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Elliptical trainer

Elliptical trainer: written movement steps, equipment and example doses. General information to help you choose an appropriate starting point.

By Shift Some Timber editorial team · Published · Updated 2 November 2026

Elliptical trainer: approved canonical movement visual

How to do it

  1. Stand on pedals holding moving handles.
  2. Move through linked stepping and arm action. Keep feet in contact with pedals.
  3. 5 minutes continuous at an easy conversational pace. Start and finish gently. This is a duration option, not a fitness-level assessment. Keep feet in contact with pedals.

Equipment

Example variations

The written steps above use one library example. These other doses are separate options, not instructions to complete every variation or progress automatically.

LevelExample doseEquipment
beginner5 minutes continuous at an easy conversational pace.full gym
beginner10 minutes continuous at an easy conversational pace.full gym
beginner15 minutes continuous at an easy conversational pace.full gym
beginner2 minutes easy, then 4 × (1 minute moderate + 1 minute easy), then 2 minutes easy.full gym
beginner2 minutes easy, then 4 × (2 minutes moderate + 1 minute easy), then 2 minutes easy.full gym

Safety and comfort

General movement information, not an individual exercise prescription. Independent trainer or clinical review is not claimed. Use appropriate support and seek individual advice for an injury or restriction.