Several exercise machines engage both your upper and lower body at once through coordinated push and pull movement patterns. These synchronized motions promote circulation, support digestion, and strengthen cross-body coordination.
1. Air Bike (Fan Bike or Assault Bike)
Position: Seated
Movement: Push and pull the handles while pedaling.
Resistance: Air fan increases resistance as you work harder.
Best For: High-intensity cardio sessions, warm-ups, or gentle full-body movement after meals.
Examples: Assault AirBike, Rogue Echo, Schwinn Airdyne.
2. Elliptical Trainer (Cross-Trainer)
Position: Standing
Movement: Smooth gliding pedals combined with moving arm handles.
Resistance: Magnetic or air, often adjustable.
Best For: Low-impact endurance workouts, balance, and steady, digestion-friendly motion.
Examples: NordicTrack, Sole, ProForm.
3. Seated Recumbent Cross Trainer
Position: Reclined seat with back support.
Movement: Pedaling with legs while pushing and pulling arm levers.
Resistance: Usually magnetic with very low joint strain.
Best For: Seniors, rehabilitation, or gentle circulation improvement after surgery.
Examples: NuStep T5XR, Inspire CS3 Cardio Strider.
4. SkiErg (Nordic Ski Machine)
Position: Standing
Movement: Pull both handles downward while bending the knees slightly.
Resistance: Flywheel using air resistance.
Best For: Upper-body-dominant cardio that still engages legs and core.
Examples: Concept2 SkiErg.
5. Rowing Machine
Position: Seated
Movement: Push with the legs, pull the handle toward the chest, and return smoothly.
Resistance: Air, magnetic, or water-based.
Best For: Combined arm and leg power with strong core activation and minimal joint stress.
Examples: Concept2 Rower, Hydrow, WaterRower.
6. VersaClimber (Vertical Climber)
Position: Standing with a vertical frame.
Movement: Alternate pushing and pulling the arms while stepping upward with the legs.
Resistance: Bodyweight or adjustable resistance.
Best For: Total-body climb-style cardio, posture improvement, and calorie burning.
7. Arc Trainer (Cybex)
Position: Standing
Movement: Similar to an elliptical but with an arc-shaped stride path and movable arms.
Resistance: Magnetic.
Best For: Smooth motion, low stress on knees, and solid core engagement.
Quick Comparison
Air Bike: Seated, arm-leg sync, low impact, ideal for full-body cardio.
Elliptical: Standing, arm-leg sync, low impact, ideal for endurance.
Recumbent Cross Trainer: Seated with support, arm-leg sync, very low impact, ideal for rehabilitation or gentle movement.
SkiErg: Standing, partial arm-leg sync, low impact, upper-body focus.
Rowing Machine: Seated, arm-leg sync, low impact, ideal for strength and cardio.
VersaClimber: Standing, arm-leg sync, medium impact, intense vertical full-body training.
Arc Trainer: Standing, arm-leg sync, low impact, joint-friendly cardio.
For a smooth, joint-friendly seated option similar to the air bike, the recumbent cross trainer offers the best balance. For a standing full-body workout, the elliptical or arc trainer delivers similar coordination with low impact.