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Best-Rated Recumbent Elliptical Cross Trainers | Comparison & Reviews 2024

January 2, 2024 by  
Filed under Elliptical Trainer, Featured Elliptical



Best-Rated Seated Recumbent Elliptical Machines

Best Rated Recumbent Ellipticals * Comparison & Reviews 2024: This is a roundup, comparison and reviews of the best rated seated recumbent elliptical trainers. A recumbent elliptical allows you to train in a seated position, making it easier on your back, and easier to mount. People with disabilities or mobility problems prefer the recumbent type of elliptical. You will see the higher end models in rehab facilities. Those with arms are called cross trainers, as they can build your upper body as well.

Recumbent Elliptical Cross Trainers provide an excellent form of aerobic exercise at home that you can do no matter what the weather is outside. Elliptical machines are easier on your joints than other forms of cardio exercise. These low-impact exercise machines also build arm and leg strength. You can compare each elliptical trainer below by features such as workout programs, reviews, maximum weight capacity, price, and other features. A glossary of terms is available at the bottom of this page.

Best Rated Recumbent Ellipticals – Comparison & Reviews | 2024
(Top-rated seated recumbent elliptical machines)

Teeter FreeStep LT1 Seated Recumbent Cross Trainer Inspire Fitness CS3.1 Cardio Recumbent Elliptical HCI Fitness PhysioStep LXT-700 Recumbent Elliptical NuStep T4r
Recumbent Elliptical
Teeter Freestep LT1

Teeter
FreeStep LT1
Recumbent


Elliptical Trainer

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Inspire CS 3.1 Recumbent Elliptical

Inspire Cardio
CS 3.1
Recumbent


Elliptical Trainer

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PhysioStep LXT-700

HCI PhysioStep
LXT-700
Recumbent


Elliptical Trainer

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Recumbent Elliptical
Magnetic Resistance
Variable Resistance
Moving Handlebars
– – –
– – –
– – –
Basic LCD Display
Maximum User Weight: 300 lbs.
1 Yr. frame warranty
53″L x 38″W
Low Impact Workout
Show LT1 Video
Recumbent Elliptical
Magnetic Resistance
40 Resistance Levels
Moving Handlebars
Grip Heart Monitor
Telemetric Transmitter
10 Workout Programs
Backlit LCD Display
Maximum User Weight: 300 lbs.
lifetime frame warranty
59″L x 34″W
Seated Stride
Show CS3 Video
Low Impact Workout
Recumbent Elliptical
Magnetic Resistance
32 Resistance Levels
Moving Handlebars
Grip Heart Monitor
– – –
19 Workout Programs
Backlit LCD Display
Maximum User Weight: 400 lbs.
lifetime frame warranty
Seated Stride
67″L x 30″W
Low Impact Workout
Commercial Grade
Swivel Seat
Memory Foam Seat
Show LXT-700 Video
Recumbent Elliptical
Magnetic Resistance
10 Resistance Levels
Moving Handlebars
Grip Heart Monitor
– – –
Quick Start Workout
LCD Display
Maximum User Weight: 400 lbs.
lifetime frame warranty
Seated Stride
60″L x 27″W
Low Impact Workout
Commercial Grade
Swivel Seat
Show T4R Video


Best Rated Recumbent Ellipticals – Comparison & Reviews | 2024
(Top-rated seated recumbent elliptical machines)

HCI PhysioStep MDX RXT-1000 Recumbent Elliptical
HCI PhysioStep HXT-300 Recumbent Elliptical
XTERRA Fitness RSX1500 Seated Recumbent Elliptical
CardioStep CS-600
Recumbent Elliptical Machine
PhysioStep MDX

HCI PhysioStep
MDX
Recumbent


Elliptical Trainer

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PhysioStep LXT-300

HCI PhysioStep
LXT-300
Recumbent


Elliptical Trainer

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XTERRA Fitness RSX1500

Xterra Fitness
RSX1500
Recumbent


Elliptical Trainer

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Recumbent Elliptical
Magnetic Resistance
32 Resistance Levels
Moving Handlebars
Heart Programs
– – –
20 Workout Programs
9″ LCD Display
Maximum User Weight: 500 lbs.
lifetime frame warranty
60″L x 32″W x 44″H
20″ Swivel Seat
14 Position Seat
Recumbent Elliptical
Magnetic Resistance
16 Resistance Levels
Moving Handlebars
Grip Heart Monitor
– – –
17 Workout Programs
Backlit LCD Display
Maximum User Weight: 330 lbs.
lifetime frame warranty
58″L X 38″W X 49″H
Adjustable Arms
14″ Wide Seat
Heart Rate Programs
Recumbent Elliptical
Magnetic Resistance
Variable Resistance
Moving Handlebars
Grip Heart Monitor
– – –
13 Workout Programs
LCD Display
Maximum User Weight: 300 lbs.
lifetime frame warranty
52″L x 30″W x 49.5″H
Recumbent Elliptical
Magnetic Resistance
32 Resistance Levels
Moving Handlebars
Grip Heart Monitor
– – –
19 Workout Programs
9″ LCD Display
Maximum User Weight: 450 lbs.
lifetime frame warranty
64″ L X 27″ W
Memory Foam Seat
14 Position Seat
Commercial Grade

Top 5 Best Rated Recumbent Elliptical Machines:

  1. Teeter Freestep LT1 Recumbent Elliptical Cross Trainer
  2. Inspire Fitness CS3.1 Recumbent Elliptical
  3. Inspire Fitness CS4.0 Recumbent Cardio Strider
  4. Bodycraft SCT400g Recumbent Elliptical Machine
  5. Octane Fitness XR6Xi Recumbent Elliptical Trainer

Glossary of Terms
Recumbent (Seated) Elliptical = These type of ellipticals have back support, as you exercise in a seated position. These type of ellipticals are commonly used in rehab, as they are easy to get into, and better on joints.
Maximum User Weight = Each recumbent elliptical trainer depending on its construction has a maximum user weight limit. More expensive trainers generally can handle more weight. So if the limit is 300 lbs, and you are over 300 lbs., you should not buy this trainer but look for one with a higher weight limit. If you weigh substantially less than the weight limit, this will put less strain on the machine and parts.
Magnetic Brake Resistance = Most recumbent Elliptical Machines use magnetic resistance which offers resistance through magnetic fields. One type of magnetic resistance is ECB (described below). Magnetic resistance is more maintainance free than those older technologies that relied on friction pads and belts. Magnetic resistance braking is smoother to use is quieter than other types of resistance mechanisms.
ECB Resistance = ECB Resistance is a high quality form of magnetic brake resistance. ECB = eddy current brake. This is the best type of resistance and is in most recumbent ellipticals.
Magnetic Resistance Levels = You can adjust the level of magnetic resistance to adjust the intensity of your workout. The more levels of resistance, the more choices you have in how hard a workout that you can select.
Heart Monitor = Most elliptical trainers have a heart monitor (grip or clip on type) which allows you to monitor your heart rate to meet heart rate goals for cardiovascular fitness. Grip monitors are built into the handlebars. The heart rate can be gotten by either a grip pulse monitor, or chest monitor. Most ellipticals have at least the grip monitor, and some have both a grip and a chest monitor.
Polar Compatible = A polar wireless telemetry belt can be used for your heart rate.
Telemetry Belt/Telemetric Transmitter = This is a belt that is worn to wirelessly monitor your heartrate. This can be used instead of the grip type of heart monitor and is considered more accurate.
Swivel Seat = A seated elliptical with a Swivel Seat allows you to get on the bike easier, as it turns so you can get on the elliptical from the side and then turns to the front. Great for those with limited mobility.
Cross Trainer = Most recumbent ellipticals will give a cross training workout (legs and arms), as the handlebars move as well as the pedals.
Stride Length = This is the distance between your front foot and back foot at full extension on an elliptical trainer.
Workout Programs = Almost all ellipticals have a small computer and display where you can run multiple workout programs that vary the resistance. Some examples of programs are: Time, Distance, Calorie, Hills, Weight Loss, Reverse Train.
LED/LCD Display = The recumbent elliptical trainer will have a display to give you information (such as time, calorie burn, distance). They can be either LED lit, or use an LCD screen. Many ellipticals have LCD screens that are not backlit, as many run on batteries. If its says “BACKLIT LCD”, then it has a backlight illuminating the screen. LED displays are illuminated screens.


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