Recumbent bicycles have long been a staple of any home gym or workout regiment.
But, given the wide variety of recumbent bicycles available on the market, and the debate between which is the best, and which is the absolute worst, it can be hard to find the right exercise bike that is right for you.
We will review the Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer in this article, some potential recumbent bike alternatives, and the benefits of using a recumbent bicycle for your workouts.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Recumbent Bicycle
Recumbent bicycles for the home have been around for many years now, and are a relatively hassle-free way to shed extra weight by avoiding a trip to the gym.
That being said, there are a significant amount of specifications and add-ons to consider when purchasing a recumbent bicycle.
For starters, how advanced do you need your bike to be?
If you’re technologically challenged, you might not want a workout bike fitted with a bunch of high-tech gadgets.
People often overestimate their ability to think up and manage workout plans, leading them to buy high-tech, expensive bicycles that they won’t use to their fullest potential.
When looking to purchase a recumbent bicycle, you’ll want a bike that has varied resistance levels, and a seat that can be raised or lowered to a comfortable position.
You’ll also want to make sure that the pedals are wide enough for your feet, and include straps to hold you in place.
There are also optional accessories that you can add to your bicycle.
For example, some bikes can be purchased with built-in fans to both provide air resistance and keep you cool.
Or, other bikes have large built-in sound systems that allow you to play your music.
Ensure that the bike you’re looking to purchase has a weight limit that is well above your weight. And, considering the weight of the bike, the heavier it is, the more stable it will be.
If you’re going to be working out in your home, and don’t want to disturb others, you will want a bike whose resistance system is relatively quiet.
Generally, bikes including fans are usually noisier, but if you’re listening to music or watching TV while you’re working out, the noise probably won’t bother you as much.
What is the Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer?
The Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer is a wonderful piece of exercise equipment, and is a great option for anyone looking for a recumbent bicycle.
With this recumbent cross trainer, you can exercise without worrying about the normal wear-and-tear that hard exercise inflicts on the body.
Pros
- Boasts “pain-free” exercise
- Great warranty options
- Financing options available
Cons
- Relatively pricey option
- Requires some assembly
Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer Features & Benefits
The Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer features a wide variety of awesome specifications, including some proprietary systems and parts!
More specifically, this bike has UltraGlide Bearings that are placed at each pivot point for frictionless motion and fluid startup.
With these UltraGlide Bearings, you can rest assured that you’re getting great motion sensitivity and longevity whenever you pivot with this bike.
SoftStep Pedals
This bike also features SoftStep Pedals that are fitted with a rubber treat overlay.
The premium foot pedals offer both a cushioned and durable grip surface that not only enhances traction, but also control.
ComfortSelect Seat
With a ComfortSelect Seat that adds additional cushion and comfort, and SureGrip Handles that feature a sweat-resistant, durable rubberized coating, the great features of this recumbent cross trainer simply can’t be beat!
One of the best things about this exercise bike hybrid is that the exercises done on it are all “zero-impact” exercises.
What does this mean exactly?
Utilizing this FreeStep Cross Trainer takes loads of stress off of your back and joints, and provides comfort beyond what other recumbent bicycles can.
This comfort comes from the naturally-reclined seat position that reduced both body fatigue and joint stress.
And, beside this joint-pain relief, this home exercise machine also offers great, fat-burning cardio workouts.
Stride Technology
The Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer also features patented stride technology, meaning the striding motion done with this piece of equipment follows a linear path that will help stabilize your back and hips and eliminate stress on your knees and hips.
Additionally, this type of exercise provides maximum calorie burn while working the legs and glutes.
You can completely customize your workout through the proprietary equipment that comes with this workout bike.
For example, utilize the digital tracking system to monitor a wide variety of exercise data, including time, speed, or calories burned.
Total Body Workout
The Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer also offers total-body results.
In fact, the unique design of this exercise bike allows muscle targeting.
You can isolate your legs or arms to add a large amount of intensity to your workout.
And, with an easy-to-use variable magnetic resistance system that adjusts from low to high levels of intensity with a simple dial, this exercise bike accommodates individuals with a wide range of athletic ability (fear not if you’re a non-athlete like the rest of us).
Plus, you can do so in comfort with the adjustable fit and recline.
The Verdict
The Teeter brand has been making quality exercise products for over 35 years, and this recumbent cross trainer is no exception.
With commercial-grade engineering that ensures a friction-free and completely quiet workout, this is a great workout bike that will keep a wide variety of individuals in great shape.
What Others Think of the Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer
Luckily, the Teeter LT3 FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer is a widely appreciated exercise bike across the internet, and there are many reviews to prove it!
Here are a few I was able to find:
Review #1
Sally Cays said “It was pretty easy to set up, and the instructions were great, especially considering we’re just a few amateurs. This product is great for a couple of short old-timers (77 & 83) who need exercise but can’t deal with the arthritis in our backs and can’t walk far without a significant amount of pain. It’s solid and it works well. Very pleased with the purchase.”
Review #2
Sister, said “Love the new FreeStep. Fits in our small apartment and was pretty simple to setup. I have MS and needed a safe workout that is no-impact, and the FreeStep is perfect. This product is quiet, smooth, and compact. The only thing I’d like is a more comfortable seat, but it’s doable.”
Review #3
Finally, Pay G said “Assembly was very easy, and only took about 45 minutes. The instructions were very clear and easy to follow. I am most interested in exercising my quads and I feel that the motion of the FreeStep only working the legs does a good job at this. I can see how the other 2 modes would be very effective as well. The only downside is the screen, whic is a bit difficult to read in terms of the data being displayed. Overall I am very satisfied with this equipment.”
Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer Alternatives
The Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer is not going to be for everyone. Because of this, we’ve included a few other options that are great!
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike SF-RB4708
The Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike SF-RB4708 is a great recumbent bicycle option, and is significantly less expensive than the Teeter FreeStep option.
The Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike features moveable handlebars, allowing the bike to transform into a low impact fitness routine.
Plus, with eight levels of resistance, this exercise bike allows for challenging workouts regardless of the user’s athletic ability.
The bike’s oversized seat and back support correct posture and increase comfort, and the non-slip, adjustable pedals ensure the users feet won’t slip because of sweat or any other reason.
This bike supports users up to 350 pounds, and features built in wheels that allow for easy transportation.
And, with pulse sensors on the handlebars that read the heart rate of users, this is an all around fantastic piece of workout equipment.
Pros
- 8 distinct levels of magnetic resistance
- Relatively inexpensive option
- Comfortable seat and non-slip pedals
Cons
- Not fit for users over 350 pounds
- Reportedly squeaks while in use
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike SF-RB4631
Another magnetic recumbent bicycle option from Sunny Health & Fitness, the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike SF-RB4631 features dual positioned handlebars and a large seat cushion that can be adjusted to a variety of heights.
This exercise bike is very mobile, with built-in wheels that make transportation an ease.
If you’re an individual who hopes to take their bike on the road with them while traveling, this might be your best bet.
Like the other Sunny Health & Fitness bike previously mentioned, this workout bike is relatively low price, especially compared to the Teeter recumbent cross trainer.
And, with 8-levels of magnetic resistance that can be controlled using the “tension control system”, this bike will certainly give you a good workout.
Pros
- 8-level magnetic resistance system
- Dual position handle grips
- Relativel inexpensive
Cons
- Again, can only be used by individuals up to 350 pounds
- Some reviews report the bike doesn’t last as long as other products
XTERRA Fitness RSX1500 Seated Stepper
The XTERRA Fitness RSX1500 Seated Stepper provides a complete, full-body workout that coordinates leg and arm motion.
In fact, this “seated stepper” is designed for low impact movements that won’t stress knees, ankles, or hips, and is great for elderly individuals.
For users up to 300 pounds, this bike features articulating hand grips that rotate a full 360 degrees with both smooth and durable bearings.
For users of different sizes, there are numbered positions on the handles that provide custom adjustment!
Pros
- Made for low-impact exercise
- Great for elderly individuals or individuals in rehab
- Features articulation hand grips
Cons
- High price than the Sunny Health & Fitness options
- Can’t bs used by individuals heavier than 300 pounds
Final Thoughts
Clearly, there are a lot of options for recumbent bicycles currently available on the market.
We really like what we see with the Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer.
This exercise bike was especially made for seniors and those who are looking for zero-impact cardio-workouts.
The Teeter Freestep LT3 offers a full body workout by combining elements of cycling, an elliptical, and a treadmill.
This total package help you burn calories in a low impact way.
If you find yourself overweight at the start of your fitness journey, and afraid of higher-impact exercise, check this machine out.
