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You don’t have enough time to go to the gym? Or you want to make your home workout more exciting? Crosstrainers are the perfect solution, because you can easily bring the gym into your home. However, there are so many different machines in this area, which is why we have picked out a few for you. In the following article, we have answered frequently asked questions in detail, as well as taking a closer look at various crosstrainers.
Contents
Summary
- Crosstrainers train various muscle groups in a particularly gentle way, as they allow you to train without impact.
- They are used especially by people who prefer to train at home or who do not have time to go jogging outdoors.
- You can diversify your workout with a crosstrainer by choosing from a variety of programmes and settings.
The Best Cross trainer: Our Picks
Buying and evaluation criteria for crosstrainers
Every crosstrainer is different from the next. That’s why we’ve picked out five different criteria that can help you find the best crosstrainer for you:
In order to prepare you for your purchase in the best possible way, you can find out more about the individual purchase and evaluation criteria in the following sections.
Resistance levels
The seemingly biggest feature of a cross trainer is the resistance levels. We could have also called this point programme options, because it is all about the training options that are available to you. The more resistance levels or programmes a crosstrainer has, the more variety you can add to your workout. This can be especially important if you need variety as motivation. Another advantage of many resistance levels is that you can clearly and visibly increase the intensity during your workout. Of course, you can also do this with crosstrainers with fewer resistance levels by extending your training time.
Foldability
Whether a crosstrainer is foldable is especially important if you have limited space at home. Foldable crosstrainers save an enormous amount of space and are often no less functional for exercising than normal crosstrainers.
Maximum load capacity
The maximum load is relatively self-explanatory. It depends on your body weight, because it should not be more than the stated maximum load capacity of the crosstrainer. Of course, there is always a tolerance range, but it is best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid possible accidents.
Display
A display is built into most cross trainers because it makes it easier to track your performance. When buying a cross trainer, you must again pay attention to your needs. Do you want a visual representation of your running route? Do you want to be able to save your training values and data? These and even more functions are offered mainly by higher-priced machines, but you will also find a wide variety of functions in lower price ranges.
Heart rate measurement
A heart rate monitor can be especially useful if you are new to cross trainers or endurance training in general, because the heart rate is an indication of how much you should intensify or reduce your training. To avoid overexerting yourself, make sure you do not exceed your optimal heart rate. If you do, take a break, slow down or use an easier programme until your heart rate stabilises.
All of this is important so that you do not negatively affect your health with cross trainer training. Fat burning is optimal when you reach 60-70% of your maximum heart rate. However, if you want to improve your conditioning, a pulse of 70-80% of your maximum pulse is normal. If you still do not feel well or are unsure of your heart rate, please consult a doctor and ask for professional assistance, as heart rates vary from person to person.
Guide: Frequently asked questions about crosstrainers answered in detail
Who is a crosstrainer suitable for?
On the other hand, training can also be more fun when you change programmes from workout to workout or even set up a screen that shows you a virtual running track. Some athletes also like this kind of training because sweating is quickly forgotten with a good film running alongside.
What types of cross-trainers are there?
How much does a cross trainer cost?
| Price range | Available products |
|---|---|
| Low-priced 100 – 350 €) | mostly few resistance levels, often small LCD display, sometimes heart rate monitor |
| Medium-priced 350 – 700 €) | some resistance levels, larger display, heart rate monitor |
| High-priced from 700 €) | many resistance levels and preset programmes, large display with Bluetooth compatibility, heart rate monitor and other sensors |
How effective is a cross trainer?
Compared to long, low-intensity workouts and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), the latter burns more calories. So try integrating HIIT into your training. It stimulates fat burning more and is more strenuous, but it also takes less time, so it’s ideal if you have less time. A HIIT workout consists of phases in which you quickly raise your heart rate with heavier programmes and breaks or phases in which your heart rate can calm down again. You alternate these phases and repeat them as often as you like, depending on your training level. The length of each phase can range from 40 to 60 seconds or more.
Which muscles are trained when using cross trainers?
Conclusion
To sum up this article, we would like to emphasise that it is important to know what your requirements are before buying a cross trainer. Depending on your requirements, your choice of cross trainer may vary. In any case, after purchasing, pay close attention to your health while exercising. While too little exercise is not beneficial, neither is too much. If you have specific questions about weight loss or your health, consult your doctor. And if you feel that the training is taking too much out of you, reduce the intensity. Cautious approach is crucial here!
(Cover photo: 123rf / tonobalaguer)
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