The GX60 elliptical cross trainer is part of the ‘One’ series of home fitness machines from Reebok and the bigger brother of the GX40 that we reviewed a while ago. While it’s little brother did OK in our tests we were hoping to see more from the GX60, so once we got it in our clutches what did we think?

Like most ellipticals these days, assembly is a little fiddly. Reebok have managed to get the build process down to 9 stages which is certainly better than a number of other machines we’ve tested and it took us just under an hour to put it together. The instructions are nice and clear so as long as you don’t suffer from flatpack phobia putting the GX60 together should take around an hour.

Having completed the build and taken a step back, the GX60 looks neat and tidy and modern. At just 144cm (56.7’’) long and 62.5cm (24.6’’) wide it’s compact without being tiny and sits on the floor looking pretty. It’s nice and the black finish means that it will fit well into most surroundings.

The stand-out feature of the GX60 is that it can be powered using the ‘self-generating’ setting which utilises a set of rechargeable batteries. As you exercise the kinetic energy is transferred to a power coil located in the flywheel. The coil then charges the batteries providing ongoing power without the need to plug it into the mains. For this to work properly you do need to plug it into the mains and charge the batteries for 8 hours when you first assemble it. But then you can remove the adaptor, and thereafter, your motion keeps the batteries charged! Reebok do say that if the elliptical is not used for a long period (i.e. months) sometimes the charge can dissipate and you will need to give them a little charge with the adaptor but this is to be expected and if it’s used regularly then there should be no need to have to do this. This does, of course, mean that you can put this cross trainer anywhere without worrying about the need to have it located near a socket, or risk tripping over wires, which is very handy indeed. The downside is that, like all rechargeable cells, the batteries in the GX60 will eventually cease to hold a charge and so far reebok haven’t said what to do when that time comes. That being said, they should last for a few years and there’s always the mains power supply you can switch to.

The Reebok GX40s ONE Series Cross Trainer provides a total body workout without the harsh impact on your joints. The higher the resistance (choose from 32 levels), the more exertion required to push down on the slip resistant foot plates and move the handlebars.If you’re looking to focus on the lower body only, grip the fixed handlebars as an alternative targeted exercise.

In terms of sturdiness, it feels nice and steady as you climb aboard and there’s no undue wobbles or movement making it feel very safe. The action is nice and smooth and it’s virtually silent. The 7kg (15.5lbs) flywheel does a fairly good job of keeping things steady all the way through the cycle and the 15″ (38cm) stride length, while a bit short, is relatively comfortable. It doesn’t feel too restrictive like some other ellipticals with similar stride lengths. All this makes for a comfortable experience, though if you’re much over 6ft tall you will probably find the stride a bit too short.

We were quite surprised to see a manual resistance system on its little brother but were relieved to see that on the GX60 Reebok have opted for computer controlled resistance. I say relieved, but in truth we’d have expected nothing less! There are 32 levels to choose from so it’s really quite easy to find a level that’s just right and the resistance itself it quite testing at the top end so should provide more than enough of a challenge for most users. The console screen isn’t large, but it is clear with large characters and a friendly blue backlit display. All the training data such as speed, time, distance, calories, pulse, heart rate, watts, body fat, RPM is all nice and easy to see and there are 4 user profiles that can be set up to increase the accuracy of the data, such as calorie expenditure. This is a particularly useful feature if multiple people in the household will be using the cross trainer. They’ve also kept the console as simple as possible in terms of buttons (there are 6) which are clear and logical and while the manual tells you how to use the computer, in truth, a little playing around with trial and error for a minute or two is enough to be able get going and start using the programmes.

There are plenty of programmes and training modes to keep you entertained and motivated here and it’s possible to customise most of them. There are 12 preset programmes which, like many other (but not all) Reebok fitness machines in the current range, are scalable so if you find that you like a particular workout but find that as time goes on it starts to get too easy, then you can up the difficulty but stick to the same format. In addition to the presets there are also 4 different training modes for HRC training (3 preset and 1 target rate), Watts mode, manual mode and 1 user-created programme. There’s also a recovery mode which can be activated at any time during or after your session.

Unlike its little brother a wireless heart rate receiver is built into the console and there’s a USB charging port and a tablet/smartphone holder so you can place your device in front of you on the console and keep it topped up while you perform your workout. Sadly the USB cable doesn’t do any more than charge your device and there are no interactive training features available as there are on some of the GX60s competitors. Also featured is a water bottle holder on the main post at the front – a small detail yes, but a most welcome one.

All in all the Reebok One GX60 is a good cross trainer that’s practical due to its size and the ability to plonk it anywhere you like without needing to plug it in.

The warranty is the standard Reebok Fitness one, which consists of 2 years onsite parts and labour.

Currently available for £399.99 from SportsDirect.com

This is a good elliptical for the money. It's smooth, quiet and stable, and also has some nice touches like the USB charger. Overall the experience is a good one though if you're a taller user you may find the stride a bit restrictive. If that applies to you then we'd recommend looking at the DKN XC-140i which costs only a little more but features a longer 16' inch stride and a flywheel that's double the weight for a smoother experience. It also has a wireless receiver, and the added bonus of 4 user-profiles giving you a lot more for just a little bit extra.

Reebok One GX60 Specifications

• 7kg (15.5lbs) flywheel
• 32 levels of electronic computer resistance
• 38cm (15’’) stride
• 125 x 57mm (5×2.2”) LCD display
• Feedback: Speed, time, distance, calories, pulse, heart rate, watts, body fat, RPM
• 20 Programmes including 12 pre-set, time, distance, calories, watts control, heart rate control, recovery, user defined, manual
• Heart rate measurement via Pulse grip sensors + wireless pulse receiver (chest strap optional)
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 144cm (56.7’’) x 62.5cm (24.6’’) x 173cm (68.1’’)
• Product Weight: 52.5kg (115.7lbs)
• Max user weight: 135kg (297lbs)
• Power Supply: Mains / battery
• Warranty: 2 years frame, parts and labour
• Other features: Adjustable pedals, transport wheels, bottle holder, Dual action and fixed handlebars, USB charge function

Reebok One GX60 Elliptical Cross Trainer - User Reviews

The Pros

• Self-generating power
• Wireless receiver
• USB charger and tablet holder
• Lots of programmes and training modes

The Cons

Cross Trainer Life Fitness

• 15' stride might be a bit short if you're over 6ft

Currently available for £399.99 from SportsDirect.com

Also see our Elliptical Cross Trainer Comparison Table

Whilst every effort is made to give you accurate information we cannot guarantee the technical specification. Models change on a regular basis and may differ slightly from the above review. We recommend you contact the retailer if you have a question regarding technical data. Please read our Legal Disclaimer

The Reebok ZR8 elliptical trainer is part of the 2012/2013 Reebok ‘ZR’ series of fitness equipment. With the previous ‘Z’ series machines, Reebok proved that it was a strong contender in the home cross trainer market, making machines that were feature rich and good value. So how does the ZR8 stack up?

On paper, the ZR8 seems remarkably similar to the highly successful Z9 elliptical trainer. In fact, the specifications are actually identical! In a lot of ways, this makes sense as the previous Z9 was such a hit that Reebok seem to have just focused on a cosmetic upgrade and a rebranding of the Z9 to be named ZR8 in order to make the machine fit in with the new range of complementary treadmills and exercise bikes.

Cross Trainer South Africa

Like its predecessor, the ZR8 is a nice looking, compact cross trainer that’s mains powered. We’re pleased to confirm the motion on the ZR8 is fluid and smooth, thanks to a hefty 9kg flywheel and a respectable 15” stride length. With so many similarly priced machines on the market with only a 13 or 14” stride, it’s good to see that Reebok has exercised good judgement and kept a stride length on this cross trainer that makes it a natural fit for most people 6ft or under.

We’ve already mentioned that this cross trainer is mains powered. Unlike the entry-level cross trainer in the ZR range (the ZR7), the ZR8 offers 32 levels of computer-controlled resistance. The console has a decent sized, colour LCD at its centre is simply and logically laid out. A cursory glance and it’s clear that’s it has a fair few features that can be accessed through the seven clearly labelled push buttons on the front. For those that just want to jump on and exercise without any complications, this is simple enough to do by pressing the start button and starting to stride, using the up and down buttons to control the resistance.

Reebok One Gx50 Cross Trainer User Manual Pdf

For those seeking variety, the console offers a good amount of training of options. The manual programme is actually a target one whereby you can specify target time, distance or calories and begin exercising whilst controlling the resistance manually to suit. The target settings simply count down to zero, and you’re informed when your session goal has been achieved.

There are 12 pre-set programmes to choose from and we like the fact that the resistance profiles of each of these is printed on the console. This makes picking the right programme nice and easy. Each of these programmes can be used at a variety of difficulty levels, providing a good amount of flexibility.

In addition to the target (manual) and the 12 pre-set programmes, there is a user-defined programme, enabling a totally custom programme to be designed and stored in the console as well as a WATT control programme, something normally only found on much higher priced, precisely calibrated ergometers.

Lastly, in terms of programmes, there is a heart rate controlled programme that allows the user’s age to be entered and a choice of 55%, 75% and 90% of maximum heart rate can be selected to exercise at. Whilst we’re big fans of heart rate controlled training, we’d advise against using the HRC functionality on the ZR8. The simple reason for this is that the ZR8 doesn’t have a wireless heart rate receiver and to use this programme, the user would have to be holding onto the static handlebars, where the pulse grip sensors are. The big issue here, apart from the fact that you’re effectively unable to get a full body workout as you need to keep hold of the static handles, is the idea that pulse sensors are accurate enough to provide the data needed to make the workout effective while also keeping you safe. Yes, it does work, but a quick comparison against a chest belt and heart rate monitor watch setup shows that a chest belt is far more accurate. It’s a nice idea but it looks like there’s a bit of box ticking going on here as without a chest belt it’s not a viable programme to use.

Reebok One Gx50 Cross Trainer User Manual Download

Finally, this elliptical trainer has a heart rate recovery test function. After an exercise session (which has the effect of the raising heart rate), you press the “recovery” button and grab the pulse grips on the handlebar for one minute. The computer monitors the rate at which your heart rate is returning to its resting level over this time and based on that provides a fitness rating between 1 and 6 – the lower the number, the better your fitness level. This feature provides good medium to long term motivation as it makes it possible to tangibly measure improvements in fitness levels as a result of regular use of the ZR8 cross trainer.

Reebok haven’t forgotten about the practical details in this highly specced cross-trainer: there are a set of leg levellers to cope with use of the machine on slightly uneven floors and also transport wheels at the front of the machine so that the elliptical can be moved around without needing two people to lift it!

The warranty is the standard Reebok Fitness one, which consists of 2 years onsite parts and labour.

Currently available for £333.76 from Amazon.co.uk

With the ZR8, Reebok clearly has a nice cross trainer on its hands. A compact sized elliptical trainer with a 9kg flywheel and a decent stride action. The only thing is, is that it's missing some things that it's direct competitors in the same class do offer. One of the best examples of this is the Viavito Sina which has 4 user-profiles and a wireless heart rate receiver. That makes all difference, especially when you're talking about heart rate control programmes! The Sina is also at least as well put together as the ZR8 and also matches the length of the warranty cover, plus it has more programmes too. Just for good measure, it costs less than the ZR8 making it look a lot more attractive right now.

Reebok ZR8 Specifications

• 15″ / 38cm stride length
• M-Force brake system
• 32 levels of electronically controlled resistance
• 9kg / 19.8lbs flywheel
• Computer with backlit 5.5” LCD monitor
• Feedback: time, speed, rpm, distance, calories, pulse, target pulse, constant watt display
• Programmes: manual (target time, distance, calories or pulse), 12 pre-set, user-defined programme, WATT control programme, heart rate controlled programme
• Recovery test: Yes
• Pulse measurement via grip sensors
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 110cm / 43″ x 66cm / 26″ x 162cm / 64″
• Maximum User Weight: 120kg / 265lbs
• Product Weight: 35.5kg / 78lbs
• Conveniences: big footplates with anti-slip rubber, transport wheels, leg levellers
• Guarantee: 2 years parts & labour

Reebok ZR8 Elliptical Cross Trainer - User Reviews

Cross Trainer Uk

The Pros

• Stylish look
• Nice striding action
• The easy to use console

The Cons

• No wireless heart rate receiver
• No user profiles

Currently available for £333.76 from Amazon.co.uk

Also see our Elliptical Cross Trainer Comparison Table

Whilst every effort is made to give you accurate information we cannot guarantee the technical specification. Models change on a regular basis and may differ slightly from the above review. We recommend you contact the retailer if you have a question regarding technical data. Please read our Legal Disclaimer