Does the Elliptical Work Your Stomach? Here’s What You Need to Know

For many fitness enthusiasts and beginners alike, building a stronger core is the top priority. With so many machines available, it’s natural to wonder which one gives you the most bang for your buck.

One popular piece of equipment found in nearly every gym and home workout space is the elliptical. But can an elliptical machine really help you tone your stomach?

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what muscles it engages and whether it has a direct impact on your core. We'll also provide tips and workouts to optimize your results as well as introduce the Tousains elliptical exercise machine for sale designed for people with busy schedules. 

Understanding Belly Fat

Before diving into whether the elliptical works your stomach, it's important to understand belly fat. There are two main types: subcutaneous fat (the fat under your skin) and visceral fat (the fat around your internal organs). While both affect appearance, visceral fat is more dangerous and linked to health risks such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

To flatten the stomach, the key is to burn more calories than you consume—creating a calorie deficit. Spot reduction, which refers to target fat loss in one area, is a myth. However, combining cardio with strength training and a balanced diet can lead to overall fat loss, including in the stomach.

What Muscles Does the Elliptical Work?

The elliptical is a cardiovascular machine that provides a low-impact and full-body workout. Here are the muscles worked during the elliptical workout:

(Image Source: Greatest Guide)

Lower body: Glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves are constantly engaged as you push and glide with your legs.

Upper body (for ellipticals with moving handles): Biceps, triceps, shoulders, and chest contribute as you push and pull the handlebars.

Core: The abdominal and lower back muscles work to maintain balance and posture throughout the workout.

Although the elliptical doesn’t isolate the abs, your core is involved. The Tousains elliptical exercise machine for sale also engages your core while sitting. Read the following parts and explore tips to target your stomach while using the elliptical machine!

Does the Elliptical Work Your Stomach?

Yes. Although the elliptical alone won’t give you a six-pack, it does help burn calories and support overall fat loss.

How many calories will you burn during elliptical workouts?

Harvard Health Publishing points out that a 155-pound person exercising on an elliptical for half an hour will burn 324 calories.

How about your abs?

During the entire session, your abdominal muscles are involved in stabilizing your body, especially when you're using proper posture or letting go of the handlebars.

However, the elliptical is more of a total-body workout machine than a core-focused trainer.

Tips to Target Your Stomach on the Elliptical

Want to get more from your elliptical sessions? Here are a few tips to better engage your core:

Use the machine hands-free (safely): Let go of the handles to force your core to work harder to maintain balance. Start with the lowest resistance to ensure a safe workout.

Maintain good posture: Keep your back straight, shoulders relaxed, and abs tight. Avoid leaning too far forward or resting heavily on the handlebars.

Incorporate HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training): Alternate between high-resistance, fast-paced intervals and slower recovery periods to burn more calories and accelerate fat loss.

Engage your core intentionally: As you pedal, think about pulling your belly button toward your spine. This mind-muscle connection works your abs more during the session. 

Add variety to your motion: Reverse pedaling or changing resistance levels help challenge different muscle groups, including the obliques and lower abs.

Combine it with other ab-focused exercises: Nevertheless, spot reduction is a myth, practicing ab-focused workouts like planks strengthens your core better. 

Elliptical Workouts for Belly Fat

Whether you have 20, 30, or 45 minutes to spare, here are three elliptical workouts designed to flatten your stomach:

20-Minute Plan (Beginner-Friendly)

• 3 min warm-up
• 10 min interval: alternate 1 min fast, 1 min slow
• 5 min steady pace, no hands (engage core)
• 2 min cool-down

30-Minute Plan (Intermediate)

• 5 min warm-up
• 15 min intervals: 1 min hard, 1 min easy
• 5 min hands-free mode
• 5 min cool-down

45-Minute Plan (Advanced)

• 5 min warm-up
• 20 min intervals: 90 sec push, 60 sec rest
• 10 min higher resistance
• 5 min hands-free for core
• 5 min cool-down

Conclusion: Does the Elliptical Work Your Stomach

While the elliptical machine won’t magically flatten your stomach on its own, it plays a valuable role in losing overall fat, improving cardiovascular health and engaging your core. 
However, to lose belly fat, quality sleep and a balanced diet are equally important. Don’t forget to keep a good habit while exercising on an elliptical.

If you are too busy to work out, the Tousains elliptical exercise machine for sale will be the best choice to consider. It allows you to exercise under the desk while working. The 7 levels of adjustable resistance provide a more intense workout, contributing to extra calorie burn in daily life! Visit Tousains website today and explore machines to target your abs with ease!