Cross Trainer vs Elliptical: Are They the Same?

This article will teach you the difference between an elliptical and a cross trainer to help determine which would be better for your workout.
By
Bella
Bella
Writer
Bella is a skilled copywriter who holds a degree in English studies. Her lifelong passion for decor and interior design is evident in her work, which is inspired by the beau read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Tommy
Tommy
Expert Consultant
Tommy is an expert consultant at HouseAndBeyond, with extensive experience in home improvement. A master of all trades, he offers invaluable expertise in areas such as carpe read more
Last updated: August 12, 2023
HouseAndBeyond is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here

Stationary workout machines are excellent for people who want to work at home or in a gym. Some of the most popular cardio workout Trusted Source Comparison of elliptical training, stationary cycling, treadmill walking and overground walking - PMC The most common functional motor goal of lower extremity rehabilitation is to improve walking ability. For reasons of feasibility, safety or intensity, devices are frequently used to facilitate or augment gait training.  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov stationary machines you can come across are elliptical and cross-trainers. Throughout this article, we will compare the cross-trainer vs. elliptical machine to help you determine which workout would be best for you. We will help you compare the features and workout experience you’ll get with these stationary machines. These machines are very similar but have a few niche differences. I can alter your workout.

Is elliptical different from a cross trainer?

Cross Trainer vs Elliptical: Are They the Same?
The slight design differences between these two exercise machines make all the difference when getting a thorough workout at the gym or at home.

The elliptical and a cross trainer are stationary workout machines that help you get aerobic exercise while staying in one spot. The main difference between these two workout machines is that an elliptical will focus more on your lower body, and a cross trainer will give you a full-body workout. The cross trainer Trusted Source Impact of Elliptical Trainer Ergonomic Modifications on Perceptions of Safety, Comfort, Workout, and Usability for People With Physical Disabilities and Chronic Conditions - PMC The popularity of elliptical training has grown in rehabilitation, fitness, and home settings as a means for improving fitness and walking, yet many people with physical disabilities and chronic conditions experience difficulties when trying to use elliptical trainers. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov machine adds hand bars to your workout that you can push on and pull on to get your whole body involved in the exercise routine. Alternatively, an elliptical would be better if you only want to focus on your legs because they don’t have the hand bars that make you work out Trusted Source Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans | health.gov Physical activity is key to improving the health of the nation. Based on the latest science, the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans is a flagship resource for health professionals and policymakers that provides recommendations on how everyone can improve their health through regular physical activity. health.gov your upper body. For example, if the type of person works out every day, you need to give your arms a rest day if you just did an arm workout the day before.

Main features

Each machine has distinct features that will benefit different people depending on their exercise goals. The following will discuss the design, muscles, and how easy each machine is for you to use to make a choice. The last thing you want to do is spend time on a machine that isn’t working out the muscles you need. Reading about these main features will help you control your workout more.

Design

The way manufacturers design these machines greatly impacts your exercise routine. The following are the design differences between an elliptical and a cross trainer that makes these machines function differently. Many people falsely assume that cross trainers and ellipticals are interchangeable terms. However, the cross trainer is elliptical, but an elliptical is not a type of cross trainer.

  • The cross trainer has adjustable handles that you can move during your workout to engage your upper body and core.
  • A standard elliptical has stationary handles because the main purpose of the elliptical is to only focus on your lower body.

These design choices are intentional to help people curate their workouts Trusted Source How much physical activity do adults need? | Physical Activity | CDC Adults should move more and sit less throughout the day. Some physical activity is better than none. Adults who sit less and do any amount of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity gain some health benefits. www.cdc.gov . For example, people who have a hard time with their upper body or have upper body joint issues would benefit from a standard you list tickle instead of a cross trainer one.

Muscles used

Cross Trainer vs Elliptical: Are They the Same?
The machine you choose depends on your physical capability and the muscles you want to focus on.

A standard elliptical it’s acceptable for many people but only works out the lower half of their body. The following are the muscles you use when working on a standard elliptical instead of a cross trainer.

  • Your glutes
  • Your quads
  • Your hamstrings

The cross trainer works out all the above body parts and a few additions. When you use a cross trainer, you also work out the following muscles.

  • Your shoulders
  • Your chest
  • Your back

Both stationary exercise machines give you a cardio workout which will help you get your blood pumping and build your endurance. You might use the elliptical some days and a cross trainer on other days. Either way, you’ll get the exercise he needs to improve your wellness.

Ease of use

A standard elliptical machine is much easier than a cross trainer because you only work out your lower body. Both machines are self-explanatory when you get on them, and you won’t have to find an instruction guide before you work out. These machines allow you to hop on and start moving to begin your exercise. If you’re having physical problems with your back, arms, or neck, it would be best to use a standard elliptical, so you don’t strain yourself. However, a cross trainer would be better for you if you’re focused on achieving your full body workout.

Final thoughts

A standard elliptical is ideal if you have had arm day recently, back problems, or had a recent injury to your arms. A standard elliptical uses a stationary handlebar, so you won’t be working out your upper body while you use this machine. Deciding between a cross trainer vs. elliptical will help you take control of your workout and focus on the parts of your body that you think need improvement. Alternatively, if you’re looking to make the most out of your workout in a shorter period, then a cross trainer would be better for you. Cross trainer allows you to work out your upper body and lower body at the same time. There’s no right machine for everybody, so choose the machine that works best for you.

References

1.
Comparison of elliptical training, stationary cycling, treadmill walking and overground walking - PMC
The most common functional motor goal of lower extremity rehabilitation is to improve walking ability. For reasons of feasibility, safety or intensity, devices are frequently used to facilitate or augment gait training. 
2.
Impact of Elliptical Trainer Ergonomic Modifications on Perceptions of Safety, Comfort, Workout, and Usability for People With Physical Disabilities and Chronic Conditions - PMC
The popularity of elliptical training has grown in rehabilitation, fitness, and home settings as a means for improving fitness and walking, yet many people with physical disabilities and chronic conditions experience difficulties when trying to use elliptical trainers.
3.
Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans | health.gov
Physical activity is key to improving the health of the nation. Based on the latest science, the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans is a flagship resource for health professionals and policymakers that provides recommendations on how everyone can improve their health through regular physical activity.
4.
How much physical activity do adults need? | Physical Activity | CDC
Adults should move more and sit less throughout the day. Some physical activity is better than none. Adults who sit less and do any amount of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity gain some health benefits.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *