medium-intensity workouts. You can also pick from 16 resistance levels, follow the automatic resistance setting, and choose from one of 24 pre-programmed workouts. The latter is ideal if you're a beginner or have limited knowledge of cross-trainers.
Lifespan's cross trainer also has an LCD with integrated pulse sensors that show your heart rate, calories, pulse, RPM, and other important metrics to help you monitor your workout progress. The X-22 Cross Trainer has a maximum weight of 130 kg, with a recommended height between 150-200 cm. It is a great choice if you’re looking for the best elliptical cross-trainer for casual use and you are not significantly overweight.
Pros
- Compact cross trainer
- Runs quietly
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Ctride length can be longer
What is the Difference Between Cross Trainers and Ellipticals?
Usually, people use the terms elliptical and cross-trainer interchangeably. However, they are a bit different. A cross trainer is simply a type of elliptical machine. Elliptical machines are called that because when you're using them, your feet move in an elliptical motion while you stride.
Not all elliptical trainers are elliptical cross trainers. In place of moving arms, a few elliptical trainers have fixed arms. And unlike a cross trainer, you don’t pull and push with your arms as you move your legs. Elliptical trainers, which come with moving handles and moving footrests, are called elliptical cross trainers or just cross trainers.
Which Muscles Do Cross Trainers Work Out?
Cross trainers work your lower and upper body at the same time. The exertion from this kind of movement enables your heart to start pumping, providing you with an efficient cardio workout. This improves your lung capacity and boosts your heart health. With consistent use, your stamina and overall fitness levels will get much better.
Using a cross trainer for your workout activates many muscle groups, making it an efficient method of strengthening and toning. You automatically move and work out muscle groups in your legs along with your glutes, calves, quads, and hamstrings. Pulling and pushing with your arms works your core, back, triceps, biceps, and chest.
Working out on a cross trainer will help you burn calories. Along with a calorie-controlled diet, cross trainers help you make significant strides in your weight loss goals.
How to Work Out on an Elliptical: Best Tips and Tricks
Apart from ensuring that you maintain proper posture while using the cross trainer, these tips will also help you burn maximum calories and prevent injuries.
- Stand up straight: Good posture helps reduce muscle strain and the tendency for injury while working out on the elliptical.
- Don't lean on the handles: After a while, due to tiredness, you may feel like leaning on the stationary handles to support your weight and give your legs a rest but resist the urge.
- Hold the handles: Instead of letting the handles move your arms, ensure you're using your strength to push and pull them with your pedalling movements.
- Avoid standing on your toes: If you put all your weight on your toes or the balls of your feet, you are setting yourself up for pain and injuries as it adds extra stress to your knees.
- Don't read or watch TV: Reading your book for the month or watching TV while you exercise might seem like an excellent way to multitask, but distractions usually hinder the effectiveness of your workout.
- Increase the resistance: Working against resistance helps you get a much better workout. It makes you stronger and aids in building muscle while increasing strength and improving endurance.
How Do Cross Trainers Compare to Treadmills?
Buyers are faced with various equipment options to try and meet their fitness goals, and sometimes it needs to be clarified. For this reason, the following is an easy-to-use reference guide to help you decide what equipment best suits you.
Treadmills
- Maximum opportunity to improve cardiovascular, weight loss, and bone density
- Can burn more calories than an elliptical or even an exercise bike (if you can run fast on a high-quality machine).
- Builds maximum lower extremity bone density.
- Customize workout with Incline / Decline features.
- Minimal impact with SOFT deck technology.
Elliptical Trainers
- Provides the advantages of weight-bearing exercise without the impact.
- Low-impact workout, which is easy on your joints and body.
- Arm handles permit a full-body workout.
- Lower perceived rate of exertion (as the effort is spread across arms as well as legs).
- Burn fewer calories per hour than on a treadmill.
Mark Thompson
Elliptical Cross Trainer vs. Rowing Machines
If your pressing need is an effective way to burn fat and lose weight, both cross trainers and rowing machines will get you to your goal. In addition to providing an efficient cardio workout, both machines offer adjustable resistance levels. This means that the number of calories you burn is based on how long and intense your workout sessions are, regardless of the fitness machine you use.
However, spending time on an elliptical is much easier than on a rowing machine. With a rowing machine, you need to bend your knees significantly, contract your muscles more, and exert quite some effort to pull the oar. This can be exhausting. Whereas a cross trainer lets you maintain a steady workout position without putting in as much effort. Likewise, if you're interested in low-intensity workouts, elliptical machines are much easier than rowers.
Finally, elliptical cross trainers allow you to switch between extended cardio workouts and short, high-intensity interval training. This is a highly effective way to burn fat and calories and lose weight.
Elliptical Cross Trainer vs. Exercise Bikes
If you want to lose weight, a stationary exercise bike is a great option. Doing high-intensity exercises on the bike can burn a little more calories as you can only go so fast on an elliptical machine before you might slip, and while, of course, you can increase the resistance, you will reach the limit of either your arm or leg muscles.
However, an elliptical cross trainer can be much better to help increase your upper and lower body strength.
If you can't choose between a stationary bike and an elliptical cross trainer, remember that you can use either machine to get a superb cardio workout. Also, combining both, perhaps using the bike at the gym and the elliptical at home, is a great way to keep your workouts varied.
Laura Kemp
Summary
Whatever type of elliptical cross trainer you decide on, remember that they all have pros and cons. For some, it might be their price, while for others, it's their ease of use or how many types of people can use them.
The information above should be a comprehensive guide to help you choose which cross-trainer is best for you. Reach out to us in the comment section below should you have any questions.
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