If you’re new to fitness equipment, you might wonder what does an elliptical look like. It’s a common question, and the machine has a very distinct shape that sets it apart from treadmills or bikes.
At first glance, an elliptical trainer resembles a stationary bike standing in front of a pair of ski poles. You’ll see two large foot pedals and two handlebars. The whole unit is designed for a smooth, low-impact motion that feels like striding or cross-country skiing.
What Does An Elliptical Look Like
Let’s break down the main parts you’ll see on almost every model. Recognizing these components will help you identify an elliptical instantly.
The Core Frame and Structure
The frame is the metal body that holds everything together. It’s usually painted black, gray, or silver. The frame needs to be sturdy to support your weight and the machine’s moving parts.
- Base: This is the bottom section that rests on the floor. It provides stability.
- Upright Column: This vertical post rises from the base and supports the console and upper body.
- Flywheel Housing: Often a covered plastic or metal casing near the front or back. It houses the heavy flywheel that creates the smooth, consistent resistance.
The Moving Parts You Interact With
These are the parts you actually touch and move during your workout. They’re the most recognizable features.
- Foot Pedals: These are large, textured platforms for your feet. They are attached to arms that move in an oval (elliptical) path. They often have a slight angle to match your natural foot position.
- Fixed Handlebars: These are stationary grips attached to the console or column. You hold them for balance, especially when starting or cooling down.
- Moving Handlebars (Arm Poles): These long poles extend from the lower section. You push and pull them in rhythm with your legs, giving you an upper-body workout.
The Console and Tech Features
Mounted on the upright column at eye level, the console is the brain of the machine. Modern ones can look quite sophisticated.
- Display Screen: Shows your workout data like time, speed, distance, calories burned, and heart rate.
- Control Buttons: These let you start, stop, and adjust resistance or incline levels.
- Media Shelf/Tablet Holder: A small ledge to prop up your phone, tablet, or magazine.
- Heart Rate Sensors: Metal grips on the stationary handlebars that read your pulse when you touch them.
Different Elliptical Styles and Their Looks
Not all ellipticals look exactly the same. The design can vary based on the type and intended use.
Front-Drive vs. Rear-Drive Ellipticals
The location of the flywheel changes the machine’s silhouette. A front-drive elliptical has the flywheel housing at the front, making it look more compact from behind. The pedals are often set further back. A rear-drive model has the flywheel in the back, which can create a longer, more open stride path. The pedals feel more centered under you.
Center-Drive Ellipticals
These have a very unique, symmetrical look. The flywheel is centered between the pedals, often making the machine shorter in length. The handlebars are typically positioned closer together, giving it a sleek, modern appearance that some people prefer for home gyms with limited space.
Compact or Under-Desk Ellipticals
These look nothing like a full-sized machine. They are small, low-profile units consisting of just two pedals on a small base, often with a simple digital display. They are designed to fit under a desk or chair for seated pedaling.
How to Use an Elliptical: A Simple Step-by-Step
Now that you know what the parts are, here’s how you use them together.
- Mount Safely: Hold the fixed handlebars and step onto the pedals, one foot at a time. The pedals might move a little, so use the handlebars for balance.
- Start Moving: Begin pushing the pedals forward with your legs. Let the motion guide you. Once you have a steady leg rhythm, you can start pushing and pulling the moving handlebars.
- Find Your Posture: Stand tall with your shoulders back and core engaged. Don’t hunch over the console. Look forward, not down at your feet.
- Control Your Workout: Use the console buttons to adjust the resistance. Higher resistance makes it harder to push the pedals, like going uphill. Some models let you adjust the incline, which changes the angle of your stride path.
- Dismount Carefully: Slow to a complete stop. Hold the fixed handlebars and step off one pedal at a time, just like you got on.
What to Look for When Choosing One
If you’re considering buying an elliptical, here are visual and functional cues to check.
- Stride Length: This is how far the pedal travels. A longer stride (around 18″-22″) is better for taller users. Watch the pedals motion to see if it looks comfortable.
- Build Quality: A wobbly frame or shaky handlebars is a bad sign. The machine should feel solid and quiet when in use.
- Pedal Size and Spacing: The pedals should be large enough for your feet and not feel to close together, which can cause your knees to knock.
- Console Readability: Can you easily see the screen from your standing position? Are the buttons intuitive?
Common Mistakes in Form (And How to Look Good Using It)
Using poor form not only reduces your workout effectiveness but can also look awkward. Here’s what to avoid.
- Leaning on the Handlebars: Don’t slump your weight onto the moving arms. This takes work away from your legs and can hurt your back. You should be supporting your own weight.
- Looking Down: Staring at your feet or the console strains your neck. Keep your gaze forward to maintain good spinal alignment.
- Gripping Too Tight: Hold the handlebars lightly. White knuckles mean you’re putting to much tension in your arms and shoulders.
- Knees Caving In: Keep your knees in line with your toes throughout the motion. Don’t let them collapse inward.
Elliptical vs. Other Cardio Machines: A Visual Comparison
It’s easy to mix them up in a crowded gym. Here’s a quick guide.
- Vs. Treadmill: A treadmill has a large, moving belt you run or walk on. An elliptical has no belt; your feet stay on the pedals the whole time.
- Vs. Stationary Bike: A bike has a seat, and you sit down to pedal in a circular motion. On an elliptical, you stand up and your feet move in an oval.
- Vs. Stair Climber/Stepper: A stair climber has two independent foot pedals that you press down, mimicking stairs. An elliptical’s pedals are connected and move in a linked, smooth oval.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What is the difference between an elliptical and a cross trainer?
They are essentially the same thing. “Cross trainer” is just another name for an elliptical machine, emphasizing that it trains both your upper and lower body.
Does an elliptical work your arms?
Yes, if you use the moving handlebars actively. Pushing and pulling them works your shoulders, chest, back, and arms. If you just hold the stationary grips, you won’t get much upper-body benefit.
Are ellipticals hard on your knees?
Generally, no. They are considered low-impact because your feet never leave the pedals. There’s no jarring impact like with running. This makes them a good option for people with joint concerns, as long as you use proper form.
What muscles does the elliptical target?
Primarily your glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves. When you use the arms, you also engage your biceps, triceps, chest, and back muscles. Going backwards on the elliptical can place more emphasis on your glutes and hamstrings.
Can you lose weight using an elliptical?
Absolutely. It’s an excellent tool for cardiovascular exercise, which burns calories. Consistent use, combined with a healthy diet, is very effective for weight management and improving overall fitness.
So, the next time you walk into a gym or see a piece of equipment online, you’ll know exactly what does an elliptical look like. Its unique design of linked foot pedals and handlebars, all connected to a sturdy frame and a console, is built for a smooth, full-body workout that’s easy on your joints. Whether you choose a front-drive, rear-drive, or compact model, understanding its parts helps you use it safely and effectively.