If you are in the market for low-impact total body exercise equipment that you can use seated and can’t decide what to buy, take a look at the Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical.
It is available in two models: the LT1 and the LT3. The features and quality of both are comparable to that of the rehabilitation equipment found in PT clinics.
The device utilizes push/pull mechanics and a stepping motion to give you a total body workout that burns a lot of calories in a shorter time than many other forms of exercise.
If preferred, you can work just your lower or upper body. Either way, your sessions will place zero impact on your joints and be very gentle and comfortable.
Keep reading this Teeter FreeStep review to learn more about its features, functions, pros, and cons.
We will also look at how the two models compare.
Table of Contents
Who will it suit?
The Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer Elliptical suits new and intermediate-level users of any age.
It is perfect for seniors and others who want to do zero-impact workouts. It could also benefit almost anyone rehabilitating from an injury.
A generous upper user weight limit and an adjustable seat and handlebars make the machine customizable for people of most heights and weights.
Being reasonably compact, it is ideal if you don’t have a lot of room for exercise equipment.
And with workouts being virtually silent, it will suit you if you are looking for fitness equipment you can use any time of the day or night without disturbing the other occupants in your house.
It will also be a sound choice if you want to lose weight fast, as the FreeStep can burn 17.4% more calories than recumbent bike workouts undertaken at the same intensity.
NB: If you suffer joint pain or are recovering from an injury, check with your doctor before starting a new fitness program.
Workouts and the muscles targeted
Teeter FreeStep workouts are stress-free. The lower body motion is similar to that of a stepper with slightly backward angled pedals.
The machine’s ergonomic design ensures stabilization for your backs and hips and prevents your knees from moving too far forward.
You can target your upper and lower body simultaneously or work only your upper or lower body.
The effort will be evenly distributed throughout your body when doing total-body workouts.
Lower body muscles worked include the glutes, the quads, the hamstrings, and the calves.
By changing your grip and/or rotating the handlebars, you can target different upper body muscle groups, including your triceps, biceps, chest, shoulders, and back.
How do the TeeterFreestep LT1 and the Teeter FreeStep LT3 Compare?
The Teeter FreeStep LT1 and the Teeter FreeStep LT3 are identical in many ways, but there are a few differences.
The LT3 features Soft Step pedals with a durable TPR tread overlay that provides more cushioning and traction. The pedals of the LT1 have a firmer feel.
The seat of the LT3 is 12% larger, has 27% more cushioning, and it offers two additional positioning options with it able to be moved closer to or further away from the backrest.
The rubberized coated handles of the LT3 are more durable and offer better grip than those of the LT1, which are foam-wrapped.
The original model has plastic bushings at each pivot point. The newer one features commercial-quality steel ball bearings for better long-term durability and superior fluidity and stride transitions.
The frame warranty for the LT3 is twice as long as that of the LT1
The other difference between the two models is the price. Both machines have excellent buyer feedback, so whether or not it’s worth paying the extra for the upgrade is a personal choice.
Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical Specs
Dimensions – The Teeter FreeStep Cross Trainer measures 54″ x 38″ x 52.5″
Clearance – Allow a minimum of 2′ to the front, rear, and on either side for safe, unrestricted workouts
Seat dimensions – The seat of the LT1 measures 15″ (W) x 10″ (L), with the seat of the LT3 slightly larger
Backrest height – The distance from the seat to the top of the backrest is approximately 18 1/2″
Pedal dimensions – The pedals measure 6.25″ (W) x 17.5″ (L)
Distance from seat to floor – The seat to floor distance is 27″ at the lowest setting and 34″ at the highest
Weight – It weighs 110.9 lbs
User weight – The maximum user weight for both models is 300 pounds
User height – This model is suited to people from 4′ 11″ to 6′ 6″ tall
Color options – It is available in black
Batteries – 2 x AA batteries are included for the display
Teeter FreeStep Cross Trainer Overview
Drive –
The Teeter FreeStep operates through a flywheel and a magnetic resistance system. Its internal drive uses a poly-v belt that does not need lubricating.
Construction and Finish –
The Teeter FreeStep Cross Trainer has a robust steel-tubing frame that is double-coated in paint that resists corrosion, scratches, and chips.
Its pedals and various covers, including that of its drive system, are ABS.
A virtually friction-free linkage system adds further to its durability.
Stability, Smoothness, and Noise level –
The machine’s heft and low center of gravity provide incredibly stable workouts with no unwanted movement.
Adjustable stabilizers with large non-marking rubber feet in the rear base add further to this.
The machine’s bi-directional internal flywheel delivers steady, consistent momentum.
Its unique patented stepping action follows a smooth linear path, ensuring fluid movement.
Workouts are near-silent. You will be able to work out without fear of disturbing others in the room and watch the TV without turning up the volume.
Resistance –
The trainer comes with eight manually operated magnetic resistance levels that you can change by turning a dial in the right fixed handlebar.
If you haven’t exercised before, start with one of the lower levels. As your fitness improves, increase the resistance.
The highest resistance levels aren’t overly challenging but will be sufficient for most people to get an effective workout.
Monitor –
A monitor tracks your workout metrics, displaying them on an easy-to-read LCD screen. These include your Time, Speed, Distance covered, and the number of Calories burned during your sessions.
Speed and distance are shown in MPH and miles.
You can view one metric only, manually scroll through all, or use Scan mode to view each automatically for a few seconds before seeing the next.
Pressing and Holding the Scan button will reset your stats to zero.
The monitor activates as soon as you start to pedal. It automatically switches off after a few minutes of inactivity.
Seat –
The 
recumbent contoured seat and supportive backrest contain high-density foam to enhance comfort.
You can quickly and easily change the seat’s height by turning the spring-loaded adjustment knob.
A supportive backrest has three incline options, enabling you to find the most comfortable position.
Many buyers have stated that the seat is comfortable, even during extended workouts. However, some say it is not.
This difference in perception is typical of fitness equipment and something most people adapt to.
Placing a folded towel on the seat or using a gel cover will immediately provide more comfortable workouts.
Pedals –
Both the LT1 and the LT3 have oversized, textured, slip-resistant pedals. A lip around the pedals’ perimeter will prevent your feet from slipping sideways.
The LT3’s pedals have a padded overlay.
Reverse pedaling is possible but won’t feel organic because the pedals lack safety straps.
Handlebars –
The Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical has two sets of handlebars.
One set has a fixed position, while the other is movable. The latter offers three different length adjustment positions, and they rotate, enabling you to target different upper body muscles.
When gripping the movable handlebars, you will get a total-body workout. To only work your lower body, hold the stationary handlebars.
Both sets have a sweat-resistant foam rubber overlay. The movable handlebars are curved and have a sweat-resistant foam rubber overlay to enhance comfort.
Transport wheels –
Transport wheels in the unit’s rear base allow for easy relocation of the Teeter FreeStep if this is required.
Accessories –
A tablet shelf provides access to your cell or another electronic device during workouts, and there’s an easy-to-reach water bottle holder.
You can access free training by downloading the TeeterMoveTM App to your tablet or smartphone.
Assembly –
Your Teeter FreeStep will arrive partially assembled, with the frame and internal mechanisms in place.
You will need to attach the rear base stabilizer, seat, pedals, movable handlebars, console support, and console.
Step-by-step instructions and illustrations make the process straightforward.
All parts are clearly labeled, and you will find the tools needed to complete the job in the box.
The manufacturer estimates that set-up takes 45 minutes, but some buyers found it took considerably longer.
Warranty –
The warranty for the LT1 covers 1-year for the frame and 90 days for the base and moving parts. The LT3 frame warranty is 2 years.
Next, in this Teeter FreeStep review, we will look at its pros, followed by its cons.
Teeter FreeStep Cross Trainer Infomercial
Pros
- The TeeterFreestep Cross Trainer provides zero-impact cardio and muscle toning workouts
- People of any fitness level can use the machine
- It has a generous user-weight limit
- Most users rate the seat as being comfortable or very comfortable
- It offers value for money
- A super-durable construction ensures longevity
- The Teeter FreeStep offers total body strength and muscle toning workouts, plus cardio
- Workouts burn a lot of calories
- It’s ideal for building lean muscle
- It is safe and comfortable to use
- It doesn’t require an electrical power source
- Workouts are very smooth and near-silent
- The machine comes with 8 different levels of magnetic resistance
- A user-friendly LCD shows workout stats to help you monitor your progress and set new goals
- A fully adjustable seat and handlebars cater to people of different heights and build, reducing body fatigue so that you can work out for longer
- Onboard accessories include a water bottle holder and a media shelf
- The Teeter FreeStep Cross Trainer has built-in transport wheels so that you can easily move it if required
Cons
- The Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical doesn’t fold for storage
- The assembly process can be longer than anticipated
- The warranty is rather short
- It costs more than some home exercise equipment, but considering that it delivers zero impact workouts, it is worth the extra outlay
Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical Summary
If you’re in the market for a fitness aid that delivers stress-free cardio and total body toning and strengthening workouts as it torches calories, the Teeter FreeStep Zero Impact Recumbent Trainer 
is worth considering.
This durable fitness aid offers a fluid motion, variable magnetic resistance, and calorie-burning cardio workouts.
It is excellent value, considering that you are essentially getting both an elliptical and a cross-trainer in the one machine, so along with saving money, it will save you space.
And, being whisper-quiet, you will be able to watch the television or listen to music or an e-book without needing to turn up the volume.
Not for you? To read reviews of other multi-purpose fitness aids, click here.
