The elliptical machine provides an effective cardiovascular and strength training workout. It targets all major muscle groups when you use a model with movable handles. The elliptical machine works your lower body as you move your feet in a cyclical motion. You upper body gets a workout when you properly use the handles. The muscles in your torso are developed as they work in conjunction with your lower body.
Core
The motion similar to running simulated by exercising on the elliptical machine develops your core muscles, including your obliques. Better than running, the elliptical machine is a low-impact form of exercise that allows you to continue your momentum rather than stopping the movement when your foot hits the ground.
Butt
The elliptical machine works to tone your butt muscles, or your glutes. While moving your legs to rotate the foot beds in a forward motion, shift your weight toward your heels instead of your toes to really work this area -- especially when the program simulates going uphill or when you increase the resistance.
Thighs
Work your quadriceps and hamstrings as you perform the cyclical motion required to exercise on the elliptical machine. Program the machine to provide resistance as if you are moving up and down a hill to work your thigh muscles. Going uphill provides more resistance to target your quadriceps; switching to the downhill motion targets your hamstrings. Keep your shoulders parallel to the front of the machine to ensure your quadriceps muscles are working as hard as they can.
Calves
Work your calf muscles while going forward or backward on the elliptical machine. To tone your calves with a backward motion, move your feet in a circle that goes toward the back wall instead of the front. To get started with the backwards motion, start your leg motion by pressing into the foot beds with your heels instead of your toes.
Upper Body
Elliptical machines equipped with moving handles that resemble ski poles work your upper body, too. Take full advantage of the handles and use them as more than support to keep your balance during your workout. Consciously exert effort to pull and push the handles as you move your feet. Using the handles in this manner targets your shoulders, chest, upper arms and forearms.
Member Comments