What Muscles Does An Elliptical Machine Work?

What Muscles Does an Elliptical Machine Work?

Mar 11, 2011 | By Kevin Rail

Quads

To use an elliptical machine, you have to stand on a platform that glides back and forth in an oscillating fashion while holding on to handles that also move back and forth. These machines are safe for most people to use, as they do not impact the joints. The machines offer aerobic benefits and work various muscles on the body, such as the four-part muscle group called the quadriceps that are located on the front of the thighs. These muscles are engaged every time you extend your knees.

Back Side Muscles

The hamstrings are muscles on the upper back part of the leg; they are the opposing muscles of the quadriceps, and are engaged when the heel goes up in the air. The gluteals are the muscles of the butt. They are also being worked when the leg is kicking backward and you are digging down and hard. Both of these muscles can be worked harder by increasing the resistance on the elliptical machine.

Calves

The calves are a major muscle group involved with lifting the heels off the floor. This can be seen when reaching for something high or when jumping in the air. They are located on the back of the lower leg, and are being worked on the elliptical every time the ankle flexes and extends.

Shins

The tibia and the fibula are two bones in the bottom of the lower leg. Across the front of the tibia lies a muscle called the tibialis anterior. In similar fashion to the calves, these muscles are working on the elliptical when the ankle is flexing and extending (the foot going from a pointed up position to a pointed down position).

Arms

Holding on to an elliptical machine's moving handles will work your chest, back, triceps, biceps and even shoulders all at the same time. The intensity can be increased by raising the resistance on the machine.

Core

The muscles of the core include the lower abs, upper abs, hip flexors, obliques and lower back muscles. While you are working out on an elliptical machine, these muscles get called into play to stabilize your body; they are also being worked when you are pulling and pushing the handles.