Elliptical trainer "form"?

newhabit
newhabit Posts: 426 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
i just started using and elliptical machine and i wondered if any of you have tips for proper "form" while using it?
It is adjustable so anything I shoudl be looking for as far as not bending knees, being able to extend fully... or how to distribute my weight on it?

Replies

  • cinsuccess
    cinsuccess Posts: 333 Member
    For me, the biggest thing is to keep your shoulders back and your spine straight. Many people slouch while on ellipticals and that's really bad for you back and hips. I keep it so my knees are always slightly bent because I have some issues with my joints so that's lower impact for me but I don't think it's necessary for anyone who has "healthy" knees and ankles.
  • sunlover89
    sunlover89 Posts: 436 Member
    Like cinsuccess said, keep your back straight, good posture is important. Otherwise just do what feels natural and comfortable, keep relaxed. I find each elliptical very different, some are bouncy, some are rigid.
  • newhabit
    newhabit Posts: 426 Member
    somewhere i was reading about keeping the same amount of weight on the heel as the ball of the foot, and trying to line up your hips with your knees and ankles... sounds like a lot to worry about! maybe just "good posture" in general is the way to think about it
  • tbear60
    tbear60 Posts: 16
    I have had one for years, and try to keep good posture on it, not lean forward while hanging on to the handles ect. I do try to lean back into it a little just to make sure my knees don't go out over my toes when I am moving. You can use mostly your legs, keeping your upper body from bouncing up and down and that is how I prefer. My husband tends to move his entire body more up and down, but to me that is not going to work your legs, thighs, glutes...and all in the best manner. I have bad knees, so keeping them happy is always important! I also like to switch it up and go backwards during my workout. It might seem like a lot to think about but once you have done it a few times you will start to get relaxed and just flow with it. Oh, also, about keeping the weight distributed more evenly on your feet. I notice that if my posture is more upright and balanced so are my feet. I have seen people do it on their toes and leaning forward, I just can't see how that would be good on your body. I mean, you don't walk like that why would you exercise like that...? Hmmm, tip toe thru the tulips just popped in my head. Oops, giving away my age!! LOL Hope this helps. :happy:
  • newhabit
    newhabit Posts: 426 Member
    I have had one for years, and try to keep good posture on it, not lean forward while hanging on to the handles ect. I do try to lean back into it a little just to make sure my knees don't go out over my toes when I am moving. You can use mostly your legs, keeping your upper body from bouncing up and down and that is how I prefer. My husband tends to move his entire body more up and down, but to me that is not going to work your legs, thighs, glutes...and all in the best manner. I have bad knees, so keeping them happy is always important! I also like to switch it up and go backwards during my workout. It might seem like a lot to think about but once you have done it a few times you will start to get relaxed and just flow with it. Oh, also, about keeping the weight distributed more evenly on your feet. I notice that if my posture is more upright and balanced so are my feet. I have seen people do it on their toes and leaning forward, I just can't see how that would be good on your body. I mean, you don't walk like that why would you exercise like that...? Hmmm, tip toe thru the tulips just popped in my head. Oops, giving away my age!! LOL Hope this helps. :happy:


    it does, thanks! i wasn't really sure if there was proper form on it but it looks like there is. i agree that probably if you don't walk on your toes, why would you on this machine?
  • alienrite
    alienrite Posts: 314 Member
    For me I find myself leaning forward and I focus on keeping my hips open and my posture straight. I also find that I try to keep myself still and not bounce so much. The bouncing seems to be a cheat where I am using my weight more than my muscles to keep the momentum going. Mine has adjustable stride length so I have gotten pretty dialed into which length fits me best. It changes with my pace and I often use a really short stride for my cool down. When I sprint on it, my weight is completely on my toes but otherwise I try to keep a full rock across the length of my foot. I tend to get numb toes after 45 minutes and being aware of my feet and making sure they are not too static helps.

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