Elliptical Trainer

Move · Cardio · Movement, Typed Supps

Feels easier than it is, which is both its advantage and its problem.

Stage by stage

Start (Feet remain in contact): The foot never leaves the pedal, so there is no flight phase and no landing impact at any point.
During (Minimal joint loading): Ground reaction forces stay near bodyweight, against two to three times bodyweight in running.
Perceived effort (Feels easier than it is): At matched heart rates people rate the elliptical as easier than the treadmill, so effort tends to drift down.
Days later (Aerobic gains, no bone stimulus): Cardiovascular fitness improves normally, but the absence of impact means no bone loading benefit.

Muscles trained

Primary: quads, heart
Secondary: glutes, lungs, calves

Intensity

5 METs (Elliptical trainer, moderate effort).

Time to effect

Weeks: Cardiovascular fitness improves with consistent use at genuine effort.

Related supplements

Common myth

“The calorie counter on the machine tells you what you burned.” In reality: Machine estimates rely on generic formulas and commonly overestimate, ellipticals more than most — heart rate is a far better guide.