Lateral movement crosstrainers of the biggest brands

The machines are designed in such a way that the resistance can be changed to make training easier or more intense. Because the lateral movement crosstrainer is fluid, the use of such an apparatus will not cause any stress on the spine.

The advantages of the crosstrainer with lateral movement

• Very low stress on the spine and joints in general.
• This device provides an effective cardiovascular workout and helps build muscle strength when the higher resistance settings are used.
• Most crosstrainers with lateral movement allow the user to adjust the resistance levels.
• This type of crosstrainer allows the user to perform movements similar to those used in winter sports, which exercises several muscle groups and adds variety to training.
• Some models of elliptical trainers also have handles that will stress the upper part of the body (in a movement similar to that of cross-country skiing).

The disadvantages of the lateral movement crosstrainer

• You have to push enough back to start the movement, which can be difficult for some people.
• As the movements are flexible and offer a low impact, this exercise requires no force and therefore does not strengthen the bones and muscles (a key element for the prevention of osteoporosis).
• The effort is mainly concentrated on the glutes and thighs, even on machines that have a “ski” function thanks to their mobile arms. Practitioners will therefore take care to add exercises that apply to the upper body in order to benefit from a balanced training.
• Annual maintenance may add additional costs.

What to Check Before Buying a Lateral Elliptical Trainer

Ideally, it is best to test the model at a gym or sporting goods store to determine if it offers the features you expect and, more prosaically, the space it occupies (crosstrainers with lateral movement are large).

In addition, the following characteristics are also to be considered:

• The spacing between the pedals and the stride width.
• Movement of pedals and arm grips. The movement should be gentle and uniform. If not, exercise will cause stress at the joints.
• The maximum user weight that the machine can support. Some models do not tolerate more than 100 kilos while high-end devices can go up to 200 kilos.
• Noise pollution in operation. Low and mid-range brands lateral crosstrainers are noisier and interfere with other activities in the same room.
• Availability of spare parts. Spare parts must be readily available in order to reduce the downtime of the machine.