Tips for Using the Elliptical Trainer

The elliptical has become one of the most popular pieces of workout equipment. The combined motion of a stair stepper, bicycle, and a ski machine makes for a great full-body workout. Ellipticals are also a fan favorite because they are user-friendly and low impact. Here are some essential aspects to remember so you can get the most out of your elliptical training and avoid injury.

  1. Stand up straight: good posture helps minimize strain and the possibility of potential injury. Also, make sure to pay attention to your shoulders; they should be down and back, not tense and at your ears.
  2. Hold the handles: holding onto the handles to brings your upper body into the workout.
  3. Do not stand on your toes: Standing on your toes or the balls of your feet can add extra stress to your knees, setting you up for pain and injuries.
  4. Increase the incline: Increasing the incline mimics the effort it would take to run up a slope, which means more of a glute workout for you! You don’t have to keep your elliptical on a high incline the entire workout, but manually adjust as needed.