Introduction
Elliptical machines are becoming more and more popular, especially among the elderly population. They offer low impact workout both on the upper and lower body without stressing the muscles. Like treadmills, best elliptical machines are easy to use and are equipped with a variety of challenging workout programs that makes your fitness journey more challenging and exciting. Elliptical exercises are similar to cardio exercises like running, walking, and jogging and are ideal for people who want to burn calories to strengthen their muscles and improve balance. But the big question is: what muscles do the elliptical work on? In this post, we are going to discuss crucial muscles on your body that the elliptical machine works on.
Hamstrings
Hamstrings are a group of three muscles that runs between the hip and the knee. These muscles not only carry your weight but also provides stability. All three muscles that make the hamstring muscles are joined with the firmer- one of the largest bones on the human body. One crucial muscle that elliptical exercises work on is the hamstrings. Elliptical cross trainer’s unique mechanism helps to increase burn on the hamstring muscles, making them stronger. Extension play and leg flexion, which is popular in elliptical workouts, provide greater use of the hamstring muscles.
Quadriceps
Another crucial muscle that elliptical works on is the quadriceps muscles, which are located on the front of the thighs. Quadriceps have four muscles, including rectus femoris, Vastus lacteralis, and Vastus intermedius and vastus medialis. All four quadriceps muscles are engaged during elliptical workouts. When you push the paddle on the elliptical machine, your quadriceps muscles contract and relax repeatedly, thus boosting their strength. Don’t worry if you don’t feel your quadriceps getting burned. Remember that elliptical is a low resistance, total body workout machine that doesn’t put so much strain on quadriceps. If you want to feel the burn, then you should consider peddling backward or increase the resistance of the machine. Elliptical exercises are more effective on the quadriceps more than cycling on a stationary bike.
Calves
Calves are a group of muscles that run from the knee to the ankles at the back of the leg. They are regarded as endurance muscles because they constantly contract throughout the day. Each time you peddle on the elliptical machine, calve muscles contract in coordination with the hamstrings and quadriceps. Calves are always engaged when performing exercises on an elliptical machine, increasing their strength and power.
Heart muscles
Elliptical cross trainer mainly focuses on aerobic exercises. When performing elliptical workouts, muscle movement in your body increases and thus demand more oxygenated blood. As a result, your heart and lungs are forced to work more to pump more blood to the muscles. This, in turn, increases your heart muscle capacity making it stronger.
Also Read: How Effective is The Elliptical For Weight Loss and Burning Calories?
Gluteus Maximus
Also known as the hip muscles, the gluteus Maximus runs from the lower back up to the sides on the upper thighs. This muscle consists of the gluteus minimus, gluteus medius, and gluteus Maximus. The glutes are the largest muscles in the body. Unfortunately, these muscles are often neglected during the workout. An elliptical machine provides smooth swings that help to strengthen the glutes without straining the joints, as it is usually the case when running on a treadmill. As a result, elliptical workouts are very effective in strengthening the glutes, thus providing more stability and balance.
Core muscles
Just as its name suggests, core muscles are located at the center of your body and help to keep you upright all the time. A strong core is crucial to maintaining good posture and preventing injuries and back pain. The elliptical exercises do not work on the core muscles directly. Instead, they work on them indirectly by providing stability as you perform your elliptical exercises.
Back muscles
Back muscles consist of many smaller muscles that run along the back. When performing workout on the elliptical trainer, your back muscles are actively used to pull the handlebar towards your body. The back and forth movement help to strengthen the back muscles.
In conclusion, the elliptical machine works on nearly all crucial muscles in your body without putting so much strain on them which makes it a great option for senior fitness. It is the best workout machine to buy is you want to keep fit and healthy.
Related Articles: