Tips for exercising with the elliptical trainer

Finnlo Ellypsentrainer Ellypsis SX1 (Image source: © Hammer Sport AG)

We already have the exercise bike and the Cross trainers presented as fitness equipment for the home. This article is now about the elliptical trainer, which enables full-body workout and also serves to strengthen the arm, shoulder and core muscles. It is gentle on the joints and the movements you make on it are similar to those when running, walking or Nordic walking.

Above all, elliptical trainers are used for endurance and cardio training and for body fat reduction. Exercising on such a fitness machine is ideally suited for people who work a lot while sitting. Leg, buttocks and also the upper body muscles are trained at the same time during effective training. There are in specialist shops a multitude of elliptical trainers in different price categories. Therefore you should choose the device for your home carefully and according to your own needs and requirements. If you are unsure, you should get detailed advice before buying. It is particularly important that the device is resilient and can withstand a lot of weight. That is why you should pay attention to quality seals such as those from TÜV when buying.

What to watch out for when using the elliptical trainer

If you are training with the elliptical for the first time, you should start with slow movements. It is advisable not to use the arms during the first exercise units, as the elliptical movements will initially seem very unusual. To start the training, all you have to do is put your feet on the pedals and follow the specified running rhythm. It is important to have a firm footing and to start slowly.

As soon as you have got used to the motion sequence of the elliptical trainer, you can set the device to a faster speed and find out the optimal training level for you. By moving slightly forwards or backwards, you can finally determine the ideal training position. Once you have gained confidence in moving your legs, your arms can also be involved in the movement.

In contrast to other fitness equipment such as the ergometer, the elliptical trainer is not equipped with a freewheel. It should therefore be remembered that it is not possible to stop the movement suddenly. Instead, one has to slowly drain which is best to practice beforehand. To do this, stand on the device and practice starting and stopping a few times without switching it on. Many elliptical trainers are equipped with exercise programs that allow you to move backwards. As a beginner you should avoid this training for the time being or just test it. Because good body coordination is essential for such backward movements. If the trainee experiences pain while testing, they should stop doing this movement.