Benefits of Elliptical for Legs & Workout Plan

Dreaming of toned beautiful legs but dreading the possible joint injuries brought by running or heavy lifting? The elliptical machine, an excellent fitness equipment for thighs, might be a great option to be considered. Whether you’re a fitness newbie, a seasoned athlete, or someone recovering from an injury, the elliptical offers a low-impact but effective workout that targets every major muscle group in your legs.

But how can you tone your legs with this machine? In this article, we’ll break down the top benefits of elliptical for legs, and share tips and elliptical cross trainer workout plan to maximize your results. We will also show you Tousains Mini Elliptical Machine, the best mini elliptical for those who live a sedentary lifestyle to stay active. Let’s get into the details!

How the Elliptical Works for Leg Muscles

The elliptical machine is designed to mimic the movements of walking, running, or climbing stairs. It activates multiple muscle groups in your legs.

• When you push the pedals down during each stride, your quadriceps are heavily engaged to extend your knee and straighten your leg.
• As you pull the pedals up, your hamstrings are activated to bend your knee and lift your leg back up.
• The calves assist whether you are pushing down or lifting the pedal. They contract to stabilize your body and finish the movement.
• Your glutes, which are often ignored, are engaged to extend your hips and drive the pedals down.
• During upward motion, the hip flexors, located at the front of the pelvis, are activated to lift the leg and pull the pedal upwards.

Using this piece of fitness equipment for thighs can help tone many muscle groups on your legs, but it goes beyond that. If you want more details, read the article about what muscles does an elliptical trainer work.

Benefits of Elliptical for Legs

The elliptical machine offers a great way to tone your legs, but there are some other benefits of elliptical for legs that can not be ignored:

Burns Calories & Fat: Using the elliptical regularly can burn calories and therefore aid in weight loss. Depending on your intensity and weight, you can burn up to 300-400 calories per hour on the elliptical.

Improve Balance and Coordination: While using this fitness equipment for thighs, you need to engage your lower body and core to maintain balance. This indirectly supports your legs by improving overall balance.

Increases Leg Endurance: Regular use of this machine helps build stamina in your leg muscles. Whether you're cycling at a low resistance or pushing through higher intensity intervals, your legs will gradually become stronger over time.

Elliptical Cross Trainer Workout Plan

Have no idea where to start? Follow this workout plan for beginners or customize it based on your fitness levels and goals. You can do this 4 to 5 times a week:　

Warm-Up (5-10 minutes): 

Start with a slow and steady pace to get your blood flowing, which helps prepare your muscles for the workout and prevent injury.

Workout Routine:

• Interval Training: Alternate between 1 minute of high resistance and 2 minutes of lower resistance. Focus on engaging your legs to push and pull the pedals.
• Steady-State Cardio: For a lower-intensity workout, maintain a consistent and moderate\slow pace for 20-30 minutes. To make your workout more challenging, increase the resistance.

Cool Down (5-10 minutes)

Slow down the pace gradually, bringing your heart rate back to normal. Stretch your leg muscles to reduce soreness.

Tips for a Safe and Effective Workout

You might be prepared for your fitness journey. But before you get started, read the following tips to create a safe and effective workout.

• Maintain a tall, upright posture while engaging your core throughout your workout. 
• Don’t rely too much on the handles, focus on your leg workout instead.
• Vary the speed and resistance to keep your muscles challenged, and prevent plateaus.
• Drink water before, during, and after your workout to stay hydrated.
• Allow your muscles time to recover by incorporating rest days between workouts.

Conclusion

The elliptical trainer is a highly effective and versatile piece of equipment that can help you tone your leg muscles. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, using this machine regularly can engage your quads, hamstrings, calves, and glutes. By adjusting the intensity and incorporating interval training, you can further maximize the results and achieve your fitness goals.

If you are struggling to find time to exercise, the compact Tousains Mini Elliptical Machine might be your best choice. With the ability to be used under your desk, this machine provides a convenient way for office workers to stay active in their daily lives. Worry about workout intensity? This machine is equipped with 7 resistance levels, allowing you to customize your workout based on your needs. View Tousains website and discover its more features!

FAQ

How long should I use the elliptical to see results in my legs?

For noticeable leg toning and strengthening, aim for at least 30 minutes of elliptical training 3-4 times a week. Gradually increase the intensity and resistance as you progress. 

Can elliptical machines help with toning my thighs?

Yes, elliptical machines are great for toning the thighs, especially the quads and hamstrings. By adjusting the resistance, you can target these muscles more effectively.

Elliptical trainer vs walking, which is better for legs?

With the adjustable resistance, the elliptical trainer is better for working your legs. Walking, on the other hand, is gentler. If you're aiming for more muscle toning and calorie burn, the elliptical trainer is a better choice.

Can the elliptical trainer help me build leg muscles?

This piece of equipment is good for toning your legs. But if you want to build significant muscle mass, you’d better combine it with other weight-bearing exercises.