Since first appearing in 1995, cross trainers have grown into one of the most popular pieces of fitness equipment. You'll find them at home and in the gym alike. Their elliptical motion mimics the way we walk.
When the first cross trainers came onto the market, they originally had fixed arm supports, so you trained the lower body only. The idea was that the arm supports would provide enough stability to avoid injury. It was only later that they were made to move, since studies showed that calorie burn was far higher that way. A logical choice, and one that was particularly well received in America because of rising obesity. Asia and Europe soon followed the new trend for lower- and upper-body training.
Over the years cross trainers have been through several further changes. Today there are 2 main differences between them. There are ellipticals, as they're called in America. These elliptical trainers are a synonym for cross trainers with the flywheel at the front, also known as front-driven cross trainers. You can guess the other type: a rear-driven cross trainer, with the flywheel at the back.
In the shop and online, people often have to choose between the two.
Below you'll find an overview of all the pros and cons of cross trainers, front and rear alike. Because which cross trainer actually suits me best?
What should I look for when buying an elliptical trainer?
The pros and cons of rear-driven cross trainers
Rear-driven cross trainers were the first on the market. In the early 2000s they sold remarkably well. In recent years, though, there's been a shift, and front-driven machines are gaining ground again – not just with home users but in gyms too. Why is that?
The advantages of cross trainers with the flywheel at the back
- Compact, so they fit in most homes. They're also easy to store away.
- Often cheaper than a front-driven cross trainer.
- Because the machine puts more load on your body than one with the flywheel at the front, the calorie burn is slightly higher.
- You also have the option of a manual cross trainer, which can bring the price down considerably. Ideal if you'd rather not bother with programmes of any kind or Bluetooth-controlled sessions.
- Because the machines are more compact, they'll often feel more comfortable for smaller men and women. That comes down to the stride length of the machine, so it can be an advantage or a drawback depending on your height.
- Do you enjoy stair climbing? Then this is the type to go for.
The drawbacks of cross trainers with the flywheel at the back
- A study at Dalhousie University by Janice Moreside found that using cross trainers puts more load on your back than originally thought. The impact on your back, and on the spine in particular, is greater than with an elliptical. That's also why you're seeing front-driven machines gain ground. Take a look in any new gym: almost always, you'll see cross trainers with the flywheel at the front.
- Stability. Unless you go for the higher price bracket, a rear-driven machine will almost always be less stable than a front-driven one. Do you enjoy heavy interval work? Then a front-driven machine may be the more interesting option.
- The frame always sits between the footplates. As a general rule, the smaller the distance between the footplates, the more natural the movement will feel. That also depends on your height, of course, and is subjective.
The pros and cons of front-driven cross trainers
Front-driven machines are particularly popular in America – in fact you barely see cross trainers with the flywheel at the back there any more. They've been gaining ground in the Benelux in recent years too, and the points below will quickly make clear why.
The advantages of cross trainers with the flywheel at the front
- The impact on your joints and back is lower than with a rear-driven machine. One of the main reasons is that you're mimicking a walking motion rather than a stepping one, which puts less pressure on your body. For anyone carrying excess weight it's a noticeable difference, and it explains the popularity in America. Back problems? Then a front-driven cross trainer is the better choice.
- Stability. You're always dealing with a larger machine on which the weight is better distributed. Would you rather your cross trainer didn't feel like it was coming off the floor with you during a more intensive session? Then an elliptical is the better option.
- The distance between the footplates. On the newer models you'll see that this distance is virtually zero, which best matches your walking motion and feels pleasantly smooth. But what about taller people, given the drawback noted for the rear-driven machines? Nautilus found an answer with the E626 and E628, for instance: broad platforms let you choose your ideal position.
The drawbacks of front-driven cross trainers
- They generally sit in a more expensive price bracket than their counterparts.
- The size of ellipticals. They take up more space. They're also slightly harder to wheel around, which for older users can be a very considerable drawback.
- Smaller users often feel they're "drowning" on the machine. Because of the design of ellipticals, which are often larger, shorter people frequently have to train in an uncomfortable position.
Cross trainers: the verdict
Whichever type you choose, you put far less load on your knees than you would running, for instance. That's because your foot never leaves the ground – or in this case the footplate – which dramatically reduces the impact on your knees. The calorie burn from an elliptical machine is higher than standard running or sitting on an exercise bike, say. It's a total-body workout.
These days it's worth knowing that if you're looking purely at calorie burn, Bowflex's Lateral Trainers and Max Trainers are designed specifically to produce a higher burn than a standard cross trainer.
None of which changes the fact that the cross trainer mimics a very natural walking motion. If that's what you're after, that's simply what to choose. In the end you're the one who'll be using the machine. Don't choose something because it's the most efficient, has the most gadgets or because your best friend has one. Choose a machine you can see yourself using for a long time.
We've written an article about the Max Trainers too. Would you like to read more about the major benefits of HIIT? Then click here.
Questions or comments? Or would you like to try a cross trainer at one of our resellers? Leave a comment below or email us at sales@nrgfitness.nl
