Unfortunately, there’s no option to adjust the footplates for incline, which means it isn’t as versatile as other cross trainers – disappointing for those who want to target muscle groups in the lower body. However, the digital console features pre-programmed workout plans which will adjust resistance accordingly, while the ability to connect via Bluetooth means you can beam the speed, RPM, cadence and wattage output to your favourite workout apps – the brand likes to recommend Kinomap, which offers guided workouts for use on the machine, but there are many more out there. On top of achieving a full-body workout, you'll rest easy knowing that a Hybrid trainer protects you from unintended injury. The Proform Hybrid Trainer XT gives you the option of both that only takes up the space of one. Offering you all the best features and benefits of the elliptical and recumbent bike, the Proform Hybrid Trainer XT offers multiple workout opportunities. Simply adjust the pedals and console and in a matter of seconds you can switch between two high-quality machines.

Alternatively, some combine stair climbers with an elliptical, rather than a bike. All Hybrid Trainers combine two or more types of compatible workouts into one device. Review of Best Hybrid Trainers Compared to traditional machines, hybrid trainers make it easy to achieve a full body workout in a shorter period of time. Users can switch between cycling to high-resistance elliptical training instantaneously. Advantages of the Hybrid Trainer The ProForm Hybrid Trainer Pro is popular with a wide range of customers. People appreciate its light resistance for very low-stress exercise, and the highest resistance levels are suitable for a metabolic boost and cardio training.Key specs – Size: 209 x 77 x 150cm (LWH); Flywheel: Rear drive (weight not given); Stride length: 51cm; Max user weight: 182kg But most exciting, as an “iFit Coach ready” machine, the XT can access iFit Coach workouts and other iFit features through your mobile device or desktop computer. Connecting your device to the trainer, you can stride or ride with ever-moving Google Maps street views! iFit lets you choose from suggested map workouts or create your own anytime. The iFit Library also supplies high definition video workouts and customized personal training programs. Overall the performance specs are entry level; this trainer isn’t as smooth as club-quality exercise bikes and ellipticals. Still it has cushioned pedals to help make your cross training low-impact, and in elliptical mode it has the rear drive design that’s favored for producing a flat rather than upward stair-stepping motion. To promote quiet operation, ProForm engineers its hybrids with magnetic resistance instead of mechanical brakes. With the XT you can push buttons to move among 16 tension levels. The 16 levels are low intensity… best for beginners and people seeking gentle rehabilitative cross training.

Workout Apps - Wherever you are on your fitness journey, the Proform Hybrid Trainer XT can offer you a more challenging workout As well as the iFit membership, the equipment comes ready loaded with 16 on-board workouts. These comprise of eight elliptical workouts and eight workouts on the recumbent bike. One key benefit is that front-drive machines can be more compact. This makes them attractive if you have a small home, although bear in mind that there are folding rear-drive machines on the market that can be stowed away after use. Technogym also offers its own app for personalised training (with a subscription), while the unit itself plays nicely with pretty much any device that’s Bluetooth enabled, including Apple Watch for heart rate monitoring and automatic synching to Apple Health. It also features heart rate grip sensors, seven preset workout programs, and an LED screen that displays your workout data. Plus, it has built-in speakers and a device holder with a USB port in case you want to stream shows or classes.Despite the price, there’s no fancy built-in screen here, with Technogym encouraging users to use their own tablet in the designated holder for connected workouts. That said, the beautiful 15.6-inch console offers read-outs on time elapsed, stairs climbed, cadence and distance covered.

Compared to other ProForm devices, this HIIT machine provides a staggering 24 levels of user-controlled resistance. Users appreciate the cushioned pedals and inertia-enhanced flywheel, which both serve to keep the workout friendly for stiff joints. Pros If you have an iFit account you can link the app to the SE7i via a tablet or phone and then use the many workouts on iFit and even follow Google Maps routes anywhere in the world during your session. Light Flywheel: While the current flywheel weight of this model is 15 pounds (heavier than the 2015 model, with a weight of just over 12.5 pounds), a flywheel of 20 pounds is more typical at this price point. Regardless of whether you go for a rear or front-drive model, the essential ingredients for any cross trainer are that it’s stable and comfortable to use – if you’re tall, don’t be tempted to go for a machine with a short stride length. You will regret it. What features should I look out for?

Best-Selling Hybrid Trainers in the UK | Comparative Table

For a more engaging workout session you can attach your tablet computer to access iFit’s unlimited workout selection, use your own fitness apps, or browse the web. WHISPER-QUIET, FLUID STRIDE: The natural striding motion follows a smooth, linear path to protect your knees and joints. A simple turn of the dial takes the near-silent variable magnetic resistance from zero to intense to accommodate a range of goals. Computer Shelf: This machine makes it easy to multitask. Keep your tablet computer handy with the Hybrid Trainer Pro’s removable shelf. Preset Workouts: Twenty preset workouts are included. (The simpler ProForm Hybrid Trainer has 16 programs.) These make it easy to exercise for speed goals and calorie burn. An audio port is provided for smartphone speakers, letting you exercise with music at a higher volume.

The ProForm Hybrid Trainer is the entry level model in its series. It has a very short stride and a very light drive. Depending on your body size and workout needs, those factors could be advantages or disadvantages. Step onto a cross trainer – or elliptical trainer as they’re sometimes known – and your feet are positioned on two large platforms, your hands reaching forward to grip two handles. This is the arrangement that a cross-trainer uses to simulate walking, running or stair-climbing movement, allowing your feet to roll from heel to toe just as if you were on a treadmill or jogging around your local park. The big difference? As your feet never leave the pedals, your knees, joints and tendons don’t take a pounding – for those of us who struggle with running or are recovering from injury, a cross trainer is a godsend. Recently, many have turned to Hybrid Trainers, which are a type of two-in-one exercise device that crosses an elliptical with a recumbent bicycle. For the price of a single machine, you're getting two cardio and strength-training components. What's the Hype? The ProForm Hybrid Trainer is designed for light and low-impact exercise. Within one seamless workout session it serves as both a recumbent bike and an elliptical trainer (just moving arm bars). The console offers 14 built-in training programs and is iFit-enabled for unlimited additional workouts. Any makeshift repairs, adaptations, or changes to modify this product from its normal purpose and function as described in your user’s manual.Don’t fancy a sweaty HIIT session today? Fear not, as the JRNY app also offers 50+ virtual courses and stunning trails that automatically adjust your speed to the terrain on-screen, so it feels like you are hiking or climbing your way across the globe. Hybrid trainers make it easy to increase the variety of your exercise and train different muscle groups. Better yet, hybrid devices are often cheaper than treadmills or independent ellipticals. Large LCD Display: An attractive screen that is easy to read, it also features priority display. The console is also adjustable so you can adjust it to any angle. Enjoy the workouts on the large LCD console display – or use your own tablet / iPad for the full iFit training experience. Cycling and Striding on the ProForm Hybrid Trainer XT Key specs – Size: 154 x 62 x 179c (LWH)m; Flywheel: Rear drive 7kg; Stride length: 43cm; Max user weight: 135kg