How To Use the Elliptical Trainer

By Elizabeth Quinn, About.com Guide Updated January 25, 2008

The elliptical trainer has become one of the most popular pieces of equipment in health clubs and in some home gyms. This item combines the movements of a stair stepper, a bicycle and cross-country ski machine. The unique design has your legs moving in an oval (elliptical) pattern while your arms move handles back and forth for a full body workout. This low-impact machine is gentle on the joints, especially the knees and quite simple to use.

Time Required: 5 minutes

Here's How:

1. Always start your workout with a gradual warm up.
2. Ask for an orientation from a trainer the first time you try the machine. Keep in mind that all machines are a bit different and if you are not comfortable with the controls, it's helpful to get some tips before you start.
3. It mean seem silly, but take a minute to actually read the instructions on the machine's front console. The instructions provide simple step-by-step directions on the use of that particular machine
4. Step onto the machine facing the console. Typically, nothing will happen until you start pedaling and turn on the machine.
5. To turn on the monitor, start pedaling by pushing the pedals in a forward motion with your feet and pushing and pulling on the handles evenly.
6. Following the instructions on the display to select one of the preset programs or you can simply choose manual and set your own workout.
7. Pedaling in a forward motion is recommended because it's easier to balance, it simulates real movements and is not as tough on the knees as backward pedaling.
8. You can increase or decrease the pedaling resistance during your workout by hitting the up and down arrows.
9. Most elliptical trainers have a heart monitor function in the handles that you can use to gauge your workout intensity.
10. Stand upright on the machine and do not lean forward or backward. You should be able to balance without leaning the handles for support.
11. Avoid gripping the handles too tightly.
12. Look straight ahead.
13. If at any point during your workout you start to feel faint or feel pain, slow down or stop completely.
14. Before stepping off of the elliptical, make sure that it has fully stopped.

Tips:

1. Studies show that elliptical trainers provide the same cardiovascular benefits as running but have far lower impact to the joints. This is ideal for those with joint pain, such as arthritis.
2. Keep in mind that you need some higher impact exercise to build strong bones and help prevent osteoporosis. So if you use the elliptical trainer exclusively, you may want to think about adding some weight training or other weight-bearing exercises to your weekly workouts.
3. Elliptical trainers don't require much from us in the way of proprioception or balance, and they don't really simulate any "real world" activity, so if you want to improve your fitness for daily living, you should consider adding some more functional fitness training into your workouts.