Whether you’re looking for a safe and certified way to continue physical therapy at
home or you just want a low-impact way to get in some cardio and strength training in one machine, then chances are, you’ve heard of a recumbent cross trainer steppe for physical conditioning.
However, with so many different models on the market, how do you choose one for the best workout for you?
Well, to answer this question, I’ve comprised a list of a few things to look for in a recumbent cross trainer stepper to help you make the best decision.
In the meantime, the HCI Fitness PhysioStep LXT-700 is a recumbent linear step cross-trainer that boasts full commercial grade physical therapy abilities and more in a compact, affordable design for at-home use.
Hence, I looked into it and also included a review of the product and compared it to a few similar recumbent cross-trainer bikes to see how they stack up as an alternative.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Recumbent Cross-Trainer Stepper
Traditional recumbent bikes can be extra taxing on sensitive body tissues, especially if you are recovering from an injury or a chronic painful condition, which can make it worse.
They also mainly work the lower body, which means to work the upper body, you will need to also incorporate other exercises or machines to do so.
However, a recumbent cross trainer stepper is designed to work both the upper and lower body for a complete workout that also provides a greater calorie burn.
Many machines also boast smooth moveable parts that are even easier on the joints. Therefore, they are also for anyone seeking a more comfortable, low-impact way to rehab an injury or to simply burn more calories via a low-impact total body workout.
That being said, some things to look for in a recumbent cross-trainer stepper include:
Walk-Through/Adjustable Frame
A recumbent stepper with a walk-through frame helps to make getting onto and off the unit much easier and without putting undue stress on the joints.
It is also important that the machine adjusts to your specific height to help prevent overstretching the tissues when using the equipment, which can also place added strain on the body.
Zero-Impact Motion
Exercising your body using a machine with smooth, gliding motion helps prevent jarring of the joints, so there’s no impact for a pain-free workout.
Relaxing Seat
You should also look for a recumbent cross-trainer stepper with a soft, wide seat and a supportive back to help keep the lower back and hips propped during your exercise, so you can work out longer.
Roller Wheels
To help easily move the unit into place, it should also come with wheels for added convenience.
Display
If tracking your progress as you workout is part of your goals, then you want to also be sure your chosen bike includes a display that enables you to monitor your resistance levels, heart rate, and more so you know you’re reaching your mark and to also help keep your workout from getting boring.
Accessories
Some models also include accessories, such as a smart device holder, cup holder, and more for a fun workout that doesn’t feel like working out.
About the HCI Fitness PhysioStep LXT-700
The HCI Fitness PhysioStep LXT-700 is a 2:1 low impact, recumbent linear stepping cross trainer that provides users with various uses from a rehab machine to make the transition from in-office physical therapy to at-home treatment to a fitness machine for overall wellness and weight loss.
It is also uniquely designed with a patented innovative stepping motion that is extremely gentle on the joints and provides the comfortable feel of taking natural strides.
It’s also unique in that it has a transition platform for your feet to help make it easy to put your feet into and out of the pedals.
Meanwhile, the handles can also be repositioned to the user’s desired positions, which enables them to spot train different muscles during their workout for a more effective exercise session.
The seat is also designed for optimum support so you can comfortably exercise.
The HCI Fitness PhysioStep LXT-700 is also engineered by Healthcare International, which is a leading manufacturer in innovative, high-quality, affordable products for health and more, that has been developing exercise equipment for clinical application in physical therapy and rehabilitation facilities worldwide since 1992.
Physio Step LXT-700 Pros:
- Its compact design makes it easy to fit into your space; however it still accommodates users up 6’4″ and 400 pounds.
- It provides a stable and stress-free recumbent sitting position to help protect the joints.
- The linear motion is also smooth and easy on the joints.
- Roller wheels are also included to help you easily slide the unit into place.
- It compares to NuStep, which is the only other patented recumbent true linear stepper on the market.
Physio Step LXT-700 Cons:
- It doesn’t enable you to mimic the leg press motion to strengthen the quads and more.
- The handles cannot be repositioned to spot target the arm muscles.
Features & Benefits
Intuitive Design
The HCI Fitness PhysioStep LXT-700 is intuitively designed with advanced technology to be the ideal commercial-grade equipment for rehab, wellness, weight loss, and more.
Swivel Seat
It also includes a 20-inch wide memory foam swivel seat for contoured back support, as well as a built-in heart rate monitor to easily monitor your pulse.
Adjustable Display
Users can also watch their stats via the advanced 9 color-coded display for added inspiration, and it also tilts and also has a telescopic backlight display to help make tracking your results simpler.
Users can also export their workout summary to a USB to track their goals.
32-Levels of Resistance
The HCI Fitness PhysioStep LXT-700 is also one of a kind with over 32 levels of resistance for a more challenging workout at will, and you can also select from 19 different workout programs.
Swivel Handgrips
Users can also purchase optional 360-degree swivel handles for added comfort.
What Others Are Saying
I came across several positive online reviews from current users of the HCI Fitness PhysioStep LXT-700, and here’s what they had to say about their purchase:
Review #1
Myrna writes, “Bought the PhysioStep LXT after my sister recommended it to me, and glad I did! It is a great total body workout and I enjoy the feel of the elliptical motion so much more than my recumbent bike. I try to use it 3 times a week and can feel the difference already. One thing I really like is that the display screen is big and I can even read it without my glasses. I would recommend this to a friend.”
Review #2
Bill says, “This specific type of apparatus was recommended by my wife’s physical therapist in order to maintain her present level of strength which is diminished due to her peripheral neuropathy. The trainer arrived in perfect shape. It required some assembly and it works well. It is heavy, so plan on some strong help if it needs to go upstairs. However, it rolls easily on a level surface in spite of it’s weight. I would rate both the PhysioStep LXT and her satisfaction level as excellent.”
Review #3
And then another satisfied user, Grammy Stepper, shares, “Almost two years ago I had a life-threatening health-crisis. During my recovery at a rehabilitation hospital I used a recumbent stepper and realized that a machine like this at my home could save my life. So I purchased a PhysioStep. In spite of many health problems I have used my stepper 3 to 6 days a week almost every week. This exercise has greatly increased the strength of my legs in spite of my arthritic and damaged knees. I tried to use a recumbent bicycle in rehab, but that motion hurt my knees – the PhysioStep avoids that problem. I have lost 61 pounds since I started using my stepper…to be able to have knee replacement surgery… I am sure my PhysioStep will be fantastic help in my recovery after surgery. I love my PhysioStep!”
Alternatives
XTERRA Fitness RSX1500 Seated Stepper
The XTERRA Fitness RSX1500 Seated Stepper enables users to get a low impact, full-body workout in the multifunctional movement seated stepper.
It also features a walk-through design and seat handles that pivot out the way to make it easy to get onto and off of.
The seat also includes a soft mesh back, and it also slides so that users can adjust it accordingly.
Meanwhile, the smooth, friction-free magnetic design system prevents stress on the joints, and its exercise motion utilizes a linked 13″stepping action to also engage your upper body without strain.
There is also a large blue backlit LCD display to further enhance your workout experience.
The XTERRA Fitness RSX1500 Seated Stepper is specifically designed for individuals of all ages who want to want to challenge themselves via a low-impact recumbent machine workout.
XTERRA Fitness RSX1500 vs. PhysioStep LXT-700
- It also provides multifunctional movement to enable users to get a full-body workout in one machine.
- The walk through design also makes it easy to get onto and off.
- It also includes a comfortable seat and foot straps for added stability.
- The bike’s magnetic system and rotating handles also helps protect the joints.
- There is also a large display to track your speed, distance, and more.
- Users also benefit from more than 20 workout programs.
> > Check Out Our Full Review of the XTERRA RSX1500 here < <
Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer
The Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer is engineered with patented stride technology to help protect the knees via its smooth linear path.
It also includes dual power motion, which helps evenly distribute muscle exertion throughout the body for a more comfortable and effective workout.
You can also isolate your legs with the stepping motion that mimics a leg press to strengthen your glutes, quads, and more, and the handles can also be repositioned to target your biceps, triceps, and more for more intensity and definition.
Its one-of-a-kind patented linkage system is also licensed from a manufacturer that also produces commercial physiotherapy steppers used by physical therapists; hence, it offers the same gentle yet effective motion but in an affordable at-home unit.
The Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer is a suitable choice for users of any age and fitness ability that are looking for a more challenging recumbent stepper workout via a machine that also adjusts to better spot target the muscle for more intensity and definition.
Teeter FreeStep LT3 vs. PhysioStep LXT-700
- It is also produced by a manufacturer of commercial-grade physiotherapy equipment for an affordable at-home solution.
- It also enables users to target both upper and lower body muscles but with more spot muscle targeting features.
- It also has an adjustable design to fit your body perfectly.
- It also comes with an easy to read digital console.
- It includes a heavy duty mat.
> > Check Out Our Full Review of the Teeter FreeStep LT3 Here < <
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike
The Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike enables users to get a low impact, full-body workout via its smooth pedaling motion that is also gentle on the joints.
The pedals are also self-leveling to easily place your feet in and out of them, and the seat is also adjustable to find the perfect distance to the pedals.
It also features a monitor with enhanced workout functions, including a multifunction
countdown timer and a convenient alarm to sound indicating chosen countdown is completed and more.
This is a suitable alternative for those who prefer a low-impact, total body workout using a recumbent bike with comparable joint support and more offered by recumbent cross-trainer steppers.
Sunny Health & Fitness Bike vs. PhysioStep LXT-700
- It also features a step through design.
- It also includes non-slip adjustable foot pedals with a large surface area to keep feet stable.
- There is also a wide cushiony, adjustable seat with back for added comfort.
- It also offers 8-levels of resistance; however, the PhysioStep offers 32 levels.
- The hand grips also include pulse sensors.
- It also comes with wheels for easy transport.
Final Thoughts
All in all, the HCI Fitness PhysioStep LXT-700 hails as my #1 pick of the recumbent cross-trainer steppers listed for its extreme versatility that makes it suitable for users of all ages and fitness levels to get in an effective, low impact, full-body workout at home.
It’s also the only stepper listed that is built to withstand up to 400 pounds to further accommodate a wide range of users.
And, as if that wasn’t enough, it’s also designed by actual makers of commercial use physical therapy equipment, so rehab patients can rest assured they are receiving comparable in-office results at home.
So if you are looking for a commercial-grade recumbent cross-trainer stepper to rehab an injury at home, or you just want an impactful, low-impact workout using professional equipment, click here to find out more.
