Can You Build Muscles On An Elliptical?

Key Takeaways

• You can build muscles on an elliptical by adjusting resistance and nailing proper form.
• Ellipticals are your go-to for low-impact, full-body workouts that suit any fitness level.
• Pair elliptical sessions with dumbbells for strength-building that packs a punch.
• Posture matters—stand tall, engage your core, and let your muscles do the work.
• At SOLE, our ellipticals let you crush your fitness goals with customizable incline and resistance.

Yes, You Can Build Muscles

Ellipticals don’t always get the hype they deserve—but it’s time to change that!

This versatile, low-impact machine is a calorie-burning hero, and the secret to building and toning muscles. Whether it’s easing into fitness or leveling up your routine, the elliptical has your back—all while being gentle on your joints.

Time to show those muscles some love!

Ellipticals & Muscle Activation

Ellipticals aren’t just easy on your joints—they’re powerhouses for full-body workouts.

Step on, and you’re firing up:

• Lower body: Your glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves are the stars of the show.
• Core: Stabilizing muscles activate to keep you balanced.
• Upper body: Those handles? They’re not just for hanging on—they’re here to tone your biceps, triceps, and shoulders.

Studies show ellipticals reduce muscle strain compared to high-impact exercises like running, making them perfect for everyone—from fitness rookies to recovery warriors. 

Mix resistance and incline for a workout that keeps your muscles guessing.

How Resistance Plays a Role

Tips for Maximizing Resistance:

• Start where pedaling feels like a challenge, not a chore.
• Gradually increase as you crush each level.
• Mix it up with intervals—go hard, recover, repeat. Your muscles will thank you.

Targeting Muscles Effectively:

• High resistance: Your quads and glutes take center stage.
• Moderate resistance: Perfect for building endurance with a side of strength.

Our ellipticals come with up to 20 resistance levels—meaning you’ll never plateau!

Comparing Ellipticals to Other Machines

Ellipticals vs. Treadmills

• Ellipticals keep things joint-friendly while targeting those all-important lower-body muscles.
• Treadmills? Great for stabilizers, but let’s be real—they don’t come with moving handles to crush an upper-body burn.

Ellipticals vs. Bikes

• Bikes are quads and hamstring champions, no doubt. But if you’re looking for an upper-body workout too, ellipticals steal the show.

The Verdict?
Ellipticals strike the perfect balance between cardio and muscle activation. They’re your home gym’s multitasker—smooth, effective, and ready to crush it with you!

Those elliptical handles? They’re your secret to toned arms and shoulders.

The Role of Posture & Form

Form Tips for Better Muscle Engagement:

• Stand tall, keep your core tight, and shoulders back.
• Don’t hang on the handles—engage your arms like you mean it.
• Make sure your entire foot stays planted on the pedals. No tiptoeing allowed!

Proper posture is a must for muscle activation and injury prevention. From your calves to your shoulders, every muscle gets in on the action when you move right. Plus, you’ll avoid those post-workout “ouch” moments.

Ellipticals & Full-Body Workouts

• Upper body: Push and pull those handles to work your biceps, triceps, and shoulders.
• Incline training: Crank it up and feel the burn in your calves and hamstrings.

Our ellipticals take it up a notch with oversized, cushioned foot pedals with a 2° inward slope and adjustable inclines—so you can target muscle groups while staying super comfy!

Our SW180 Adjustable Dumbbells take your strength-building to the next level.

Combining Ellipticals with Weight Training

Ellipticals and weight training is a fitness power move. Ellipticals are amazing for endurance and toning, but add strength training—like our SW180 Adjustable Dumbbells—and you’ve got the ultimate recipe for results.

Why Pair Cardio with Strength Training?

• Cardio keeps your heart happy and melts away fat.
• Strength training builds muscle, definition, and confidence.

Suggested Routine:

• Warm up: Start with a 15-minute elliptical session at moderate resistance to get your blood pumping.
• Strength time: Grab those dumbbells and crush exercises like squats and presses. (Don’t forget proper form!)
• Cool down: Wrap up with 10 minutes of low-resistance elliptical.

At SOLE, our ellipticals combine low-impact motion with high-impact results.

Step Stronger With SOLE

So, can you build muscle on an elliptical? Absolutely!

With proper resistance, good form, and a touch of creativity, you’ll see why this machine is a game-changer. So step up, power through, and let the elliptical redefine what’s possible for your body

At SOLE, we design ellipticals to keep you moving—and winning. Our machines deliver the perfect blend of challenge and comfort for every fitness level.

Ready to turn your goals into gains? Check out our range of ellipticals and make every stride count. Your stronger, fitter future starts now!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can using an elliptical help build muscle mass?

Absolutely! Ellipticals are awesome for toning muscles and building strength, especially when you crank up the resistance. It’s perfect for boosting endurance and getting those muscles working hard.

Which muscles are targeted during an elliptical workout?

Think full-body power: your glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves handle the pedaling, while your core keeps you balanced. And don’t forget the handles—they give your biceps, triceps, and shoulders some love.

How can I adjust the elliptical to maximize muscle engagement?

Dial up the resistance to feel the burn and keep those muscles engaged. Add incline to target calves and hamstrings, and mix in intervals to keep things fresh.

With our ellipticals, you get customizable resistance and incline levels to keep your muscles challenged and your workouts effective!

Is the elliptical effective for both upper and lower body workouts?

Yes, 100%! Ellipticals get your lower body working with every step, while the moving handles give your arms, chest, and shoulders a serious workout. It’s the ultimate multitasker for a total-body burn.