The Benefits Of Elliptical Machine

The elliptical machine offers a powerful, low-impact workout that’s incredibly beneficial for your overall fitness, providing a full-body cardiovascular exercise that minimizes stress on your joints while maximizing calorie burn and muscle engagement.

It’s a fantastic option for anyone looking to improve their heart health, build stamina, and tone various muscle groups without the jarring impact often associated with running or other high-impact activities.

Think of it as a smart, efficient way to get more bang for your workout buck, allowing you to train harder and more often without the typical recovery setbacks.

This makes it an invaluable tool for beginners, those recovering from injuries, or seasoned athletes seeking a cross-training alternative.

Low-Impact Cardio for Joint Health

One of the most compelling reasons to integrate an elliptical into your fitness routine is its remarkably low-impact nature.

Unlike running or even brisk walking, which can exert significant force on your knees, hips, and ankles, the elliptical provides a smooth, gliding motion.

This effectively mimics the natural movement of running or walking but without the repeated pounding on your joints. This isn’t just a minor benefit. it’s a must for many.

• Reduced Strain: Each stride on an elliptical involves a circular motion that keeps your feet in contact with the pedals, eliminating the jarring impact of your feet hitting the ground. This means less stress on your cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.
• Ideal for Various Populations:
  • Beginners: It allows new exercisers to build cardiovascular fitness without overwhelming their joints, reducing the risk of early injury and fostering consistency.
  • Individuals with Joint Pain: For those suffering from arthritis, recovering from injuries, or dealing with chronic knee or hip pain, the elliptical offers a safe haven for exercise. It allows them to maintain or improve their fitness levels without exacerbating their conditions.
  • Seniors: As we age, joint health becomes paramount. Ellipticals provide a way for seniors to stay active and maintain bone density and cardiovascular health without excessive strain.
• Cross-Training Advantage: Even if you’re a runner or participate in high-impact sports, incorporating elliptical training can be incredibly beneficial. It allows you to build aerobic capacity and muscular endurance without adding extra wear and tear to your joints, potentially prolonging your athletic career and reducing injury risk.

Consider the force: when you run, the impact on your knees can be several times your body weight with each stride. On an elliptical, that force is virtually eliminated, making it a far gentler option for your musculoskeletal system. It’s about working smarter, not necessarily harder on your joints.

Full-Body Muscle Engagement

Beyond just being joint-friendly, the elliptical machine stands out for its capacity to deliver a comprehensive, full-body workout.

While many cardio machines primarily target the lower body, the elliptical’s design, featuring moving handlebars, allows for simultaneous engagement of both your upper and lower body.

This means you’re getting more work done in less time, activating multiple major muscle groups.

• Lower Body Powerhouse:
  • Quadriceps & Hamstrings: The pedaling motion directly engages your quads front of thighs and hamstrings back of thighs as you push and pull the pedals.
  • Glutes: As you extend your legs and drive through your heels, your glutes get a significant workout, contributing to stronger, more toned buttocks.
  • Calves: The ankle flexion and extension involved in the stride also work your calf muscles.
• Upper Body Activation:
  • Biceps & Triceps: When you push and pull the moving handlebars, your biceps front of upper arm and triceps back of upper arm are actively engaged.
  • Shoulders: The pushing motion also works your shoulder muscles, contributing to overall upper body strength.
  • Core: To maintain balance and stability throughout the movement, your core muscles abdominals and lower back are constantly engaged. This subtle but continuous activation helps improve core strength and stability, which is crucial for overall athletic performance and injury prevention.
• Synergistic Movement: The beauty of the elliptical is how these muscle groups work in harmony. Instead of isolating muscles, it promotes a synergistic movement pattern that mimics natural human motion, leading to more functional strength and better coordination. This contrasts sharply with machines like stationary bikes, which are almost exclusively lower-body focused, or treadmills, which offer minimal upper-body engagement unless you add weights.

Think of it as a comprehensive strength and cardio combo. You’re not just burning calories.

You’re actively toning and strengthening muscles across your entire body.

This multi-muscle engagement also contributes to a higher calorie burn, making it an efficient choice for weight management.

Effective Calorie Burning and Weight Management

If your goal is to shed some pounds or maintain a healthy weight, the elliptical machine is an excellent tool.

Its full-body engagement and capacity for high-intensity interval training HIIT make it a highly efficient calorie-burning machine.

The more muscle groups you engage simultaneously, and the higher your intensity, the more calories you’ll expend.

• High Calorie Expenditure: Depending on your weight, intensity, and duration, an elliptical workout can burn anywhere from 270 to 400 calories in just 30 minutes. For example, a 150-pound individual can expect to burn approximately 324 calories in 30 minutes at a moderate intensity, while a 200-pound individual might burn around 432 calories. These numbers rival or even exceed those of a treadmill for the same perceived exertion, especially when considering the added upper body work.
• Factors Influencing Calorie Burn:
  • Resistance Level: Increasing the resistance forces your muscles to work harder, leading to higher calorie expenditure.
  • Incline: Many ellipticals allow you to adjust the incline, mimicking uphill climbing. This intensifies the workout, particularly for your glutes and hamstrings, and boosts calorie burn.
  • Speed/Stride Rate: A faster stride rate will naturally increase your heart rate and calorie burn.
  • Upper Body Engagement: Actively pushing and pulling the handlebars will further contribute to your overall energy expenditure.
  • Workout Duration: Longer workouts, naturally, burn more calories.
• Metabolic Boost: Consistent elliptical training, especially when incorporating resistance and varied intensity, can contribute to an elevated metabolism. Muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat tissue, so by building and maintaining muscle mass through full-body workouts, you’re essentially turning your body into a more efficient fat-burning machine even when you’re not exercising.
• Sustainability for Weight Loss: Because of its low-impact nature, the elliptical allows for more frequent and consistent workouts without leading to overuse injuries. This sustainability is key for long-term weight management. It’s not about quick fixes. it’s about building a routine you can stick with. For example, rather than dreading a high-impact run that leaves your knees sore, you might find yourself looking forward to an elliptical session that leaves you energized. This adherence is critical for achieving and maintaining weight loss goals.

Note: These are estimates. Actual calorie burn varies based on individual metabolism, fitness level, and exact intensity.

Versatility in Workout Programs and Intensity

One of the standout features of modern elliptical machines is their incredible versatility, offering a dynamic range of workout options that cater to virtually any fitness level or goal. You’re not just stuck with one type of exercise.

You can tweak and optimize your routine to keep things fresh and challenging.

• Adjustable Resistance Levels: Almost all ellipticals come with adjustable resistance, allowing you to easily switch from a light, warm-up pace to a grueling, muscle-building climb. This is fantastic for:
  • Beginners: Starting with low resistance to master the form and gradually increasing it as fitness improves.
  • Strength Building: Higher resistance levels simulate uphill climbing, challenging your quads, glutes, and hamstrings more intensely, leading to greater muscle engagement and strength.
  • Endurance Training: Moderate resistance over longer durations builds cardiovascular stamina.
• Incline/Ramp Adjustments: Many advanced ellipticals, like the NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 Elliptical or Sole E35 Elliptical, offer adjustable incline or ramp features. This changes the elliptical path, targeting different muscle groups more intensely.
  • Higher Incline: Emphasizes glutes and hamstrings, mimicking stair climbing or steep hills.
  • Lower Incline: Focuses more on quads and calves, similar to flat-ground walking or running.
• Pre-programmed Workouts: Most ellipticals come loaded with a variety of built-in programs designed to achieve specific fitness goals:
  • Manual Mode: You control everything – resistance, incline, duration.
  • Fat Burn: Typically a longer, moderate-intensity workout designed to keep your heart rate in the fat-burning zone.
  • Hill Climb: Simulates ascending and descending hills, varying resistance and incline.
  • Interval Training: Alternates between high-intensity bursts and periods of lower-intensity recovery e.g., 1 minute hard, 2 minutes easy. This is particularly effective for boosting metabolism and improving cardiovascular fitness, as seen in programs like the “Sprint 8” found on Horizon Fitness 7.0 AE Elliptical.
  • Target Heart Rate: The machine adjusts resistance to keep your heart rate within a specified zone, perfect for specific training goals like endurance or cardio fitness.
  • Custom Programs: Many models allow you to create and save your own unique workout profiles.
• Backward Pedaling: Don’t overlook the simple act of pedaling backward! This seemingly minor change effectively targets different muscle groups, particularly the hamstrings and glutes, in a unique way. It adds variety and challenges your muscles from a different angle, preventing plateaus.
• Interactive Training e.g., iFit, JRNY: High-end ellipticals integrate with fitness apps like iFit found on NordicTrack and ProForm or JRNY on Bowflex Max Trainer M9. These subscriptions offer:
  • Global Workouts: Virtually “train” in exotic locations with trainers who automatically adjust your machine’s resistance and incline.
  • Studio Classes: Participate in on-demand, trainer-led classes.
  • Personalized Workouts: AI-driven programs that adapt to your performance.
  • Metrics Tracking: Comprehensive tracking of your progress, performance, and stats.

Improved Cardiovascular Health and Stamina

One of the cornerstone benefits of regular elliptical training is its profound positive impact on your cardiovascular system.

This isn’t just about feeling less winded when climbing stairs.

It’s about strengthening your most vital organ—your heart—and enhancing its efficiency.

• Heart Rate Elevation: An elliptical workout effectively raises your heart rate into the optimal training zones for cardiovascular benefits. This range typically falls between 50% and 85% of your maximum heart rate, depending on your goal e.g., endurance vs. peak performance. Consistent training in this zone strengthens your heart muscle, making it more efficient at pumping blood.
• Increased Oxygen Delivery: As your heart becomes stronger, it can pump more oxygen-rich blood with each beat. This means your muscles receive oxygen more efficiently, delaying fatigue and improving your overall stamina. This translates directly to better performance in daily activities and other forms of exercise.
• Lower Resting Heart Rate: A well-trained cardiovascular system often results in a lower resting heart rate. A lower resting heart rate generally indicates better heart health and cardiovascular efficiency. For example, an average adult might have a resting heart rate between 60-100 beats per minute bpm, but well-trained athletes often have resting rates closer to 40-60 bpm.
• Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases: Regular cardiovascular exercise, like that provided by an elliptical, is a powerful preventative measure against a host of chronic health conditions:
  • Heart Disease: Strengthens the heart, improves blood flow, and can lower blood pressure.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: Enhances insulin sensitivity, helping your body utilize glucose more effectively.
  • Stroke: Improves overall circulatory health.
  • Certain Cancers: Studies suggest a link between regular exercise and reduced risk of some cancers.
• Enhanced Lung Capacity: Consistent aerobic exercise trains your lungs to take in and process oxygen more effectively. You’ll notice improved breathing patterns and feel less breathless during exertion.
• Practical Benefits in Daily Life: The benefits extend beyond the machine. You’ll find everyday tasks less taxing: climbing stairs will feel easier, carrying groceries won’t leave you winded, and you’ll have more energy for leisure activities. It’s about building a robust engine for your body that serves you in all aspects of life.

To maximize these benefits, aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week, as recommended by the American Heart Association. An elliptical machine makes hitting these targets achievable and enjoyable.

Space Efficiency and Home Workout Convenience

• Compact Footprint Relatively Speaking: While an elliptical is a piece of fitness equipment, many models are designed with home use in mind. Front-drive and rear-drive ellipticals typically have a linear footprint. Some models, like the ProForm Carbon EL Elliptical, are designed to be more compact or even foldable, which can be a huge plus for apartments or smaller workout areas. They generally take up less space than a treadmill, which often requires significant clear space behind it.
  • Typical Dimensions: A standard elliptical might require a space of roughly 6 to 7 feet in length and 2 to 3 feet in width.
  • Foldable Options: For maximum space-saving, look for models that fold vertically when not in use, significantly reducing their footprint.
• No Gym Membership Required: This is a substantial financial and logistical win. Owning an elliptical means:
  • Cost Savings: No monthly gym fees, which can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually.
  • Time Savings: No commute to the gym, no waiting for machines, no packing a gym bag. Your workout is literally steps away. This saved time can be reinvested into longer workouts, family time, or other productive activities.
• Workout Anytime: Whether it’s 5 AM before the kids wake up, during a lunch break, or late at night after a stressful day, your elliptical is ready when you are. This flexibility is crucial for maintaining a consistent fitness routine, especially for those with unpredictable schedules.
• Privacy and Comfort: Some people prefer working out in the privacy of their own home, away from crowded gyms or the self-consciousness that can sometimes arise in public settings. You can wear what you want, listen to your own podcast or podcasts without headphones, and even watch TV or a movie while you exercise. This enhances the overall enjoyment of the workout.
• Weather Independence: Rain, snow, extreme heat, or poor air quality become irrelevant. You can get a high-quality workout regardless of outdoor conditions, ensuring your fitness routine remains uninterrupted year-round.
• Multi-tasking Potential: For many, the rhythmic motion of an elliptical makes it ideal for combining exercise with other activities. You can:
  • Catch up on your favorite TV shows or movies.
  • Listen to audiobooks or podcasts.
  • Answer work calls if appropriate for your job and safety.
  • Engage in virtual scenic routes with integrated apps like iFit.

The convenience factor of having a gym-quality cardio machine at home is often the missing link for many individuals striving for a consistent exercise habit.

It removes excuses and makes fitness an easily accessible part of daily life.

Improved Balance and Coordination

While ellipticals are often lauded for their cardio and muscle-toning benefits, an often-overlooked advantage is their positive impact on balance and coordination.

The fluid, multi-directional motion required to operate an elliptical effectively engages your proprioceptive system, leading to tangible improvements.

• Proprioception Enhancement: Proprioception is your body’s ability to sense its position, movement, and action. On an elliptical, your brain is constantly receiving feedback from your muscles and joints about the movement of your legs, arms, and torso. This continuous feedback loop helps to refine your body’s spatial awareness.
  • The reciprocal motion of your arms and legs requires your brain to coordinate these movements seamlessly.
  • Maintaining a smooth, continuous stride without rocking or leaning forces your smaller stabilizing muscles to work harder.
• Core Stability: To maintain balance on the elliptical, your core muscles abdominals, obliques, and lower back are constantly engaged. This isn’t a static plank-like engagement. it’s dynamic stabilization. A strong, stable core is fundamental to good balance and coordination in all aspects of life, from walking to lifting objects.
• Bilateral Coordination: The elliptical requires coordinated movement between both sides of your body. Your left arm moves forward as your right leg moves forward, and vice-versa, in a rhythmic pattern. This bilateral coordination is essential for many daily activities and sports.
• Reduced Fall Risk: For older adults or individuals recovering from certain injuries, improved balance can significantly reduce the risk of falls, which can have severe consequences. The elliptical provides a safe, controlled environment to practice and enhance these critical motor skills.
• Neuromuscular Control: As you consistently train on an elliptical, your brain gets better at sending precise signals to your muscles, leading to smoother, more efficient movements. This improved neuromuscular control translates to better performance in other physical activities and a greater sense of bodily control.
• Backward Pedaling for Added Challenge: As mentioned before, pedaling backward on an elliptical specifically challenges your balance and coordination in new ways. It engages different muscle groups and forces your brain to adapt to an unfamiliar movement pattern, further sharpening your proprioception.

By integrating an elliptical into your routine, you’re not just getting a cardio workout.

You’re actively sharpening your body’s internal GPS, making you more stable, agile, and coordinated in your everyday movements.

This contributes significantly to overall functional fitness and well-being.

Safe and Accessible for Most Fitness Levels

One of the most remarkable aspects of the elliptical machine is its inherent accessibility and safety for a very wide range of users, from complete beginners to seasoned athletes, and individuals with specific physical considerations.

This broad appeal makes it a go-to option for many fitness professionals.

• Beginner-Friendly:
  • Intuitive Movement: The motion is relatively intuitive and easy to learn, unlike some other cardio machines e.g., rowing machines or air bikes that require more complex coordination. Most people can hop on an elliptical and get started within minutes.
  • Adjustable Intensity: As discussed, resistance and incline can be set to very low levels, allowing beginners to ease into exercise without feeling overwhelmed or discouraged.
• Rehabilitation and Injury Recovery: Because of its low-impact nature, the elliptical is frequently recommended by physical therapists for individuals recovering from injuries, especially those affecting the lower body knees, ankles, hips, back.
  • It allows for controlled, gentle movement that promotes blood flow and muscle activation without putting stress on healing tissues.
  • The fixed foot position on the pedals reduces the risk of twists or awkward movements that could re-injure.
  • The “Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross-Trainer,” for example, is specifically designed for ultra-low impact, making it ideal for those with severe joint issues or limited mobility, offering a seated, natural stepping motion.
• No High-Impact Risk: This is the primary safety differentiator from treadmills. The absence of foot strike impact means:
  • Less Stress Fractures: Reduced risk of stress fractures in shins, feet, and knees.
  • Less Joint Deterioration: Protects cartilage and connective tissues over the long term.
  • Reduced Shin Splints: A common running ailment is largely avoided on an elliptical.
• Weight-Bearing Exercise: While low-impact, it is still a weight-bearing exercise. This is crucial for:
  • Bone Density: Weight-bearing activities help stimulate bone growth and maintain bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis, especially important as we age. This differs from swimming or cycling, which are non-weight-bearing.
• Adjustable Stride Length: Some advanced ellipticals offer adjustable stride lengths, which can be beneficial for:
  • Varying User Heights: Accommodates shorter and taller users for a more natural and comfortable stride.
  • Targeting Different Muscles: A longer stride might emphasize glutes and hamstrings more, while a shorter stride might engage quads more.
• Controlled Environment: Exercising on an elliptical in a home setting or gym provides a safe, controlled environment, free from external hazards like uneven pavement, traffic, or adverse weather conditions.
• Handles for Support: The stationary handles provide stability for those who need it, such as beginners or individuals with balance concerns, allowing them to focus solely on the lower body motion if desired, before incorporating the moving handles.

The safety and accessibility of the elliptical machine mean that almost anyone, regardless of their current fitness level or physical limitations within reasonable bounds, always consult a doctor if you have medical conditions, can effectively integrate it into their exercise regimen and reap its extensive health benefits.

Question

What is an elliptical machine?

An elliptical machine, also known as a cross-trainer, is a stationary exercise machine used to simulate stair climbing, walking, or running without causing excessive pressure to the joints, hence decreasing the risk of impact injuries.

It engages both the upper and lower body for a full-body workout.

How does an elliptical machine work?

An elliptical machine works by moving your feet in an elongated circular or elliptical motion on pedals, while your hands grasp moving handlebars.

This dual action engages your legs, arms, and core muscles, providing a low-impact cardiovascular workout.

What are the main benefits of using an elliptical machine?

The main benefits of using an elliptical machine include low-impact exercise for joint health, full-body muscle engagement, effective calorie burning for weight management, improved cardiovascular health and stamina, versatility in workout programs, enhanced balance and coordination, and its accessibility for most fitness levels.

Is an elliptical good for weight loss?
Yes, an elliptical is excellent for weight loss.

Its full-body muscle engagement allows for a high calorie burn, and its low-impact nature enables more consistent, frequent workouts, which are crucial for sustainable weight loss.

Does the elliptical work your core?

Yes, the elliptical machine engages your core muscles continuously to maintain balance and stability throughout the movement.

This dynamic engagement helps strengthen your abdominals and lower back.

Is the elliptical better than a treadmill for joints?

Yes, the elliptical is generally better than a treadmill for joint health.

It provides a low-impact workout that eliminates the jarring impact of your feet hitting the ground, which significantly reduces stress on your knees, hips, and ankles compared to running on a treadmill.

Can beginners use an elliptical machine?

Yes, beginners can absolutely use an elliptical machine.

Its intuitive movement and adjustable resistance levels make it very beginner-friendly, allowing new exercisers to gradually build fitness without excessive strain.

How many calories can you burn on an elliptical?

You can burn a significant number of calories on an elliptical, typically ranging from 270 to 400 calories in 30 minutes for an average 150-pound individual, depending on intensity, resistance, and upper body engagement.

Does the elliptical build muscle?

While primarily a cardiovascular machine, the elliptical does contribute to muscle toning and endurance.

It engages major muscle groups in your lower body quads, hamstrings, glutes, calves and upper body biceps, triceps, shoulders and core.

It won’t build significant bulk like weightlifting, but it will enhance muscle definition and stamina.

How long should I work out on an elliptical?

The ideal workout duration depends on your fitness goals, but generally, 30 to 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise, 3-5 times per week, is recommended for significant health and fitness benefits.

Can I do HIIT on an elliptical?

Yes, you can effectively perform High-Intensity Interval Training HIIT on an elliptical.

By alternating between short bursts of maximum effort and periods of lower-intensity recovery, you can significantly boost your cardiovascular fitness and calorie burn.

What muscles does the elliptical work?

The elliptical works the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves in the lower body, and the biceps, triceps, shoulders, and core in the upper body and torso, providing a comprehensive full-body workout.

Is an elliptical good for heart health?
Yes, an elliptical is excellent for heart health.

Regular use strengthens your heart muscle, improves blood circulation, lowers resting heart rate, and enhances oxygen delivery to your muscles, all contributing to improved cardiovascular fitness.

Can I use an elliptical if I have bad knees?

Yes, an elliptical is often recommended for individuals with bad knees due to its low-impact nature.

It allows for joint movement without the pounding force associated with running, making it a safer option for those with knee pain or conditions like arthritis. Always consult your doctor or physical therapist.

Does the elliptical improve balance?

Yes, using an elliptical can improve balance and coordination.

The continuous, reciprocal motion engages your proprioceptive system and core muscles, enhancing your body’s ability to sense its position and stabilize itself.

What is the difference between an elliptical and a stair climber?

While both engage the lower body, an elliptical provides a more elongated, gliding motion that also engages the upper body, mimicking running or walking.

A stair climber focuses purely on the stepping motion, primarily targeting the glutes and quads for a more intense lower-body workout.

Can you use an elliptical backwards?
Yes, you can use an elliptical backwards.

Pedaling in reverse targets different muscle groups, particularly emphasizing the hamstrings and glutes in new ways, and adds variety to your workout.

How often should I use an elliptical?

For general health and fitness, aiming for 3-5 sessions per week on the elliptical is a good target.

For weight loss or more specific fitness goals, you might aim for 4-6 sessions, varying intensity and duration.

Are ellipticals good for home gyms?
Yes, ellipticals are excellent for home gyms.

Many models are relatively space-efficient, some even foldable, and they offer the convenience of a full-body, low-impact cardio workout without needing a gym membership.

What are some popular elliptical brands?

Some popular and reputable elliptical brands include NordicTrack, Sole, Bowflex, Schwinn, Horizon Fitness, and ProForm.

Do I need special shoes for an elliptical?

No, you don’t typically need special shoes for an elliptical.

Comfortable athletic shoes with good support are usually sufficient.

Avoid shoes with excessive cushioning or those designed specifically for running, as they might feel less stable on the pedals.

Can I watch TV while on an elliptical?

Yes, many people enjoy watching TV, listening to podcast, or catching up on podcasts while on an elliptical.

Its smooth, rhythmic motion makes it ideal for multitasking, which can help pass the time and make workouts more enjoyable.

How do I choose the right elliptical for me?

Choosing the right elliptical involves considering factors like your budget, available space, desired features e.g., incline, interactive programs, user weight capacity, stride length, and flywheel weight heavier flywheels generally provide a smoother ride. Reading reviews and trying models if possible are also helpful.

What is the benefit of a heavier flywheel on an elliptical?

A heavier flywheel on an elliptical generally provides a smoother, more consistent, and more natural pedaling motion.

It also allows for higher resistance levels and a more stable feel, enhancing the overall workout experience.

Is it normal for an elliptical to make noise?

A well-maintained elliptical should operate relatively quietly.

Some minor noise, like a gentle hum or swishing sound, might be normal.

However, grinding, squeaking, or loud thumping noises typically indicate a need for lubrication, adjustment, or professional maintenance.

Can an elliptical help with stubborn belly fat?

Yes, an elliptical can help reduce stubborn belly fat as part of an overall weight loss strategy.

By burning calories and creating a calorie deficit, it contributes to overall fat loss, including visceral fat belly fat. Spot reduction, however, is not possible.

What’s the best way to get a full-body workout on an elliptical?

To get a full-body workout on an elliptical, ensure you actively push and pull the moving handlebars throughout your session.

Incorporate varied resistance and incline levels, and try to engage your core by maintaining an upright posture.

Can an elliptical improve my running performance?

Yes, an elliptical can improve your running performance.

It allows you to build cardiovascular endurance, leg strength, and stamina without the impact of running, serving as an excellent cross-training tool that can help prevent overuse injuries.

What is the proper form on an elliptical?

Proper form on an elliptical involves keeping your back straight, head up, shoulders relaxed, and engaging your core.

Your feet should remain flat on the pedals, and you should actively push and pull the handlebars rather than just leaning.

Avoid slouching or gripping the handlebars too tightly.

How often should I clean my elliptical?

You should wipe down your elliptical after each use to prevent sweat buildup.

A deeper cleaning of the frame and rails can be done weekly or bi-weekly.

Check bolts and pivot points monthly for tightness and lubricate as recommended by the manufacturer to ensure smooth operation and longevity.