Power Without Impact: The Precor Elliptical Experience

Is elliptical training making a comeback?

Longevity is in. Strength training continues to lead the conversation. At the same time, exercisers are looking for smarter ways to train hard without causing excessive stress on their bodies.

So what if one machine could deliver a serious cardiovascular workout, support resistance based effort, and feel easy on the joints? What if it could support HIIT intervals, cadence driven rhythm training, glute focused work, and active recovery sessions in one platform?

It may be time to take another look at a tried and true staple. The elliptical never disappeared. And the Precor EFX has been quietly setting the standard all along.

What Is an Elliptical Trainer?

An elliptical trainer is a cardio machine that simulates walking or running while keeping the feet in continuous contact with the pedals. This smooth, guided motion minimizes impact and reduces stress on joints, particularly the knees, hips, and ankles, compared to impact based activities like running or jumping.

Ellipticals are commonly used by:

• Runners cross training or managing recovery

• People returning from injury

• Beginner exercisers building movement confidence

• Individuals managing joint pain or arthritis

• Exercisers looking to challenge cardio capacity in a low impact, stable environment

Because elliptical movement is weight bearing, it also supports bone density and muscle engagement while improving cardiovascular fitness.

Why Elliptical Training Works

Elliptical workouts allow exercisers to:

• Improve cardiovascular endurance

• Engage large muscle groups

• Move between low and high intensity training sessions

• Manage overall load on the joints

This adaptability makes ellipticals relevant for performance driven athletes as well as those building foundational fitness.

When Running Is Not the Right Option

Running is often treated as the gold standard for cardio, but it is not accessible or appropriate for everyone. Injury history, joint degeneration, biomechanics, or personal preference can all limit running volume.

The Precor EFX offers a way to maintain a runner’s rhythm without repeated ground impact.

On the EFX, exercisers can:

• Match natural stride cadence with reduced strain

• Build aerobic base and tempo endurance

• Simulate hill training through adjustable ramp angles

The result is a running like experience that supports performance goals while protecting the body.

What Makes the Precor EFX Different

Precor introduced the industry’s first elliptical in the mid 1990s, inspired by the desire to reduce joint stress while preserving natural movement patterns. That original insight continues to shape the EFX today.

Converging CrossRamp® Technology

• Replicates a natural, converging stride path

• Creates a smooth arc that mirrors walking and running mechanics

• Enables training variation to help avoid plateaus

Train Smart

• Lower ramp angles emphasize quadriceps engagement

• Higher ramp settings increase glute and hamstring activation

• Reverse motion recruits different muscle groups and raises heart rate

Total Body Engagement

• Moving handlebars activate the arms, shoulders, and core

• Fixed handles allow a lower body focus

• Supports steady state cardio, interval training, and active recovery

Recover in Motion

The EFX is widely used for active recovery sessions. Its continuous motion promotes circulation and helps clear metabolic byproducts without introducing additional joint stress. Many athletes use it between training blocks or on lower intensity days to maintain conditioning while supporting recovery.

Built for Commercial Environments

Designed with high traffic facilities in mind, the EFX includes:

• Active Status Light™ for quick maintenance visibility

• Covered frames and sealed joints that reduce exposure to sweat and debris

• Compact footprints that support flexible floor layouts

Explore current Precor EFX models here.

Confidence on Every Stride

For many exercisers, confidence is the difference between showing up and dropping off. The EFX is intentionally intuitive. Its guided stride path feels natural. The handlebars accommodate a wide range of users. The quiet, stable operation reinforces a sense of control.

Whether someone is starting their fitness journey or returning after time away, the EFX offers a reliable path forward.

See the EFX in Motion

To see how the EFX fits into a modern training environment, watch the Precor’s Power of Movement episode with BBC StoryWorks. The film explores how thoughtful equipment design supports long term movement and performance.

Ready to Bring the EFX to Your Facility?

Explore the full Precor elliptical lineup and see how it supports performance, recovery, and everyday movement across your floor.

View Precor Ellipticals