Elliptical exercise machines are great additions to any home gym, offering an effective, low-impact way to burn calories and tone muscle. A full-body workout, the elliptical provides a great cardiovascular exercise, and can be used by just about anyone, regardless of age, injuries, or level of fitness. Read on to learn more about the benefits of elliptical exercise machines.

Cardiovascular Workout:

The elliptical machines provide an efficient way to get your heart pumping. By setting the pedals to your own resistance, you can tailor your workout and switch up the intensity to keep things interesting. The low-impact nature of the elliptical has also been proven to reduce the risk of over-stressing the joints, compared to other high impact activities such as running.

Whole-Body Workout:

Perhaps the greatest benefit of using an elliptical is that it works the entire body simultaneously. Your arms, legs, and core muscles all work together to complete the movement, which not only burns more calories, but also tones all of the muscles. The great thing about the elliptical is that each pedal move will make your legs push back against the machine, working to tone your hamstrings, quadriceps, and glutes.

Low Cost and Easy to Use:

Most ellipticals require minimal maintenance, as there are very few moving parts, so you won’t have to worry about it running poorly or breaking down over time. They are also generally quite affordable—you can find machines that range from a few hundred dollars to the thousands. Plus, they are very easy to use and take up minimal floor space, making them ideal for small home gyms.

Increased Coordination:

Using an elliptical isn’t just about burning calories and toning muscles; it also increases eye-hand coordination and improves your overall balance. You’ll feel your body getting used to the machine quickly, as you make micro-adjustments with your arms and legs to keep the machine going. These subtle tweaks to your balance and overall strength can help you avoid injury and maximize your overall fitness.

Overall, elliptical exercise machines are great way to get a full-body workout with minimal strain on your muscles and joints. Whether you’re looking to tone up or just increase your overall cardiovascular health, using an elliptical is an effective way to do so.