Is The Budget Opti Magnetic Cross Trainer Too Stripped Back To Work?
The Opti Magnetic Cross Trainer is a striking-looking machine in a very different way to other cross trainers.
While others will go all-out with the shapes and features to create gym-ready machines, this looks like it’s been stripped back to the bare bones.
So, is there still enough left behind for this budget model to be an effective workout tool?
Check Price and Availability Here
The Pros and Cons of this Opti Magnetic Cross Trainer.
Pros:
- The trainer has bi-directional movement to tone different muscles
- A choice of handlebars depending on what you need from the session
- You can adjust the resistance via a manual knob on the frame
Cons:
- Comments about it squeaking which can be very off-putting
- Not suitable for larger users with the smaller stride length and lower weight allowance
The Opti Magnetic Cross Trainer does have some adaptable features that can provide a better workout than expected.
This elliptical exercise machine, with its 3kg flywheel, may actually do more than you expect it to for the price paid and the simplistic construction.
One of the bigger surprises here is that there is bi-directional movement in the footplates. This should make it easier to switch up the workout and tone different muscles.
You also get the choice of which handlebars you want to use. There are taller ones attached to the plates for arm movements as well as stationary ones that have pulse sensors.
From there, all you need to do is choose the right tension level out of the 8 available on the resistance knob.
The data from these sensors feed into a small battery-powered console between the stationary handlebars. You do need to physically scroll through the data on the tiny display, which could interrupt your rhythm a little bit, but there are lots of data streams to go through.
You can get information on your pulse, time, distance, speed, and an idea of calories burned. When the session is over, you wheel the machine away on its transport wheel for storage.
However, there are limitations to the Opti Budget Elliptical Cross Trainer, especially for larger users.
Unfortunately, that stripped-back design and minimal frame do lead to issues with the construction and suitability for larger users.
There are comments about the trainer squeaking and rattling a bit as it moves, and these are too frequent to be purely down to assembly issues.
There is also the issue of the low maximum user weight allowance of 100kg and the 11-inch stride length on the footplate. Both are lower than average and do exclude some heavier and taller users.
What does this mean for a final verdict on this Opti Bi-directional Cross Trainer?
It is clear that this isn’t going to work for everyone because of those issues with the height and weight restrictions.
But, there is a good chance that smaller users – particularly those that can drown out the squeaking with headphones – can improve their fitness via the motion and data provided.
The Opti elliptical really is just a minimalist cross trainer for those that don’t want to spend a fortune.
Find more reviews about the Opti Magnetic Cross Trainer on Argos here.
Leave a Reply