We all know that cardiovascular training plays a crucial role in a well-rounded workout routine, especially when it comes to maximizing heart health. But what if traditional types of cardio—walking, running, or biking—just isn’t accessible for your body? Or you’re looking for aerobic exercise that gives your knees a break? Enter: the recumbent elliptical! This amazing piece of equipment works your full body but is also low-impact and gentle on your joints. Essentially, it offers an effective workout that targets your upper and lower body, while minimizing the stress of higher-impact activities. Here are 5 reasons why adding a recumbent elliptical to your workout split will leave you feeling refreshed and stronger than ever!
1. Low-Impact but High-Intensity
High-impact activities, like HIIT or running, are great methods of cardiovascular training, but for many people it can also be unforgiving when it comes to joint and muscular health. If you’ve ever been sidelined with a knee, hip, or low-back injury you know exactly how infuriating this can be.
Luckily, you don’t have to train your cardiovascular system at the expense of your joint health. Using seated cardio equipment, like a recumbent elliptical, can provide amazing cardiovascular training and calorie-burning exercise, while simultaneously keeping your muscles and joints healthy. Keep in mind that low impact doesn’t necessarily mean low intensity, so don’t be deterred by thinking the recumbent elliptical is “too easy.” You can still get some amazing heart-pounding and muscle-pumping workouts while being mindful of the impact level and how it’s affecting your body.
2. Full-Body Burn
This is a unique perk of the recumbent elliptical! Just like its standing counterpart, the recumbent elliptical has moving, full-motion arms that allow you to work your upper and lower body together. This is a fantastic way to condition muscle groups in your upper and lower body and add intensity to your workout.
If you’re looking for a more targeted approach to your training, you can use the arms and legs separately, depending on what you want to focus on. If you’re recovering from a lower-body injury and are trying to find ways to get your cardio in, this is the perfect solution! Get your heart rate up by using the arms independently, and letting your legs rest. If your upper body needs a break but you still want to crush leg day, you’ve got that covered too.
3. Boosts Recovery
With exercise and challenge, there should also come rest and recovery. Active recovery (i.e., light walking, stretching, restorative yoga, etc.) is an effective way to give your tired muscles some TLC without being completely sedentary. Dial the resistance down on your recumbent elliptical and get your blood circulating while also giving your body a much needed break.
If you’re recovering from an injury, or maybe just starting to dip your toes in the waters of fitness, the recumbent elliptical can help you build up your strength and endurance and prepare you to take on more challenging exercise once you are fully recovered.
4. Builds Endurance and Cardiovascular Health
Sustained bouts of cardiovascular exercise help improve heart health and function, increasing your overall health span. The convenience of having a recumbent elliptical in your home makes it easier to get that cardiovascular training in.
Additionally, as mentioned above, if you are new to exercise this machine is the perfect starting point to use as a stepping stone to other types of exercise that might require more stamina. Target Zone 2 training by exercising long and slow, or bring the heat with some shorter, fast-paced intervals. Either way, you’re doing something positive for your heart health!
5. Supportive on Your Low Back
Many of us suffer from low back pain and often stay away from exercise for fear of exacerbating the problem. However, exercise is one of the best things you can do for low back pain or injury! You just have to find a method that works for your body. Recumbent ellipticals are one solution to this problem, as the cushioned seat and supported backrest can help stabilize your spine and keep you pain free as you exercise.
Which Recumbent Elliptical is Right for Me?
Picking the right machine can be overwhelming, but we’ve got you covered. Find the right machine for your workout goals and start exercising in comfort!
1. Performance Interactive Series Recumbent Elliptical (SF-RBE420035)
Our Performance Interactive Series Recumbent Elliptical is designed for low-impact and comfortable workouts, featuring a large, cushioned, and easily adjustable seat. The easy on-off design provides a simple, hassle-free transition from start to finish. With minimal obstruction between the handlebars and the seat, you can step through your machine and sit down safely before starting your workout. Customize your workout experience by using the moveable handlebars and foot pedals for full-body exercise, or focus on specific muscle groups by using the handles and foot pedals independently for a targeted upper or lower body burn. Adjust the 8 levels of smooth magnetic resistance to deliver a full-body workout while still being gentle on your joints. Use the pulse sensors to get accurate heart rate readings during your workout, as the digital monitor displays your current workout progress. Enjoy staying connected with the SunnyFit® community and sync your elliptical to the SunnyFit® app where you can track your progress, set goals, access personalized workout plans, and compete with other users to get to the top of the leaderboard.
Why you want this machine: If you’re looking for a recumbent elliptical that won’t break the bank, has a minimalistic design, and is easy to use, this is the one for you!
2. Elite Series Exercise Recumbent Elliptical (SF-RBE420049)
Our Elite Series Exercise Recumbent Elliptical has a contoured mesh back and is a full-body recumbent seated elliptical, designed for optimal comfort, relief, and low-impact workouts. The wide-set foot pedals combined with the sweat resistant and adjustable handlebars provide a full-body workout. If you prefer, have a more focused workout by using the handles or foot pedals independently. 12 levels of magnetic tension allow you to take direct control of your workouts. The pulse sensor gives you accurate heart rate readings during your workout and the digital monitor displays your current workout progress. Sync to the SunnyFit® app where you can track your progress, set goals, access personalized workout plans, and compete with other users to get to the top of the leaderboard. Recover properly and comfortably with the Elite Interactive Series Recumbent Elliptical.
Why you want this machine: If you like the simplicity of the Performance Interactive Series but need just a tad more resistance and challenge, this is the one for you!
3. Smart Recumbent Elliptical Cross Trainer (SF-RBE4886SMART)
Our premium quality Smart Recumbent Elliptical Cross Trainer features a contoured mesh back and cushioned seat, designed for optimal comfort and low-impact workouts. With 16 levels of electromagnetic resistance, you have a range of resistance options that allow you to exercise at the intensity level right for you. Enjoy a variety of workouts with the 12 pre-programmed workouts and 4 customizable user programs for a unique workout experience each time you use your machine. If you need a rest day, dial down your resistance and use the Smart Recumbent Elliptical Cross Trainer for a low-impact recovery tool to keep your muscles and joints feeling good. The wide-set foot pedals combined with the sweat-resistant and adjustable, moveable handlebars deliver a comprehensive, full-body workout. Have a more focused workout by using the handles and foot pedals independently for a targeted upper or lower body burn. Use the pulse sensors to get accurate heart rate readings during your workout, as the digital monitor displays your current workout progress. Sync to the SunnyFit® app where you can join our community, track your progress, set goals, access personalized workout plans, and compete with other users to get to the top of the leaderboard.
Why you want this machine: If you’re looking for a high-end workout experience, with dialed-in workout programs, and Smart Bluetooth connectivity to the SunnyFit® app, this is the one for you!
Overall, a recumbent elliptical is a great option for anyone who wants a low-impact, full-body workout that's comfortable and effective. Add variety to your cardio training, keep your joints happy, or use it as a recovery tool. Whether you're recovering from an injury, looking for a new way to exercise, or just want to mix up your routine, a recumbent elliptical can help you reach your fitness goals.
