True TSX Elliptical Trainer Review

I was making the rounds to some of the fitness equipment stores in the area, and stopped by ProSource in Raleigh. I inquired what was hot and new with their selection of ellipticals, and the salesperson pointed out the True TSX elliptical trainers. Actually, these are not new machines, they've been available in a commercial version. Recently True released two residential models.

True is best known for their treadmills. They are some of the best in the industry, and are found in health clubs and other commercial environments. Getting into the growing elliptical market was probably a necessity, since the treadmill market is not growing. However, they are competing with the likes of Precor and Life Fitness, both who have been selling quality ellipticals for years.

Although True has some typical elliptical trainer models, the TSX offers a new twist. It is designed to focus your exercise on different parts of your body, emphasizing specific areas.

The overall design of the True TSX is quite different from your typical elliptical trainer. It is neither rear nor front drive - it is a center drive machine. A number of manufacturers are coming out with center drive models. The logic is it provides superior balance and stability, in addition to a more natural motion. Also on the TSX are side steps, which are integral part of the innovative workout.

Mix 3T Exercises

In addition to the standard workout programs like hill climbing and interval training, you have the Mix 3T workouts. There are three different workouts that focus on either your upper body, lower body or entire body.

Upper Body - With the upper body workout, you stand on the side steps and just exercise with the handlebars. This targets your arms, chest, back and many core muscles. Often people do not get much of an upper body workout from your typical elliptical.

Lower Body - With this exercise, you hold on to the stationary handlebars and focus your exercise on your legs and glutes. During the workout you are prompted to lift your heals, bend your knees or go in reverse to further focus on specific leg muscles.

Entire Body - With the entire body exercise, you work both the upper and lower simultaneously for a calorie burning session.

The idea of the Mix 3T is to divide your workout into three focused exercises, and in the process, you will efficiently workout all the major muscles groups. In fact, an image of the human body is on the console and it shows which area you are exercising at a given time.

Your typical elliptical trainer claims to give you a total body workout, but that is mostly hype. The True TSX "truly" provides a cross training exercise.

True TSXa Elliptical Trainer

There are two residential versions of the TSX (TSX and TSXa); both include the Mix 3T workout. However, with the TSXa you get an adjustable stride, which varies from 17"-26". The variable stride allows you to adjust the stride to an ideal length. It also can further focus your exercising on different parts of your lower body.

Our Review - True TSX Elliptical Trainer

Overall, I am very impressed with this machine. The quality is superb. The machine is very quiet and stable. Considering this is a design based on commercial models, I would assume the TSX is very durable. And the salesperson, mentioned they were low-maintenance machines.

What makes the TSX elliptical trainers stand out are the innovative exercise modes. True has taken cross-training to a new level.

Speaking of innovative cross training machines, you should also check out the new Smooth Fitness Agile. A very unique concept!