What if you could get a great workout with minor wear and tear on your knees and back? I was excited to try the FreeStep LT7 Recumbent Cross Trainer after hearing that it utilized physical therapy stride technology to deliver an excellent cardio workout while being easier on joints. Could this model really burn 17.4% more calories than a traditional recumbent bike? I have tested this product for the past month.
Here is my experience with the Teeter FreeStep LT7 Recumbent Cross Trainer!
My Verdict: The Pros and Cons
I have ridden many different types of exercise equipment over the years. The physical therapy stride technology that has helped create this piece of equipment differs from anything I have used previously. The stride technology provides the same low-impact exercise experience at home that riders can enjoy in a Physical Therapy office. Therefore, this model is HSA and FSA-eligible. In addition, I was amazed by this model’s number of pre-programmed workout options. Read on to see my pros and cons for this model.
What I liked
What I didn’t
FreeStep LT7 Recumbent Cross Trainer Main Components
FreeStep LT7 Recumbent Cross Trainer Specifications
- Max User Weight: 350 lbs
- User Height Range: 4’11’-6’6″
- Dimensions: 59″ L x 32.7″ W x 54.8″ H
- Product Weight: 150.4 lbs
How We Rated the FreeStep LT7 Recumbent Cross Trainer
As in all of our reviews at Indoor Cycling Love, we rate all of our equipment against a similar scale out of five to ensure that product comparisons are easy for our readers when evaluating which models are right for them. We rate our exercise equipment based on the categories below:
- Construction Quality & Durability
- Riding Experience & Performance
- Assembly Process
- Comfort & Adjustability
- Console, Content & Connectivity
- Support, Financing Options & Warranty
- Value for Money
My Rating of the FreeStep LT7 Recumbent Cross Trainer
This recumbent cross-trainer offers a low-impact workout, ideal for those with knee or back issues. Sturdy and comfortable, it burns 17.4% more calories than traditional recumbent bikes. It’s a valuable option for effective, low-impact cardio.
Construction Quality & Durability: 4.8 / 5.0
The LT7 is incredibly sturdy, weighing 150 pounds and constructed from alloy steel. The FreeStep’s construction quality and durability are fantastic. All the components fit securely and are built to last. Careful consideration was taken when designing this model.
Riding Experience and Performance: 4.4 / 5.0
The Ultra Glide bearings allow smooth movement through the pedals and handlebar movements. However, this model is not whisper-quiet like what is common among other machines that have magnetic resistance. A low noise is heard while the machine is in motion compared to a standard recumbent bike.
Since the LT7 incorporates handles in addition to pedals, it provides a total body workout and increases the calorie burn compared to a standard recumbent bike workout that focuses on the lower body only.
Assembly Process: 4.5 / 5.0
While there is an option for this cross-trainer to be assembled professionally, I assembled it myself to provide a better testimonial of what this process truly entails. After the initial first few assembly steps that require the cross trainer to be tipped, I put it together. I needed to enlist my husband’s help to tip the trainer safely. I needed the back foot of the cross trainer, as it did not arrive in my initial shipments (but was quickly sent once notified).
My assembly process was more challenging since the trainer was shaky while I was installing the other components. It took me close to 90 minutes to have it fully assembled. While the directions were straightforward, I recommend having it professionally assembled to save time in the assembly process and the disposal of all the cardboard and styrofoam it comes packaged in.
Comfort & Adjustability: 4.5 / 5.0
This model offers a larger, more comfortable seat and various options for adjustability. The oversized seat and padded backrest were extremely comfortable. I appreciated that I did not have to get off the seat when trying to adjust the back or seat position. The handlebars were also very easy to adjust and simple to secure back into position with this model’s patented Sure Grip technology.
I had a challenging time trying to adjust the seat and backrest to find the correct riding position. It took riding this machine more than a few workouts to see which setting fit me best. I was unable to find a position in which the motion felt natural to me. I am still determining if I still do not have the model set up correctly or if I am more accustomed to exercise equipment without stride technology. I wish there were more guidance on how to set up the seat to ensure that each rider is in the correct position. There is something on the app about setting up the FreeStep, but it is for a different FreeStep model.
Console, Content & Connectivity: 4.8 / 5.0
1. Console
I liked everything this console offered. It offers a variety of metrics, including time, distance, speed, calories, resistance, calorie burn rate, and heart rate. A Bluetooth Heart Rate Monitor is not included in the purchase of the LT7 but must be purchased separately. The console also includes a tablet rest and USB port and is surrounded by not one but two water bottle holders.
2. Content
In addition to the seven metrics the console tracks, this machine includes 21 programs to select from! This is one of my favorite features of the LT7, as many machines offer closer to ten programs. The programs available include Manual, Cardio, Mountain, Fat Burn, Valley, Stairs, Keep Stepping, Uphill Climb, Interval, Easy Trail, Cruising, Random, Pyramids, Unwind, Rolling Hills, High Low, Downhill, Time Goal, Distance Goal, Calorie Goal, and Heart Rate Goal. I spent most of my workouts using the vast list of programs that kept me challenged throughout my testing period. The console was straightforward and one of the best I have tested.
For those days when I did not feel like completing just a standard program, there was also a free app called Teeter Move that was available from Teeter. The app provides instructor-led workouts and programs available for specific equipment models. For the FreeStep models, two Find Your Fit workout series programs are available, including 3-day progressive endurance and a 6-day strength and fat loss program. If you prefer to pick and choose, you can select from workouts segmented into duration, body part focused, format, and if you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced user. I wish I could see instructors using the same version of the FreeStep that I was, but I am sure they will roll out some additional workouts soon. I wish the library was more extensive and the music was louder, but this might not be an issue for most.
3. Connectivity
This model does not connect to other apps except Bluetooth heart rate monitors.
Support, Financing Options & Warranty: 4.5 / 5.0
1. Support
I had a great experience with the support team for the FreeStep. They were very quick to respond and resolve issues. I found that I was missing a piece of equipment needed for assembly, and within a few days, it arrived at my door. I found this company to be very responsive.
2. Financing Options
Payment options are available through Affirm starting as low as $105/month.
3. Warranty
Exercise bikes usually offer a 10-year frame warranty; however, the LT7 only offers three years. Yet, they include two years for labor and parts when traditional recumbent bikes offer only a 1-year warranty.
Value for Money: 4.5 / 5.0
The LT7 is competitively priced at around $1,300 (depending on which website you are viewing) compared to other cross trainers. It offers a wide range of programming and excellent construction quality, providing consumers with significant value.
Total Rating: 4.6 / 5.0
The Bottom Line
Who is it for
- Riders with knee or back issues
- Those looking for a low-impact workout
- Older users
- Users of various fitness levels
Who it is not for
- Those who prefer the traditional feel of a cycling rotation, traditional recumbent bike, or standing cross-trainer
- Those that prefer a more vigorous workout that is comparable to high-impact workouts
- Users with a small workout space
This recumbent cross-trainer offers a low-impact workout, ideal for those with knee or back issues. Sturdy and comfortable, it burns 17.4% more calories than traditional recumbent bikes. It’s a valuable option for effective, low-impact cardio.
If you require an incredibly low-impact workout, this might be the perfect piece of exercise equipment. Since this model allows returns up to 90 days, it provides the perfect timeframe to determine whether this is the next piece of equipment you should add to your exercise routine.
