Best Home Exercise Machines in 2026: Smash your health goals with full-body exercise machines

Although it may seem obvious, there are some basic steps you should follow when using the elliptical. Elise Miller, iFIT coach and aerobics class teacher, shared some thoughts on key things to keep in mind when hopping on one of these machines.

Stand up straight: You must remain upright while using the elliptical machine. Miller says you should stand in a tall, upright position with your core engaged by bending your hips forward. This will also activate your glutes and keep tension away from your lower back. Your upper body should also be relaxed. “Relax your shoulders and keep your elbows soft without locking them,” Miller said.

Additionally, you should feel your front leg naturally move forward and your heel will rise slightly as you rotate forward. “Your hands should remain neutral while holding the handles of the elliptical, but don’t press them too hard,” she said, adding that once you’ve finished the form, you can mix things up. “For example, angling your toes outward will work your inner thighs or moving your hands up and down on the handlebars will target different muscles in your upper body.”

Hold on to the handles: One of the unique aspects of the elliptical machine is that it allows you to work your entire body at once. To get the most out of your workout, you’ll want to make sure you hold the handles while you pedal. This will allow your upper body to get blood flow as well. “Because the elliptical arm handles are long, you can easily change the hand position as needed for different heights or to target different upper body muscles,” Miller said.

Don’t slack off: If the resistance is so high that you are sacrificing your body, change the intensity. “Reduce resistance to maintain a strong, confident posture,” Miller said, adding, “Don’t get stuck in a circuit routine — be sure to experiment with intervals, resistance changes and level shifts rather than zoning out and going through the movements.”

Keep your feet on the pedals: Naturally, your body will move with the forward motion of the elliptical machine when it comes to your arms and legs. Make sure to keep your feet strong and flat on the pedals as you make the movements.