Cross Trainer Workouts

A cross trainer, also called an elliptical, moves your feet in a smooth oval while your arms push and pull the handles. It gives you a running-style workout with almost no impact.

Getting started

• Step on, hold the moving handles and start slowly before you add resistance.
• Keep your feet flat on the pedals.
• Go for 20 to 30 minutes at a pace where you can still talk.
• Use the handles. Pushing and pulling them brings your upper body into the workout.

Benefits

It works your glutes and quads, with your hamstrings, calves and shoulders helping, and builds heart and lung fitness.

Your feet never leave the pedals, so there’s no pounding, which makes it a good alternative to running.

Tips

• Stand upright rather than leaning on the handles.
• Push through your heels to bring in your glutes.
• Turn the resistance up enough that you’re moving the machine, not the other way round.

Variations

• Pedal backwards now and then to work your legs a little differently.
• Intervals: 30 seconds fast, 90 seconds easy.