In an interview with Women's Health Magazine, Grace Horan, MS, ACSM-EP, exercise physiologist at HSS, shares the benefits of using elliptical machines and how they support overall fitness.

The beloved piece of gym equipment has been around since the early 90s, but along with a stationary bike, treadmill, and stair stepper, the cardio mainstay has stuck around for good reason: elliptical benefits pack a punch.

This device combines aspects of a treadmill and bicycle, providing a lower impact alternative to that of running or walking, while giving similar cardiovascular benefits, said Horan. It’s also considered a full-body exercise since an elliptical works the quads, glutes, biceps, triceps, pecs, traps, and core, she explained.

If you’re looking to torch calories, elliptical exercise can be a useful cardio tool for weight loss, since it’s known to burn a similar number of calories compared to running or cycling at similar intensities, said Horan. “When paired with a healthy diet, burning calories through cardiovascular exercise will aid in maintaining a caloric deficit, which will lead to weight loss over an extended period of time,” she continued. 

Read the full article at womenshealthmag.com.