New Image FITT Strider vs THERUN 3-in-1 Cardio Climber

By the Orbit Stride editorial team · Updated 2026 · How we test & score

We compare the New Image FITT Strider and the THERUN 3-in-1 Cardio Climber across every dimension that matters - our scores, the key specs, and how each performs on the things you will actually notice day to day.

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At a glance

New Image FITT StriderTHERUN 3-in-1 Cardio Climber
Our score6.9/107.3/10
Best forLow-impact whole-body cardio at home, easy on the jointsLow-impact whole-body cardio at home, easy on the joints
Not ideal forAnyone very short on space, unless it folds compactlyAnyone very short on space, unless it folds compactly
BrandNew ImageTHERUN

Type and Resistance

New Image FITT Strider

A standing elliptical cross trainer format shapes how workouts are performed, with the cross trainer designed for upright use rather than seated pedalling. It uses magnetic resistance, which typically means resistance changes smoothly as the user adjusts difficulty. The console supports 8 resistance levels, enabling progression from a lower level for warm-up through to higher levels for more demanding sets. This step range supports both beginners and more experienced exercisers.

THERUN 3-in-1 Cardio Climber

This cross trainer is built as an elliptical cross trainer machine, with a magnetic resistance system designed to adjust workout intensity without friction-based contact. It delivers a cardio climber style workout while keeping an elliptical, rather than step-only, motion. Resistance is controlled through 16 levels of adjustable silent magnetic resistance, allowing beginners to start at a lower setting and more experienced users to increase difficulty gradually. Quieter operation is implied by the magnetic system.

Stride, Flywheel and Feel

New Image FITT Strider

Stride, flywheel, and overall feel are driven mainly by the cross trainer machine's upright, elliptical design and its magnetic resistance system. The New Image uses a flywheel-driven elliptical motion rather than a step-up bounce, which keeps the movement smooth. Magnetic resistance is offered in 8 levels, allowing adjustments from gentle settings to higher levels as pacing improves. An adjustable incline alters the stride angle and the forward lean, so cadence can feel different even when the resistance level stays the same. Pulse and speed feedback are included to help gauge effort.

THERUN 3-in-1 Cardio Climber

Stride and how the machine "feels" during use depend largely on the motion path and the parts that create resistance. This model is built as an elliptical cross trainer machine with a cardio climber style of workout rather than a pure stepper motion. The flywheel helps momentum stay smooth, so transitions between forward effort phases feel controlled. Magnetic resistance provides 16-level adjustability, allowing resistance to be raised or lowered before fatigue peaks. The cardio climber motion can place an upward emphasis that feels different to long-time stepper users. Some riders may need a longer warm-up period to adapt, particularly if the stride length does not match their height.

Console, Programmes and Extras

New Image FITT Strider

The console on the cross trainer upright elliptical cross trainer is an LCD display that shows workout metrics in one place: speed, distance, time, pulse, and calories. It includes pulse sensors for heart-rate readouts, so users can monitor intensity, although accurate readings depend on consistent hand placement. Console operation is simple during a session, with resistance selection followed by reading the displayed stats as the workout progresses. The console area also includes a phone and tablet holder, which can support entertainment but may reduce viewing comfort for some users.

THERUN 3-in-1 Cardio Climber

Moving from how the machine feels to what the user sees and controls, the THERUN includes an LCD console for workout feedback and pulse sensors for monitoring heart rate during sessions. The console is intended to provide clear guidance throughout training, so users can adjust their session as it progresses. Magnetic resistance is adjustable across 16 levels, supporting different effort choices.

Size, Build and Max User Weight

New Image FITT Strider

This cross trainer is an upright elliptical cross trainer with an adjustable incline, designed to suit typical home workout spaces while supporting the user in an upright position. The adjustable incline indicates the workout angle can be changed, which may affect how stable the feel is across different step styles. The maximum user weight is not stated, so it is essential to check it before use and confirm the stride length suits the user's height.

THERUN 3-in-1 Cardio Climber

Overall, the cross trainer is built for home use, combining an elliptical cross trainer and stepper style motion with an 8kg flywheel and magnetic resistance. Its build is intended for steady training sessions rather than commercial use. The 8kg flywheel indicates a solid feel during movement, and the magnetic resistance typically offers smooth adjustment across 16 levels.

Who Is This Cross Trainer For?

New Image FITT Strider

This cross trainer suits people who want a straightforward elliptical workout at home. It is especially suitable for beginners who prefer magnetic resistance, which is provided in eight levels. The LCD console is designed to monitor speed, distance, time, pulse and calories, with pulse sensors built into the handles. An adjustable incline can add variety to sessions by changing how hard the workout feels, for example as fitness improves. The machine may be less appealing to advanced users who want more resistance detail or tighter control over longer workouts.

THERUN 3-in-1 Cardio Climber

Who is this cross trainer for? The THERUN is suited to people who want an at-home stepper or cardio climber style workout, using silent magnetic resistance and an 8 kg flywheel for a steady motion feel. It fits users who prefer to track workout stats on an LCD console and like built-in pulse sensors for monitoring. Beginners may find the 16-level adjustable resistance helpful for starting at a lower setting and building gradually. It may be less suitable for anyone who needs high-impact running, specific weight capacity details, or advanced programme features.

New Image FITT Strider: pros

  • Elliptical cross trainer
  • Magnetic, 8 resistance levels
  • LCD console, pulse sensors
  • Low-impact cardio, gentle on the joints

Cons

  • Full cross trainers take up floor space (look for foldable)
  • Check the stride length suits your height
  • Stay within the maximum user weight

THERUN 3-in-1 Cardio Climber: pros

  • Stepper / cardio climber
  • Magnetic resistance
  • 8kg flywheel
  • Quiet, LCD console, pulse sensors
  • Low-impact cardio, gentle on the joints

Cons

  • Full cross trainers take up floor space (look for foldable)
  • Check the stride length suits your height
  • Stay within the maximum user weight

Our verdict

Our pick is the THERUN 3-in-1 Cardio Climber (our score 7.3/10) - A practical cross trainer (stepper / cardio climber, magnetic resistance) for low-impact home cardio. The New Image FITT Strider is still worth it if it is cheaper when you check, or if it better matches your specific needs.