Cross Trainer -good or not?

softmee

Hi, I've decided recently to improve my condition and lose some weight, but I dont like public gyms or any kind of group activities.. so I thought about buying cross trainer.
Is it a good way for keeping yourself in form and for losing weight?
I would love to hear some opinions from people who bought it and were using it.
(or maybe someone have this particular one:
http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/3358223.htm -any good)

Thanks

Frogdog

Without knowing your preferences, or whether you enjoy it or not, and based on my own experiences, I would say no.

I much prefer working out with free weights (barbells, dumbbells) coupled with a good, clean diet for weight loss and attaining a better body composition. A cross trainer for me would only lose a little bit of fat, but a fair amount of muscle.

softmee

Frogdog wrote: »

Without knowing your preferences, or whether you enjoy it or not, and based on my own experiences, I would say no.

I much prefer working out with free weights (barbells, dumbbells) coupled with a good, clean diet for weight loss and attaining a better body composition. A cross trainer for me would only lose a little bit of fat, but a fair amount of muscle.

You see, I think my muscles are ok for a women, I was often on mountain bike when I was younger and my hands are strong too, so I am not afraid of even loosing some muscles. I think my body shape is ok and what I only need is loosing weight and I thought this is kind of exercise for loosing weight, but maybe I am wrong -I know nothing about it. :pac:

AntiVirus

It all depends on the amount of effort you put into it. There is no magical workout where you can put in little effort for maximum results.

If you like using the cross trainer and feel it will motivate you to work out, then its a good buy.

softmee

AntiVirus wrote: »

It all depends on the amount of effort you put into it. There is no magical workout where you can put in little effort for maximum results.

If you like using the cross trainer and feel it will motivate you to work out, then its a good buy.

I never tried it and I am motivated but don't want to think too much about "exercise plan" etc- I just want to hop on it and work out for some time every day, but I am not sure, what does it give you exactly.

barrmur

softmee wrote: »

Hi, I've decided recently to improve my condition and lose some weight, but I dont like public gyms or any kind of group activities.. so I thought about buying cross trainer.
Is it a good way for keeping yourself in form and for losing weight?
I would love to hear some opinions from people who bought it and were using it.
(or maybe someone have this particular one:
http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/3358223.htm -any good)

Thanks

Hi,

Apologies mods if this does not fit the rules. OP I am thinking of selling the crosstrainer I have in the house. I bought it to train when I injured my back as it was non impact. Back on track now and the other half does not use it as ofter as she did. If you are interested in make and model feel free to PM me. I am back on the bike now so ne need for it. Will probably replace with a cycle turbo trainer.

softmee

barrmur wrote: »

Hi,

Apologies mods if this does not fit the rules. OP I am thinking of selling the crosstrainer I have in the house. I bought it to train when I injured my back as it was non impact. Back on track now and the other half does not use it as ofter as she did. If you are interested in make and model feel free to PM me. I am back on the bike now so ne need for it. Will probably replace with a cycle turbo trainer.

-the fact that you want to get rid of it doesnt make me want to buy it.. :pac: (and I need more info)
(cycle turbo trainer.. hmmm I've got bike!)

barrmur

softmee wrote: »

-the fact that you want to get rid of it doesnt make me want to buy it.. :pac: (and I need more info)
(cycle turbo trainer.. hmmm I've got bike!)

No hassle. Been thinking about getting rid of it but never got around to it, though it was a sign when I saw your post. If it helps I have been looking at one of the following.

http://www.bike24.net/p24735.html

http://www.bike24.net/1.php?content=8;navigation=1;product=24780;page=2;menu=1000,5,69;mid=0;pgc=116:415

markymark21

softmee wrote: »

Hi, I've decided recently to improve my condition and lose some weight, but I dont like public gyms or any kind of group activities.. so I thought about buying cross trainer.
Is it a good way for keeping yourself in form and for losing weight?
I would love to hear some opinions from people who bought it and were using it.
(or maybe someone have this particular one:
http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/3358223.htm -any good)

Thanks

Well I think they are great. Low impact so they are easy on the joints! You are doing a total body work out so in my mind the cross trainer is second only to swimming as my favourite aerobic excercise.

softmee

markymark21 wrote: »

Well I think they are great. Low impact so they are easy on the joints! You are doing a total body work out so in my mind the cross trainer is second only to swimming as my favourite aerobic excercise.

I love both swimming and cycling (that's why I think I would like cross trainer) and I hate jogging any kind of exercise like knee bends etc, but my friend told that I they are not enough (swimming and cross trainer), but at least it would be something I will start doing, just dont want to waste my money if they aren't good.

username123

The problem I find with cross trainers (or any other free standing piece of cardio exercise equipment like a stationary bike or a treadmill) is that while they are good and get the heart going etc... theyre just soooooo boring!!

I have had a cross trainer, an exercise bike and a treadmill in my time, and ended up giving them all away - sure I used them when I had them for a period of time, but just got bored with them.

Its too samey (for me anyway). If I knew then what I know now I would not have bought any of them new, so many people buy equipment, it ends up being used once or twice or 10 times, then turns into a coat rack.

For the price you'd pay for a good piece of equipment, youd have a gym membership and be able to have a choice of equipment, so you wouldnt get bored as easily, plus, the variety will help get you fitter.

Alternatively you could buy yourself an outdoor bike and actually get out and about outside cycling, up the mountains etc... thats not boring like a stationary piece of equipment is, and low impact too.

daenerysstormborn3

I think the cross trainer is good only at high levels. On the treadmill regardless of the level (unless obviously you're at level 1 or something) you're still working yourself and you can feel it. I find on the cross trainer if it's at a low level you can't feel it and you might as well not have done anything. Level 8 or more is best.

butterfly84

Not an expert but ....i find the crosstrainer burns a good amount of calories.More than the treadmill for example.Today I burned off 180 in 10 mins and really sweating.So Im sure 30 mins for example would do you some good.I agree that it can be quite boring but as youre doing it at home maybe you can do it in front of tv or listening to music

Stench Blossoms

butterfly84 wrote: »

Not an expert but ....i find the crosstrainer burns a good amount of calories.More than the treadmill for example.Today I burned off 180 in 10 mins and really sweating.So Im sure 30 mins for example would do you some good.I agree that it can be quite boring but as youre doing it at home maybe you can do it in front of tv or listening to music

Where you going by the calorie counter on the machine or using a HRM?

AntiVirus

butterfly84 wrote: »

I burned off 180 in 10 mins

No chance

SuprSi

I have a love/hate relationships with the things. On one hand, they're an incredible workout. I try for a 20 minute stint, keeping a fast and steady pace, and there's nothing else in the gym that makes me sweat as much. It also takes a good 10 - 15 minutes for me to cool down afterwards so I can never do it near the time I have to get changed as I just continue sweating after my shower! On the other hand, I agree with username123 above - they are very boring. Mind you, I find any static cardio very boring to be honest but treat it as a necessary evil to mix my sessions up a bit.