Cross Trainer or Elliptical Trainer? Differences, Advantages and Disadvantages

"Cross trainers" and "elliptical trainers" are often sold as the exact same thing in retail. Technically, they are two different designs – and the difference can be read from three numbers on the spec sheet: stride length, pedal distance, and flywheel mass. Below, you will learn what these values mean, why they determine the motion feel, and which design suits which body and goal.

The Difference Hardly Anyone Explains

Both machines guide your feet along a closed path – your foot never leaves the pedals. This makes both gentle on the joints. However, the path itself looks different:

• The classic cross trainer describes a rather circular, steeper path. The motion resembles a standing cross-country skiing stride.
• The elliptical trainer describes a flat, elongated ellipse. The motion is closer to walking and running.

The main reason for this is the position of the flywheel. If it is located at the front (front drive), the path becomes flatter and longer – that is the elliptical trainer design.

The Three Numbers That Matter

1. Stride length

It determines how far your leg swings out. Short stride lengths feel choppy, while long stride lengths feel like natural running. Our range extends from 33 cm on the compact C16, to 39–40 cm on the C28 and C29 Step, up to 53 cm on the Smart Stair Pro E50.

Rule of thumb: The taller you are, the more stride length you need so the movement doesn't feel restricted.

2. Pedal distance (Q-factor)

The distance between the two pedals. The smaller it is, the closer your feet stand together – just like when you walk. A large Q-factor forces a wide stance and can pull on your knees and hips during long sessions.

This is where the difference between the designs is clearest: 4.5 cm on the E50 and 6 cm on the E4 Pro compared to 14 to 22 cm on the cross trainers.

3. Flywheel mass

It determines smooth operation. Low flywheel mass runs jerkily, while high flywheel mass runs smoothly and evenly. Our cross trainers range between 12–16 kg, and the elliptical trainers at 24 kg (E4 Pro) and 26 kg (E50).

Cross Trainer or Elliptical Trainer – The Differences at a Glance

The most important specs in direct comparison:

Advantages of the Classic Cross Trainer

• More compact and lighter. 46 kg compared to 112 kg – this often determines whether the machine even makes it to the second floor.
• Often foldable. The C29 Pro folds down to a depth of 90.6 cm.
• More affordable entry point. Completely sufficient for occasional cardio training.
• Steeper movement. If you want to feel your thighs working harder, this is a good choice.
• Lower ceiling height required. The more compact models have a lower height.

Disadvantages of the Classic Cross Trainer – Honestly Considered

• Large pedal distance. 22 cm on the C16 means a noticeably wide stance. Unproblematic for short sessions, but not for everyone over 45 minutes.
• Shorter stride length. 33–40 cm can feel restricted for tall individuals.
• Less smooth operation. 12–16 kg flywheel mass runs significantly less smoothly than 26 kg.
• Mostly simpler console. LCD instead of touch, less frequently watt control.

Advantages of the Elliptical Trainer

• Very small Q-factor. 4.5 cm on the E50 brings your feet almost into your natural walking stride – that is the actual reason why this design feels gentler on the joints.
• Long stride length. 53 cm produces a running-like motion instead of choppy steps.
• High flywheel mass. 24–26 kg runs noticeably smoother.
• Precise control. The E50 adjusts electromagnetically across 32 levels and features a watt program – allowing structured training according to plan.
• Higher user weight. 150 kg on the E50 compared to 120 kg on the cross trainers.

Disadvantages of the Elliptical Trainer – Honestly Considered

• Large and heavy. 112 kg on the E50 – the machine stays where it is set up.
• Not foldable. It requires permanent space.
• Larger footprint. 172.1 x 72.4 cm needs to be factored in.
• Higher price. Front drive, large flywheel mass, and touch console are reflected in the cost.

Which One Is Right for You?

Cross trainer if you train two to three times a week for 20–30 minutes, need to save space, want to occasionally move the machine away, or are under 180 cm tall.

Elliptical trainer if you do long sessions, have a larger build, have sensitive knees or hips, train by watt or fixed levels – or if you've ever been bothered by the wide stance on a cross trainer.

Our Machines at a Glance

Cross Trainer Smart Stair Pro E50

Front drive, stride length 53 cm, Q-factor 4.5 cm, flywheel mass 26 kg, electromagnetic with 32 resistance levels, TFT touch display, Wi-Fi, ANT+, Kinomap, Zwift, and Fitshow, up to 150 kg. → To the E50

Cross Trainer Smart E4 Pro

Grooved belt, Q-factor 6 cm, flywheel mass 24 kg, 10–350 watts, 172 x 63.5 x 179 cm, 65 kg, up to 130 kg. → To the E4 Pro

Cross Trainer C29 Pro

Q-factor 17.3 cm, step height 22.9 cm, flywheel mass 16 kg, 13 workout programs, Bluetooth, Kinomap, and Zwift, foldable, up to 120 kg. → To the C29 Pro

Cross Trainer C29 Step

Stride length 40 cm, step height 16 cm, Q-factor 18 cm, flywheel mass 16 kg, 5–200 watts, up to 120 kg. The low step makes mounting easy. → To the C29 Step

Cross Trainer C28 Runner

Stride length 39 cm, Q-factor 14 cm – the smallest among the cross trainers –, flywheel mass 16 kg, 10–350 watts, up to 120 kg. The compromise between both designs. → To the C28 Runner

2-in-1 Cross Trainer & Exercise Bike C16

Stride length 33 cm, step height 18 cm, Q-factor 22 cm, flywheel mass 12 kg, 109 x 56 x 162 cm, 33.5 kg, up to 110 kg. Cross trainer and exercise bike in one frame. → To the C16

Conclusion

The difference is not a matter of marketing; it is in the spec sheet. If you are torn between two machines, compare Q-factor, stride length, and flywheel mass – in that order. A machine with a 4.5 cm pedal distance and 53 cm stride length feels fundamentally different from one with 22 cm and 33 cm, regardless of what either is called.

If you're not sure: The C28 Runner sits right between both worlds with a 14 cm Q-factor and 39 cm stride length. You can find all models under Cross Trainers and Elliptical Trainers.

Your Takeaway Workout Plan

The same 8-week plan as a PDF applies to both designs. Free, no registration required – and calculated using the specs your machine can actually deliver.

• Cross Trainer Workout Plan – Joint-Friendly Endurance

Overview of all plans: Workout Plans