Everyone, regardless of age or ability, should have equal access to fitness. With this in mind, we’re putting the spotlight on a type of elliptical that is helping a wide group of people achieve their exercise goals. Recumbent cross trainers are eliminating boundaries for people who are injured, elderly or obese and improving their wellness and health.

There is concern that ellipticals and treadmills pose too many threats for some users. Ellipticals require balance, which may make using the machine nearly impossible for someone who is unsteady on their feet due to age or ability. The impact of treadmills on joints is similarly distressing to many users. For some, these issues can create injury, cause setbacks from an exercise goal or worse.

Here’s where recumbent crosstrainers shine by helping their users achieve low impact cardio. A recumbent crosstrainer eases the user into a slightly reclined or relaxed seated position while they pedal their feet (as if they were walking or biking) and simultaneously pump their arms to get a full body workout. This allows a tough workout with minimum joint impact or strain. The individual can adjust the machine to suit their needs, increasing resistance or selecting pre-programed routines to target different muscle groups.

NuStep is a brand that deserves recognition for their recumbent crosstrainers. NuStep products are often found in physical therapy clinics, senior living communities and health and wellness centers.

NuStep machines are especially beneficial for elderly users or anyone recovering from an injury, users challenged by ailments or chronic conditions and people with physical or mobility disabilities. NuStep gives these users special considerations when designing their equipment and has engineered for easy movement on and off of the machines, instantaneous action and low inertia startup.

This past summer NuStep announced that their top-of-the-line T5xr would be added to the home gyms of each of the participants of ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition” Season 2 to help contestants meet their goal of losing half their bodyweight or more.

Fitness isn’t just for the fit, or the young, or the “able-bodied”. Fitness is for everybody. It can help protect us from disease, improve our balance and prevent falls, repair our injuries, lift us out of depression and prolong our lives. If an upright elliptical or treadmill or exercise bike isn’t for you, ask a Push Pedal Pull representative about a recumbent crosstrainer.

What happens when you combine the perks of Precor’s CrossRamp ® technology with upper body sculpting handlebars? A total body workout compliments of the Precor EFX. Break through your personal fitness barriers by choosing this crosstrainer and begin creating a healthier YOU.

The EFX works for a wide audience, mainly because it can adjust to the user’s ability and needs. The machine offers 20 different settings, which can appeal to all age and fitness levels.

Looking for control over your workout? The EFX offers ramp inclines from 13 to 40 degrees, enabling users to target specific muscle groups. Your workout is what you make it with this crosstrainer. Tailor your workout with resistance levels ranging from 18 watts (level 1 at 20 SPM) to 720 watts (level 20 at 100 SPM). The harder you work, the more changes in your body you’ll see.

Not only can you decide how hard to push yourself on this elliptical, there are many challenging pre-set workout programs to choose from. Looking to tone your legs for swimsuit season? Leg Sculpt Plus is the way to go. Prepping for a tough mudder race? Hit one of the many hills/mountains programs to increase your endurance. Want to distance yourself from a disappointing derrière? Firm up with the glute toner program.

Track your workout with the EFX’s impressive console. Detailed readouts will keep you zoned into your goals, telling you stats like total distance, distance remaining, total calories burned, zone segment strides, target heart rate and more.

Precor products come with a lasting warranty that will protect your investment for years to come.

Visit your local Push Pedal Pull to try out an EFX for yourself. See if this machine can be the start of a healthier lifestyle for you. We invite you to talk to our knowledgeable staff to learn how this machine could help you reach your goals.