Elliptical Trainer
An intermediate cardio exercise that works the quads, using a machine.
Starting position
End position
How to Do Elliptical Trainer
- To begin, step onto the elliptical and select the desired option from the menu. Most ellipticals have a manual setting, or you can select a program to run. Typically, you can enter your age and weight to estimate the amount of calories burned during exercise. Elevation can be adjusted to change the intensity of the workout.
- The handles can be used to monitor your heart rate to help you stay at an appropriate intensity.
Muscles Worked
Alternatives to Elliptical Trainer
10 movements that train the same primary muscle, closest substitutes first — same kind of training, then variations of the movement itself, then a similar difficulty.
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1
Skating
An intermediate cardio exercise that works the quads.
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2
Rope Jumping
An intermediate cardio exercise that works the quads.
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3
Rowing, Stationary
An intermediate cardio exercise that works the quads, using a machine.
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4
Stairmaster
An intermediate cardio exercise that works the quads, using a machine.
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5
Step Mill
An intermediate cardio exercise that works the quads, using a machine.
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6
Bicycling
A beginner cardio exercise that works the quads.
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7
Trail Running/Walking
A beginner cardio exercise that works the quads.
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8
Bicycling, Stationary
A beginner cardio exercise that works the quads, using a machine.
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9
Recumbent Bike
A beginner cardio exercise that works the quads, using a machine.
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10
Running, Treadmill
A beginner cardio exercise that works the quads, using a machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What muscles do elliptical trainer work?
Elliptical Trainer primarily works the quads. The calves, glutes and hamstrings assist as secondary muscles.
What equipment do I need for elliptical trainer?
Elliptical Trainer uses machines.
Elliptical Trainer: is it suitable for beginners?
Elliptical Trainer is rated intermediate. Movements that assume you already own the basic pattern and are ready to load it.
What can I do instead of elliptical trainer?
Skating, Rope Jumping, Rowing, Stationary train the same primary muscles and are listed with 7 more alternatives above.
How do I log elliptical trainer in Fitnit?
As a duration. Fitnit logs the session length and counts it toward your weekly activity alongside your strength work.
Photographs and step-by-step instructions from free-exercise-db, a public-domain exercise dataset. Muscle mapping and alternatives by Fitnit.
Track Your Elliptical Trainer with AI
Fitnit automatically tracks push-ups, crunches, squats, pull-ups, and curls with advanced body tracking technology — and you can manually input any other workout too. Start free — Pro is $8.99/month.