Cross trainers are a great piece of home gym equipment to invest in, they allow you to stay fit and healthy or meet weight loss goals all in the comfort of your own home.
Many people forget, however, to have a cross-trainer inside of your home you need to ensure that you have enough space to store it and use it, leading many of us to ask, can you keep a cross-trainer outside?
Well, it is not typically recommended to store your cross trainer outside, but if you have to, you need to ensure it is in the right temperatures and protected against outdoor elements.
We have put together a short guide below that will tell you exactly how much space you will need for a cross trainer and some ways to protect it if you have to store your machine outdoors.
Before you decide on where to store your cross-trainers, it's a good idea to double-check if you have enough space inside, to begin with as indoor storage is the preferred option for a cross-trainer.
A cross-trainer will likely take up the same amount of space as an average-sized treadmill would, you should budget at least 2 meters of space for your cross-trainer. You could invest in a folding cross trainer which would save you even more space too.
Just like a non-folding treadmills machine, you also need to ensure you have space around it for safe use, for example, you should have 1 meter left behind your cross trainer and double the width of each side.
Ensure you have enough ceiling height for your cross-trainer too like you would need with treadmill surfaces once mounted on the machine.
If you have decided that you do not have enough room to store your cross trainer inside then you might be left with no option but to store it outside.
While this is not the best-case scenario, it is not impossible to store your equipment outside, so we will mention some tips below to help you out.
You might prefer to keep your cross trainer outside due to the more pleasant environment to work out in and build a small outdoor home gym due to limited space inside.
Whatever your reasons, there are a few considerations if you are looking to have a small outdoor home gym.
Overall, there is no reason as to why you can't keep a cross-trainer outside as long as it is in a temperature-controlled environment with floor protection and necessary equipment protection such as a cover and a shelter from the rain.
We would always suggest having exercise equipment inside if possible, but you should ensure you have enough space around the machine for safety purposes and double-check ceiling height, cross-trainers take around 2 meters of space, so be aware of this when planning where your machine will go.
Cross trainers are a popular choice for home fitness equipment, but they are often overlooked by people who are looking for equipment to help with achilles tendonitis. If you have tight calves, or you are a beginner exerciser, a cross trainer may not be for you.
However, if you are looking for an equipment that can help you work your lower body without putting additional stress on your Achilles tendon, you may want to consider a cross trainer.
Your trainer is a great piece of exercise equipment, but what happens if you have achilles tendonitis? Unfortunately, cross trainers are notorious for causing all sorts of injuries, and achilles tendonitis is just one of them.
The foot pedals are usually the culprit, because they are attached to the front wheel, and your foot is controlled by a lever.
While they are very efficient, the strain they put on your legs and your achilles tendon is enormous. If you have achilles tendonitis, you should use an elliptical trainer instead.
There are a number of reasons why you might want to use a cross trainer with achilles tendonitis. For one, cross trainers are smaller than treadmills or elliptical machines, so they may be better suited for small spaces.
They're also easier to move around and assemble, which can be helpful if you're often traveling for work or pleasure.
The ankle is made up of the tibia, fibula, and the talus. These bones come together to form the ankle joint which also consists of ligaments, tendons, and muscles that are surrounded by a joint capsule.
The bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles of the ankle form complex movements. The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body. It is made of a band of fibrous tissue that connects a muscle in the calf to a bone at the back of the heel.
The Achilles tendon pulls on the heel to help the calf muscle contract and become shorter. This allows the foot and toes to point downward and the calf muscle to help lift the heel off the ground.
The achilles tendon is a thick and large tendon, approximately 15 centimeters long that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. It plays a vital role in your ability to walk and run, and is extremely important in your ability to keep your balance.
The achilles tendon is vulnerable to injury, and when it is injured, the result can be debilitating pain that keeps you from walking and running.
You are probably here because you have been suffering with achilles tendonitis for some time now and you are sick and tired of going to the gym and even if you do manage to go to the gym, you are not able to do all the exercises that you want to do. If that is the case, you are not alone.
Many people suffer from achilles tendonitis and some of these people even stop going to the gym altogether because they are afraid of aggravating their tendonitis even further and end up doing nothing.
Today we are going to talk about how you can use a cross trainer while recovering from achilles tendonitis.
There are a lot of people that want to know if they are able to take an exercise class in a gym or go to a basketball game. For some people this is impossible. They can't move around without experiencing a great deal of pain in their Achilles tendon.
The first thing that you are going to want to consider is the fact that you need to go at your own pace.
If you try to go too fast or push yourself too hard, you could end up with more problems than you started with. The quickest way to get hurt is to push yourself too hard and end up having to take more time off than you need to.
You are going to want to take it slow and focus on moving forward. You want to be able to push yourself a little bit, but not too much.
For others, they can move around without pain, but just a little bit of movement causes them pain. Unfortunately, the Achilles tendon cannot heal on its own.
Even if you stop doing whatever it is that causes the pain, it will not get better on its own. It doesn't matter if you wait a year or two, it won't get better without medical help.
If you have been exercising in a gym you may have heard a number of people talking about cross trainers. What are cross trainers and how can they benefit you?
Cross trainers are a kind of exercise equipment that is used in the gym session.
They are a combination of a treadmill and a stair climber. They have features that are similar to both of these machines. This makes them a great alternative to using a treadmill and a stair climber.
You do not have to be worried about your joints when using this machine. You can use it without having to worry about any kind of injury.
Those with weak ankles or achilles tendonitis might find it difficult to use a cross trainer especially if they have not built their strength up yet.
It is difficult for us to give any absolute advice, but you should ask yourself if you have built up strength in your ankles and achilles tendon to the point where you are not worried about them anymore. If not, you might not want to try out the cross trainer just yet.
Can I use cross trainer with sciatica" The benefits of cross trainers are well documented. Cross trainers offer a great cardio exercise.
Cross trainers are also a specific type of exercise machine that is designed to strengthen the muscles in your lower body, particularly your legs. Another advantage of cross trainers is that they do not require much space.
Can I use a cross trainer while suffering from sciatica? The best answer to this question is: it depends on your symptoms.
If you have a bad case of sciatica, you may want to consider avoiding any activity that could make your condition worse. But if you have a mild case, it is probably fine to do light exercise, like using a cross trainer. The key is to make sure you use proper form, and to listen to your body. If you feel pain or discomfort, stop and take a break.
It seems that the majority of people who are searching for this post want to know if they should continue to use their cross trainers, even if they have sciatica. The answer to that question is maybe.
If you are using a cross trainer and doing all the same workouts you would be doing if you didn't have sciatica, it is possible that you might have a flare up. This is a very individual thing that will be determined by your doctor and your workout routine.
However, if you're considering using your cross trainer after an injury, this is a great way to get back to fitness without straining the muscles you've injured. The cross trainer is easy on your muscles and joints and will allow you to get back into shape safely
According to experts you really can use cross trainer with sciatica. Although it is advised to consult your medical professional. The truth is that there are many people that have found relief using a cross trainer. The great thing about a cross trainer is the fact that it is so versatile.
Although the cross trainer is primarily a leg exercise machine, it does work other muscle groups. Even though the main focus is on the legs, the arms and back also receive a workout. (This is because the arms are used for balance.)
The cross trainer is an aerobic exercise machine that is used to increase one's heart rate. (When you exercise on the cross trainer, the electrical resistance helps increase your heart rate and, therefore, burn calories faster.) The exerciser also uses his or her core muscles (abdominal muscles) to keep his or her body stable as he or she works out.
Cross trainers are machines that mimic the movements of jogging, cycling, and other activities. They are built to help people get fit and stay healthy. They can also be used as part of a rehabilitation program.
Most of these studies have shown that there is a positive correlation between exercise and healthy back pain, but many of them stop short of stating that exercise reduces the occurrence of sciatica.It is also unclear whether exercise can reduce the occurrence of sciatica when it is already occurring in a patient.
Another important consideration is that many of these studies looked at the impact of aerobic exercise on sciatica patients.
A cross trainer is a good choice for someone who wants a low-impact workout that works multiple muscle groups. There have been many studies done recently on the impact of exercise on reducing the occurrence of sciatic nerve pain.
While aerobic exercise is helpful in many ways, it does not work the same muscle groups as cross training machines and using resistance for weight loss. Therefore, a patient who is suffering from sciatica should consider starting an exercise
One of the best ways to improve your overall fitness is to try a cross trainer exercise. The benefits of cross training are numerous, it will help you lose weight, improve your cardiovascular health, increase your strength, and improve your over all fitness level.
So cross training is for you! However, if you already have a medical condition, it’s important to know how to do cross training safely.
Depending on the severity of your pain, your doctor may recommend gentle stretching and exercise. If your doctor recommends exercise, use the cross trainer with sciatica and best exercise. However, keep in mind the exercises should be done slowly.
The truth is that if you have bad posture, a cross trainer will not help your condition at all. In fact, you could make it worse with the wrong form. That’s why you need to check yourself and make sure that you’re doing it right.
When you suffer from persistent back pain, the last thing you want to do is exercise. After all, physical activity is often a painful experience. But the truth is that exercise can be both good for you and help in easing your sciatica symptoms. So, what is the best type of exercise for sciatica sufferers? It depends on the type of pain you are suffering from.
The cross trainer is a good way to get a workout without putting pressure on your back. You can use this machine to strengthen your legs, as well as your core.
When you have a bad back, the last thing you want to be doing is exercising. Many exercises can exacerbate your current back problem or cause you to hurt yourself further, especially if you have a back condition like sciatica .
However, it’s important to remain active to ensure you don’t lose mobility in other parts of your body.
Check your local sports shop for one of the following cross trainer machines. If you already have one, this information is for you too. Most of these machines are designed for legs, arms and other body parts so they can be kept in a corner. This way you don’t need to worry about taking up too much space in your home.
Whatever the cause there are a number of exercises that people find difficult to do with sciatica. The symptoms of sciatica can vary from person to person and can be quite disabling. When suffering from sciatica there is a risk of further injury and if you are thinking of starting any exercise programme it is worth finding out which exercises may aggravate the problem.
So, you have sciatica. What now? That’s a good question. The best way to deal with sciatica is to prevent it.
Maintaining a healthy back-with sciatica means finding the right balance between stretching, strengthening and resting. Strengthening the muscles around your back and core can reduce back pain, but it can also lead to injury if done incorrectly. Stretch only when your muscles are warmed up, and never overstretch, which could lead to injury. Resting is also an important part of keeping your back healthy. Whether you suffer from sciatica or not, your back will always benefit from rest.
The bottom line on cross trainer for sciatica is that if you're already doing a low impact exercise routine and your sciatica is not so severe that you're struggling to do it, then a low impact exercise like the cross trainer will help strengthen your core muscles, which in turn helps stabilize your spine and ease some of the symptoms.
One of the best advantages to working out with a cross-trainer in comparison to other fitness machines such as treadmills is that they give you a total body workout, and use a variety of muscles which is great for strength building and muscle toning.
So to answer your question, an elliptical trainer uses muscles such as your; heart, glutes, biceps, core and more. On top of all of this, it's helps you work on your endurance and balance as you need to keep yourself upright and steady while you pedal.
To find out what exact muscles your cross trainer is using, strengthening and toning, we have put together a detailed guide below that will tell you all you need to know about the muscles that are used with your cross-trainer.
From stronger glutes to bigger biceps, one of the best advantages to a cross trainer is that it can tone and work all of your muscles, we have listed out the most common muscles which are targeted by a cross-trainer below.
Every lower body muscle from your glutes to your legs can be strengthened by a cross-trainer as they are activated during the long strides you take.
In comparison to a treadmill, the cross trainer can provide an effective upper body workout and work the following muscles below.
As working out on a cross-trainer is a form of intense cardio it will inevitably make your heart stronger, as your heart will be contracting over and over again. This can reduce the chances of you getting cardiovascular disease in the future.
If you are planning on toning your muscles, losing weight or gaining muscle then you might be wondering how long it will take to see a difference in your body when you start implementing cross trainer workouts into your daily routine.
This can vary according to your weight and the consistency of when you workout, but you should start to see a difference in your body with a month of healthy eating and sticking to your exercise routine, you will see additional muscle definition by then too.
Apart from improving your muscle strength, there are also several other different health benefits you can gain from using a cross-trainer.
We have listed some out below.
When we were covering what muscles are used during a cross-trainer workout, we also mentioned some ways to help work your muscles harder, such as sitting back to engage your glutes, we have put together five more tips below that can upgrade your home cross trainer workout and help you use your muscles during.
Having a strong core has many great benefits such as better posture and a leaner defined waist, you can encourage your core to work harder on a cross-trainer by dropping your arms down and forcing your core to be engaged as you hold a balance.
Interval training is a super great way to boost your fitness level and burn more calories in a shorter amount of time, they also make workouts less boring and keep your body surprised.
To try interval training you can pedal at your fastest for one and a half minutes, then rest for another three, keep repeating this for the duration of your workout or for a block of time such as ten minutes. Interval training will also help your body to keep burning fat when you have stopped training.
For every workout, you do on a cross-trainer, up the resistance! This will keep your muscles working harder and harder each time, making sure you are progressing and aiding the growth/definition.
This will also improve your fitness level gradually.
Pedalling backwards will engage your legs and work your muscles in a different way, which is great for toning your thighs and the rest of your leg muscles. You can try sitting slightly back while pedalling backwards to get the maximum effect for around 30 seconds, put these into your workout at least three times to notice progress in every workout.
Can I grow my arm muscles with a cross-trainer?
Yes, it is very possible to grow your arm muscles with a cross-trainer as you are pushing and pulling on the handlebars which will keep working your triceps and biceps.
How many calories could I burn during a one-hour workout with a cross-trainer?
This depends on your body weight and the intensity of your workout, but on average, if you work out for one hour on a cross-trainer at a moderate intensity and you weigh 155 pounds you could potentially burn up to 570 calories.
Is a treadmill or a cross-trainer better for burning calories?
A treadmill tends to better for burning calories quickly but a cross trainer is the best for fat loss as it works your whole body and uses all your muscles, resulting in fat burn from everywhere, rather than just your core and lower body.
Can I tone my bum with a cross-trainer?
Yes, a cross-trainer will help tone up your gluteal muscles over time, especially if you sit back slightly when pedalling as it engages all three glute muscles at once to try and keep you steady and maintain balance. Check this review of Reebok Cross Trainer, this might be the best one for you.
To round up our article, you can tone up and grow your arm muscles, core, heart and leg muscles with a cross trainer, making it one of the best exercise machines on the market for a full-body workout, whether you are looking to tone up or lose weight.
If you suffer from bad knee pain due to injury or age, then you might be looking for the best form of exercise that will allow you to exercise but not cause pain in your knees during or after.
Cross trainers are one of the best exercise machines on the market to use if you suffer from joint pain. These machines (as long as they are used correctly), can provide some great cardio without being too impactful on your knees as your feet never leave the pedals of the machine, unlike running which requires you to jump up and down with your joints.
To understand how we can use a cross-trainer correctly, why they are good for our knees and why we get knee pain from exercise, we have composed a short information guide below that will give you everything you need to know.
Knee pain is a common result of exercise, some exercises that involve running or jumping can put a huge amount of stress on your joints over time and cause some serious issues if not looked after.
For example, younger people can develop something called 'runners knee' which causes pain around the soft tissue of the knee cap, meaning you will need to rest your knee or stabilise it with physical therapy.
On the other end of the spectrum, older people who have been running there whole life could develop osteoarthritis, this means you will need to stay away from high impact exercises, try physical therapy or use machines like a cross-trainer which is easier on the joints.
Cross trainers are the ideal exercise machine for people with bad knees as they reduce the harsh impact during exercise that jumping or running gives.
The motion of these trainers is softer and more of a circular motion which is beneficial for most users.
We have listed out some further benefits of using a cross trainer below.
However, if you think your cross trainer might be the reason for your knee pain, then you could be suffering from one of the common causes below.
It is possible you could be suffering from an overuse injury on your kneecap called quadriceps tendinitis. This injury may develop if you have gone into intense exercise too quickly as a beginner, causing inflammation in your kneecap.
A way to help this issue is by resting and making sure you don't go to intense the next time you use the cross-trainer.
Believe it or not, cross trainers are the better options for your knees over a treadmill as they are low impact, however, this low impact does not mean no impact at all and can still cause knee discomfort for some users.
For example, high resistance walking on a cross-trainer can put a lot of stress on your ligaments and knee joint resulting in pain.
Patella tendinitis is the tendon that helps your muscles lower your lower leg, this is used when pushing pedals on a cross-trainer, most people feel a sharp pain either during or after their workout when this is occurring. You will need to rest and get checked with your doctor, as continuing to exercise with this can make the problem much worse.
Working out with a cross-trainer uses an unnatural motion that can put stress on your hips and joints like your knees. Using a cross trainer which is too wide for you can contribute to this pain.
Both cross trainers and bikes are typically recommended as the best exercises for people with knee pain, as they are low-impact and don't cause as much strain as running.
So as we can figure which type of machine is better for your knees, we have compared the two below with their pros and cons so as you can figure out which one is right for you.
If you suffer from very bad knee pain, an exercise bike can be a better option as it offers you the chance to sit down, reducing the tension on your knees. The seat of an upright bike can also be adjusted to reduce impact and recumbent exercise bikes take any pressure off your knees completely.
However, exercise bikes are much less effective for fat burn than cross trainers because of this, so might not offer a very effective workout.
Cross trainers on the other hand are also considered low impact for your joints and provide a better workout for your body as they involve your top half as well as your lower body, unlike a bike.
Even though a cross-trainer should be easy on your knees if used correctly, it can still cause damage due to the fact it is weight-bearing and the gliding motion may put extra stress on joints in comparison to a recumbent bike.
To conclude, if your knee pain is very serious, then you should always opt for a lighter workout on a recumbent bike rather than using a weight-bearing cross-trainer. However, if you have minor knee pain and want to burn more calories, then a cross-trainer might be more ideal, you should always check with your doctor either way before working out with a knee issue.
One of the best ways to stop knee pain from happening when using your cross trainer is by using it correctly. You should also be taking some extra precautions when using your trainer if you have a bad knee, we have listed a few tips out below.
Is it better to use a bike or a cross trainer if I suffer from knee pain?
This depends on the severity of your knee injury, if you have a very bad injury and want to keep weight off your knee, go for a recumbent bike, however, a cross-trainer will be better at keeping you fit and helping you recover plus gain strength.
Why are cross trainers good for the knees?
They can strengthen the muscles around your knees, give less impact and be effective in helping you recover from a knee injury.
What are the most common knee problems that happen from exercise?
Fractures, ligaments or tendon tears are very common for people who are active and are caused by overusing or overextending from your knee during sport.
To conclude, you should always listen to your body when it comes to your knee pain and amend your workouts accordingly or rest till your knee feels better, never strain yourself too much, as you can end up causing more damage to your knee in the long run.
Stick to exercising on machines such as a recumbent bike or cross trainer as these will be easier on your joints.
Deciding on the right home gym equipment can be tough, especially if you are used to using more than one type of machine for your cardio at the gym. People often get stuck between rowing machines and cross trainers because they are both low impact and help burn calories.
Due to the muscles and movement rowing requires, on average, a 155-pound person can burn up to around 550 calories during a rowing session of one hour, the cross trainer has the upper hand in this case, and allow you to burn 670 calories an hour, most likely due to the fact it involves the top half of your body more.
So as we can compare a rowing machine and cross trainer in more depth, we have put together a short guide below that will tell you everything you need to know about using rowing machines and cross trainers for weight loss, as well as which machine might be the better choice for you.
Before we can get on to comparing a rowing machine and cross trainer, we need to understand how one works, the different types out there and how many potential calories you can burn on one.
These rowing machines work by you pulling on the handle of the rower and sliding back and forth of the machine to create rowing strokes, to make rowing harder, you simply up the resistance on the machine you are using, which will slow your strokes but make your muscles work much harder and burn more calories.
Rowing machines come in four main different types, so we have listed them below with a brief description so as you can be sure you are buying the right resistance type for you.
Resistance on this type of rower is produced by water within the tank of the rower, it's as close as you can get to rowing on real-life water and the faster that you end up rowing, the more resistance that will be generated.
These types of rowers use air fins on their flywheel to generate resistance, meaning that the harder you pull on the machine, the more it will generate resistance, most of the time this resistance can be adjusted however depending on the difficulty you want.
Hydraulic resistance is attached to the handlebars of your cross trainer, the resistance can be adjusted via the length of the handlebars, these types of rowers tend to be less popular and often cheaper.
Electromagnetic resistance is more silent than other resistance types but gives a constant level of resistance during rowing, and does not vary, making it much less life-like.
The amount of calories you burn on a rowing machine is variable to several different factors, for example, if you weigh 155 pounds and you row on a machine at high intensity for one hour you could burn up to 632 calories, but if you mow at a moderate intensity, it would only burn 520 calories.
To burn more calories on a rowing machine you should maintain a pace of 24-30 strokes per minute depending on your fitness level, you should also try switching up your workouts and do some HIIT training on your rowing machine.
Cross trainers operate with a flywheel for resistance, pedals and moveable handlebars, this resistance is adjustable depending on the intensity you are after and the trainer does not have a seat, requiring you to stand upright as you pedal, working your whole body.
You can burn a little more calories on a cross-trainer than on a rowing machine, this depends on variables too, but as we mentioned above, on average you can burn 670 calories an hour if you weigh 155 pounds.
To increase calorie burn on a cross-trainer you can try HIIT and increasing the resistance to make it harder.
Now we understand the different calories you can burn with each type of exercise and how they work, let's compare both a rowing machine and a cross-trainer below to see the advantages and disadvantages of using each one.
Let's start with rowing machines. These devices are the best in comparison to cross trainers for building muscle in your back, arms, legs and core as you are continually pumping them as you are rowing.
They are also low impact like cross trainers, meaning they are better for your joints, along with the fact that they don't need electricity to run, meaning they are more reliable in the long run than trainers.
One of the main advantages to rowing machines is also that they are very quiet, unlike cross trainers and treadmills which are slightly noisier due to their mechanisms.
The drawbacks of rowing machines are that they burn fewer calories than a cross trainer, they also take more practice to get the hang of using them in the correct form. In terms of storage, these machines will take up a lot of space due to their size.
In comparison to rowing machines, cross trainers are better for burning fat and much easier to use as the form is not to difficult to get the hang of. These trainers allow you to work out your glutes too and can improve your bone density as they include weight-bearing due to the upright position on the trainer.
Drawbacks of cross trainers are that they need electricity to run, which makes them less reliable than a rowing machine, they also tend to be more expensive and a little noisier depending on the model that you buy.
Overall, if you don't mind taking a bigger learning curve and you want to spend less but build up some great lower body strength and burn fat, then a rowing machine should be your first choice.
If you want to burn a little more calories and have an easier time getting the right form, then a cross trainer is better for you, especially if you have limited space too.
As we mentioned above, leaning to use a rowing machine is a bit of a learning curve, and is not as easy to use in comparison to a cross-trainer.
Using a rowing machine with the wrong form can damage your body and ruin the benefits you can get from rowing exercises.
We have listed the five essential steps for using a rowing machine for beginners below.
What is easier cross-training or rowing?
Cross-training tends to be easier as the form is more natural and doesn't need practice.
Can I lose weight with a rowing machine?
Yes, in combination with a calorie deficit and a healthy diet, you can burn fat when rowing.
How many times a week should I use a rowing machine?
You could start three times a week and work towards five as your fitness improves.
Overall, we hope you now know that a rowing machine and cross trainer burn similar calories, with a cross-trainer being ahead marginally, both types of machines are very effective for building endurance and burning fat.
If your a beginner at fitness or you have become unfit due to an injury, you might be looking for a plan to gain back your fitness gradually with exercise.
The Couch to 5k plan is a perfect example of this as it starts with beginner workouts till you can build endurance to run a total of 5k, making training seem much more manageable as it's split into small chunks over a while.
So, if you don't like running, have bad joints or only have a cross-trainer, not a treadmill, you might be wondering if you can do the Couch to 5k plan on a cross-trainer. The answer to that is, yes you can attempt to do the Couch to 5k on a cross-trainer, but it will not simulate real running as a treadmill would to prepare you for the outdoors.
Bonus article: How Long Does It Take To Do 5K On A Cross Trainer!
To understand what the Couch to 5k plan is and how we can implement it on a cross-trainer, we have put together a small guide below that will tell you everything you need to know about building up your fitness on a cross-trainer.
Before we can start the process of Couch to 5k on our cross trainer, we should understand what this plan actually is and how long it takes.
Couch to 5k or 'C25K' is a running plan which will take you from a beginner fitness level and help you run up to 5k or 3.1 miles in either 6,8 or 12 weeks depending on your stamina and the plan you select.
These workouts on the C25K plan normally consist of 20 or 30 minutes and include walking, jogs and running with warms up and cool downs, three times a week, allowing you to build a consistent running schedule over time.
The C25K plan aims to help you build endurance and run long distances without taking breaks, so it will reduce the time you spend walking in the workouts as your plan goes on over the weeks.
For example, on week one of the C25K plan you will do a 5-minute warm-up walking, then a 30-second jog, followed by a 90-second jog and repeat this five times, by week 8 you will be doing a 5-minute walking warm-up, a 25-minute jog, then another 5-minute walk and 15 minutes jogging to finish off.
If you want to try out Couch To 5k on a cross-trainer rather than outside or on a treadmill, you should understand that cross-training will not imitate running but can help build up your fitness and endurance, so if getting fitter is your goal rather than trying to run 3.1 miles, there is no reason why you can't follow the plan using a trainer.
To follow the Couch to 5k plan on a cross-trainer simply follow the plan and adjust the intervals to your cross trainer such as walking pace and jogging pace, work your way up until you can workout on your cross trainer to meet a 5k distance, either within 6,8 or 12 weeks.
Running and cross-training are both great forms of cardio but both have their differences and pros/cons when compared to each other.
To help you decide which form of cardio is right for you we have listed out their advantages and disadvantages below.
Cross-training is a super great exercise to build fitness and is very low impact, meaning if you have issues with your joints, you should opt for a cross-trainer rather than a treadmill. They are also perfect for beginners, the machines do not need a lot of maintenance and can give you a full-body workout as they use your arms too!
A drawback of using a cross trainer in comparison to a treadmill is that it will never help you build the correct form for running, they also are less intense and might take you longer to build endurance on than running would.
If you want to do something like the Couch to 5k plan then a treadmill is the best exercise machine for it, as it will be the closest machine to mirror real-world running, rather than a cross-trainer. These machines are great for upping your fitness and running distance, they also help you build up great lower body muscle.
Downfalls of running/treadmills are that they are high impact and not good for your joints, they are also more difficult for beginners, don't work your whole body and the treadmills could need more maintenance to keep them running smoothly.
If you would rather leave the Couch To 5k plan for runners, then we have another great full-body workout you can attempt on your cross trainer below which can also help build your fitness and endurance over time.
We have listed out the stages to try out below for a small workout.
To progress with this workout you can be upping your resistance and working out at 10 per cent more of your maximum effort each week for every interval.
If you are looking for other ways than the C25K plan to build up fitness on your trainer then you should try looking at some other tips and tricks that could help you build endurance in your workouts.
Can I do C25K on a treadmill?
Yes, doing the couch to 5k plan on a treadmill is preferred to a cross-trainer as it mirrors real-life running.
Why is a cross-trainer not like running?
Your feet never have the same impact as running does, meaning you don't have to lift yourself and down as you do with a running motion. That's why cross trainers are easier on the joints.
How long does the C25K plan take?
This plan can vary between 6 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks depending on your fitness level, to begin with.
Overall, you can do the C25K plan on a cross-trainer but it will only get you, fitter, not improve your running, if you are looking to be able to run a whole 5k outside then it might be better training outside or using a treadmill which is more suited instead.
The elliptical trainer in the gym is a go-to for many of us who want a low impact cardiovascular workout in comparison to treadmill running, but for weight loss, these machines are excellent to help your burn calories and shed fat.
In terms of the number of calories, one burns on a cross-trainer can vary according to different factors, but on average if you work out with the elliptical trainer for 30 minutes you could burn between 170-320 calories from this low impact workout.
Check out the reviews of our best rated cross trainers here!
To find out more about how many calories you can burn on an elliptical trainer, which factors affect the calories you burn in your workout session and how to improve calorie burn, we've made a simple guide below.
Before we get into discussing the number of calories you can burn with an elliptical workout it's a good idea to know what factors can affect your calorie burn.
Many factors can vary your calorie burn, from weight, the intensity of the elliptical workout, gender, age and even sleep!
As we mentioned above, depending on your current body weight and intensity, you could burn up to 550-650 calories in an hour making them a great addition to a weight loss program as you need to burn 500 calories a day to lose a pound a week.
For a quick 10 minutes workout on a cross - trainer you could burn between 80-100 calories at a moderate intensity and comfortable pace for a warm-up. We would suggest if you are short on time to try a HIIT workout instead of your cross trainer (intensity interval training) to accelerate your fat burn.
In around 20 minutes, like a 150-pound person, you could burn around 150 calories on your cross-trainer or up to 200 calories at an intense pace when working out. The best part about cross trainers is that even after you stop working out you can continue to burn calories in a period after exercise due to your muscle burn.
To burn even more calories you might consider working out for half an hour, this would help your burn between 200-300 calories depending on your weight and if you are working out at an intense pace.
For an hour of working out with the elliptical, you could burn between 500-600 calories, you can increase the elliptical crosstrainer burn by putting intervals to get your heart rate up, the benefits of crosstrainers are that you can decrease and increase resistance.
You can burn a vast amount of weight calories on a cross trainer if you want to and we've listed a few easy hacks and best tips below for helping you increase your calorie burn.
Overall, cross trainers are an excellent calorie-burning machine and can help you lose weight and burn calories fast, the amount of calories you burn however is dependent on many factors such as your weight and the intensity of your exercise.
If you are wondering what muscle the cross trainer works, you can check it out here!
If your looking for a good way to up your cardio, but want to stick with a low-impact exercise such as biking or using an elliptical, you might be stuck in between both machines.
When looking to lose weight, it's best to choose the exercise machine that will allow you to burn the most calories in a short period.
An exercise bike will vary in calorie burn depending on if you do spinning or high-intensity biking, if you have a speed of around 12 mph - 14 mph and you weigh 160 pounds, you could burn up to 700 calories. On a cross-trainer you could burn up to 800 calories an hour, both giving a similar calorific burn.
So as you can figure out which exercise machine is right for you and your cardio, we have compared the two below with their pros and cons so as you can see which training suits you and your weight loss best.
Exercise bikes are a great form of workout equipment if you are looking for a machine where you have more control over the intensity of exercise.
Whether you are planning to bike at a low speed or do a spinning exercise, an exercise bike can do both, while being easy on the joints.
However, there are a few different types of these bikes on the market to choose from, so we have listed the most common ones below.
One of the first main types of exercise bikes on the market is recumbent bikes. These types of bikes have back support and the pedals are attached to the front of the bike rather than the back. If you want a lower intensity workout, these bikes are for you as they don't involve your upper body at all.
Next up is upright bikes. These types of bikes are the most popular as they mirror a real-world bike and helps you work out the same muscles as you would outdoors. Most of these bikes come with varying resistance options to increase the intensity of your workout.
Dual-action exercise bikes are a little less common but work similarly to a cross-trainer as their handlebars move, allowing you to work your full body out rather than just your lower body in a session.
For the people who get bored working out, interactive bikes are a godsend. These bikes typically come with a form of entertainment like a TV to keep you busy and pass time as you cycle. They can additionally have interactive workout programmes and settings to keep you alert and push your fitness level.
Indoor cycles are one of the most intense exercise bike types and are very basic, but very life-like as they have a chain-driven system that is harder to cycle with like a real-life bike.
The calories you burn on an exercise bike will be dependent on the intensity of your session, your weight and how long you are pedalling.
For an average statistic, a 125-pound person will burn around 226 calories in a 30-minute session on an upright stationary bike at speeds of 12-13mph. Spin sessions are also more high-intensity on bikes so you will find yourself burning more calories in a shorter period.
If you want to increase the calories you burn on an exercise bike is by cycling at interval speeds like a HIIT workout, this will shock your body into using more energy to support itself during high-intensity intervals, therefore using more calories.
Cross trainers use moving handlebars and pedals to workout on and don't have a seat like an exercise bike, they have variable resistance due to the flywheel attached to the machine.
This type of exercise machine is low impact like an exercise bike and good for beginners.
The calories you burn on a cross-trainer are variable according to the factors we mentioned above with the exercise bike and will differ according to different people and their weight.
On average, a person weighing 150 pounds could burn up to 230 calories when working out on a cross-trainer at a moderate pace for 30 minutes.
You can increase the calorie burn on a cross-trainer by upping the resistance or doing interval training as we mentioned with the exercise bikes.
Now we have compared and understood the calorific burn you can achieve with each type of fitness machine, we will compare the pros and cons of cross-trainers and exercise bikes below to work out which machine is better for you.
Exercise bikes are perfect for working out the lower body and building endurance in your legs, making them the ideal solution if you would rather work out the lower half of your body than the top.
They also allow you to sit down and might be best for beginners or cyclers who want to be able to work out during the winter when the weather conditions do not permit cycling outside.
In terms of storage, exercise bikes win over cross trainers as you can buy folding models which can be stored away to a tiny size when not in use, meaning you can use these bikes or in your living room or kitchen without having to have a home gym.
The drawbacks of exercise bikes in comparison to cross trainers is the fact they only work out the lower half of your body, which isn't as effective in burning fat as a cross trainer is. Sitting on these bikes for long periods can also be uncomfortable.
If you are looking for a low-cost cross trainer to help you with your fitness goals, then this article is for you.
Cross trainers in comparison to exercise bikes have a similar calorific burn but excel when it comes to weight loss as they work out the whole body. Cross trainers use your arms with moveable handles, meaning you can tone and gain muscles all over your body.
These machines additionally support backpedalling and can help you improve your balance as you are standing upright when using the machine.
The disadvantages of cross trainers are that they can be more demanding, which makes them less suitable for beginners. They are further hard to store away due to their larger size.
If you want to know if you can lose belly fat by using a cross-trainer, this article will help you understand how you can lose fat faster than you could've imagined.
Overall, if your after an exercise machine that focuses purely on working out your hamstrings and quads, then a stationary bike is right for you, however, for a more challenging full-body workout, we would recommend going with a cross-trainer.
In terms of calories burned, both machines produce similar results, so upping the intensity or increasing the length of sessions is the way to go to increase the calories you use.
If you have decided an exercise bike is right for you, then you should check out these tips below which will help you use your exercise bike as effectively as possible to help you lose weight.
When is better to use a recumbent bike?
If you have back issues then a recumbent bike might be more suited to you than an upright one as the seat will support you while you pedal.
How often should I workout on a cross-trainer to lose weight?
You should aim to workout on your cross trainer for at least one hour three times a week to help you lose weight.
Are exercise bikes expensive?
This depends on the model that you buy and the accessories that come with it, for example, a premium bike could cost up to £800 if you get one with tracking options or an interactive display.
To conclude, exercise bikes and cross trainers are both great options for helping you lose weight with cardio, they also produce a similar calorific burn and can help you tone your lower body if you use a bike or full body with a cross-trainer.
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