1. Go Easy
Ellipticals are a great choice when it comes to cardio and exercising your lower body, including your calves, because it's easy on your joints. It offers the same benefits as running without the stress of pounding your feet on the pavement. Your heart rate goes up, you feel the burn through your calves and thighs, but it's a smooth, low-impact exercise.
2. Be Focused
If you're looking to tone your calves, focus on your calves during the elliptical workout. Because elliptical machines work your entire body, you have some control over which part gets the best workout--upper body or lower body. If you want your arms and shoulders to reap the benefits, concentrate on pulling and pushing the handles. To work your calves, though, grip onto the handle bar and put your energy into pushing your legs.
3. Dress Up and Hop On
Even though the elliptical may sit in your living room, don't use it in your stocking feet. Wear comfortable athletic shoes and workout clothes. Stretch out your muscles first to prevent injury. Specifically, do some calf raises to make sure that area is warmed up. Step into each foot pad and place your hands on the arm handles or hand grips. Push down with one leg, then the other. Pretend that you're running or riding a bike. The rhythm is a combination of running, cross country skiing and riding a bike. You'll get into a rhythm soon after starting and your feet will be moving in an oval pattern.
4. Program Your Way to Tone Calves
You can program some elliptical machines. Like treadmills, they offer several different courses which focus on toning certain muscle groups. Enter the information in the machine, stating that you want to tone your calves. It will tell you which course to take to achieve just that. Instead of moving the elliptical trainer forward, for instance, you may use a backward motion to target your calves. Drive with your heels as you move the pedals backward, alternating to the balls of your feet.
5. Keep a Journal
Write down how long you use the elliptical in a forward motion and backward motion. Each week, add 15 to 20 seconds to the backward time to increase the pressure on your calves. Try your hardest to jump on the elliptical machine every other day. You'll see the best results.
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