Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical brings the Octane Fitness XR650 Recumbent Elliptical to mind because of their look-alike in the aspect of the structural design, however, the latter has its drive located at the front while the former has its drive at the back.
We are not by any means insinuating that the two have the same features but rather just pointing out the similarity in their outward look.
That said, the Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical is a low-impact machine that combines the recumbent bike and elliptical trainer functionality to provide outstanding workouts that burn twice as many calories as any regular cardio machine could in the same amount of time and with very low impact or stress to the joints.
Even at the time of this review, the Teeter FreeStep has gotten a lot of positive reviews from customers on Amazon.
It is suitable for everyone at any fitness level, including and especially those that are recuperating from an injury.
It is a full-body workout machine that provides cardio and strength training without stress. Its patented stride technology allows you to work out with a natural stepping motion that does not hurt the knees and the ankles. The FreeStep distributes muscle exertion throughout the body and also allows you to separately work out the lower or the upper body.
It features what is called the dual power motion; push-pull mechanics that give you the opportunity to exercise all the upper body muscle groups by adjusting the moveable handlebars accordingly, while the stepping motion allows you to target and tone the lower body muscle groups such as the quadriceps and hamstrings.
Its magnetic resistance system allows you to exercise with different resistance levels that tone and burn calories easily. It is important to also note that its operation is whisper quiet due to the magnetic resistance and the belt drive systems that are integrated into it.
Click right here to have a peek at the price of the Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical on Amazon.
Table of Contents
The Frame and Construction
As aforementioned, the Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical is not only suitable for weight loss and improving overall physical fitness it is also an affordable in-home physical therapy solution.
It is a cost-effective recumbent elliptical machine that yet features a commercial-grade construction. It features a frame that is made up of steel and coated with anti-corrosive paint that preserves it from rust and other degrading elements.
It has a maximum user weight limit of 300 pounds/136 kg and can accommodate users between the heights of 4’11’’ to 6’6’’.
Its stability is established by the double vertical bars and the adjoining steel bar at the front base, and the rear stabilizer bar that is integrated with transport wheels for portability. Its overall design ensures that tipping or rocking while working out will not be experienced even as the weight (111 pounds/50 kg) further grounds it and makes it superlatively stable.
It may look kind of bulky by merely looking at it but it has a small footprint that doesn’t take too much space. Its overall assembled dimensions are 54 inches long by 38 inches wide by 52.5 inches tall. Differently put, the workout perimeter for it should be 4’5’’ long by 3’2’’ wide and a ceiling height of at least 7 feet high. An extra 1-foot clearance should be added at the rear and on side of the machine for safety and convenience reasons if it is going to be used in a confined area.
The seat and the handlebars are completely adjustable providing different workout angles that put in the advantage of achieving your fitness goals quickly.
It is also noteworthy to mention the fact that it has a step-thru design that will be appreciated by those that have a joint problem and the elderly.
The Seat, the Handlebars, and the Pedals
The Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical has a recumbent seat that is comfy. It is ergonomically designed and padded to provide the lasting comfort that endures throughout a prolonged workout session.
The recumbent seat is completely adjustable because the backrest could be adjusted to 3 reclining positions while the seat could be adjusted upward and downward. When the seat is adjusted upward it also adjusts backwardly thereby widening the space between the seat and the moveable handlebars.
Thus, users of different heights (4’11’’-6’6’’) and sizes can be accommodated conveniently.
The backrest dimensions are 14.5 inches tall by 11 inches wide while the seat’s dimensions are 14.5 inches wide by 9.5 inches long.
There are technically two sets of handlebars; the moveable front handlebars and the static handlebars behind the seat. The right side of the static handlebars also doubles as the tension adjustment knob.
You can hold onto the static handlebars if you wish to isolate and exercise the lower body muscle groups alone just as you can also isolate the lower body to exercise the upper body muscle groups by placing your feet on the steel frame around the console.
The handlebars are coated with a rubber foam material that is designed to provide secure and comfortable grips that prevent slippage and blisters in the palms.
Interestingly, the front handlebars can be adjusted all-round, upward and downward providing perfect positions that allow the user to target the biceps and triceps.
The adjustments of the recumbent seat and the handlebars are easy to accomplish; in a matter of seconds, you should be able to adjust to your preferred positions and subsequently get on with your workout.
The FreeStep is equipped with large anti-skip-designed pedals that still have an about 1-inch border around each foot to further secure the feet in place during a rigorous and intense workout.
Just as aforementioned, the pedals have an elliptical motion design that is improved and called the patented stride technology that protects the joints such as the knees. The pedals provide a natural step that follows a smooth, linear path.
The Drive
The drive that is integrated into the Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical is a belt drive system that consists of a durable belt, pulley, perimeter weighted flywheel, and pedals.
The drive operates smoothly and silently, thus, you can work out and not be distracted by any noise and your activity won’t bother the family or the neighbors either. You should able be able to watch your favorite TV show or listen to good music while exercising without turning up the volume unusually high.
Moreover, the drive is maintenance-free. It doesn’t require any lubrication or adjustment at any point in time.
The Resistance
The FreeStep features a manual magnetic resistance system that is smooth and effective when engaged. The resistance system is friction-free and only generates resistance when the magnetic brake pad releases the magnetic field around the flywheel.
However, the magnetic resistance system does not have predefined resistance levels as the Octane Fitness XR650 or the Inspire Fitness 2.5 Cardio Strider.
In other words, it has a variable magnetic resistance that you can only adjust to a level you feel it’s suitable for your workout.
The downside is that you will not be able to know the exact resistance levels you used in your last workout session and therefore making it very difficult to calculate your strength and endurance improvement progress.
The tension knob by the right side of the seat is used to increase and decrease the resistance strength by dialing it clockwise or anti-clockwise.
The resistance provides an easy and challenging workout that is suitable for everyone, including the elderly and those recovering physically from an injury.
The Console
The console on the Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical is kind of basic because it doesn’t have extras such as preset programs or wireless/online connectivity. The LCD monitor is not even backlit but has good readability as long as it is being viewed in a well-lit room.
Let’s highlight what the console has instead of what it doesn’t have.
As mentioned before, it features an easy-to-read LCD monitor that tracks time, distance, speed, and calories burned. There is a strategically positioned tablet holder above the display which allows a user to place a tablet on it without compromising the view of the display.
The tablet holder allows you to place your tablet device on it so that you can enjoy a movie or good music while exercising.
The monitor is battery-powered.
Accessory
Aside from the built-in tablet holder on the console the Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical also features a water bottle holder that is also designated in a strategic position that makes it reachable.
Both the water bottle and the tablet holders are essential accessories that help the user to achieve the maximum result.
Hydration and entertainment while performing cardio workouts cannot be underemphasized.
Storage
The FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer is easy to store due to the fact that it is not overly heavy and it is transportable as well.
It weighs about 111 pounds/kg and it’s integrated with transport wheels at the rear base for easy roll-away when the unit is not in use.
The storage perimeter for the Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical should be 4’5’’ long by 3’2’’ wide in a room with a ceiling height of at least 7 feet high.
Approval Rating
The Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical have an impressive approval rating on Amazon that suggests users were satisfied with its quality, usability, and price tag.
There are several Amazon customers’ reviews available with almost every one of them approving the Teeter FreeStep.
Pros/features Overviews
- Super low impact due to its patented stride technology
- It has a commercial-grade construction and supports 300 pounds/136 kg maximum user weight capacity
- Its operation is whisper quiet due to its belt drive system
- The magnetic resistance system provides different levels of challenging workouts that are suitable for everyone
- It has a small footprint that doesn’t necessarily take up space
- The recumbent seat is completely adjustable allowing users between the heights of 4’11’’-6’6’’ to be accommodated
- The handlebars are completely adjustable so much so that they allow a user to target the biceps and the triceps muscle groups
- The transport wheels are included
- A tablet holder is included
- A water bottle holder is included
- The pedals are large with borders for safety
- Low maintenance
- Not difficult to assemble
Cons
- No pre-set workout programs
- No heart rate function
- The monitor is not backlit
Warranty
- 1 Year/90 Days Limited warranty
- You can upgrade to an extended warranty that extends it to 2-year/1-year limited warranty.
Product Dimensions and Specifications
- 54’’ Length
- 38’’ Width
- 52’’ Height
- Supports 300 pounds/136 maximum user weight capacity
- Weight: 111 pounds/50 kg
- Seat: Adjustable recumbent seat
- Handlebars: Static handlebars and moveable handlebars
- Console: Non-backlit LCD monitor tracks time, speed, distance, and calories burned; battery powered
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Manual magnetic resistance system
- Water bottle & tablet holders included
- Transport wheels included
- Large pedals feature patented stride technology
Shipping, Assembly, and Maintenance
Shipping
The Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical is shipped in a box that weighs about 131 pounds/59.4 kg.
The shipping cost is free if it is purchased from Amazon and it’s usually delivered within days from the day of order. However, there might be other vendors that also offer free shipping.
Assembly
The Teeter FreeStep is not really difficult to assemble as it comes with the major component already attached to the core unit.
The package comes with an easy-to-understand assembly manual that walks you through the process nicely, and the required tools for the job are also included too.
However, if you wish not to assemble it by yourself and need someone to do it on your behalf you can opt for the ‘’expert assembly’’ service Amazon offers which comes with a charge.
Maintenance
No major maintenance is required of you to carry out on the Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical. The drive and the resistance systems are maintenance-free.
However, you must endeavor to supervise the machine before use for any loose or broken part that may cause an accident or further damage to it.
Finally, make sure to always keep it clean from sweat and dirt before and after a workout session.
Conclusion
Teeter Fitness has been around for almost 4 decades and has applied its expertise on the Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical ensuring that it provides low-impact cardio exercises that are twice more effective than a standard and a regular recumbent bike.
Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical Review
Teeter Fitness has been around for almost 4 decades and has applied their expertise on the Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical ensuring
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.3
I am a health and fitness enthusiast. I take anything and everything that improves my health seriously. Hence, I try to share my knowledge in helping people that wish to up their health status to one that enables them to live strong with confidence.
We also review health and fitness equipment such as treadmills, elliptical trainers, spin bikes. recumbent bikes and many more.
