This heart-pumping elliptical workout for beginners proves you shouldn’t discount the simple cardio machine.

But just because they’re simple doesn’t mean an elliptical workout can’t give you that fire feeling.

When youjog on the treadmill, you put all your body weight onto one foot with every step.

20 Minute Elliptical Workout for Beginners

Stocksy.

Each time your foot hits the ground, the impact travels through the body, she explains.

so that have an effective, efficient elliptical workout, be intentional with your time, advises Harris.

Just check that you’re still giving the elliptical machine your A-game while doing so.

20 Minute Elliptical Workout Graphic

Design: Mehroz Kapadia.

If it’s too tough, dial the incline back until you reach that RPE, says Harris.

An RPE of 1 would be easy-peasy and 10 would be an all-out maximum effort.)

Doing so will provide much-needed mental variety and help you improve yourVO2max and cardiovascular endurance.

woman walking looking at fitness watch

“Recovery is important for your body to reset,” says Harris.

“It’s just safer to do [a 1:1 ratio] for a beginner,” she advises.

Once you’ve recovered a bit, repeat this interval cycle as many times as you’d like.

woman looking at her fitness tracker

Then, follow up with a five-minute cooldown at RPE 4.

And remember,rest daysare not the enemy.

“Your body’s going to feel good,” she notes.

woman walking a dog

You’ll need:An elliptical machine

Desk Treadmill

Woman Walking on Treadmill

Woman with headphones running up stairs

Woman running on a treadmill in the gym, looking out at a city view. She is presumably doing a treadmill sprint workout

Incline Walking

a woman in focus with four women behind her out of focus, all running — presumably running a half marathon

Rowing Workout

Woman with stomach ache after running

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Benefits of Running

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Woman running outside