10 Best Cycle Cross Trainer Alternatives for Home & Gym

Ranked Cycle Cross Trainer Alternatives

10 substitutes, ranked by how closely each one matches the Cycle Cross Trainer on movement pattern, muscles worked, equipment and body position. The higher the score, the less you change. Open "How to perform this exercise" on a card for the steps; every card title links to that exercise's own alternatives page.

1. Best match

   Play demonstration

   1. Ski Step

   75% match

   • Cardio
   • Bodyweight
   • Beginner
   • Compound

   Use this when you have nothing to train with, because it works the heart and lungs with bodyweight alone.

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
   2. Bend your knees slightly and keep your back straight.
   3. Jump to the right, landing on your right foot while swinging your left leg behind your right leg.
   4. Immediately jump to the left, landing on your left foot while swinging your right leg behind your left leg.
   5. Continue alternating jumps from side to side, mimicking a skiing motion.
   6. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: Work for 30 to 60 seconds, rest as long as you worked, and repeat 6 to 10 times.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: your heart and lungs, the same as the Cycle Cross Trainer
   • Equipment: bodyweight only, not a cardio machine
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Cycle Cross Trainer
   • Balance: harder to stay steady on than the Cycle Cross Trainer
2. Play demonstration

   2. High Knee Against Wall

   74% match

   • Cardio
   • Bodyweight
   • Beginner
   • Compound

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Stand facing a wall with your feet hip-width apart.
   2. Place your hands on the wall for support.
   3. Engage your core and lift your right knee up towards your chest, while keeping your left foot on the ground.
   4. Quickly switch legs, bringing your left knee up towards your chest and lowering your right foot back down.
   5. Continue alternating legs in a running motion, bringing your knees up as high as possible.
   6. Maintain a fast pace and keep your upper body stable throughout the exercise.
   7. Repeat for the desired duration or number of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: Work for 30 to 60 seconds, rest as long as you worked, and repeat 6 to 10 times.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: your heart and lungs, the same as the Cycle Cross Trainer
   • Equipment: bodyweight only, not a cardio machine
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Cycle Cross Trainer
   • Balance: harder to stay steady on than the Cycle Cross Trainer
3. Play demonstration

   3. Wheel Run

   73% match

   • Cardio
   • Bodyweight
   • Intermediate
   • Compound

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Start in a plank position with your hands on the wheel and your body straight.
   2. Engage your core and start rolling the wheel forward by extending your arms.
   3. Continue rolling until your body is fully extended and your arms are overhead.
   4. Reverse the movement by pulling the wheel back towards your body, using your core and arms.
   5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: Work for 30 to 60 seconds, rest as long as you worked, and repeat 6 to 10 times.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: your heart and lungs, the same as the Cycle Cross Trainer
   • Equipment: bodyweight only, not a cardio machine
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Cycle Cross Trainer
4. Play demonstration

   4. Back And Forth Step

   72% match

   • Cardio
   • Bodyweight
   • Beginner
   • Compound

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
   2. Step forward with your right foot, bending your knee and lowering your body into a lunge position.
   3. Push off with your right foot and step back to the starting position.
   4. Repeat the movement with your left foot, alternating legs with each step.
   5. Continue stepping back and forth, maintaining a steady pace.
   6. Repeat for the desired duration or number of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: Work for 30 to 60 seconds, rest as long as you worked, and repeat 6 to 10 times.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: your heart and lungs, the same as the Cycle Cross Trainer
   • Equipment: bodyweight only, not a cardio machine
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Cycle Cross Trainer
   • Balance: harder to stay steady on than the Cycle Cross Trainer
5. Play demonstration

   5. Astride Jumps

   71% match

   • Cardio
   • Bodyweight
   • Intermediate
   • Compound

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
   2. Bend your knees and lower your body into a squat position.
   3. Jump explosively upwards, extending your legs and arms.
   4. While in the air, spread your legs apart and bring your arms out to the sides.
   5. Land softly with your feet shoulder-width apart, bending your knees to absorb the impact.
   6. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: Work for 30 to 60 seconds, rest as long as you worked, and repeat 6 to 10 times.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: your heart and lungs, the same as the Cycle Cross Trainer
   • Equipment: bodyweight only, not a cardio machine
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Cycle Cross Trainer
   • Balance: harder to stay steady on than the Cycle Cross Trainer
6. Play demonstration

   6. Push To Run

   71% match

   • Cardio
   • Bodyweight
   • Intermediate
   • Compound

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Start in a push-up position with your hands shoulder-width apart and your body in a straight line.
   2. Lower your chest towards the ground by bending your elbows, keeping your body straight.
   3. Push through your hands to extend your arms and return to the starting position.
   4. Quickly bring one knee towards your chest, then quickly switch and bring the other knee towards your chest.
   5. Continue alternating knees as fast as you can while maintaining good form.
   6. Continue for the desired duration or number of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: Work for 30 to 60 seconds, rest as long as you worked, and repeat 6 to 10 times.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: your heart and lungs, the same as the Cycle Cross Trainer
   • Equipment: bodyweight only, not a cardio machine
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Cycle Cross Trainer
   • Balance: harder to stay steady on than the Cycle Cross Trainer
7. Play demonstration

   7. Scissor Jumps

   70% match

   • Cardio
   • Bodyweight
   • Intermediate
   • Compound

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
   2. Jump off the ground and simultaneously cross your right leg in front of your left leg.
   3. As you land, quickly switch legs, crossing your left leg in front of your right leg.
   4. Continue alternating legs and jumping as quickly as possible.
   5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: Work for 30 to 60 seconds, rest as long as you worked, and repeat 6 to 10 times.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: your heart and lungs, the same as the Cycle Cross Trainer
   • Equipment: bodyweight only, not a cardio machine
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Cycle Cross Trainer
   • Balance: harder to stay steady on than the Cycle Cross Trainer
8. Play demonstration

   8. Star Jump

   69% match

   • Cardio
   • Bodyweight
   • Beginner
   • Compound

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms by your sides.
   2. Bend your knees slightly and jump up explosively.
   3. As you jump, spread your legs and extend your arms out to the sides, forming a star shape with your body.
   4. Land softly on the balls of your feet with your knees slightly bent.
   5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: Work for 30 to 60 seconds, rest as long as you worked, and repeat 6 to 10 times.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: your heart and lungs, the same as the Cycle Cross Trainer
   • Equipment: bodyweight only, not a cardio machine
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Cycle Cross Trainer
   • Balance: harder to stay steady on than the Cycle Cross Trainer
9. Play demonstration

   9. Short Stride Run

   69% match

   • Cardio
   • Bodyweight
   • Beginner
   • Compound

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Find an open space or a treadmill to perform the exercise.
   2. Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart.
   3. Start jogging in place, lifting your knees high and pumping your arms.
   4. After a few seconds, start taking short strides forward, maintaining a quick pace.
   5. Continue running with short strides for the desired duration or distance.

   Sets and reps: Work for 30 to 60 seconds, rest as long as you worked, and repeat 6 to 10 times.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: your heart and lungs, the same as the Cycle Cross Trainer
   • Equipment: bodyweight only, not a cardio machine
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Cycle Cross Trainer
   • Balance: harder to stay steady on than the Cycle Cross Trainer
10. Play demonstration

    10. Run

    68% match

    • Cardio
    • Bodyweight
    • Beginner
    • Compound

    How to perform this exercise

    1. Start by standing upright with your feet hip-width apart.
    2. Engage your core and keep your upper body relaxed.
    3. Begin jogging in place, lifting your knees up towards your chest and landing softly on the balls of your feet.
    4. Maintain a steady pace and continue jogging for the desired duration or distance.
    5. Remember to breathe deeply and maintain good posture throughout the exercise.

    Sets and reps: Work for 30 to 60 seconds, rest as long as you worked, and repeat 6 to 10 times.

    Why this matches

    • Primary muscle: your heart and lungs, the same as the Cycle Cross Trainer
    • Equipment: bodyweight only, not a cardio machine
    • Body position: standing, the same as the Cycle Cross Trainer