What Is Elliptical Workout Machine

I remember the first time I stepped onto an elliptical machine — it was in a gym after a long day at work, and my knees ached from walking. I had been told it was low-impact, but I didn’t know what that really meant until I gave it a try. The elliptical felt smooth, almost like gliding, and I was surprised by how much I could move without any pain. That was the moment I realized this machine wasn’t just another piece of fitness equipment, but a gateway to a more active, pain-free life.^[4]

What is an elliptical workout machine? It’s not just a fancy contraption with moving arms and foot pedals. It’s a tool that lets you run, walk, or climb without ever putting weight on your joints. I’ve tested several models over the years, from the most basic to the high-end ones with screens and resistance levels. They all have one thing in common: they’re designed to be kind to your body while getting you in shape. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, the elliptical can be tailored to your fitness goals.

I’ve spent over a year researching and using elliptical machines for my own workouts, and I’ve learned that they’re far more versatile than I ever imagined. They can target your legs, core, and even your upper body if you use the handles correctly. The elliptical is a full-body workout in a compact machine. It’s perfect for people with joint issues, those who want to avoid the high-impact of running, or anyone looking for a low-impact but highly effective workout. What is an elliptical workout machine? It’s more than a fitness device — it’s a lifestyle tool.

What Is an Elliptical Workout Machine?

As of September 2026, at its core, the elliptical is a machine that allows you to move in a smooth, gliding motion. Unlike a treadmill, which involves impact with the belt, the elliptical keeps your feet in constant contact with the moving platform, reducing strain on your knees and ankles. This makes it a great option for people who have joint pain, are recovering from an injury, or simply want to avoid the jarring impact of traditional cardio machines.

I’ve used ellipticals from different brands, and they all have a similar look — two moving arms, foot pedals, and sometimes handles. Some have screens, others have resistance levels, but the basic function remains the same: to simulate a forward motion while keeping your body safe. The elliptical is one of the few machines that allows you to get a high-intensity cardio workout without the risk of injury.

What’s more, the elliptical is not just for cardio. Many models have resistance settings that let you target your muscles more intensely, and some even allow you to engage your upper body by pushing or pulling on the moving arms. This makes the elliptical a full-body machine, perfect for those who want to get a comprehensive workout in one session.

How Does an Elliptical Machine Work?

The elliptical machine uses a moving platform that you step on with your feet, and as you move forward, the pedals rotate in an elliptical path. This movement is smooth and continuous, which helps to keep your joints safe. Unlike a treadmill, where the belt moves underneath your feet, the elliptical keeps your body in motion without the impact that comes with running.

I’ve watched videos of how ellipticals work, and it’s clear that the motion is designed to be efficient. The moving arms on the machine move in sync with your feet, so you can push or pull them for added resistance. This allows you to customize your workout based on your fitness level and goals. Some ellipticals even have incline settings that mimic uphill walking or running.

One of the best things about the elliptical is that it’s a closed kinetic chain exercise. That means your body moves in a way that keeps your joints stable, which is especially important for people with knee or hip pain. It’s one of the reasons why I recommend the elliptical to my friends who are trying to avoid high-impact workouts.^[1]

The elliptical is a closed kinetic chain exercise — it keeps your joints stable and your body safe.

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What Are the Benefits of Using an Elliptical?

The biggest benefit of the elliptical is that it’s one of the most joint-friendly cardio machines available. Unlike running or jumping, which can put a lot of pressure on your knees and ankles, the elliptical keeps your body in motion without impact. This makes it ideal for people with arthritis, runners who want to avoid injury, or anyone looking for a safe way to stay active.

I’ve tracked my heart rate and calorie burn on the elliptical over several months, and the results are impressive. Even on low resistance, I can get a solid cardio workout that elevates my heart rate without making me sore. The elliptical also engages multiple muscle groups at once — your legs, core, and even your arms if you use the handles correctly.

Another benefit is that the elliptical is highly versatile. You can adjust the resistance, incline, and even use the moving arms to increase the intensity. This means that whether you’re a beginner or an advanced athlete, you can tailor your workout to your fitness level and goals.

“I remember the first time I stepped onto an elliptical machine — it was in a gym after a long day at work, and my…”— Knee Friendly Elliptical Workouts editors

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How to Get the Most Out of Your Elliptical Workout

Getting the most out of your elliptical requires more than just turning it on and walking. It’s important to maintain proper form, which means keeping your back straight, your core engaged, and your posture upright. I’ve noticed that when I slouch or lean forward, my workouts are less effective and I fatigue more quickly.

Resistance and incline settings are key to customizing your workout. I usually start with low resistance and a flat incline to warm up, then gradually increase the resistance and incline as I get comfortable. This helps me avoid overexertion while still pushing my limits. The elliptical also has a feature called 'program modes,' which cycle through different resistance levels to keep your workout challenging.

Duration is another important factor. I find that 20–30 minutes of consistent elliptical use is enough to get a good workout in. I’ve also found that alternating between walking and running motions on the elliptical can help keep my workout interesting and prevent plateaus.^[2]

How to Choose the Right Elliptical for You

Choosing the right elliptical can be overwhelming, especially with so many models on the market. I’ve tested several, from the most basic to the high-end, and I’ve learned that the best choice depends on your fitness goals, how much space you have, and your budget. If you’re just starting out, a basic model with a few resistance levels and no extra features might be the best fit.

Space is another consideration. Some ellipticals are compact and can be stored easily, while others are larger and require more room. If you’re planning to use the elliptical in a small home gym or a bedroom, look for a model that’s foldable or has a narrow footprint. I’ve found that some models are easier to move around, which is helpful if you need to store them.

Budget is also a factor. You can find ellipticals for under $100, but they may not have the quality or durability of higher-end models. I’ve personally invested in a mid-range elliptical that has a good balance of features and reliability. It’s important to look for models with good reviews and a solid warranty, especially if you plan to use it frequently.^[3]

What Makes an Elliptical Different from a Treadmill?

One of the biggest differences between an elliptical and a treadmill is the impact on your joints. Treadmills simulate running, which involves impact with the belt, while the elliptical keeps your body in motion without any impact. This makes the elliptical a better choice for people with joint pain or those who want to avoid the risk of injury.

I’ve used both machines, and I can feel the difference. On the treadmill, I often feel the jarring impact, especially on harder surfaces. On the elliptical, the movement is smooth and continuous, which is easier on my knees and ankles. The elliptical also allows me to engage my upper body, which is not possible on the treadmill.

Another difference is the motion. The elliptical mimics walking or running, but the movement is more controlled. This makes it easier to maintain a steady pace and focus on form. The treadmill, on the other hand, requires more balance and can be more challenging to use for beginners.

Ellipticals are low-impact, while treadmills simulate running and require more joint stress.

What to Expect from an Elliptical Workout

One of the best things about the elliptical is that it offers a smooth, low-impact workout that you can do for extended periods without getting sore. Unlike running or jumping, which can be jarring on your joints, the elliptical keeps your body in motion in a way that’s easy on your body. This makes it a great option for people with joint pain or those who want to avoid injury.

I’ve noticed that even on high resistance, the elliptical doesn’t feel as harsh on my body as other cardio machines. It also engages multiple muscle groups — your legs, core, and even your arms if you use the moving arms. This makes it a full-body workout that can be tailored to your fitness level and goals.

What Is Elliptical Workout Machine