An elliptical trainer offers an ideal way to get a high-quality cardiovascular workout without the harsh impact on joints and muscles that running can often cause. Moving handles give you a low-impact upper body workout, and a variety of settings, intensities and programs keep your workout exciting and effective. If you've never been on an elliptical trainer before, you'll notice that you'll need to balance carefully to get on the elliptical safely. Once you've gotten on the elliptical trainer, it's smooth sailing to a better body.
Step 1
Stand behind the elliptical trainer so that the machine is directly in front of you. Position your body between the stationary rails. Grip them tightly and carefully step your left foot onto the machine. You'll notice that any movement on the food pads will cause the trainer to rotate.
Step 2
Push down with your left foot until the right foot pad comes close to you. Hold onto the stationary rails and use them to balance yourself as you step your right foot onto the foot pad so you are on the elliptical trainer. Rotate your pedals so that your feet are side by side.
Step 3
Turn the elliptical trainer on, if it hasn't done so automatically. Choose your weight, your height and your age if the machine asks for it. This will help the machine to determine what type of program is right for you, as well as to calculate the amount of calories you burn through the workout. Choose the program that you want by using the keypad. Most elliptical trainers feature an endurance workout, a random workout or a choice to allow you to make your own program by dialing in the level of intensity, incline and time limit.
Step 4
Press start to begin your program and begin transferring the weight from your left foot to your right foot to rotate the foot pads on the elliptical trainer. It may feel like you're pedaling a bike. Start slowly and then work up to a rhythm that feels comfortable to you, suggests SelfGrowth.com. Some ellipticals show a speed, so choose a goal speed or listen to a song that helps you keep a steady rhythm.
Step 5
Try going backward once you feel comfortable with your balance in going forward on the elliptical machine, recommends health and fitness website SparkPeople.com. Bring your legs to a complete stop so that your feet are side by side and then push your feet back ward to rotate the pedals in the opposite direction. This can help strengthen your glutes for a more well-rounded workout.
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