The best value cross trainer in NZ is the PROTRAIN Elliptical Trainer with Dumbbells, a 5-in-1 unit that works as an elliptical, exercise bike, resistance trainer and dumbbell rack, with forward and reverse pedalling and an LCD monitor for time, speed, distance, calories and pulse. Floor space is the usual limit on a Kiwi home gym, where the machine often has to share a garage with the car, so a unit that replaces four pieces of kit earns its keep faster than a marginally smoother stride.
A cross trainer (elliptical) gives you a low-impact, full-body cardio workout that’s gentler on your joints than running, making it a popular home gym choice for people of all fitness levels.
This list covers 4 cross trainers available in New Zealand, including full-size, sit-or-stand and under-desk options, each with independently verified review data.
Cross Trainer Comparison Table
| Cross Trainer | Best For | Type | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| PROTRAIN Elliptical + Dumbbells (TSB) | Best 5-in-1 Value | Full-size, manual | 5.0★ (12) |
| Folding Pedal Exerciser | Best Compact / Under-Desk | Mini pedal, manual | – |
| VIVURN 028 Under Desk Elliptical | Best Under-Desk / WFH | Under-desk, motorised | 4.5★ (352) |
| PROTRAIN Elliptical With Saddle | Best Sit-or-Stand Full-Size | Full-size, manual | – |
The Best Cross Trainers in NZ
1. PROTRAIN Elliptical Trainer With Dumbbells — Best 5-in-1 Value (TSB)
TSB Living’s PROTRAIN combines an elliptical trainer, exercise bike, resistance trainer and dumbbell rack in one unit, giving genuine workout variety without needing multiple pieces of equipment.
You can exercise sitting or standing and switch between forward and reverse pedalling to target different muscles, with adjustable seat height and resistance levels plus an LCD monitor tracking time, speed, distance, calories and pulse.
It’s genuinely well-reviewed: 5.0 stars from 12 verified TSB buyers.
Pros
- 5-in-1 functionality: elliptical, bike, resistance trainer and dumbbells
- Genuinely well-reviewed: 5.0★ from 12 verified buyers
- Forward/reverse motion and adjustable resistance
Cons
- 100kg max user weight, lower than some dedicated full-size cross trainers
- Assembly required
Key specs: 100kg max user weight | LCD monitor | Adjustable seat + resistance | Includes 2lb + 3lb dumbbells
2. Folding Pedal Exerciser Mini Under-Desk Bike — Best Compact / Under-Desk
This folding pedal exerciser is the simplest way on this list to keep moving while you sit: put it under a desk or in front of your favourite chair and pedal, or set it on a table to work your arms instead.
A knob adjusts the pedal resistance, an LED display tracks time and rotations, and anti-slip rubber feet plus pedal straps keep it steady on hard floors. It arrives ready to use and folds flat for storage.
At under 3kg it is easy to move between rooms, and it suits gentle home fitness and rehab-style exercise rather than a hard cardio session.
Pros
- Compact and folds flat, with no assembly needed
- Works for legs or arms
- Adjustable resistance and LED display
Cons
- Much lower intensity workout than a full-size cross trainer
- Basic display tracks only time and rotations
Key specs: Steel frame | Adjustable resistance knob | LED display | 49 x 36 x 24cm | 2.85kg | Folding
3. VIVURN 028 Under Desk Elliptical — Best Under-Desk / Work-from-Home
The 028 is a motorised under-desk elliptical that moves your legs for you, or lets you pedal unpowered, so you can keep your legs moving while you work, read or watch TV.
It has five modes, including 12 speed levels, three preset programmes and a manual mode with no motor, and the pedals run forwards or in reverse to work different muscles. An RF remote controls everything without bending down, and an LCD screen shows time, speed, distance and calories.
It comes fully assembled with a non-slip mat, and a footprint of about 37 x 35cm fits under most desks. It is well-reviewed: 4.5 stars from about 350 Amazon ratings.
Pros
- Motorised or manual pedalling, forwards and reverse
- RF remote and LCD display
- Well-reviewed: 4.5★ from about 350 ratings
Cons
- Lower-body only, no arm movement like a full cross trainer
- Needs a power point nearby when used in motorised mode
Key specs: Under-desk design | 5 modes, 12 speeds | Remote control | 5.15kg | Fully assembled
4. PROTRAIN Elliptical Trainer With Saddle — Best Sit-or-Stand Full-Size
A full-size elliptical with a padded seat, so you can work out standing like a normal cross trainer or sit down for a gentler, seated session. That makes it a good fit for people easing back into exercise or anyone who tires quickly on a standing machine.
The seat height and resistance both adjust, the pedals run forwards and in reverse, and rubber-clad pole grips give an upper-body workout as well. An LCD monitor shows time, speed, distance and calories.
It is a different model from the PROTRAIN dumbbell trainer at number one. The powder-coated steel frame takes users up to 100kg, which is lower than many full-size machines.
Pros
- Sit or stand to train
- Adjustable seat height and resistance
- Forward and reverse pedalling with moving handles for a full-body workout
Cons
- 100kg maximum user weight is lower than many full-size machines
- Needs assembly and weighs 26.5kg
Key specs: Sit or stand | Adjustable resistance and seat height | LCD monitor | 100kg max user | 110 x 55 x 155cm
How to Choose the Best Cross Trainer for You
Full-size or compact/under-desk?
A full-size cross trainer gives you a genuine standing, full-body workout with arm movement as well as legs, but takes up dedicated floor space. A compact or under-desk model like the VIVURN 028 or the folding pedal exerciser lets you exercise while working or watching TV, at the cost of a lower-intensity workout.
What resistance and weight capacity do I need?
Check the maximum user weight against your own, with some margin, especially for compact models which often have lower limits than full-size machines. More resistance levels give finer control over workout intensity as your fitness improves.
Manual or motorised?
Most full-size cross trainers are manually powered by your own pedalling. Motorised under-desk units (like the VIVURN 028) can move automatically, which is useful for passive exercise but gives a much gentler workout than pedalling yourself.
Read more: Best Exercise Bikes in NZ
If you are training across different sessions, the guide to adjustable weight benches covers the rest of the setup.
Verdict
For most NZ households, TSB’s PROTRAIN Elliptical with Dumbbells is the strongest all-rounder – genuinely well-reviewed (5.0★ from 12 buyers), with 5-in-1 functionality at an accessible price. If you want to exercise while working, the VIVURN 028 Under Desk Elliptical is the most heavily reviewed pick on this list (4.5★ from about 350 ratings).
If you would rather sit down for some sessions, the PROTRAIN Elliptical Trainer With Saddle lets you switch between seated and standing workouts, and the folding pedal exerciser is the most compact way to keep moving at a desk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a cross trainer better than a treadmill?
Cross trainers are generally gentler on your joints since your feet stay in contact with the pedals throughout the motion, while treadmills more closely mimic running. Both are effective cardio options – the best choice depends on your joint health and personal preference.
How long should I use a cross trainer for?
20-30 minutes at a moderate intensity is a common starting point for cardio fitness, building up duration or resistance as your fitness improves. Always listen to your body and build up gradually if you’re new to the equipment.
Can I use an under-desk elliptical while working?
Yes – that’s exactly what compact under-desk models like the VIVURN 028 or the folding pedal exerciser are designed for. They give a lower-intensity workout than a full-size machine, but let you stay active during a desk-based workday.
How much space does a cross trainer need?
Full-size cross trainers typically need a dedicated floor space of around 1.5-2 square metres. Compact under-desk units are better suited to smaller homes or apartments.
What’s the difference between elliptical resistance levels?
Higher resistance levels make the pedalling motion harder to push, increasing workout intensity and calorie burn. Starting on a lower level and increasing gradually helps build fitness without overexerting yourself early on.
Do cross trainers help with weight loss?
Used consistently as part of a broader healthy diet and exercise routine, cross trainers can be an effective cardio tool for weight loss, burning calories while being gentle on your joints compared with higher-impact cardio options.
