Sports and fitness are currently more popular than ever. But what if the weather is bad? With a cross trainer, athletes get an excellent exercise machine that targets numerous muscle groups. At the same time, it is very easy to use, so even beginners will quickly find their way around.
The Structure of a Cross Trainer
The cross trainer, also known as an elliptical trainer, is among the most popular indoor fitness machines in Germany. These models impress with their compact dimensions, making them easy to accommodate within your own four walls. A cross trainer always consists of a sturdy frame with handles attached to it. However, these handles are not rigid; they move forward and backward. The handles are also indirectly connected to the pedals. These pedals move not only forward and backward, but also up and down. Thanks to this feature, an elliptical motion sequence is created that provides a natural walking feel.
The Flywheel and Brake of a Cross Trainer
One of the most important components on a cross trainer is the built-in flywheel mass. This is set in motion through the movements of the pedals and handles. Since this component rotates continuously during your workout, it is decisive for the smooth rotation of the cross trainer. Therefore, make sure it has sufficient weight; the flywheel should weigh at least 8 kg.
Training with a cross trainer can only be made truly effective if the resistance can be freely selected. This allows you to simulate hill climbing, for example, while a setting with no noticeable resistance is also possible. To achieve this, we rely on the use of a magnetic brake. In some cases, a permanent magnet is used, which provides resistance by simply changing the distance to the flywheel. Electrically controlled magnets work differently: here, the braking force is adjusted by changing the current strength. While this allows for higher resistance levels, it does require a power connection.
How Effective is Training with a Cross Trainer?
When using a cross trainer, numerous muscle groups are engaged. Since arm movements are also involved, such an elliptical trainer is preferable to exercise bike ergometers. Depending on how they are used, arm strength can also be built with those, but it is achieved much more effectively with a cross trainer.
In addition to providing a high-intensity workout, training with a cross trainer poses no threat to your joints. After all, it simply executes the familiar walking motion.
A special feature of cross trainers is backward movement. Because this is possible, numerous additional muscle groups can be targeted. Depending on use, muscles in the legs, glutes, back, arms, and chest are strengthened. Thus, a cross trainer not only helps improve endurance, but also enables targeted muscle building.
Targeted Workout Control via Heart Rate Monitor
Many cross trainers feature a workout computer. Such a module is very useful, but it should be easy to operate. Key functions include calorie consumption, distance covered, and workout duration. Our high-quality models also offer a heart rate monitor. Thanks to this feature, you can check your current heart rate during your workout. This allows you to tailor your training specifically to achieve ideal fitness results.
On a cross trainer, two different options are available for determining heart rate. On some machines, sensors are built into the handles. These measure the pulse using optical signals alone, which leads to a relatively imprecise result. For recreational athletes, this is completely sufficient. However, better results can be expected with a chest strap. This achieves ECG-precise heart rate measurement, allowing professional athletes to train with it as well.
Safety During Your Workout
A cross trainer uses a heavy flywheel mass that cannot be stopped in an instant. For this reason, attention should be paid to the trainer's construction. For instance, the gap between pedal and frame should not be too large so that a foot cannot get caught in between. Otherwise, slipping off the pedal can quickly become dangerous.
Conclusion
With a cross trainer, you acquire a fitness machine that enables highly effective workouts. Thanks to its compact footprint, it is also easy to integrate into any home, leaving nothing in the way of working out at home.
April 27, 2016
