Teeter FreeStep LT3 Reviews: IS This Recumbent Cross Trainer Worth It?

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Is FreeStep LT3 Worth it?

Are you looking for a piece of fitness equipment that can provide a full-body workout without putting unwarranted stress on your body and joints? Well, you might just have found it. The Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross is one of the hottest and most popular recumbent trainers on the market today, but being hot and popular doesn’t automatically mean it’s the best.

The Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross is relatively well priced and offers a complete lower and upper body workout with the benefits of a low-impact and efficient linear pedaling stroke. 

I’ve been lucky enough to coach some of the best athletes in the world for more than 20 years, and because of that, I’ve tried and tested hundreds of different training tools and the latest in fitness equipment. This comprehensive and detailed Teeter Freestep LT3 review aims to determine if it is worth burning a big fat hole in your wallet.

So let’s dive and take a look at the specs, features, and pros and cons of this exciting new recumbent trainer.

Teeter FreeStep LT3
4.7

Brings a new level of ease to exercising in your own home with a stress-free, zero‑impact cardio and strength workout. FreeStep takes the load off your back and joints, elevating comfort beyond traditional ellipticals, treadmills, and steppers while delivering exceptional calorie-burning results.

Amazon Reviews Holiday Sale ▶▶
Teeter FreeStep LT3
4.7

Brings a new level of ease to exercising in your own home with a stress-free, zero‑impact cardio and strength workout. FreeStep takes the load off your back and joints, elevating comfort beyond traditional ellipticals, treadmills, and steppers while delivering exceptional calorie-burning results.

Amazon Reviews Holiday Sale ▶▶

LT3 Pros & Cons

The Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross is the brainchild of its founder Roger Teeter who was first celebrated for his design and engineering of inversion tables. These types of tables help relieve pain which is why Roger is so passionate about making fitness equipment that greatly benefits people. 

In regards to the Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross has been explicitly engineered to enhance the stabilizing muscles of the mid-section to help with muscle imbalance and postural alignment.

Pros

The Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross is very similar to its counterpart, the Teeter FreeStep LT1 Recumbent Cross. Both recumbent trainers are compact and easy to use despite their complicated design. 

If you want a low-impact workout that can help to alleviate back and knee pain, then the Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross is perfect for you. 

Cons

The Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross is pretty hard to fault, but as with any piece of fitness equipment, not everything is perfect. The biggest disappointment for me is the limited three-year warranty. 

Many other fitness machines have 5-year warranties or even longer. The other con is the lack of pre-programmed training sessions which is really quite surprising; that being said, you do get access to a free workout App.

Things I liked:

  • Great price point 
  • Compact and stylish design
  • Comfortable and oversized seat
  • Low impact training at its best
  • Ergonomic design
  • East to move around
  • Linear pedaling stroke

Things To Consider:

  • Warranty is not the best
  • The lack of pre-programmed training is disappointing

FreeStep LT3 Main Review, Specs & Features 

Teeter FreeStep LT3
4.7

Brings a new level of ease to exercising in your own home with a stress-free, zero‑impact cardio and strength workout. FreeStep takes the load off your back and joints, elevating comfort beyond traditional ellipticals, treadmills, and steppers while delivering exceptional calorie-burning results.

Amazon Reviews Holiday Sale ▶▶
Teeter FreeStep LT3
4.7

Brings a new level of ease to exercising in your own home with a stress-free, zero‑impact cardio and strength workout. FreeStep takes the load off your back and joints, elevating comfort beyond traditional ellipticals, treadmills, and steppers while delivering exceptional calorie-burning results.

Amazon Reviews Holiday Sale ▶▶

Specs

  • Seat ComfortSelect™
  • Pedal SoftStep™ Pedals with rubberized tread overlay
  • Transport Wheels at the rear Base
  • Display Tracks time, distance (km), speed (km/h), and calorie-burn
  • Device holder Sized to hold a smartphone or tablet
  • Bottle holder Located in the Base
  • Power Battery-powered display (batteries included)
  • User Weight 300lbs or 136kgs
  • Machine weight 110blas or 50kgs

Resistance 

When it comes to resistance technology, the folks at Teeter have left no stone unturned. The Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer utilizes the latest in magnetic resistance technology. As you pedal, a metallic flywheel rotates inside the recumbent and creates an almost silent workout experience.

It’s really remarkable how it works. As you turn the knobs to control the resistance, the magnets move in and out; the harder the resistance, the closer the magnets are to the flywheel, and the easier the resistance, the further the magnets are from the flywheel. Many high-end fitness machines use magnetic resistance technology, so it’s refreshing to see an affordable recumbent utilizing it. 

The one common feature that users seem to love is the silent and smooth sound and feel of the Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer. Because the magnets never touch the flywheel, there are none of those annoying “scraping” or “scratching” sounds that other types of resistance mechanisms can make.

The magnetic resistance system also means because parts aren’t touching, there’s less chance of parts being broken and having to be replaced. For example, padded resistance systems require the pads to be continually replaced, which costs time and money.

The Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer offers users 13 different levels of resistance, meaning most people of any fitness level should be able to get in a good workout. Some users have complained that the highest levels of resistance don’t provide a challenging enough activity. But when you think about this claim, it isn’t easy to verify because fitness levels are subjective to each individual; what’s challenging for some might be easy for others. 

The other important factor to consider is that users who purchase the Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer are probably not looking for high-intensity workouts; more than likely, they’re after a moderate level of intensity they can perform daily. 

If you live in an apartment, then the magnetic resistance is ideal; it’s silent and smooth and won’t annoy your neighbors or loved ones. 

Upgraded Seat and Comfort

One of the most important factors when it comes to any recumbent fitness machine is having an ergonomic and comfortable seat to drive the pedals. A comfortable and ergonomic seat is essential because it helps keep your body aligned and eliminates the chance of injury in the knee joints. 

The Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer is equipped with a fully upgraded seat compared to its counterpart, the LT1. The seat allows you to adjust the height and move into position much easier than the LT1. Many users complained about the LT1, saying the seat was uncomfortable and difficult to use, so if you’re after comfort, the LT3 is for you.

The seat is excellent for those suffering from lower back pain as it offers three different backrest positions, which is a nice, well-thought-out feature. Another component that separates the LT3 from the LT1 is the forward and back starting positions. The LT3 has much more space in the forward position than the LT1. 

The Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer is comfortable and padded using a soft yet durable material which is also very easy to wipe clean and towel off sweat. 

teeter freestep different positions
Different Positions with the Freestep LT3

Linear Pedaling Machine

When it comes to the pedaling motion of most bike and recumbent trainers, there are two types; Circular and linear. Most users, although they probably don’t realize it, prefer linear motion. The Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer utilizes a linear motion that helps to keep the ankles, knees, and hips correctly aligned.

The position of the seat is vitally important in making the pedaling stroke powerful and efficient, so although both the LT1 and LT3 utilize linear motions, the LT3 is probably the better recumbent due to the upgraded seat. 

What’s great about the linear motion is that it provides a low-impact pedaling stroke, alleviating pain from joints in the ankles, knees, and hips. The Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer is very similar to a much higher-priced recumbent fitness machine such as the NuStep.

Assembly and Instruction Manual

When it comes to the Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer assembly, it’s simple, and most users should have no trouble putting it together. The main base of the recumbent is already assembled, leaving you responsible for assembling external moving parts such as the seat and handles.

The instruction manual is refreshingly simple and easy to read and comes with large and clear images of the step-by-step procedure. 

I must mention that some users have said the Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer is quite heavy, and as such, you will need a family member or friend to give you a hand to assemble it. Some of the pieces are pretty heavy and require assembly in some rather challenging positions. I don’t see this as a negative, though; I would prefer a heavy and robust machine, especially when exercising at high intensity. 

Warranty

A sound and extended warranty are what almost every purchaser of fitness equipment is looking for. The Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer comes with a two-year warranty which, to be honest, is quite disappointing and doesn’t do a lot to provide the customer with confidence.

The manufacturer will replace and repair parts of the recumbent that fall under warranty; these parts are the features like the padding, the seat, the handless, and the pedals. It’s not the worst warranty I have seen, and it is better than the LT1, which only comes with a 12-month warranty.

Features 

  • Adjustable Handles: The adjustable handles allow you to make several different adjustments, and you can even pivot the handles to work on other muscles groups. For example, you might be targeting your biceps and then would like to hit your triceps; with the adjustable handles, it’s simple. The LT3 also has upgraded padding over the LT1, which means you grip the handles with force, comfort, and confidence. 
  • Pedals: The pedals on the LT3 are oversized compared to the LT1 and are slightly softer.  
  • Tech: The Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer display is simple and easy to view while working out. While it’s not as good as some of its competitor’s LCD screens, it does provide all the critical metrics such as calorie, speed, time, and distance.
  • The TeeterMove APP: When you purchase the LT3 and the LT1 tour are granted access to the company’s training app. The app is free of charge, which is fantastic especially considering many apps of similar quality cost anywhere from $10 to $30 per month. Experts in the field design the programs and activities, and you’ll find something for all fitness levels. 
  • Easy to Move: The Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer has two built-in wheels, making it easy for users to transport it to another area of the house if they wish. 
  • Maximum User Weight Capacity: Many pieces of fitness equipment look solid and sturdy, but in reality, when using them, they feel flimsy and unbalanced. The LT3 has one of the highest maximum user weights of any recumbent I’ve seen at 300lbs or 135kgs, which should be more than enough to accommodate nearly every body type. 

What Do Customer Reviews Say? 

One of the simplest ways to verify and evaluate the quality and durability of any piece of fitness equipment is to listen to what verified customers have to say. 

A verified customer from California had this to say, “this machine is great; the whole family uses it every day, so they are thankful for it. We know it will pay for itself. We already feel the health benefits just by committing the time every day. We keep it in our living room to keep us going morning and night.”

An anonymous verified customer said, “This product is not for anyone with back or knee problems. It took days to get it out of the box and days to assembly.”

Mikhail wrote an outstanding review, “after putting about 14,000 kilometers or 8,700 miles on my LT1; I now have an LT3. The LT1 was terrific, but the LT3 is remarkable. It is so smooth one could exercise next to a sleeping baby and never wake them unless you breathe heavily. The refinements over the LT1, in my opinion, puts the LT3 in a class equal to the $4,000 machines with regard to smooth operation and quality of exercise.”

And finally, Scubaden, from Florida, said, “Easy set-up, easy operation. Good workout for what it is. It doesn’t replace a good weight workout, but it does make you sweat! Very quiet operation.”

FreeStep LT1 vs. LT3: How Do They Compare? 

If you’re not sure whether to choose either the Teeter FreeStep LT1 Recumbent Cross Trainer or the Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer take a look at this super clear and informative comparison chart I’ve compiled. In short, the machine you choose will largely depend on your goals and budgets but either way you’re sure to get a high-quality recumbent that will help you achieve those goals. 

LT1LT3
Stride techYesYes
Dual motionYesYes
HandlebarsYesYes
Magnetic systemYesYes
Device holderYesYes
Water bottleYesYes 
Soft step pedalsYesNo
Sure-grip handlebarsYesNo
Extended warrantyYesNo

Both the Teeter FreeStep LT1 Recumbent CrossTrainer and the LT3 are almost identical in the area and, in fact, in the most important areas like resistance and tech; they are identical. Some of the questions you need to consider are what’s most important to you? Is it having the best and most expensive recumbent? or are you happy with a run-of-the-mill one? 

Both recumbents offer a pain-free training experience thanks to their linear pedaling stroke, which helps to alleviate pain in the ankles, knees, and hip joints. The LT3 has a slightly bigger and better seat which gives you a more comfortable experience; that being said, you’re not training to be comfortable; well, you shouldn’t be anyway. 

Read Also:
Power10 Elliptical Rower Review

The Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent CrossTrainer does have three primary advantages over the LT1; The LT3 comes with upgraded and softer handles, an upgraded seat, and softer pedal technology. Both provide challenging upper and body workouts regarding health and fitness, so there’s no real difference in that area. 

Once you’ve answered these questions, your choice is made so much easier and will become much more apparent to you which recumbent best suits your needs. In the end, it might come down to your budget and whether you can afford to pay the extra for the LT3; if I were you, I would. 

Teeter Move App: How it Works 

The Teeter FreeStep LT1 Recumbent Cross Trainer comes with access to the TeeterMoveTM App with Free Training. The program is similar to many other apps in the fitness market and has a wide range of variety, such as world-class training programs and classes that leading experts in the fitness industry have developed.

teeter power 10 app
Teeter Move App

The TeeterMoveTM App with Free Training is free of charge, which is fantastic, especially considering most fitness companies make you pay expensive monthly fees to get access. The app is easy to download and is the perfect tool to help you achieve your fitness goals. 

FAQ

How much does the teeter FreeStep LT3 weigh?

The Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer weighs in at 110.2 lb (50.0 kg). It has a maximum user weight capacity of 300lbs or 136kgs.

Where is Teeter Freestep made?

The headquarters are based in the United States with products being manufactured in China and Taiwan.

Wrap it up: Who is the FreeStep LT3 Best For? 

Teeter FreeStep LT3

The Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross is perfect for individuals suffering from knee, hip, back, or joint pain. The teeter offers users a low-impact yet very challenging workout that will have you well on your way to achieving your fitness goals.

The seated position is comfortable, and users undergoing rehabilitation will find it very practical and painless to use. The Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross is an affordable fitness machine designed to deliver low-impact and challenging workouts; now, that’s a win-win.

Teeter FreeStep LT3
4.7

Brings a new level of ease to exercising in your own home with a stress-free, zero‑impact cardio and strength workout. FreeStep takes the load off your back and joints, elevating comfort beyond traditional ellipticals, treadmills, and steppers while delivering exceptional calorie-burning results.

Amazon Reviews Holiday Sale ▶▶
Teeter FreeStep LT3
4.7

Brings a new level of ease to exercising in your own home with a stress-free, zero‑impact cardio and strength workout. FreeStep takes the load off your back and joints, elevating comfort beyond traditional ellipticals, treadmills, and steppers while delivering exceptional calorie-burning results.

Amazon Reviews Holiday Sale ▶▶
Editorial Team

IF-FIT Editorial Team consists of experienced fitness writers and cyclists. Every article has been deeply researched to educate every bike lover.

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