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Glam Journal

Is an elliptical good for basketball?

Author

Andrew Henderson

Updated on March 03, 2026

Is an elliptical good for basketball?

Aside from running on a treadmill which many people hate to do, you can use an elliptical trainer, the Stairmaster, a jump rope, circuit training, drills, and recreational basketball games for cardio. Even if you are going to play basketball, it is important that you set cardiovascular goals for yourself.

What muscles are used when using an elliptical?

When done correctly, the elliptical can target your glutes, hamstrings, quads, chest, back, biceps, triceps, and core muscles.

What parts of the body does an elliptical tone?

Elliptical training works [both] the lower body [and] the upper body. It typically targets the glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and anterior tibialis. When your thigh moves backward during the gliding motion, you will feel your glutes and hamstrings. Your quadriceps get worked when your leg is moving forward.

Is elliptical better for butt?

Elliptical. The elliptical is another low-impact cardio option that, when done effectively, will tone and tighten your glutes. When looking to target the lower body on an elliptical, the key is to increase the resistance to at least level three. The higher the resistance level, the more muscle you’ll build.

What type of cardio is best for basketball?

Quick sprints, stop-and-go sprints, back peddling and similar work – with frequent rests – will train your body in the energy systems of basketball much better than steady-state cardio like jogging. “Basketball players should not be spending their time jogging miles and kilometers to ‘stay in shape’ for basketball.”

Which exercise is most likely to help you jump higher in basketball?

Jumping jacks are a type of plyometric exercise that can help you jump higher by building lower body strength.

Do ellipticals build muscle?

General muscle training Elliptical machines are well known for providing an excellent cardio workout. But ellipticals are also ideal for building muscle throughout the body. In fact, during an elliptical workout, you engage 80% of your body’s muscles.

Will elliptical build muscle?

Does the elliptical build muscle?

Elliptical machines are well known for providing an excellent cardio workout. But ellipticals are also ideal for building muscle throughout the body. In fact, during an elliptical workout, you engage 80% of your body’s muscles.

Is it okay to use elliptical everyday?

You shouldn’t get on the elliptical every morning — your body needs at least one rest day from exercise every seven to 10 days, according to the American Council on Exercise. If you’re doing a hard workout on the elliptical every morning, as well as incorporating strength training, you run the risk of overtraining.

What muscles are used on the elliptical machine?

As you can see, the muscles used on the elliptical machine are not just the legs, hips, and buttocks, but the back and abs, and with some conscious effort, the arms and shoulders too. To build aerobic endurance as well as burn calories, plan to do your elliptical workout at least three times a week for 20 to 40 minutes.

Does the elliptical build six-pack muscles?

Unlike weight lifting workouts, an elliptical workout will not significantly build these muscles. Elliptical workouts do not directly target the abdominal muscles, known as six-pack muscles. However, you can strengthen your abdominal muscles over time by adjusting your posture on your elliptical machine.

Does elliptical build biceps and back muscles?

In other words, the biceps and back muscles help you to complete the pulling motion. You engage the biceps during elbow flexion, while the rhomboids assist in pulling the shoulder blades across the back. Unlike weight lifting workouts, an elliptical workout will not significantly build these muscles.

Do elliptical machines work out the stomach?

Elliptical workouts do not directly target the abdominal muscles, known as six-pack muscles. However, you can strengthen your abdominal muscles over time by adjusting your posture on your elliptical machine. One of the best ways to engage your abdominal muscles is to pedal without using the handlebars.