Build your cardio fitness with a cross trainer designed for smooth, low-impact, full-body workouts at home. Orbit Fitness offers a range of elliptical trainers for different fitness levels, training goals and home gym spaces.

From straightforward machines for regular home workouts to feature-rich elliptical trainer for more demanding training, you can compare options based on stride, resistance, size and workout features. Explore the range below to find a cross trainer that fits the way you want to train.

How to Choose the Right Elliptical  Trainer

The right cross trainer should feel comfortable to use, suit your available space and provide enough resistance and workout variety for your fitness goals.

Before choosing an elliptical trainer, consider how often you plan to train, who will use the machine and what you want to achieve. These factors can help narrow down the options without paying for features you may not need.

Stride Length and Movement

Stride length can have a noticeable impact on how natural an elliptical trainer feels.

A comfortable stride should allow you to move smoothly without feeling restricted or overstretched. Your height, natural gait and preferred workout intensity can all influence what feels right.

If possible, trying different cross trainer machines before purchasing can help you understand which movement pattern suits you best.

Resistance Levels

Resistance determines how challenging each stride feels. Increasing resistance can make your muscles work harder and provides an easy way to progress your workouts as your fitness improves.

If several people will use the same machine, a wider range of resistance options can also make it easier for each person to train at an appropriate intensity.

Stability and Build Quality

An elliptical trainer should feel stable throughout the movement, particularly during higher-intensity sessions.

Consider the overall construction of the machine, its intended level of use and how frequently it will be used. A household planning occasional cardio sessions may have different requirements from a family where several people train throughout the week.

Console and Workout Features

Depending on the elliptical cross trainer, features may include preset workouts, resistance controls and performance feedback.

Rather than choosing a machine based on the longest feature list, focus on the functions you will genuinely use. A clear display and convenient controls can often be more useful than additional technology that does not support your training.

Available Space

Check the dimensions of the cross trainer as well as the room required to use it comfortably. Remember that the moving pedals and handles can extend beyond the machine's main footprint.

You may also want to consider an equipment mat to help protect the flooring underneath your cardio equipment.

Cross Trainer or Elliptical Trainer: What's the Difference?

The terms cross trainer and elliptical trainer are often used interchangeably, but the design and workout experience can vary between machines. Most models use a smooth, guided motion, while moving handles can bring the upper body into the workout as well.

Rather than focusing on the name, compare factors such as stride length, resistance, machine size and overall movement to find an option that feels comfortable and suits the way you want to train.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Cross Trainer Machine?

An elliptical trainer provides a convenient way to combine cardio exercise with upper and lower-body movement in one workout.

Full-Body Movement

Using the moving handles alongside the pedals engages both the upper and lower body. You can also adjust how actively you push and pull through the handles depending on the workout.

Low-Impact Cardio

Your feet remain supported by the pedals throughout the elliptical motion rather than repeatedly striking a running surface.

This makes cross trainers a popular option for people who prefer a smoother style of cardio training. Individual needs vary, so anyone managing an injury or medical condition should seek appropriate professional advice before changing their exercise routine.

Adjustable Workout Intensity

Cross trainer workouts do not have to stay at one intensity. Resistance and workout settings can be adjusted to suit anything from steady cardio sessions to more challenging interval-style training.

This makes an elliptical trainer useful for beginners while still providing room to progress as fitness improves.

Convenient Home Training

Having an elliptical trainer  at home makes it easier to fit cardio into your routine without relying on gym opening hours or outdoor conditions.

If you're comparing different ways to train at home, you can also explore exercise bikes and rowing machines to find the cardio equipment that best suits your preferred workout style. 

Which Cross Trainer Machine Is Right for You?

There isn't one cross trainer that suits every person. Your training habits, available space and expectations from the machine should guide your decision.

If you're unsure, focus first on how the machine feels and whether it suits your intended use rather than choosing purely on the number of features.

Considering a Cross Trainer vs Treadmill?

Cross trainers provide a guided elliptical movement and can involve both the upper and lower body, while treadmills are designed for walking, jogging and running. Your choice depends on the type of cardio you prefer, your training goals and how you want to exercise at home. 

What Should You Look for When Buying an Elliptical Trainer?

Before buying a cross trainer or elliptical machine, check:

• Stride and movement: Does the motion feel natural for your height and gait?
• Resistance: Does the machine provide enough range for your current fitness and future progression?
• Stability: Does it feel secure as workout intensity increases?
• Dimensions: Will it fit comfortably in your intended training space?
• Controls: Can you easily adjust resistance and workouts while exercising?
• Programs and feedback: Are the available workout modes and training metrics useful to you?
• Expected use: Is the machine suited to how frequently you or your household intend to train?
• Support: What servicing and spare-parts assistance is available after purchase?

Looking beyond the headline specifications can help you choose equipment that remains practical as your training develops.

Why Buy a Cross Trainer from Orbit Fitness?

Choosing fitness equipment is easier when you can get advice based on how you actually plan to use it.

Orbit Fitness has been helping Australians with fitness equipment since 1983. Our team focuses on understanding your goals, available space, budget and training preferences so you can compare equipment with greater confidence.

With seven retail stores across Perth, nationwide delivery, in-house service technicians and spare parts support, Orbit provides support beyond the initial purchase.

Whether you're choosing your first cross trainer or upgrading your home fitness setup, our goal is straightforward: help you find quality equipment that suits the way you train.

Explore our cross trainers and elliptical trainers, or speak with the Orbit Fitness team for help choosing the right machine.

Building a more complete workout space? Explore our home gym essentials for additional equipment and accessories for training at home. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a cross trainer?

A cross trainer is a stationary cardio machine that moves the feet through a guided elliptical path. Many cross trainers also include moving handles, allowing the upper and lower body to work together during a workout.

2. Is a cross trainer the same as an elliptical trainer?

Cross trainer and elliptical trainer are often used as interchangeable terms. Both generally refer to cardio machines that use an elliptical movement, although individual machine designs and features can differ.

3. What does an elliptical trainer do?

An elliptical trainer provides cardiovascular exercise through a smooth, continuous movement. Resistance can usually be adjusted to change workout difficulty, while moving handles on many models allow you to involve the upper body.

4. How do I choose an elliptical cross trainer?

Start with stride comfort, resistance, stability, machine dimensions and intended frequency of use. Then compare workout programs, console features and other functions according to what will actually support your training.

5. Is a cross trainer or treadmill better?

Neither is automatically better. Cross trainers suit people who prefer guided elliptical movement and combined upper and lower-body exercise, while treadmills suit people who want walking, jogging or running-based cardio. The better option is the one that aligns with your goals and preferred style of exercise.