1. Can Aid Weight Loss

An elliptical machine or trainer is great for weight loss. It burns somewhere between 150-400 calories in 30 minutes, depending on your current weight and elliptical speed.

The exertion level is less when you use an elliptical machine for cardio. Hence, by the end of your 30-minute elliptical workout, you will still have the energy for a few more fat-burning exercises.

2. Low-Impact Exercise

Elliptical workout is a low-impact exercise. It is gentle on your knees and is great for the elderly and people in the rehabilitation phase after a knee injury, osteoporosis, ankle injury, and knee arthritis (1).

Walking or running on the treadmill is a high-impact exercise and may cause an injury or aggravate an old one. Hence, choose elliptical machines if you want to burn calories without getting injured.

3. Targets The Lower Body

The pedaling or stair-climbing action of the elliptical machines targets the leg muscles. It acts on the quadriceps, hamstrings, hip flexors, glutes, and calves.

This is precisely why elliptical machine workouts are great for losing extra fat from your lower body, i.e., the lower belly area, hips, and thighs.

4. Tones The Entire Body

An elliptical trainer gives you an integrated full-body workout. Unlike treadmills, elliptical trainers not only work on your lower body but also engage your upper body.

Elliptical trainers have handle levers, which are pushed and pulled in synchronization with the leg movements. They target the biceps, triceps, deltoids, lats, lower belly, hips, and thighs, thus offering a full-body workout.

5. Reduces High Blood Pressure

Spending just 5 minutes on the elliptical machine can help you feel less stressed. That’s because exercising releases serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone. Serotonin has blood pressure-lowering or anti hypertensive effects 

Doing low-intensity or moderate-intensity elliptical workout every day can have a positive effect on hypertension. However, you must consult your doctor if you are taking medicines for hypertension or have undergone major surgery.

6. Improves Blood Circulation

Elliptical trainer workout also helps improve blood circulation. Better blood circulation helps maintain oxygen flow to all parts of the body. It boosts immunity, reducing the risk of diseases and chronic sickness. Good circulation also keeps the vital organs healthy and helps improve sleep quality. It also reduces your skin and hair issues.

7. Weight-Bearing Exercise

Elliptical exercise is weight-bearing. This means your muscles and bones need to work to push the pedals. This causes muscle wear and tear, which is good for building stronger muscles and bones. This workout is great for people with osteoporosis and those with a high risk of fracture.