Recumbent bikes enable you to get a comfortable, low-impact lower body workout, which is especially beneficial if you are rehabbing an injury or have joint pain.

They do not all offer the same features or riding experience, though, which will affect the degree of workout and customization you need to help motivate you to reach your fitness goals.

The HCI Fitness Physiotrainer CXT takes the recumbent bike to the next level with its numerous features that enable you not to just get a low-impact lower body workout but also a total body workout when you want to burn more calories.

So just what are all of its features, and how does other equipment of its kind compare to it? Read on to find out.

We’ll also see what other actual users have to say about their experience with the bike.

However, first, let’s go over what to look for when buying a recumbent cross trainer to help prepare you for your purchase.

HCI Fitness Physiotrainer CXT Review: Worth The Money?

Things to Consider Before Buying a Recumbent Cross Trainer

A recumbent cross trainer offers both upper and lower body resistance, which enables users to get a full-body workout at will.

And it also does so without causing too much strain on the joints; therefore, it is an ideal choice for those rehabbing an injury or who are just simply looking for an effective, low-impact way to continue exercising as they age.

However, because features vary from product to product, which can be baffling, some of the main things to look for in a product before buying it include:

Comfortable Frame Height

In order to get an enjoyable workout using a recumbent cross-trainer, the frame and seat position need to be at a comfortable height to help prevent your limbs from overextending during the exercise, which can impact the joints.

Therefore, be sure to look for a bike with a frame that is built at a comfortable height to ensure the most relaxing ride.

Some machines also enable you to adjust the frame height and more to your specific measurements for added convenience.

In the meantime, choosing a unit with a compact frame also helps ensure it will fit in your home, especially if you have a smaller space. It also makes it easy to move around.

Smooth Arm and Leg Motions

The smoother the bike’s arm and leg motions, the less impactful it is on the joints. so you should also look for a recumbent cross trainer bike that is ergonomically designed to reduce stress on your body parts, especially if suffer from joint issues or a past injury.

Various Levels of Resistance

Choosing a machine with adjustable resistance means you can increase your level of strength training as needed, so the bike grows with you, thus eliminating the need to purchase various other workout equipment.

Statistics/Display

If you want to track your health stats to ensure you are indeed reaching your fitness goals, then be sure to look for a cross-trainer bike that also includes a display that enables you to monitor the numbers you want to track for a more effective workout.

Quiet Operation

An exercise bike designed with quiet, moveable parts ensures you can work out any time of the day and night or simply enjoy movies, music, and more during your session for a more engaging workout.

So you also want to ensure your chosen equipment has whisper, quiet function features, such as a magnetic resistance system, for a peaceful fitness routine.

Easy Assembly

The less assembly required for your chosen cross-trainer bike, the less you have to stress over-complicated tools and instructions, and the faster you can simply unbox your machine and begin experiencing its benefits.

What is the HCI Fitness Physio Trainer CXT?

The HCI Fitness Physiotrainer CXT is a recumbent cross trainer bike that enables users to get in low-impact cardio, core, and strength training for a total body workout all from one unit.

Thus, it also enables you to burn more calories than with a traditional recumbent that solely works the lower body.

Its recumbent position also keeps your back relaxed, while the ergonomic design enables smooth, synchronized arm and leg cycling motions, which also helps prevent stress on the joints, knees, and hips, for an even more comfortable ride, making it a good choice for active aging people or as a physical therapy solution.

It also features an affordable, 5ft by 2ft compact frame, so it easily fits within just about any space. However, it still accommodates users up to 300 pounds.

The manufacturer of the HCI Fitness Physiotrainer CXT is also one of the longest-standing, family-owned, and operated fitness equipment producers in the USA. And as with all HCI fitness products, the HCI Fitness Physiotrainer CXT also qualifies for the “BBA”.

PhysioTrainer CXT Pros:

• Users can get cardio, core, and upper and lower body strength training all one machine.
• It also includes resistance bands for more targeted muscle training.
• It is designed with a safe and supportive seated position.
• There is no assembly required.
• The frame is compact and portable.

PhysioTrainer CXT Cons:

• It doesn’t include a mat to protect floors.

PhysioTrainer CXT Features & Benefits

Portable, Adjustable Frame

The HCI Fitness Physiotrainer CXT has an adjustable frame that easily positions to 8 different lengths to suit users 4’8″ to 6’4″. And it also includes roller wheels to conveniently slide the unit into your chosen location.

Soft, Supportive Seat Back

Users can also rest their spine against the soft mesh seat back for added comfort and support as they work out.

8-Levels of Resistance

Though the HCI Fitness Physiotrainer CXT boasts itself on being one of the most pleasant to use, it also includes 8-levels of resistance from easy to max for a great workout mix.

There are also built-in resistance bands that can be used to perform multiple strength training and flexibility exercises needed for injury rehab and more.

Large Display With Built-In Heart Rate Receiver

It also includes a large display with a built-in heart rate monitor to track your heart rate, speed, time, distance, calories, pulse, and more. You can also use it with Polar.

Quiet Magnetic Resistance System

The  HCI Fitness Physiotrainer CXT is also designed with quiet magnetic resistance, so you can work out while listening to music and more without interruption.

What Others Are Saying

The following reviews are from a few satisfied customers I found on the company’s site:

Review #1

Margaret posts, “well made product. Well made. Works as well as the one at the gym. No problems at all.”

Review #2

Joe the Golpher shares, “I recently had rotator cuff surgery and needed an upper body ergometer for my rehab training at home…I went with the Physiotrainer for a couple of reasons, one was the great price and the other is that it did everything the expensive units did…my wife uses it as a leg exerciser while watching TV…It is extremely quiet…It was completely assembled except for the monitor…one of the best features was the tilting display…to adjust the angle of the monitor for the best viewing position. Needless to say we are very happy with this product and have already recommended it to our friends. ”

Review #3

And Jon B. says, “Recovering from triple-bypass open heart surgery, I got to use the high end version of this ergonometer at rehab…The HCI Fitness model cost under $500. Yet it seems comparable and does the job…it’s actually pleasant to use and will make your arms toned, whether you’re a recovering heart patient, or are just looking for a good way to move those arms and get the benefits.”

Physio Trainer CXT Alternatives

XTERRA Fitness RSX1500 Seated Stepper

The XTERRA Fitness RSX1500 Seated Stepper features a walk-through frame design, supportive seating, and a smooth friction-free magnetic drive for a comfortable low impact workout.

It also includes coordinating handlebars with 360-degree rotation that are also designed to mimic your body’s natural movements, which further adds to the comfort.

Users can also track their stats and resistance levels on the 5″x 2.5″ dual-color LCD display, and it also includes over 20 different motivating programs.

The handgrips are also equipped with pulse sensors to monitor your heart as you work out.

This exercise stepper is ideal for those looking to rehab an injury, the elderly, or anyone of any age and ability who are looking for a comfortable, low impact way to burn calories.

The XTERRA Fitness RSX1500 Seated Stepper also accommodates 4’7″ to 6’2″ tall individuals up to 300 pounds.

XTERRA Fitness RSX1500 vs. HCI Fitness Physiotrainer CXT

• It also enables you to engage in a low-impact, full body workout; however, it doesn’t include resistance bands.
• It also enables you to adjust the resistance.
• The handlebars also adjust to different positions for different users.
• It requires some assembly.

Related: Check Out Our Full Review of the  XTERRA Fitness RSX1500 here. 

Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical

The Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical boasts a stress-free, zero-impact design to support your back and joints for an effective cardio and strength training workout.

It also enables you to shift from working solely with your legs to also moving your arms for a total body workout. And its patented stride technology provides a natural stepping action that also protects the knees.

Meanwhile, the reclining seat has 3-settings to position your body for comfort, muscle engagement, and optimal posture. It also adjusts different heights to suit various users.

There is also a digital console with a smart device stand to listen to music, read, and more as you check your stats.

The Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical is an ideal exercise bike for those looking for a stress-free, zero-impact workout in an affordable in-home therapy solution.

Teeter FreeStep vs. HCI Fitness Physiotrainer CXT

• It also has an adjustable frame to fit your bodily dimensions perfectly for varying positions and intensity.
• Users also benefit from dual power motion to also work they upper body for increased cardio and calorie burning.
• It also enables you to increase the resistance, but it doesn’t include resistance bands.
• Quiet operation.
• It also includes wheels to easily roll into place.
• There is also a mat included to help protect floors.

Related: Check Out Our Full Review of the Teeter Freestep Here.

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike is a low-impact recumbent exercise bike with alternating handlebars for a total body workout and increased calorie burning.

It also includes a step-through design to help make getting onto and off the bike easy, and the oversized seat and back ensure good posture to help protect the hips and more while you exercise.

There is also a digital monitor to track your distance time and more to ensure you are on track with your fitness goals.

The pedals of the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike are also non-slip, include adjustable straps, and have a large surface to help keep your feet stable as you ride.

This is the ideal machine for slightly larger individuals up to 350 pounds who are new to exercise or just looking to get an effective low impact full-body workout at home.

Sunny Health & Fitness Bike vs. HCI Fitness Physiotrainer CXT

• It’s heavy duty frame also accommodates up to 350 pounds; however, it is not compact.
• There are also 8 levels of resistance but not resistance bands.
• It has portable wheels.
• There are also pulse sensors on the handlebars to track your heart rate.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the HCI Fitness Physiotrainer CXT stands out as the best for its cross-trainer design that also includes resistance bands that enable you to work more.

It’s also compact and includes wheels, which makes it suitable for users of all strength levels to easily glide it into place.

Lastly, it’s also assembly-free, so you can essentially take it straight from the package and start using it.