Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer review (Zero impact with great results)

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In this Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer review, I will explain why this low impact recumbent trainer is loved by so many people.  I am always on the lookout for low impact ways to exercise, and I will get into that in a bit.  Is the FreeStep worth your hard-earned money?  Let’s take a look.Woman working out on Teeter FreeStep

Teeter has been around for many years, and you may know the name from their high-quality inversion tables.  I own a Teeter Inversion table and use it regularly as I have back problems.  Teeter builds innovative and quality products, and the FreeStep is no different.

Product: Teeter FreeStep™ Recumbent Cross Trainer
Rating:
92 out of 100
Company:
Teeter
Dimensions: 54” x 38”x 52.5”
Product weight:
110 pounds
User weight capacity:
300 pounds
Summary: The FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer is a zero-impact exercise machine that will provide a quality workout that is easy on your joints, making this the best recumbent cross-trainer.

A little bit about me

I have a long history of back problems and am always interested in low impact ways to exercise. I have been dealing with back problems for about 20 years.  When I saw the FreeStep from Teeter, I had to take a closer look.

Several years ago, I injured my low back as a result of picking up my then 5-year-old daughter.  I wasn’t doing anything crazy, I just literally picked her up and set her down and “pop,” there went a disc in my low back.

After a lot of visits to a back pain clinic, too many prescription painkillers, not to mention cortisone injections, I had been through enough trips to the doctor and decided I would exercise my way out of pain.  Mind you, I was walking around with sciatic nerve pain shooting down my leg for 16 months.

Some days I wondered if I would be able to make the 45-minute drive to work.  I often had trouble walking from the parking lot at work to my desk.  I tell you all of that because one thing I was able to do during that time was to work out on a recumbent trainer.

Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Trainer

The FreeStep from Teeter provides a total body workout, combining cardio with strength training.  FreeStep does this without compression on critical parts of your body, like your back, hips, and knees.  This is a zero-impact workout that is efficient and effective for a lot of people.

The stepping motion mimics a leg press machine at the gym, so you can work your butt, quads, and hamstrings. One thing I really like about this trainer is that you can literally put your feet up and just work your arms if you want to as well.  The handles are adjustable so you can work different arm angles and actually focus on your biceps or triceps if you choose.

How does Teeter FreeStep work?

The FreeStep is built using smooth magnetic resistance, and you can increase or reduce the resistance using a dial located under the seat.  The magnetic resistance makes this trainer very quiet, unlike other machines out there.  You can watch TV or listen to music without having to crank it up so you can hear it over the FreeStep.  Of course, feel free to crank up the tunes when you are working out on the FreeStep!

The push-pull mechanics help you work out all of your major muscle groups.  You can also work your arms or legs independently if you want to, or together.  The ability to change your handgrip position is pretty cool for changing things up during your workout.  This allows you to isolate biceps or triceps while you are working out.

This is a commercial-grade recumbent trainer, without the commercial-grade price.  The unit has a small footprint and is low profile so it will not take up a lot of space.

The seat is cushioned, and the backrest reclines, which is a tremendous customizable feature. You can adjust the seat height to suit you. The media shelf is excellent for watching shows on your tablet as you exercise the day or night away.

The FreeStep is designed with a unique striding motion and helps to keep your knees from going over your toes, so you will be appropriately aligned. By eliminating stress on your knees, hips, and back, the focus will be on your legs and glutes.

Teeter FreeStep features

  • Magnetic resistance for a smooth and quiet workout
  • Adjustable handles which allow you to workout different arm angles
  • Reclining seat
  • Adjustable height seat
  • Digital display
  • Wheels for transport and storage
  • Media shelf
  • Water bottle holder (a must on any exercise machine)
  • Digital console tracks your progress, including:
    • Time
    • Speed
    • Distance
    • Calories burned

Teeter FreeStep benefits

  • Great zero impact workout machine is a fantastic way to exercise and is easy on your joints
  • You get a total body workout
  • A great way to increase your fitness level without added stress on your joints
  • Very gentle, excellent for folks who experience knee, hip or back pain when working out
  • One of the best exercises for knee pain

Who can benefit from using Teeter FreeStep?

Literally, anyone can benefit from using this zero impact machine.  I know traditional elliptical machines are low impact, but some people still experience joint pain using these.  The FreeStep would be great for anyone who experiences back, hip, knee pain when they workout.

FreeStep is an excellent machine for all users, but it is especially great for those people who don’t have a lot of options when it comes to working out, due to specific ailments.  If you are recovering from an injury, physical therapy facilities often use machines like this to treat patients.

Teeter FreeStep™ Recumbent Cross Trainer

Storing your FreeStep

The FreeStep is low profile and comes equipped with transport wheels on the back of the machine so you can move the unit and store it away.  Now, it does weigh over 100 pounds, so I don’t know how often you want to move the machine, but it is great to have the option to move it or put it away when you have company over, etc.

FreeStep warranty

The FreeStep comes with a 90 warranty on the base of the unit, including the drive mechanism and a one year warranty on the rest of the unit.

FreeStep assembly

Yup, you guessed it, there is “some assembly required.”  The FreeStep is relatively easy to assemble.  I say relatively easy because the instructions are fantastic, clear, concise, and easy to follow, but you will probably need to set aside a couple of hours to build it.

The base comes almost entirely pre-assembled.  I think Teeter has done a great job of reducing the assembly process and keeping it efficient to ship. I do recommend that you assemble the FreeStep where you will be using it, although it does have transport wheels that let you roll it around to put it where you want it.

FreeStep customer reviews

Check out some of these fabulous reviews.

Teeter FreeStep Customer Reviews

Other great “stuff”

  • Flex pay option, you can pay in full, or make monthly payments
  • May be eligible for free shipping
  • You may be able to pay with HSA/FSA

Pros:

  • Quiet and smooth ride
  • Zero impact exercise machine
  • Easy on critical body parts like knees, hips and low back
  • Full body workout
  • Low profile, so it doesn’t take up a lot of space
  • Portable for storage
  • Tablet holder
  • Great way to exercise for knee pain
  • Flexible payment options
  • May be eligible for free shipping
  • Commercial quality
  • Great customer reviews
  • The seated position is great for knees and backs

Cons:

  • No fan
  • The console is not backlit

Conclusion: Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer

I know that was a lot of information to digest, and I hope this review has been helpful.  There is a lot to like about this recumbent machine from Teeter, and I think a lot of people can benefit from using it.  Zero impact exercise equipment is excellent for people with knee problems, or those recovering from injuries.

The reclined seat position helps to take the stress off of your joints, while still giving you a great cardio workout.  The stepping motion works your glutes, quadriceps, and hamstrings and the adjustable handles work your upper body, for complete total body exercise.

If you are looking for a great zero impact exercise machine, I encourage you to take a look at Teeter FreeStep.  There is a lot to like about this trainer, and it comes from a great company.

If you are interested in more information or would like to buy a FreeStep, click on the image below and you will be directed to Teeter.com.

Thank you for stopping by today.  If you have any questions for me or comments, please leave them below, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.  Or feel free to contact me directly anytime.

Steve

BuildingStrongerBodies.com

 

Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer
  • Comfort - 92%
    92%
  • Functionality - 90%
    90%
  • Design - 94%
    94%

19 thoughts on “Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer review (Zero impact with great results)”

  1. Thanks, Steve for the article about the teeter cross-trainer.  I suffer from knee pain rather than back pain.  The knee pain makes treadmills too painful to use.  I have been using the cross trainer at the gym.  What advantage does the teeter free-step have over a regular cross trainer?  Does it cause problems for someone with a knee injury?

    Reply
    • Hi Aaron, thanks for your comment.  It sounds like the FreeStep might be just what you are looking for, with your knee pain.  I am glad to hear you are using one at the gym.  Teeter FreeStep is a commercial quality unit but at a much lower price point. Compared to a unit like NuStep, the Teeter is a much more affordable option to have in a home, office, or home office. 

      FreeStep is designed to take the pressure off of your knees, hips, and lower back and is very smooth to ride.  The zero-impact design is great for people with bad knees and gives you a great way to exercise.  Thanks for stopping by, please let me know if you have any more questions.

      Reply
  2. Hi Steve, I love this blog post you put up here… I am fascinated at how great the teeter is. Thing is I’ve always been using this work out machine but I never knew its name until I read this here. It is truly great for work out as I never feel much pain on my joint when I use it at the fitness centre. I have not thought of starting a home gym but whenever I do, I’ll be sure to come back here to give it a try…I’ll bookmark your site so I can give a feedback…Best regards

    Reply
    • Hello Henderson, thanks for stopping by.  I am glad you liked this review.  Please let me know if you have any questions, I am happy to help.

      Reply
  3. I am a biker, but some days I  just can not get myself to go out into the weather because it is too hot or raining, or whatever excuse comes to mind on that day! The Teeter Freestep looks like it just might be a good solution for an indoor workout that will not require a second mortgage on my house. Thank you for the thorough information, it was very helpful. 

    Reply
    • Hi Troy, I agree with you, this FreeStep would be a great alternative for people who live in a climate that is not conducive to getting outside to exercise. Also, this would be a great way to help you stay in shape when you are not riding, or just to change things up from time to time.  

      FreeStep is a great way to exercise indoors, and the zero-impact effect is always great.  Thanks for stopping by, let me know if you have any questions.

      Reply
  4. I cant imagine how hard it is for people that have to experience back pain go through everything such as pain medication to see if it helps, different techniques to see what helps, trips to the doctor and then finally finding something that helps! People are always looking for “new” things to try that will help them. Sorry to read about what happened to you! That is really unfortunate especially when you have a family but I am happy to hear you found something that works! Its nice to see machines being built to help people (my wife sees lots of them as she used to work in a rehabilitation center) and that let you work on the parts you want to work on such as lower or just your arms. A fan would really be nice. Overall good review as I am sure helps a lot of people!

    Reply
    • Hi Trevor, thank you for your comment.  I agree with you, it is really nice to have exercise equipment that is zero impact, making it very friendly for a lot of different users.  I really think the FreeStep will (and already has) help a lot of people, whether they are recovering from an injury, or not.  

      Thanks again for stopping by, let me know if you have any questions.

      Reply
  5. This is a great article. As someone who has also struggled with back pain, due to a car accident. It can be a struggle to find ways to workout without causing too much stress and pain.

    Great Product Review!

    Reply
  6. I can imagine how hard it is for people that have to experience back pain and go through everything, I am a doctor myself and due to my job, I always have back pain and sadly no time to even exercise I am always looking for “new” things to try that will help me. Sorry to read about what happened to you! That is really unfortunate especially when you have a family but it is amazing that you found something that works!. Overall it is a good review. and I believe it will help others to have a better lifestyle without pain sure helping a lot of people!

    Reply
  7. I’ve dealt with backspin for 12 years too and have not seen a recumbent bike that has the arm movement too. Is there a warranty on the bike?

    Reply
    • Hi Kendra, thanks for your comment. The arms are one of the great features of this unit, and the ability to change arm angles. You can change the angle to focus your workout on biceps, or triceps.

      Yes, there is a 90-day warranty on the base and a one year warranty on the rest of the unit. Please let me know if you have any more questions, I am happy to help. Thanks again for stopping by.

      Reply
  8. Steve,
    I really like the concept of the Teeter Freestep. It’s a no-excuses-to-workout machine, and I think that’s important. Do you have knee pain? Back pain? recovering from an injury? It seems like the Teeter can give you a full-body workout even while still having pain. I get shin splints a lot with running, so this might be something to look at as an alternative to running. I really enjoyed this review! I could tell you put a lot of research into this.

    Reply
    • Hi Bobby, thanks for your comment. I definitely agree with you, this is a great machine for people who are recovering from an injury, or trying to prevent injuries. FreeStep is also a fantastic workout in general that anyone can use. Please let me know if you have any questions, I am happy to help. Thanks again for stopping by.

      Reply
  9. Hi Steve!

    Great article! It’s short simple and to the point. I recently sold my spin bike because I hadn’t used it in a while. One of the things I hated about it most was that the seat was extremely uncomfortable when cycling. I even bought a seat cushion for it and it was still uncomfortable. This is going to sound crazy, but I even put one of my couch cushions on top to avoid being stabbed by that uncomfortable seat. Still no dice.

    Anyway, I understand that there is some discomfort while working out, but how is the seat? Do you think someone could work out on this machine for an extended period of time without irritating their glutes?

    Reply
    • Hi Ibrahim, thank you for stopping by. Sorry to hear about your spin bike, it sounds like you tried just about everything to make it work. I definitely think you can workout for an extended period of time without irritating your glutes. The seat is padded, but some people do find it a little on the hard side. Of course, this will vary from person to person. Please let me know if you have any more questions and thanks for your comment.

      Reply
  10. Hello, Would someone post stroke with balance and paralysis problems likely be able to get on and off without it tipping? Wanting to know if it would be stable enough. Thanks

    Reply

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