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How to Maximize Calorie Burn on an Elliptical Trainer?

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8 min read
How to Maximize Calorie Burn on an Elliptical Trainer? image

Best Elliptical Machines to Buy in December 2025

1 Niceday Elliptical Machine, Elliptical Trainer for Home with Hyper-Quiet Magnetic Driving System, 16 Resistance Levels, 15.5IN Stride, 400LBS Weight Capacity

Niceday Elliptical Machine, Elliptical Trainer for Home with Hyper-Quiet Magnetic Driving System, 16 Resistance Levels, 15.5IN Stride, 400LBS Weight Capacity

  • ULTRA-QUIET MAGNETIC DRIVE: ENJOY PEACEFUL WORKOUTS ANY TIME, DAY OR NIGHT.

  • 400LBS WEIGHT LIMIT: DURABLE DESIGN SUPPORTS USERS OF ALL SIZES SAFELY.

  • EFFORTLESS ASSEMBLY: SET UP IN JUST 20 MINUTES-START EXERCISING TODAY!

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$499.99 $599.99
Save 17%
Niceday Elliptical Machine, Elliptical Trainer for Home with Hyper-Quiet Magnetic Driving System, 16 Resistance Levels, 15.5IN Stride, 400LBS Weight Capacity
2 ANCHEER Elliptical Exercise Machine, Elliptical Trainer for Home Gym, Exercise Equipment 500Lbs Max Weight, Ultra-Silent Elliptical Machine, with Pulse Rate Grips & Smooth Resistance Levels

ANCHEER Elliptical Exercise Machine, Elliptical Trainer for Home Gym, Exercise Equipment 500Lbs Max Weight, Ultra-Silent Elliptical Machine, with Pulse Rate Grips & Smooth Resistance Levels

  • WHISPER-QUIET MAGNETIC RESISTANCE FOR DISTRACTION-FREE WORKOUTS.

  • NATURAL 16 STRIDE WITH LOW-IMPACT MOTION FOR JOINT COMFORT.

  • HEAVY-DUTY 500LBS CAPACITY WITH LIFETIME WARRANTY - BUILT TO LAST!

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$255.32 $299.00
Save 15%
ANCHEER Elliptical Exercise Machine, Elliptical Trainer for Home Gym, Exercise Equipment 500Lbs Max Weight, Ultra-Silent Elliptical Machine, with Pulse Rate Grips & Smooth Resistance Levels
3 FOUSAE Elliptical Exercise Machine, 16-Level Magnetic Resistance Elliptical Machine for Home Trainer with Hyper-Quiet Drive, 15.5IN Stride, LCD Monitor & App Support, 350LBS Weight Capacity

FOUSAE Elliptical Exercise Machine, 16-Level Magnetic Resistance Elliptical Machine for Home Trainer with Hyper-Quiet Drive, 15.5IN Stride, LCD Monitor & App Support, 350LBS Weight Capacity

  • GYM-QUALITY STABILITY FOR SMOOTH, VIBRANT WORKOUTS AT HOME.

  • 16 RESISTANCE LEVELS FOR TAILORED WORKOUTS FOR ALL FITNESS LEVELS.

  • ULTRA-QUIET OPERATION FOR PEACEFUL EXERCISING ANYTIME, ANYWHERE.

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$279.99 $399.99
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FOUSAE Elliptical Exercise Machine, 16-Level Magnetic Resistance Elliptical Machine for Home Trainer with Hyper-Quiet Drive, 15.5IN Stride, LCD Monitor & App Support, 350LBS Weight Capacity
4 FOUSAE Elliptical Exercise Machine for Home, 16-Level Magnetic Resistance Elliptical Trainer with Hyper-Quiet Drive, 15.5IN AStride, LCD Monitor & App Support, 350LBS Weight Capacity

FOUSAE Elliptical Exercise Machine for Home, 16-Level Magnetic Resistance Elliptical Trainer with Hyper-Quiet Drive, 15.5IN AStride, LCD Monitor & App Support, 350LBS Weight Capacity

  • STABILITY OF GYM-QUALITY DESIGN FOR ULTIMATE WORKOUT COMFORT.
  • 16 RESISTANCE LEVELS CUSTOMIZE INTENSITY FOR ALL FITNESS LEVELS.
  • ULTRA-QUIET OPERATION ENSURES PEACEFUL WORKOUTS ANYTIME, ANYWHERE.
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$289.99 $399.99
Save 28%
FOUSAE Elliptical Exercise Machine for Home, 16-Level Magnetic Resistance Elliptical Trainer with Hyper-Quiet Drive, 15.5IN AStride, LCD Monitor & App Support, 350LBS Weight Capacity
5 Niceday Elliptical Exercise Machine, Elliptical Machine for Home, Elliptical Training Machine with 15.5IN Stride, Magnetic Elliptical Trainer with16 Resistance Levels, 400LBS Loading Capacity Black

Niceday Elliptical Exercise Machine, Elliptical Machine for Home, Elliptical Training Machine with 15.5IN Stride, Magnetic Elliptical Trainer with16 Resistance Levels, 400LBS Loading Capacity Black

  • KNEE-FRIENDLY DESIGN: 15.5 STRIDE REDUCES IMPACT FOR SMOOTH WORKOUTS.
  • VERSATILE RESISTANCE: 16 LEVELS LET THE WHOLE FAMILY CUSTOMIZE WORKOUTS.
  • SUPER QUIET OPERATION: RUNS UNDER 20DB FOR DISTRACTION-FREE EXERCISING.
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$449.99 $549.99
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Niceday Elliptical Exercise Machine, Elliptical Machine for Home, Elliptical Training Machine with 15.5IN Stride, Magnetic Elliptical Trainer with16 Resistance Levels, 400LBS Loading Capacity Black
6 YOSUDA Elliptical Exercise Machine, 3-in-1 (Elliptical + Cardio Climber + Stair Stepper) Elliptical Machine for Home with 45°Incline, 15.5 in Stride, 16-Levals Resistance, Quiet Magnetic System

YOSUDA Elliptical Exercise Machine, 3-in-1 (Elliptical + Cardio Climber + Stair Stepper) Elliptical Machine for Home with 45°Incline, 15.5 in Stride, 16-Levals Resistance, Quiet Magnetic System

  • MAXIMIZE WORKOUTS WITH 3-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: ELLIPTICAL, STEPPER, TREADMILL.
  • 18 LBS FLYWHEEL & 16 RESISTANCE LEVELS FOR EFFICIENT CALORIE BURNING.
  • COMPACT DESIGN SAVES SPACE; PERFECT FOR ANY HOME FITNESS SETTING.
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$499.99 $529.99
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YOSUDA Elliptical Exercise Machine, 3-in-1 (Elliptical + Cardio Climber + Stair Stepper) Elliptical Machine for Home with 45°Incline, 15.5 in Stride, 16-Levals Resistance, Quiet Magnetic System
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To maximize calorie burn on an elliptical trainer, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:

  1. Intensity: Increasing the intensity of your workout is crucial for maximizing calorie burn. Instead of maintaining a steady pace throughout, alternate between periods of high intensity and lower intensity. This can be achieved through interval training or by adjusting the resistance levels on the machine.
  2. Incline: Many elliptical trainers allow you to adjust the incline. By increasing the incline, you engage more muscles, particularly in your lower body. This can help increase the overall calorie burn during your workout.
  3. Resistance: Similar to adjusting the incline, increasing the resistance levels on the elliptical trainer can make your workout more challenging. This forces your muscles to work harder, resulting in more calories burned. Gradually increase the resistance as you build strength and endurance.
  4. Use your whole body: To maximize calorie burn, use both your arms and legs while using the elliptical trainer. Instead of solely relying on the handles for support, engage your upper body by pushing and pulling the handles with each stride. This will help to involve more muscle groups, leading to increased calorie burn.
  5. Longer duration: Consider increasing the length of your workout sessions. By exercising for a longer period, you will naturally burn more calories. Aim to gradually increase your workout duration as you build stamina and fitness.
  6. Proper form: Ensure that you maintain proper form throughout your workout. Stand tall, keep your core engaged, and avoid leaning on the handles for support. This not only helps target the right muscles but also increases the overall calorie burn.
  7. Maintain consistency: For optimal results, aim to use the elliptical trainer regularly. Consistency is key when it comes to burning calories. Commit to a workout schedule that fits your lifestyle, and try to stick to it.

Remember to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or specific health conditions before starting a new exercise routine.

The recommended frequency for using an elliptical trainer varies depending on individual goals, fitness levels, and personal schedules. However, a general guideline is to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, which can be achieved through 30 minutes of elliptical training five days a week. Alternatively, for more intense workouts, one can opt for 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise each week, which may be accomplished through 15-20 minutes of elliptical training four days a week. It is important to listen to your body and gradually increase the frequency and duration of elliptical sessions as your fitness levels improve. Additionally, mixing in other forms of exercise, such as strength training and flexibility exercises, can provide a well-rounded fitness routine. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or certified fitness trainer to determine the best frequency and intensity for your specific needs.

What is the impact of body position on calorie burn on an elliptical trainer?

The impact of body position on calorie burn on an elliptical trainer can vary depending on the specific body position.

Generally, a more upright body position, with a slight forward lean, engages the muscles of the lower body more effectively, particularly the quads, glutes, and hamstrings. This posture allows for a greater range of motion and more power generated from the legs, resulting in a higher calorie burn. It also helps to maintain good balance.

Leaning too far forward or gripping the handles tightly can shift the focus to the arms and upper body muscles, reducing the intensity of lower body engagement and calorie burn. This position may be helpful for individuals with specific fitness goals, such as targeting the upper body or improving arm strength, but it typically leads to a lower overall calorie burn.

Additionally, body position affects the overall efficiency and effort required during elliptical training. Maintaining proper posture, with shoulders relaxed, core engaged, and hips aligned, allows for smoother and more efficient movements, resulting in a better calorie burn. Slouching or slumping can limit the range of motion and decrease the intensity of the workout.

In summary, a more upright body position with a slight forward lean on an elliptical trainer typically leads to a higher calorie burn by effectively engaging the lower body muscles. However, finding a position that is comfortable and maintains proper form is crucial to avoiding strain or injury during the workout.

What is the effect of age on calorie burn on an elliptical trainer?

Age can have an impact on calorie burn on an elliptical trainer. Generally, as individuals age, their metabolism tends to slow down, which can decrease the number of calories burned during exercise. This is primarily due to factors such as a decrease in muscle mass, which can result in a lower metabolic rate. However, it is important to note that individual variances exist, and lifestyle factors, overall fitness level, and body composition can also influence calorie burn. Regular exercise, including elliptical training, can help improve metabolism and maintain a healthy weight regardless of age. Consulting with a healthcare professional or fitness expert can provide personalized guidance based on individual circumstances.

How to increase resistance during an elliptical workout?

To increase resistance during an elliptical workout, follow these steps:

  1. Adjust the machine's resistance level: Most ellipticals have resistance settings that you can adjust manually. Look for buttons, dials, or levers on the console or handles to increase the resistance level. Start by increasing it slightly to challenge yourself but avoid straining too much in the beginning.
  2. Focus on using your leg muscles: To increase the resistance, put more effort into pushing and pulling your legs against the resistance provided by the elliptical machine. Use your quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes to engage your leg muscles and make them work harder.
  3. Increase speed: Another way to increase resistance is to increase your speed or stride length. The faster you move your legs, the more resistance and intensity you will experience. However, make sure you maintain proper form and avoid rushing. Gradually increase your speed as your fitness level improves.
  4. Incorporate intervals: Instead of maintaining a constant resistance level, mix it up with interval training. Alternate between high-intensity intervals with higher resistance and lower-intensity recovery periods with lower resistance. This will challenge your body and elevate your heart rate, leading to increased resistance and calorie burn.
  5. Engage your upper body: Many ellipticals have handles that you can push and pull along with your leg movements. By actively engaging your upper body, you can involve more muscle groups and increase the overall resistance of your workout. Use your arms and shoulders to push and pull the handles, adding more effort to your workout.
  6. Increase the incline: Some ellipticals also allow you to adjust the incline or pedal angle. By increasing the incline, you can focus more on your glutes and leg muscles, resulting in increased resistance and overall intensity of your workout.

Remember to start gradually when increasing resistance to avoid overexertion or strain. Listen to your body and find a resistance level that challenges you but allows you to complete your workout comfortably.

What is the impact of speed on calorie burn on an elliptical trainer?

The speed at which you exercise on an elliptical trainer can have a significant impact on the calorie burn. The rate at which you burn calories depends on the intensity of your workout, which is influenced by the speed of your movements.

When you increase your speed on an elliptical trainer, your heart rate rises, and you exert more effort. This increased effort leads to a higher calorie burn. The faster you move, the more muscles you engage, resulting in a greater energy expenditure.

Moreover, a faster pace can make your workout more challenging, increasing the overall intensity. Higher intensity workouts tend to burn more calories during the exercise session itself, as well as continue to burn calories at an elevated rate after the workout due to the excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) effect. EPOC refers to the additional calories burned to restore the body to its normal state after exercise.

However, it is important to note that while increasing your speed can help you burn more calories, it is equally crucial to maintain proper form and technique to prevent injury. Gradually increasing your speed over time in a controlled manner is advisable to ensure safety and effectiveness in calorie burning.