Crosstrainer and Elliptical: Understanding the Terminology, Benefits, and Choosing a Machine

Is A Crosstrainer the same as an elliptical?

In contemporary fitness terminology, the terms "crosstrainer" and "elliptical trainer" are largely synonymous, referring to the same type of cardiovascular exercise machine that provides a low-impact, full-body workout. While "elliptical" describes the unique foot motion, "crosstrainer" emphasizes its ability to engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously.

The Definitive Answer

To put it simply: yes, for all practical purposes, a crosstrainer is the same as an elliptical. The distinction is primarily semantic and often regional, with "crosstrainer" being a more common term in some parts of Europe and "elliptical trainer" being prevalent in North America. Both terms describe an exercise machine designed to simulate walking, running, or stair climbing without the high impact associated with those activities, while also engaging the upper body.

Understanding the Terminology: Elliptical Trainers

An elliptical trainer, often simply called an "elliptical," derives its name from the unique, elongated, elliptical path that the foot pedals travel. This design innovation allows for a continuous, smooth, and non-jarring motion that mimics natural walking or running strides without the impact on joints.

Key Characteristics of an Elliptical Trainer:

• Low-Impact Movement: The design keeps your feet in contact with the pedals throughout the entire stride, eliminating the impact shock absorbed by the knees, hips, and ankles during traditional running.
• Simultaneous Upper and Lower Body Engagement: Most elliptical trainers feature moving handlebars that allow users to push and pull, engaging the muscles of the chest, back, shoulders, biceps, and triceps in conjunction with the lower body workout.
• Mimics Natural Gait: The elliptical motion closely replicates the biomechanics of walking or running, making it a familiar and comfortable movement for many users.
• Reversible Motion: Users can pedal forward or backward, which can target different muscle groups in the lower body and add variety to the workout.

Understanding the Terminology: Crosstrainers

The term crosstrainer emphasizes the "cross-training" aspect of the machine – its ability to provide a comprehensive workout that engages multiple muscle groups across the body. This concept aligns perfectly with the design and function of an elliptical trainer, which provides both cardiovascular and muscular benefits for the upper and lower body.

Why the Term "Crosstrainer"?

• Full-Body Workout: By incorporating moving handlebars, the machine offers a concurrent workout for the legs, glutes, core, and upper body (arms, shoulders, back, chest). This multi-faceted engagement is the essence of cross-training.
• Cardiovascular and Muscular Benefits: A crosstrainer effectively elevates heart rate for aerobic conditioning while also providing resistance-based training for various muscle groups.
• Versatility: The ability to vary resistance, speed, and sometimes incline allows for a diverse range of workouts, from steady-state cardio to high-intensity interval training (HIIT).

In essence, an elliptical trainer is a type of machine, and because of its design, it naturally facilitates a "cross-training" workout, leading to the interchangeable use of the terms.

Key Features and Design Variations

While the core function remains consistent, modern elliptical/crosstrainer machines come with various features and design elements that can influence the workout experience:

• Fixed vs. Moving Handles: Most models feature moving handles for a full-body workout, but some simpler designs may have fixed handles, focusing more on lower body and cardiovascular benefits.
• Adjustable Stride Length: Advanced models offer adjustable stride lengths, which is crucial for accommodating users of different heights and for targeting different muscle groups. A longer stride can feel more like running, while a shorter stride can mimic stair climbing.
• Incline Ramps: Some crosstrainers allow for an adjustable incline, which changes the angle of the elliptical path. Increasing the incline can intensify the workout for the glutes, hamstrings, and calves.
• Drive Systems:
  • Rear-Drive: Often considered the traditional design, with the flywheel located at the back. Known for a smoother, flatter elliptical path.
  • Front-Drive: The flywheel is at the front. These can have a slightly steeper elliptical path and often a more compact footprint.
  • Center-Drive: The flywheel is located centrally on either side of the pedals, offering a very balanced and compact design.
• Resistance Types: Magnetic resistance (most common, quiet, smooth) and air resistance (can be louder, often found in fan bikes).

Benefits of Elliptical/Crosstrainer Workouts

Utilizing an elliptical or crosstrainer offers a myriad of health and fitness advantages:

• Cardiovascular Conditioning: Provides an excellent aerobic workout, strengthening the heart and lungs, and improving endurance.
• Low-Impact Exercise: Ideal for individuals with joint pain, recovering from injuries, or those seeking to minimize stress on their musculoskeletal system.
• Full-Body Engagement: Simultaneously works the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, calves, chest, back, shoulders, biceps, and triceps, promoting balanced muscular development.
• Calorie Expenditure: Due to the engagement of multiple large muscle groups, elliptical workouts can burn a significant number of calories, aiding in weight management.
• Improved Balance and Coordination: The rhythmic, coordinated movement can enhance proprioception and motor skills.
• Versatility: Allows for varied workouts through changes in resistance, speed, incline, and direction (forward/reverse pedaling).
• Bone Density: While low-impact, the weight-bearing nature of the exercise can contribute to maintaining bone density.

Choosing the Right Machine for You

When selecting an elliptical/crosstrainer, consider the following:

• Space and Footprint: Measure your available space. Front-drive and center-drive models are often more compact.
• Stride Length: Ensure the stride length is comfortable and natural for your height. Adjustable stride is a valuable feature.
• Features: Decide if adjustable incline, pre-set programs, heart rate monitoring, and entertainment options are important to you.
• Ergonomics and Feel: Test the machine if possible. The motion should feel smooth, stable, and comfortable, without jarring or awkward movements.
• Budget: Prices vary widely based on features, build quality, and brand. Invest in a machine that meets your needs and will last.
• Noise Level: Magnetic resistance machines are generally quieter, which can be a factor for home use.

Conclusion: A Matter of Semantics and Evolution

In summary, while the term "elliptical trainer" precisely describes the unique, non-impact foot motion, and "crosstrainer" highlights the full-body, multi-muscle engagement, the two terms are, in the modern fitness landscape, virtually interchangeable. Both refer to the same highly effective, low-impact exercise machine that is a staple in gyms and homes worldwide, offering comprehensive cardiovascular and strength benefits. Understanding this semantic nuance allows you to confidently choose and utilize this versatile piece of equipment for your fitness journey.