Max. user weight
The maximum weight of the user for which the cross trainer is designed. This parameter should be adhered to as accurately as possible, do not be mistaken about the fact that 3-5 kg over the calculated weight will not affect the device. Yes, most likely, the simulator will be able to work for some time, but it will experience loads exceeding the calculated ones, and at best it will fail earlier than expected, and at worst it may break at the most unfortunate moment, which is fraught with injuries. In addition, this case is usually not covered by the manufacturer's warranty, and you will have to eliminate the consequences at your own expense.
Flywheel location
The location of the flywheel relative to the pedals of the cross trainer. Most often it is installed at the
rear, but there are also
models with front location. The differences between both options are very small, so in fact, only the appearance of the cross trainer depends on the location of the flywheel.
Flywheel weight
The weight of the flywheel installed in the cross trainer. It is a massive wheel, the rotation of which ensures the movement of the pedals and creates a load on them. It is believed that the more weight, the better: a massive flywheel provides smooth movement with a minimum of jerks and creates uniform loads that mimic natural ones as much as possible. This is especially important for athletes with a large body weight — from 100 kg and above. At the same time, it should be taken into account that the cost of the entire cross trainer directly depends on the weight of the flywheel, and for home non-professional use it is not always justified to look for a machine with a very heavy flywheel.
Load levels
The number of fixed load levels (pedal resistance during movement) provided for in the design of the cross trainer. The more such levels provided in the design, the wider the possibilities for adjusting the load and the more accurately it can be adjusted to the requirements of a particular user. At the same time, the abundance of adjustments accordingly affects the price.
Q factor
Q factor — the distance between the cross trainer pedals. Anatomically correct running position for ankles suggests a Q factor between 50mm and 90mm. The exact value depends on the height and build of a particular user. Cross trainer with a Q factor up to 90 mm allows you to remove excess stress from the joints of the legs. Of course, it must be taken into account that with the growth of the Q factor, the load on the user's muscular system automatically increases. So, models with an indicator above 90 mm allow for more effective training. But at the same time, an anatomically incorrect position of the legs is assumed, which can adversely affect the health of the joints. If the user has any diseases associated with the joints, you should choose a cross trainer with an optimal Q factor for your height and build (from 50 to 90 mm).
Step length
The maximum horizontal distance between the pedals of the cross trainer, determines, respectively, the length of the athlete's step when working on the machine. It is believed that for people of average height, a step length of 400 – 500 mm is optimal, and many cross trainers are made with this calculation. At the same time, there are models with a variable step length, which allows you to adjust it to the personal preferences of different users.
Anyway, the step length should be chosen depending on height, physique and personal preferences. Too small a step will lead to the fact that you have to mince, and the imitation of walking will turn into marking time, and too wide will lead to inconvenience and an unjustified increase in load without increasing efficiency. Ideally, it is advisable to test the cross trainer before buying — how comfortable you will be on it. This applies to both fixed and adjustable step lengths.
Step length adjustment
The ability to change the step length provided by the cross trainer(see above). This function allows you to customize the machine for athletes with different heights and physiques, for which the optimal step length will also be different; this is especially convenient if the cross trainers are in public use — for example, installed in a gym. However, such adjustment is expensive, and the real need for it is mainly for professional training. Therefore, most cross trainers with adjustable step lengths are top models.
Pedal adjustment
The ability
to change the angle of inclination of the pedals on which the feet are placed while working out on the cross trainer. Thus, you can change the direction of the load and focus on a particular muscle group. This feature is relatively rare, mainly in professional-level machines.
Heart rate programs
Heart rate-dependent is a type of training programme in which the load is adjusted depending on the athlete’s heart rate. Simply put, you just need to set the desired rate — and the simulator will automatically adjust all training parameters so that this heart rate is maintained for the required time.
The simplest version of a heart rate programme is the constant heart rate mode when the heart rate is maintained at the same level throughout the entire workout. However, the range of such programmes is not limited to this. As in the case of training ones, the wider this set, the more opportunities you have to choose the optimal option for each specific moment.
