Different Elliptical Workouts: Planning Your Summer Exercise Routine

Are you looking for a new elliptical workout? Wondering how to choose the best elliptical machine? Hoping to take your aerobic exercise to the next level this summer?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re taking a closer look at the best ellipticals on the market and showing you how to put them to use with different elliptical workouts. Along the way, you’ll also learn about iFIT®—a fun and effective interactive personal training program to motivate and guide you through every workout, whether you’re inside with your air conditioner or outside in the summer sun. Let’s get started!

Best Ellipticals

Before you design a full workout routine, you need to know which elliptical make and model you’ll use. Take a look at our Elliptical Buyer’s Guide—and in the meantime, here are a few of the best elliptical machines on the market:

NordicTrack FS14i FreeStride Trainer

The impressive NordicTrack FS14i has great features to help you get more from your exercise, thanks to its 3-in-1 design. Access the versatility of a NordicTrack stepper, treadmill, and elliptical all on one machine. The most important benefit is that it’s fully iFIT compatible, which means you’ll have access to an expansive workout library of exercise routines and series designed specifically for ellipticals by the best trainers around. Not to mention that an array of workouts are filmed in exotic locations all over the world. Where else can you find that? 

Here are a few more things that make the FS14i stand out:

• 30-day iFIT Family Membership included with purchase
• 14” Smart HD touchscreen
• -10% decline up to 10% incline
• Automatic trainer control feature
• 26 digital resistance levels
• One Touch® controls
• 32” auto-adjustable stride
• Two 2” digitally amplified speakers
• AutoBreeze™ Workout Fan
• 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, and 1-year labor warranty *original purchaser only

ProForm Carbon EL Elliptical

Not to be outdone, ProForm has its own entry on our list of best ellipticals. The ProForm Carbon EL provides a comfortable and accessible platform while providing a challenging workout experience. Work out confidently on and off the elliptical thanks to its iFIT compatibility and make the most of interactive workout training, expert personal trainers, and other great benefits every time you step onto your elliptical machine.

Take a look at some of the Carbon EL’s features:

• 30-day iFIT Family Membership included with purchase
• 5” High-contrast multi-color display
• 18 resistance levels
• SMR™ silent magnetic resistance
• 19” power adjustable stride
• Two 2” speakers
• Oversized foot pedals
• 10-year frame warranty, 1-year parts and labor warranty *original purchaser only

Freemotion e10.9b Elliptical

The Freemotion e10.9b Elliptical may be the last on our list, but it’s certainly not the least. Sleek, simplified, and ready to help you kick your exercise up a notch, this machine can make a great addition to any home gym. Its “Bring Your Own Device” solution makes for a fan-favorite feature, which means you can sync your smart device and take advantage of the iFIT app. 

Check out the other features that make the e10.9b unique:

• 1-year iFIT membership included with purchase
• 24 digital resistance levels
• 20” stride
• Non-skid, traction control cushion pedals
• Simplified user interface
• Preset workouts
• Quiet belt drive system
• 7-year frame warranty, 2-year parts, and 1-year labor warranty *original purchaser only

Try These 4 Elliptical Workout Plans This Summer

There’s a lot to love about an an elliptical trainer machine. Depending on how much you weigh, you could burn nearly 380 calories after a 30-minute elliptical workout (4). Elliptical exercise may also activate muscles like your quadriceps and hamstrings more directly than when you use other exercise equipment (5). Simply put, ellipticals could be your new best friend—if you know how to use them, that is.

That’s why we’re throwing some inspiration your way. If you’re looking for great elliptical workouts to try while you hide from the summer heat, look no further than these four iFIT exercise routines:

Newcomer Weight Loss Series

Join iFIT trainer, Elyse Miller, in this four-week beginner program designed to improve cardiorespiratory endurance. In just four workouts per week, you’ll work through interval training, cross-training, and more—both on and off your elliptical trainer.

Keep in mind that weight loss may require lifestyle changes including a healthy diet, regular exercise, proper hydration, and more (8).

Level-Up Bootcamp Series

This four-week series, led by iFIT trainer, Jonnie Gale, is all about improving cardio-muscular endurance by increasing intensity and decreasing rest time. Over the course of 16 workouts, you’ll try endurance interval training, laddering workouts, and even high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Some parts of this elliptical workout series last up to 35 minutes, while the HIIT workout sessions are usually around 20 or 25 minutes. 

Norwegian Ski Endurance Series

Have you ever dreamed of taking private lessons from pro skier and iFIT trainer, Nick Hendrickson? This is your chance! As you explore the glistening white slopes of Norway, you’ll work on building cardio endurance, strength, and stamina. You’ll find that each workout is a little longer, encouraging you to push yourself forward.

Coast-to-Coast Challenge

Who needs a summer vacation when you’ve got iFIT? This program takes you across the United States in 15 incredible workouts, giving you the chance to experience a little bit of everything the country has to offer. Different trainers and locations will keep you entertained while you work on your elliptical training—and along the way, you’ll stroll, ski, and more.

Getting The Most From Your Elliptical Workout

Once you’ve tried different elliptical workouts and chosen your favorite, it’s time to make sure you’re getting the most out of your elliptical workout plan.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Use The Right Machine 

We covered several of our favorite elliptical machines here, and they all made the list for good reason: They were quality engineered with the features you need to start an elliptical training routine and stick to it. 

For example, all three of our recommended ellipticals are iFIT compatible, which is an important consideration if you’re looking for ways to elevate your workout performance and track your progress. No matter which elliptical trainer you choose, make sure it fits your needs and your physical space.

Take Advantage of iFIT

Speaking of iFIT, it’s a great tool to help you build the elliptical exercise routine you enjoy while working towards your fitness goals. With access to different personal trainers with different backgrounds and expertise, global workout locations, and exercise types, you can choose your favorites and work on them consistently without getting bored. Plus, the iFIT library is always expanding with all kinds of workouts all over the world, including live events—which means you can always try something new, like interval training, yoga, strength training, meditation, or HIIT workouts.

Improve Your Form 

If you want to work out like a pro, you need great form. That’s because improper form and technique during exercise may lead to extra strain, injuries, and reduced results (12). iFIT training can help you learn more about the best form for elliptical exercise and how to ensure you’re moving properly.

Connect With Friends

Friends can be incredible motivators, especially when it comes to exercise. If you find yourself struggling to keep up with your elliptical exercise or getting bored with your current routine, pick up the phone and make plans to workout with friends. Connect through the iFIT community for some friendly competition or even hop off the elliptical and take your iFIT app with you on the go for a body-weight workout outside.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a workout fanatic or an exercise newcomer, one thing’s for sure: An elliptical machine has all kinds of great things to offer to help you improve, physically and mentally. From digital resistance and large stride length to incline range settings and iFIT, our favorite ellipticals have plenty of features for you to take advantage of.  

Before you start planning your next great workout, though, you need the right elliptical to make it worthwhile. To learn more about our favorite elliptical options, check out these great exercise brands.

iFIT memberships start at $15/mo. + tax, and auto-renew unless canceled in advance. Cancel at any time. Credit Card required for activation. Internet and Wi-Fi® required. 

This article is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. Elliptical.com assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.