An elliptical trainer, also known as a ‘cross trainer’, ‘elliptical cross trainer’ or just ‘elliptical’ is a cardiovascular machine designed to replicate the upper and lower body motions of walking, jogging and running while keeping the pressure off your joints.
Elliptical machines provide a full-body, low-impact workout, making them a top choice for home fitness. Whether you’re aiming to burn calories, improve endurance, or protect your joints, this guide will help you choose the best elliptical machine for your goals.
Why Choose an Elliptical Machine?
Ellipticals offer a joint-friendly alternative to running while delivering high-calorie burn and cardiovascular benefits.
Key Benefits:
- Low-Impact Training – Protects joints while improving cardiovascular health.
- Full-Body Workout – Engages legs, core, and upper body.
- High-Calorie Burn – Helps with weight loss and fat reduction.
- Versatile Training – Suitable for HIIT, endurance, and recovery workouts.
- Compact & Home-Friendly – Quiet operation and space-saving designs available.
How Elliptical Machines Improve Your Health
Using an elliptical regularly offers a range of health benefits, making it a great option for people of all fitness levels.
- Boosts Cardiovascular Health – Strengthens the heart and improves circulation.
- Increases Calorie Burn – Supports weight loss and fat metabolism.
- Strengthens Lower Body – Targets quads, hamstrings, and glutes.
- Reduces Joint Impact – Ideal for people with knee or back issues.
- Supports Injury Recovery – Provides a safe, controlled motion for rehab workouts.
Choosing the Right Elliptical Machine
Selecting the right elliptical depends on your fitness goals, space, and budget.
Step 1: Define Your Goals
- Weight Loss? Look for high incline and resistance levels.
- Low-Impact Cardio? Prioritize smooth motion and joint-friendly features.
- Strength & Endurance? Choose a model with resistance variations.
Step 2: Consider Space & Storage
- Compact homes? Foldable or front-drive models are ideal.
- Plenty of space? A rear-drive elliptical offers a more natural stride.
Step 3: Set a Budget
- Entry-Level (£200-£500): Great for beginners, basic features.
- Mid-Range (£500-£1,000): More programs, incline, and durability.
- Premium (£1,000+): Advanced tracking, touchscreen displays, and smooth performance.
Step 4: Test Different Features
- Stride Length – Longer strides feel more natural for taller users.
- Incline & Resistance – Adjustable levels enhance training variety.
- Flywheel Weight – Heavier flywheels ensure smoother motion.
Types of Elliptical Machines
There are three main types of elliptical trainers, each catering to different workout needs.
Front-Drive Ellipticals
Key Benefit: Compact and budget-friendly.
Best For: Small spaces and home use.
Rear-Drive Ellipticals
Key Benefit: Smoothest, most natural stride motion.
Best For: Long-term durability and frequent use.
Center-Drive Ellipticals
Key Benefit: Balanced motion, ideal for joint-friendly workouts.
Best For: Injury recovery and low-impact fitness.
Comparing Different Elliptical Models
Different models have unique features and benefits based on workout goals and available space.
Cross-Trainers with Incline
Key Benefit: Strengthens glutes and legs through incline settings.
Best For: Intense lower-body conditioning.
Compact Ellipticals
Key Benefit: Saves space without sacrificing performance.
Best For: Small apartments, busy professionals.
Ellipticals with Interactive Screens
Key Benefit: Live classes, fitness tracking, and entertainment.
Best For: Motivated users who love guided workouts.
Types of Elliptical
Pro-Form cross trainer
Pro-Form cross-trainers predominantly come with a front-drive motor. This makes them suitable for anyone seeking a slightly greater level of resistance or wanting to use it like a stepper as well as a cross-trainer. They are also ideal for people with mobility issues.
Viavito cross trainer
Viavito generally produces quite basic yet effective machines for an affordable price. They are ideal for newer users or those shopping on a budget.
NordicTrack cross trainer
NordicTrack produces a variety of high-end machines, with varying drives, resistances and programs. They are best suited for experienced users and those who are looking for something very specific.
How to Incorporate an Elliptical into Your Workouts
Ellipticals can be used in different training styles for optimal fitness benefits.
Weight Loss & Fat Burn
✅ Use HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) to maximize calorie burn.
✅ Alternate resistance and incline levels for variety.
Strength & Endurance Training
✅ Focus on higher resistance settings for muscle engagement.
✅ Engage arms with moving handlebars for a full-body workout.
Low-Impact Recovery Workouts
✅ Maintain a steady pace at moderate resistance.
✅ Focus on smooth, controlled movements.
Cardiovascular Endurance
✅ Perform steady-state workouts for 30-45 minutes.
✅ Train at 60-75% of max heart rate for endurance improvements.
Final Thoughts
Elliptical machines offer a low-impact, full-body workout solution for all fitness levels. Whether your goal is weight loss, endurance training, or joint-friendly exercise, investing in the right elliptical can enhance your fitness journey.
Ready to take your fitness to the next level? Explore our full range of ellipticals today!
