Ellipticals have become a highly popular choice for cardiovascular exercise in both gym and home gym settings. They provide an incredible cardiovascular workout, burning a significant number of calories while minimizing the impact on the joints. Ellipticals also offer a full body workout, as you engage the handlebars with your upper body, and use your legs to push against the footplates. If you’re considering adding an elliptical to your home gym, keep reading to learn the basics of how to make your elliptical workouts more effective!
Proper Elliptical Technique
When on your elliptical, it’s important to think about proper body positioning to ensure your safety and the effectiveness of your workout. There are 3 key things you should think about when it comes to proper technique while on your elliptical - hand grip, posture, and feet.
Hand Grip
Your hand grip should be right at or below shoulder height, with a full, firm grip on the handlebars. If your grip is too high, it can create a strain on your neck and shoulders.
Upright Posture
Maintain an upright posture, with a proud chest, shoulders down and back, and core engaged and tight. This posture will protect your spine during exercise while creating a strong base for your arms and legs to push and pull on the pedals and handlebars.
Feet
Ideally, your foot should remain in contact with the footplate throughout your full range of motion on your elliptical. With your foot pressed firmly on the footplate, it will take the pressure off the ankles and knees, and help to fully engage the glutes and thighs as designed.
How to Make Your Elliptical Workouts More Effective
My first recommendation to making your workouts more effective would be to find workouts to follow along to. Using workouts designed by a professional will open up the knowledge of the variety of ways to use your machine, and pointers to make future sessions even more effective. Check out a few of our favorite elliptical workouts below that you can use to follow along at home!
Give yourself grace as you go, taking time to learn the ins and outs of your machine. It’s important to remember with any new fitness journey, each workout is your workout. Listen to your body, take each session at your own pace, and enjoy your new elliptical.
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