elliptical workouts

When you're swamped at work, putting in a full hour at the gym isn't always an option, but even the tightest schedules can squeeze in a 30-minute session. This fast-paced elliptical workout alternates between periods of pushing your body to the max with a short recovery, a great technique to make the most out of a quick, midday workout.

*SPM = Strides Per Minute
Incline = 20 percent

Click here for an image-free printable version of this elliptical interval workout.

I must admit, I am not a true fan of the elliptical. My husband, however, loves the machine, which is why we have one. Mostly, I use the elliptical when I need a cardio fix but want to give my joints a break. The workout is less pounding than running and more convenient than cycling. Unfortunately, I find the machine boring. I keep my elliptical workouts fresh by playing with all the elements the machine has to offer: pedaling backward and alternating between pushing and pulling the handles. Adding intervals also spices up my time on the machine and I even like to work my core and go hands-free.

Here is a workout that keeps me ellipticizing for 35 minutes and hopefully it will work for you too. To check out the workout, keep on reading.

It may be a joint-friendly machine, but the elliptical can be a little monotonous. This workout is rather straightforward (that's a clue that there's no backward pedaling in the workout), but it's full of quick speed changes to beat cardio boredom. Plus, intervals are great for torching calories and boosting your metabolism. Check out the speed-play workout when you read more.

The elliptical is a mainstay in the gym for good reason: it's easy on the joints and provides a great cardio and total-body workout. But, let's face it, the elliptical can also get pretty boring and repetitive. Instead of spending a mindless 30 minutes on the machine, maximize your time with one of these eight workouts. Whether you're a beginner, looking for a high-intensity interval workout, or want to challenge different muscles groups, there's an elliptical workout for you. There's even one for those of you who love the treadmill!

• Booty Workout: Target glutes and hamstrings by playing with the incline on the elliptical. This elliptical booty workout will help you tone your backside while also getting a good cardio workout. Target your glutes by focusing on keeping your heels down while on the machine.
• Core Workout: To work your core while on the elliptical, just let go. Not using the handles in this elliptical core workout helps engage all the muscles of your core as you work harder to stay balanced on the machine. The faster you can go, the more you'll work your core in this.
• Just Like the Treadmill: For times when you can't find an empty treadmill at the gym, try this elliptical treadmill workout. The workout comes close to mimicking what running on a treadmill feels like and may even help even out your stride. To really feel like you're on a treadmill, don't hold onto the handles; keep your arms in a running position.

See more elliptical workouts after the break!

Love it or hate it, a major plus to sweating it out on the elliptical is that you can work your body in a variety of ways using this machine. Pedaling forward works your quads while going backward targets the hamstrings and booty. Focus on pushing the handles gets your chest, and pulling them focuses the work in your upper back. And letting go of the handles while keeping your pace steady challenges your core stability. Plus, the elliptical is joint friendly making it the perfect machine for a recovery workout or starting your fitness routine if you're new to aerobic workouts and cardio machines.

I consider this to be a beginning workout for the elliptical; it's mellow while working your entire body. If you're beyond a beginner level, this workout is a great complement to a strength training session — I use it as my warmup.


To see the workout, just keep reading.

It might still be the weekend, but it's time to jump-start your fitness life after days off cooking, cleaning, and feasting. Rev up your metabolism with this 45-minute elliptical workout. Use the versatility of the machine to tone your legs, backside, arms (love the moving handles), and back while getting your heart rate up to burn some calories. We've even thrown a few intervals in to make the body work just a little bit harder.

Take a look at the workout when you read more.

If you have 30 minutes to spare and some calories to burn, try this elliptical workout. It's fun and fast moving, with speedy intervals to chew up calories and some backward action to work your backside. The cooldown even includes some hands-free time to challenge your core and help slow you down at the end.

To check out the workout, keep reading.

Sometimes a gal just needs to spend some time on the elliptical. It's my go-to cardio when I am suffering from post-workout pain (oh DOMS, you catch up with me every time I take a break from strength training), or need to work out the kinks from a long run. I created this 35-minute workout and have been loving the challenge of maintaining my speed as the resistance increases every two to three minutes. If you're looking for a new cardio workout for this joint-friendly machine, keep on reading to check it out.