- Hamstrings
- Quadriceps
- Gluteus Maximus
- Triceps and Chest
- Biceps and Back
- Deep Core Muscles
- Heart
Hamstrings
These muscles are stationed at the back of your legs and are one of the biggest muscle groups in your lower body. They help with flexing movements. When you’re on the elliptical, you’ll be simulating a climbing or running movement. If you really want to target your hamstrings, increase the incline on your machine or move in reverse.
Quadriceps
These muscles are stationed at the front of your thighs and are also one of the biggest muscle groups in your body. They help with extending movements. Although you might not be as sore the next day in your quads than in your hamstrings, you’re still working them!
Gluteus Maximus
An elliptical is a fantastic machine for working your butt. Since there is a lot of extension, targeting the hamstrings and the glutes, then you know you’ll feel the burn during your workout. The more you incline, the more you’ll feel it.
Triceps and Chest
The great thing about the elliptical is that it works the entire body out—including your upper body. These upper body levers target your triceps when you have to push the levers away from you. The chest and triceps work together to push it away. But of course, in spite of all the advantages of ellipticals, power towers are more effective in working through chest and triceps muscles.
Biceps and Back
You’ll be working your biceps and back when pulling the levers back towards you. If you are going in reverse mode, you’ll activate them even more! However, if you really want to have a broad back, you should choose a rowing machine instead, especially when we compiled a list of great budget-friendly variants.
Core Muscles
If you attempt—after a little while (not as a beginner) to work on the elliptical machine without the use of your arms, you’ll be working on your balance! Your core will be kicked into high gear by trying to keep you upright.
Heart
Since the elliptical promotes cardiovascular and aerobic exercise, you’ll be definitely working your heart—one of the most important muscles.
Features to consider while choosing an elliptical trainer
Since there are so, so many different kinds of elliptical trainers out there, we understand that it can be a bit difficult when trying to choose which one is the best—not only for you but possibly your entire family!
To help you compare one elliptical trainer with another, we think it’s important that you take a look at each feature and make sure that it has the ones that best suit you, your training, and your lifestyle. Especially since it’s a home trainer, it needs to first and foremost—fit in your home!
Size
As we just mentioned, the size of an elliptical trainer is extremely important. If you can’t get it in your home, then how can you jump on it and work out?
Not only should you pay special attention to the size because it’s important, but you should also make sure it is the right one because the dimensions of the elliptical trainers across the board vary so much—one from another. The Cubii Jr: Desk Elliptical is the optimal travel elliptical that can be stored easily.
Normally, you’ll be looking at elliptical trainers that are from 4 feet to 6 feet in length, and 4 feet to 5 feet in height. If you’re going to be moving them before and after your workout, you’ll also want to make sure they have transport wheels or are easy to move.
We recommend measuring out the space you have set for your elliptical and compare with the measurements of the product.
Resistance levels
This is also an important feature because you need to be challenged while you work out! When looking at ellipticals, we recommend choosing one that has variable magnetic resistance or an eddy current brake system. You can easily adjust this type—even while in motion!
Programs
Especially if you have a history of falling off the wagon when it comes to your fitness regimen, having a variety of different programs will help you stick to your workouts. Each program set usually focuses on a specific goal, like fat-burning, weight loss, heart, hill climbing, and fitness tests.
Weight limitation
This can be a difficult situation if you’re a bit on the heavier side and are looking for an elliptical machine. It’s best to go for a higher maximum weight—to be on the safe side (even if you plan on losing the weight quickly). Having a close-call with the weight limit can lead to vibrations, balance issues, and breakdowns while you’re working out. Most of the ones featured here, like the Stamina InMotion Compact Strider have a limit of 250 lbs.
Motion
To not only make each workout different but to work different muscles, you should get an elliptical that has a reverse mode.
Condition monitoring systems
One of the most important and sought-out monitoring with an elliptical machine is the heart rate monitor. Some machines even have a wireless one with a chest strap while others have the normal, handgrip pulse sensors. It is important to keep an eye on your heart rate for health reasons and staying in your target training zone.
Noise levels
Especially if you’re planning on working out in the early morning, you’ll need an elliptical that stays quiet while in motion. Also, normally, a low sound level means better quality.
Stride Length
It’s important to have the proper stride length in your elliptical trainer for you. Normally, you should get one with a length measuring between 19″ and 21″. If you’re on the shorter side, aim for the 14-inch stride. If you’re taller, get over 21 inches instead.
Incline
As we mentioned before with activating the hamstrings, an adjustable incline ramp can, overall, increase the difficulty of your workout.
Material
Comfort is also important while you’re working out! Oversized pedals on an elliptical can help you avoid numbing in your toes and feet. You should also aim to get adjustable pedals to help accommodate all the members of your family. You can also get angle adjustable pedals, that help adapt to the cycle of your stride. This will make your workout the most comfortable.
At the same time, if you want to look through more durable options, and you are sure you can afford it, try looking through a little bit more expensive ellipticals with a wider range of features.
LCD Display
Who doesn’t love technology? However, some machines can be really difficult to use when all you’re looking to do is work out—especially if you just want to find the “quick start” button. Make sure you know a little about the display before buying the machine so you won’t be overwhelmed by it all. The Cubii Jr: Desk Elliptical has a great, easy-to-use display.
Warranty
Just like with every electronic machine, you need a warranty to back it up. For example, the ProForm 150i has a 5-year warranty that can last through every single one of your New Year’s Resolution fitness binges.
