5 Elliptical Trainer Advantages (+Drawbacks)

3 min readNov 28, 2021

Elliptical machines are popular in both households and health clubs. Elliptical machines provide a low-impact workout that works both your upper and lower body.

Elliptical trainers are especially popular among the baby boomer generation. They are not only gentle on aging joints, but they also provide an excellent cardiovascular workout, which aids in weight loss by burning calories. If you’ve never used one of these devices before, there are a few compelling reasons to do so.

Consider these advantages of utilizing an elliptical machine. Keep in mind that there are a variety of elliptical brands and models to choose from. Each machine has its own set of advantages.

1. Can Help You Lose Weight

For weight loss, an elliptical machine or trainer is ideal. Depending on your current weight and elliptical pace, it burns between 150 and 400 calories in 30 minutes.
When you utilize an elliptical machine for exercise, you exert less effort. As a result, you’ll have enough energy left over after your 30-minute elliptical workout to do a couple of extra fat-burning workouts.

2. Low-Intensity Exercise

Elliptical training is a low-impact workout. It’s mild on the knees and ideal for the elderly and those recovering from knee injuries, osteoporosis, ankle injuries, and knee arthritis (1).

Treadmill walking or running is a high-impact workout that might induce an injury or aggravate an existing one. If you want to burn calories without getting hurt, opt for elliptical machines.

3. Lower Body Is Targeted

The leg muscles are targeted by the elliptical machines’ pedaling or stair-climbing activity. Quadriceps, hamstrings, hip flexors, glutes, and calves are all affected.
This is why elliptical machine workouts are so effective in burning fat in the lower body, such as the lower tummy, hips, and thighs.

4. Workout Program That Is Fun

It’s a fun workout because of the alternate, rhythmic movement of the legs and arms. It is not high-impact, yet it burns a lot of calories and aids in weight loss. While on the elliptical, you can listen to music, listen to a podcast, or even watch a show or a sport.

5. Low Maintenance

One advantage of an elliptical over a treadmill is that it requires less maintenance. An elliptical trainer is less likely to require service because to the low-impact elliptical action and fewer moving parts. There’s no need to be concerned about belts, motors, rollers, or bearings catching fire.

Drawbacks

Is there a disadvantage to using an elliptical machine? Yes, some people find the dual-action elliptical exercise inconvenient and prefer to jog or stroll on a treadmill instead. Some elliptical trainer models include a preset pedal width, which can be a wider or narrower stance that feels comfortable.

Alternative: Best Shock Absorption Treadmill.

The Bottom Lines

For many people, the dual-action workout is what draws them to an elliptical machine. Get to your local workout equipment store and try out an elliptical trainer if you haven’t before.

Even better, purchase a day pass at a gym and put one through a rigorous exercise. Check to see if there is a difference. Then, before you buy an elliptical trainer, take a moment to think about what you want in a model. Find good models for your home gym by researching the top options for elliptical trainers.