Cross Trainers

Shop Cross Trainers for Full-Body Cardio

Cross trainers, also known as elliptical machines or elliptical trainers, deliver complete cardiovascular workouts that engage both upper and lower body simultaneously. 

Unlike treadmills which focus primarily on running or exercise bikes which only work your legs, elliptical cross trainers provide total body conditioning with smooth, low-impact motion.

At Dynamo Fitness, we stock cross trainer machines suited to different spaces, budgets, and training goals. Whether you're setting up a compact home gym, need joint-friendly cardio equipment, or want an efficient full-body workout solution, you'll find the right elliptical machine here.

The key advantage? 

Cross trainers protect your joints while delivering effective cardiovascular training. Your feet never leave the pedals, eliminating the impact forces associated with running while still burning significant calories and strengthening major muscle groups.

Elliptical Trainers: Engage Your Body

Elliptical trainers create a smooth, gliding motion that mimics natural walking, jogging, or stair climbing movements. The pedals move in an elliptical pattern (hence the name), while moving handles let you push and pull to engage your arms, shoulders, chest, and back alongside the leg-focused motion.

This simultaneous upper and lower body engagement makes cross trainers remarkably efficient. You're working quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves while also activating arm, shoulder, and core muscles - all in one continuous movement. 

This means higher calorie burn compared to lower-body-only equipment and more comprehensive conditioning in less time.

Most modern elliptical trainers feature magnetic resistance systems that adjust smoothly and quietly. Entry-level models typically offer 8-16 resistance levels, while premium machines provide 20-40+ levels for precise intensity control. 

This range accommodates everyone from beginners building base fitness to serious athletes doing HIIT training.

Choosing Your Cross Trainer Drive System

Front-Drive Ellipticals

The flywheel sits at the front of the machine, creating a slightly more upright body position. Front-drive models tend to be more affordable and compact, making them popular for home gyms with limited space. The motion feels similar to climbing stairs.

Rear-Drive Ellipticals

With the flywheel at the back, these machines position you in a more forward-leaning stance that feels natural for many users. Rear-drive ellipticals typically deliver smoother, quieter operation and often feature longer stride lengths. They cost more but provide a more refined experience.

Center-Drive Ellipticals

The flywheel sits centrally beside you, creating the most compact footprint of all designs. Center-drive models feel stable and balanced, with a very natural motion. They're excellent space-savers but can be pricier due to their engineering complexity.

All three types deliver effective full-body cardio workouts - the choice comes down to your space constraints, budget, and personal movement preference.

Short vs Long Stride: What You Need to Know

Stride length determines how far your feet travel during each elliptical motion. Short strides (under 16 inches) suit compact spaces and shorter users but can feel choppy for taller people. 

Medium strides (16-18 inches) accommodate most users comfortably. Long strides (18-22 inches) provide the most natural, flowing motion and work best for taller individuals or those wanting an extended range of movement.

If you're over 180cm tall or plan on using the elliptical machine for running-style workouts rather than walking pace, look for 18+ inch stride lengths. 

Shorter users or those with space constraints will find 16-18 inch strides perfectly adequate.

Some premium elliptical trainers offer adjustable stride lengths, letting multiple users customize the machine to their body dimensions. This flexibility is valuable if several household members will use the equipment regularly.

Entry-Level vs Premium Elliptical Machines

$800-$1,200 - Entry-level elliptical machines with basic consoles, 8-16 resistance levels, and shorter stride lengths (14-16 inches). These models suit occasional use (2-3 times weekly) and users focused on light to moderate cardio. Frame construction is lighter, with weight capacities typically 100-110kg.

$1,200-$2,000 - Mid-range cross trainers featuring longer stride lengths (16-18 inches), more resistance levels (16-24+), better console displays with workout programs, and sturdier construction. These handle regular daily use comfortably and suit most home gym applications. Weight capacities 110-130kg.

$2,000-$3,500+ - Premium and light-commercial elliptical trainers with extensive features. Expect long stride lengths (18-22 inches), 24-40 resistance levels, advanced consoles with Bluetooth connectivity, incline adjustment capabilities, and robust frames built for intensive use. Weight capacities 130-160kg+. These machines deliver gym-quality performance at home.

Key Cross Trainer Specs to Check

Console + Programs

Basic displays track time, distance, calories, and resistance level. Better consoles add heart rate monitoring, multiple user profiles, and preset workout programs targeting different goals (fat burning, endurance, intervals). Premium models include touchscreens, app connectivity, and sometimes streaming workout subscriptions.

Resistance Adjustment

Magnetic resistance is standard - it's quiet, smooth, and maintenance-free. Quick-touch buttons let you change resistance mid-workout without breaking stride. Some elliptical machines include automatic resistance adjustment that follows programmed workouts.

Incline Capability

More expensive cross trainers offer motorized incline adjustment, tilting the pedal path to target different muscle groups. Higher inclines emphasize glutes and hamstrings, while lower positions focus more on quads. This feature adds significant workout variety but increases the machine cost substantially.

Build Quality + Stability

Heavy, solid frames don't wobble during use. Check the weight of the machine itself - heavier units (60kg+) typically feel more stable than lighter models. Quality bearings and joints ensure smooth, quiet operation over years of use.

Pedal Design

Large pedals with textured surfaces prevent slipping during intense efforts. Some elliptical trainers feature articulating pedals that pivot slightly to match your natural foot angle, reducing strain on ankles and knees.

Handlebar Options

Most machines include both moving handles (for full-body engagement) and fixed handles (for lower-body-only work or balance support). Fixed handles typically integrate pulse sensors for heart rate monitoring.

Low-Impact Cardio with Cross Trainers

The primary reason many people choose elliptical machines is the low-impact nature. Your feet stay on the pedals throughout the motion - there's no pounding or jarring like running on a treadmill creates. This makes cross trainers ideal for:

• People with knee, hip, or ankle issues

• Those recovering from impact-related injuries

• Anyone with arthritis or joint sensitivity

• Older adults wanting to maintain cardiovascular fitness safely

• People carrying extra weight who need joint-friendly exercise options

Despite being low-impact, elliptical trainers still deliver intense cardiovascular training and significant calorie burn. A 45-minute session at moderate to high intensity can burn 400-600 calories while strengthening major muscle groups without joint stress.

Cross Trainer Space Planning

Cross trainers require more floor space than exercise bikes but often less than treadmills. Typical dimensions:

• Compact/center-drive models: 1.2m-1.4m length x 0.6m-0.7m width

• Standard front/rear-drive models: 1.6m-2m length x 0.7m-0.8m width

• Heavy-duty/commercial models: 2m-2.2m length x 0.8m-0.9m width

Allow at least 0.5m clearance around the machine for safe mounting and dismounting, plus room for the moving handles to travel without hitting walls. 

Most cross trainers also need adequate ceiling height - the stride motion adds height, so ensure 2.2m+ clearance if your ceilings are low.

Some manufacturers offer foldable elliptical machines that reduce storage footprint, though these typically sacrifice some stability and features compared to fixed-frame models.

Quality Brands You Can Trust

We stock elliptical trainers from manufacturers known for reliable construction, smooth operation, and comprehensive warranties. These brands understand that cross trainers need to handle repetitive motion smoothly and quietly over thousands of workout sessions.

Browse the complete range above and filter by price, stride length, drive type, and features to narrow your options. 

Stock availability changes as popular models sell, so check current inventory or contact our team if you're looking for something specific.

Test Ride Elliptical Machines Before You Buy

The elliptical motion feels different from other cardio equipment. Some people love it immediately, others need time to adjust, and personal preference varies significantly. 

We recommend visiting your nearest showroom to actually use different cross trainer models before purchasing.

Try the stride motion, test the resistance adjustment, experience how the moving handles feel, and see which drive system (front/rear/center) feels most natural for your body. 

Our team can demonstrate proper form, explain differences between models, and help you find an elliptical machine that matches your space and training needs.

Test Cross Trainers at These Locations:

✅ Melbourne
✅ Sydney
✅ Brisbane
✅ Adelaide
✅ Perth

Buy Now, Pay Later Options

Cross trainers represent a significant investment, particularly if you're choosing mid-range or premium models with longer stride lengths and advanced features. 

Our buy now, pay later options let you spread payments over time, making it easier to get the elliptical machine that properly suits your needs rather than settling for an entry-level model due to upfront cost constraints.

Delivery + Professional Assembly

Elliptical trainers are substantial equipment, typically weighing 50-90kg depending on the model. We deliver cross trainers across Australia with professional assembly services available. 

These machines involve multiple moving parts that require correct assembly for smooth, safe operation. Having our team handle setup ensures everything's assembled properly and calibrated correctly.

Investment Protection for Your Cross Trainer

Quality elliptical machines last years of regular home use. Frame warranties should be 5+ years minimum, parts warranties 2-3 years, and labor coverage 1-2 years. These warranty terms indicate manufacturer confidence in their construction quality and reflect the durability you can expect.

Maintenance is minimal. Wipe down after sweaty sessions to prevent corrosion. Check that bolts remain tight periodically. Magnetic resistance systems need no maintenance. Some models require occasional lubrication of moving joints - check your specific model's requirements.

Warranty + Local After-Sales Support

Purchase from Dynamo Fitness and you're dealing with a local business. If issues arise, we handle warranty claims and parts service directly rather than redirecting you overseas. 

Need advice six months down the track about optimizing your workouts or adjusting settings? We're here to help. 

We're invested in your long-term results, not just the sale.

Need Help Choosing Your Cross Trainer?

Not sure which type of cross trainer suits your space and goals? Wondering about stride length requirements for your height? Want to understand the practical differences between drive systems? 

Contact our team for personalized recommendations based on your specific needs.

For questions about specific elliptical trainers or current stock availability, get in touch or find your nearest store to see the machines in person.