Cardio
Low-Impact, High-Reward: Elliptical Training
Quick Answer: The elliptical is a low-impact cardio machine that mimics running without the joint stress. It works both upper and lower body while burning significant calories.
Difficulty
Beginner
Calories/Min
7-12
Equipment
Elliptical machine
Muscles
Quadriceps, Hamstrings
Move
Your daily movement app
Elliptical Workouts: Maximize Your Machine
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To begin, step onto the elliptical and select the desired option from the menu. Most ellipticals have a manual setting, or you can select a program to run. Typically, you can enter your age and weight to estimate the amount of calories burned during exercise. Elevation can be adjusted to change the intensity of the workout.
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The handles can be used to monitor your heart rate to help you stay at an appropriate intensity.
Exercise Form
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Benefits of Elliptical
- ✓Low impact—easy on joints
- ✓Works upper and lower body simultaneously
- ✓Burns comparable calories to running
- ✓Customizable resistance and incline
- ✓Reverse motion targets different muscles
Pro Tips
- 💡Use moving handles for full-body workout
- 💡Try pedaling backward for variety
- 💡Increase resistance for more challenge
- 💡Track your sessions with Move
Common Mistakes to Avoid
✗Leaning on handles and reducing effort
✗Setting resistance too low
✗Hunching shoulders forward
✗Going too fast with poor form
Elliptical Variations
Forward pedaling
Reverse pedaling
High resistance intervals
Arms-only focus
Track Your Elliptical with Move
Get personalized workout plans, AI coaching, and earn real rewards for every workout. Download Move and start building your elliptical routine today.