Elliptical Machine Benefits
Elliptical machines offer multiple benefits.
They operate with fluid movement and provide alow-impactworkout.
Elliptical trainers may protect against making a previous injury worse, as well ashelpprevent injuries.
Sasha Shtepo / Getty Images
This feature allows for anupper-bodyand arm workout, too, by mimickingwalking, or trekking, poles.
This includes thehamstrings,glutes, quadriceps, and calves.
All three muscle groups may be utilized in one elliptical session if desired.
As treadmill running is a high-impact exercise, it may support bone health better than elliptical training.
Builds Lower-Body Strength
Research suggests that treadmills impact the body in similar ways as running.
This means that they’re ideal for buildinglower-body strengthas these muscles are needed to provide stability during the exercise.
Some of the most commonathletic injuriesrelated to running areshin splints,stress fractures, and knee injuries.
Treadmills generally lack this feature.
For example, an elliptical machine provides a low-impact workout ideal for people with injuries or joint issues.
2021;31(2):135-142. doi:10.1123/ijsnem.2020-0155
Arthritis Foundation.Elliptical machines go easy on your joints.
2008;2008:727-30. doi:10.1109/IEMBS.2008.4649255
Sozen H.Comparison of muscle activation during elliptical trainer, treadmill and bike exercise.Biol Sport.
Hospital for Special Surgery.Elliptical benefits: advice from an exercise physiologist.
MedlinePlus.Health risks of an inactive lifestyle.
International Sports Sciences Association.Treadmill running vs outdoor running: find your ideal run.
2022;10:e13791.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-over studies.Sports Med.
2014;20(4):281-5. doi:10.1136/injuryprev-2013-040833
Yale Medicine.Running injuries.
MedlinePlus.Warming up and cooling down.
American Council on Exercise.5 essential tips for improving running form.
Association for Applied Sports Psychology.Exercise adherence tips.
