Best Elliptical Cross Trainer for Home Gym in UAE [2021]

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Why Buy an Elliptical Cross Trainer Bike for Home

Here’s why an elliptical cross trainer is a must for every home. Below lies the comparison between an elliptical cross trainer and a treadmill, exercise bike/cycle and a stepper. Ensure you read through every single line in order to better understand the benefits of bringing home the best elliptical cross trainer.

Elliptical Cross Trainer vs a Treadmill

Typically, low impact exercises, put less stress on your joints in comparison to high impact exercises. Since an elliptical cross trainer is a low impact machine, it’s a safer option than a treadmill. Especially if you have a musculoskeletal condition such as knee pain, low back pain, hip pain. And other health conditions such as arthritis or osteoarthritis. Then an elliptical cross trainer bike is a better and a safer option. Also, if you find it hard to tolerate the jarring motion of walking and running, then you should opt for an elliptical cross trainer.

In addition, if you’re recovering from an injury but don’t want to compromise on your fitness then the elliptical cross trainer fulfils your objective by offering you a high-intensity workout. Unlike treadmills, ellipticals offer you both upper as well as a lower-body workout. This is because elliptical cross trainers have arm handles. You can push your arms back and forth as you move your legs simultaneously. In fact, the resistance of these handles works the muscles in your chest, shoulders, and back.

Elliptical Cross Trainer vs a Bike/Cycle

As we have seen earlier, an elliptical cross trainer targets both the upper as well as the lower section of the body. Thus helping you gain strength in both. Moreover, it also helps you burn more calories. As for the upper body, it targets the back muscles i.e lattissimus dorsi, chest (pectorals), arms (biceps and triceps), and stomach (abdominal muscles). And for the lower body, it targets the buttocks, legs (calves and tibialis anterior), thigh muscles. hamstrings.

On the other hand, an exercise bike or stationary cycle works only on your lower body. This means that it will target only your thighs, hamstrings, quads, buttocks, and calves. By using an elliptical cross trainer, you can burn almost 15% more calories than the exercise bike/cycle.

Elliptical Cross Trainer vs a Stepper

Once again, an elliptical cross trainer is found to be more beneficial than a stepper. This is because a stepper provides a more intense leg and lower body workout only. It doesn’t contribute anything to your upper body, unlike the elliptical cross trainer. In other words, you expend more energy, while using an elliptical since your moving both your arms as well as legs. This, in turn, is as opposed to moving your legs only on the stepper.

Now that you know the importance of this machine and the benefits it offers you. Let’s not waste time and head to the top 5 elliptical cross trainers for your home gym in UAE. Carefully read through all the features and functionalities of each of these to help you purchase the one that fits your needs.

Model: EM-1541

• Dual Experience: SKYLAND Magnetic Elliptical bike takes its users to the next level of workout. Exercising on this elliptical is ideal for indoor as well as outdoor cyclists.
• No Need for Gym: If you purchase this elliptical bike, you can exercise in the comfort of your own home at any time. Hence, you won’t have to go to the gym.
• Magnetic Elliptical Technology: Experience extreme comfort while exercising with this elliptical. All thanks to the magnetic elliptical technology.
• Ideal for Those With Knee Problems: If you or anyone you know finds it difficult to walk, run or jog and has knee issues. Then, this elliptical bike is a must. You won’t experience knee pain while using this machine.
• LCD Display: The LCD display on this elliptical bike shows your speed, calories burned, total time, pulse, distance, RPM, scan, recovery and more.
• Sturdy: Due to its sturdy nature and design, you can use it without the fear of falling off or slipping off.
• Price: Bring home the SKYLAND Magnetic Elliptical Bike for an estimated cost of AED 1,100.

Model: SF-E905

• Convenient Tension Knob: A big thanks to the convenient tension knob, you can switch and control the intensity of your workout with ease. A simple adjustment is sufficient for increasing or decreasing the resistance. This keeps your workout effective and challenging throughout.
• Stimulates the Muscles: This elliptical cross trainer helps you engage in unique routines every time you workout. This not only stimulates the muscles in a different manner but also creates various new patterns of workouts.
• Pulse Grips: The pulse grips on this elliptical help you measure your pulse rate and monitor and maintain your target heart rate.
• Elevated Heart Rate: The more prolonged and steady the heart rate is during workout, the more fat gets burned. This data provides you with important information about your health and fitness levels.
• Transportation Wheels: The transport wheels of this elliptical trainer (at the front) make it extremely convenient for you to move the elliptical from room to room and also store it when not in use. You don’t have to worry about lifting it or about getting a muscle strain. Simply tilt it and roll out.
• Scan Mode: This mode displays your progress and aids you in tracking all your fitness goals.

• Digital Monitor: When you workout, it displays the time, scan, speed, calories burned and distance.
• Compact Stride Length: The stride length of this elliptical bike is only 11 inches which makes it compact. Hence, you can workout easily in a small area.
• Price: You can purchase the Sunny Health & Fitness Unisex Elliptical Bike for a price of around AED 490.

Model: EM-1502

• Natural Elliptical Motion: Experience a (low impact) lower and upper body workout. With the help of the natural elliptical motion. Thus, this bike helps eliminate stress on joints and ankles.
• Space Saving: A perfect fitness equipment for those living in apartments or houses with less space. Also, if you need an elliptical bike that consumes less space in your house then this one is a must buy.
• Adjustable Seat: It comes with a large seat that’s so comfortable so you can switch your workout. This comfortable seat gives you that feel of an exercise bike as it makes the transition with ease.
• Dual Action Handlebars: This bike consists of dual-action handlebars offering a sitting and standing optional workout. Additionally, it also combines cycling with rowing action.
• Elliptical + Exercise Bike: Since this fitness equipment is a combination of both elliptical and exercise bike. It targets different muscle groups and is more effective in comparison to a single fitness machine.

Additional Features of Top Sky Orbitrac Elliptical Exercise Bike

• Slip Resistant Foot Pedals: With foot pedals that are slip-resistant, you can use this bike without no worries.
• Control Knob: You can adjust the level of resistance as per your preference with the help of the control knob.
• Price: Top Sky Orbitrac Elliptical Exercise Bike is available approximately for AED 700.

Model: EM-1132

• Reduces your Waistline: This elliptical combines cardio exercises that help in reducing your waistline. Hence, you obtain a great muscle sculpting as well as calorie-burning workout simultaneously.
• LCD Display: Equipped with an LCD display, this elliptical cross trainer shows you the number of calories burned, as well as the speed, time and distance.
• Dual Action Handle Bars: To provide you with an effective upper body workout, the dual-action handle bars play a great role.
• Maximum User Weight Capacity: Any individual weighing 113 Kgs or less can use this elliptical cross trainer to exercise in the comfort of your own home.
• Adjustable Knob: With the turn of a knob, you can easily adjust the tension and the resistance level.
• Price: Skyland 4 in 1 Orbitrac Elliptical Trainer is available for a price of around AED 700.

• Stride Length: Featuring a stride length of 20 inches, it works on each muscle group completely.
• Preset Workouts: The 20 preset workout apps assist you in learning new workout training techniques. This helps you stay motivated throughout your workout as well as guides you and keeps you updated.
• Digital Resistance Levels: You can begin from easy levels and then progress to intense levels. Moreover, it has a total of 20 digital resistance levels.
  • Further, each of these levels is silent, smooth, and frictionless. Due to the patented Silent Magnetic Resistance (SMR).
• Effective Inertia: With 7Kg of effective inertia that’s made to perform, you’ll experience a smooth and steady pedal stroke.
• Natural Striding Experience: A faster gear ratio and effective weight placement deliver a more natural striding experience.

• iPod Compatible Audio: You can now enjoy your workout even more by listening to your favourite tracks. That too, the best part is that you can do this without getting tangled in headphones.
• Large LCD Display: This LCD display is large enough and provides important workout feedback. That too in an easy to read format. It also includes a Watts meter for intensity readings.
• Price: This PROFORM Endurance Elliptical Cross Trainer is available approximately for AED 3,500.

Now that you’ve seen how amazing all these elliptical cross trainers are. And what difference it can make to your body and health. You need to identify which of the above will best suit your needs. It’s of no use purchasing an elliptical cross trainer or for that matter any fitness equipment without adequate knowledge. To make this daunting task easier, I have put forth some crucial factors to your rescue.

Factors to Consider while Buying a Cross Trainer

Do consider all these factors to bring home the best elliptical cross trainer for your home gym without any hassle.

Type of Exercise

The most important factor to consider while buying a cross trainer is the types of exercise it offers. An elliptical cross trainer is a combination or a blend of the stepper, treadmill, bike and cycle. Since your moving your arms as well as legs on the elliptical cross trainer they provide a more effective workout as compared to a stepper. Additionally, this gym equipment engages the hamstrings, quadriceps, chest, back, biceps, glutes, and triceps. Elliptical cross trainers can be used extensively in the stimulation of stair climbing, walking or running. That too without causing excessive pressure to your joints. Thereby, decreasing the risk of injuries.

So, if you need to recover from injuries, then an elliptical cross trainer is worth purchasing. Moreover, an elliptical cross trainer can replace the exercise bike in your home. This is because elliptical cross trainers offer both upper as well as lower body workout whereas exercise bikes offer only a lower body workout. Keep in mind that you need to distribute the resistance for a full-body workout while using the elliptical cross-trainer.

Resistance/Tension Settings

Next, let’s talk about the resistance or tension settings in an elliptical cross trainer. Firstly, resistance can be generated in several ways. One of the easiest ways to generate resistance is through the belt resistance or a manually adjusted brake. Note that a form of resistance like this is mainly found on elliptical cross trainers with lower specifications. Hence, requiring manual adjustments before you start your workout.

On the other hand, using the electromagnetic resistance makes the job easier. All you need to do is simply move the electromagnetic further or away from the flywheel. As you train, the console can take care of this movement. Further, another big advantage is that this mechanism lasts longer as well. Since it doesn’t generate any friction due to the touch with the electromagnetic system.

Ensure you purchase an elliptical cross trainer with the functionality of adjustable resistance and a wider motion range. Especially if you’re planning to rely on it for prolonged periods and duration. These functionalities will help you intensify on your workout, thus offering you better-improved results.

Adjustable Stride Lengths

As a matter of fact, an appropriate stride length ensures an effective and comfortable session. For all those not very familiar with the term “stride length”, I shall brief you on the same. Stride length is none other than the length between the pedals when they are at a distance farthest from one another. When it comes to selecting the right elliptical cross trainer for you, the length of strides is a core factor to consider. Apart from this, the user’s stride length is measured as follows:
Stride Length of User = Maximum difference between the rear of the front foot and the front of the rear foot.

Note that the rotational motion you make with your feet is comfortable enough. Always opt for an elliptical cross trainer with a longer stride. This helps you to work out faster. However, by a longer stride, I didn’t mean an extremely long stride. Then you’re at a higher risk of straining your muscles. On the other hand, if it’s too short then it’s less effective and uncomfortable. You tend to feel cramped too.

Generally, a taller person should opt for an elliptical cross trainer with a longer stride length. While people who are short should go for one with a short stride length. Furthermore, if you’re not too short or too tall, in other words, about the medium height. Then opt for a cross trainer with a long stride length (remember not too long). Usually, longer strides help you have a more elliptical shape, in other words, an oval motion of the leg.

Adjustable Incline

Another most important factor to consider is the incline of your elliptical cross trainer. In order to have a powerful and effective workout, you should use the incline functionality and adjust it. Moreover, being able to control the incline helps you emphasize on your glutes and hamstrings more. Just imagine this scenario. You’re walking uphill on a slope. Is it really easy to walk like you’re walking on a flat road? No right? That’s because you’re putting in more efforts and moving your body more while walking on a slope. Well, that’s the same concept with an adjustable incline.

When you adjust your elliptical to a higher incline, you’re putting in more efforts. Hence, your mission of losing weight, getting healthier and burning calories is accomplished. In other words it boosts the benefits or gives an added value to your workout. Ensure you don’t increase the incline way too much on your first workout on the elliptical. As you progress and your body gets used to this change, increase the incline with time.

With Adjustable Seat

An adjustable and comfortable seat will help you exercise at your best. You can’t afford to hunch or slouch if the seat is too high for you. On the other hand, if the seat is low it can cause you discomfort. You won’t feel like working out. Additionally, you may also end up with a body ache. Most of the elliptical cross trainers come with a 2-way adjustable seat. This indicates that you can adjust it only in terms of height.

On the other hand, some cross trainers feature a 4-way adjustable seat. This helps in changing the position not only in terms of height but also in direction. Now, it’s up to you whether to go in for a 2-way adjustable seat or 4-way adjustable seat.

Space Utilization

Opt for an elliptical cross trainer that is convenient to store. Most of the cross trainers available today feature a space-saving design. This indicates that they are compact in size and nature. So, if you live in a small house or you need space in your home for furniture and other objects, then you need to keep a check as to how much space the cross trainer occupies. The best thing to do is buy a foldable one.

A foldable cross trainer is convenient since you can just fold it and store it in any corner of your home. Moreover, if you have small kids then it’s the best option as they tend to fidget with anything left open. Also, if you have senior citizens or old people who need to move freely in the house.

Weight Capacity

Lastly, the maximum weight capacity is a factor you need to keep in mind while purchasing the best elliptical cross trainer. Imagine you weigh between 70 to 80 Kgs and you’re purchasing a cross trainer with a max weight capacity of 60 Kgs. This won’t do you any good. Always opt for one with a higher weight capacity. For best results and to be on the safer side, purchase an elliptical cross trainer with max. weight capacity of at least 100 to 110 Kgs. This will not only help you but will also help your other family members weighing differently.

Note that you should opt for a cross trainer with a max. weight capacity of 20 Kgs more than your body weight. For example, if you weigh 100 Kgs, you need to purchase a cross trainer with a weight capacity of 120 Kgs. This will help the machine to hold you better without any hassle and to help you achieve an effective workout.

We all have doubts, it’s natural. Nobody wants to purchase an expensive product without finding out the details and necessary information properly. And also when it comes to the betterment of our health, diet and fitness. If you’re still confused, then here are some FAQs.

6 Ways to Obtain a Great Workout Using Your Elliptical

Here are some of the best elliptical workout ideas suggested by the top trainers to help you achieve the most out of your elliptical cross trainer. These may seem challenging but you will obtain maximum benefits and best results if you try out these ideas.

1. Place your Feet Flat on the Pedals

Maintaining a proper form and posture is mandatory as this will help you avoid pains and aches. Your body tends to ache when not in the ideal alignment. So, you need to keep your feet flat on the pedals and your hands should hold the bars. Depending upon the type of elliptical cross trainer, you can hold the bars alongside the elliptical or at the base of the monitor. Ensure you keep a micro bend in your elbows and your knees. Don’t forget to keep your feet flat against the pedals. Never stand on your toes while working out on the elliptical cross trainer. Keep your back straight so that your spine is in the ideal position. Also, clench your core to keep it. Your core should be held tightly in order to keep it engaged.

2. Vary the Incline

As a matter of fact, the higher the incline, the more you are working out your glutes i.e. your butt muscles. Every minute or two, you can adjust the incline manually either to decrease it or increase it. In other words, to go up or down. So that you start to feel good. Generally, incline ranges from 0-20. Consider incrementing the incline by 2 each time. Begin at 0. After about a minute, move up to 2, then 4, 6 and then come back down. If you are comfortable then you can follow the same pattern and go up to 20. Else, you can even alternate by fives.

3. Mix in Some Core Exercises

You need to ensure that you keep your abs engaged throughout your workout. Although you might not feel your core throughout the elliptical session, it is necessary to keep good form and also get the most out of each workout. For instance, when you step off the elliptical and drop down to hold a static plank. This could be an example of how you can really engage your abs. Moreover, adding some core exercises can also help mix up your time on the elliptical. Get off the elliptical cross trainer every 3 minutes and perform a 30-second plank or side planks. Whichever you prefer.

4. Make Use of the Pause Button like an Interval Timer

When you are working out on the elliptical cross trainer and hit pause, it kind of provides you with a minute count down. So, you can sort of do a combo on your elliptical cross trainer as well as specific upper body work. Consider using the elliptical cross trainer for about a minute, then jump off and do 15-20 push-ups. You may even pull over your mat or stick with other body-weight exercises such as squats or lunges. This depends up on how much space is available around the elliptical machine. You can rest for the remainder of the minute and then get back on the elliptical cross trainer. Perform 10 intervals for a full-body 20-minute workout that fits both in strength as well as cardio.

5. Go Backward On Your Elliptical

Typically, the hamstrings i.e. the back of the thighs are weak in most people. Going backwards on the elliptical cross trainer is extremely beneficial as it targets more of your hamstrings. You might be wondering how to do it. Well, when you get on the elliptical cross trainer and begin rotating your legs, you do it in a clockwise direction. After doing this, you need to start moving in a counter-clockwise direction.

6. When to Use the Handles and When Not to

At certain times you can put only your legs to work and don’t use the handles to emphasize your lower body. Driving through your glutes and hamstrings will definitely put more pressure as well as effort on your lower body. Also, not using the handles indicates that you get more of a core focus. Ensure you balance while you continue moving your legs.

Elliptical Cross Trainer FAQs

Get Fit and Healthy

Wow! You’ve made it to the end of this article. MUCH APPRECIATED! Well, now that you’ve read through this in-depth guide containing valuable information, the best elliptical cross trainer is just a click away. I hope I have made things clear to you. If not, take a deep breath and carefully read through this guide once more. Check out all the features and functionalities of each product here. Your decision is based upon your requirements, the space in your home and your budget. If you still want to read more about elliptical cross trainers, then refer to this guide.

If you need a high impact machine and want to focus on your legs and lower body muscles, then consider investing in the best treadmill UAE. This also applies if you don’t have any injuries and desire an extensive workout. Another piece of fitness equipment to bring home is the best exercise bike UAE.