A new kind of elliptical
A revolutionary design clinically shown to dramatically
outperform the original
A new kind of elliptical
A revolutionary design clinically shown to dramatically
outperform the original
Ellipticals haven't changed since 1995
....until now.
Exercise science has progressed exponentially since ellipticals were introduced. So why haven't ellipticals? Now, a next-generation elliptical, called a lateral elliptical, promises to finally bring the category into the twenty first century.
Lateral ellipticals change the way your body moves on the elliptical. On an original elliptical, your feet are making an oval shape in a back-and-forth motion. On a lateral elliptical, your feet make circles in a lateral, or side-to-side direction. What sounds like a small tweak is actual a big leap forward; in fact, lateral ellipticals are the only cardio trainers available that move the body in all three dimensions of human motion.
Why does this matter? Read on for more.
What is a lateral elliptical?
Like other cardio trainers (treadmills, bikes, steppers and rowers) original ellipticals move the body from front-to-back only, thus primarily working just the front/back of the lower body only. By constrast, lateral ellipticals move the body side-to-side, working the lower body a full 360º.
Not only does this recruit the same muscles as a starndard elliptical, it works those muscles more intensely. Crucially, it also recruits often-ignored lateral muscles, including those critical to knee & hip health, balance, stability, and athletic performance. By all clinical markers, a lateral elliptical is far superior to the
original elliptical.
Over a decade of clinical data
In studies conducted by Northwestern University, the University of Tampa, California State University, Highpoint University and others, lateral ellipticals have been shown to dramatically outperform traditional ellipticals.
- Lateral ellipticals work 2x the muscles of a traditional elliptical.
- Lateral ellipticals are better at fat burning, yet "perceived exertion" remains the same.
- Lateral ellipticals work the core 55% more than traditional ellipticals.
- Lateral ellipticals work the gluteus maximus 40% more and the gluteus medius 39% more than traditional ellipticals.
- Lateral ellipticals work outer thigh abductor muscles 50% more & inner thigh adductor muscles 37% more than traditional ellipticals.
- Lateral ellipticals are shown to improve strength-related balance 59% in 4.5 weeks.
- Lateral ellipticals are shown to improve strength-related balance 59% in 4.5 weeks.
- Lateral ellipticals get users to target heart rates 23% faster than traditional ellipticals.
- Lateral ellipticals are clinically shown to reduce knee pain & improve the ability to perform daily activities.
A better way to move for peak fitness
Superior cardio
Enhanced athletic performance
Enhanced athletic performance
Compared with traditional ellipticals, lateral trainers not only work roughly double the muscles, they also work muscles more intensely, such as 55% more obliques activation. Users also achieve target heart rates an average of 23% faster.
Enhanced athletic performance
Enhanced athletic performance
Enhanced athletic performance
Lateral motion is critical to sport. Lateral ellipticals allow for safe, sports-specific training off the field, including rehabilitation after injury, and thus are commonly used by tennis players, golfers, ice hockey players and skiers to improve performance in the real world.
Weight loss
Enhanced athletic performance
Weight loss
Working double the muscles of traditional ellipticals means that lateral ellipticals burn more fat every second of every workout. They also provide sculpting benefits for so-called "problem" areas, including the waist, the gluteus medius, and the inner and outer thighs.
The #1 cardio for rehab & active aging
Pain reduction & PT
Pain reduction & PT
Pain reduction & PT
Over a decade of clinical studies have shown that lateral ellipticals can reduce knee pain. They are commonly used by PTs for pre-hab before arthroplasty, for rehab after knee or hip surgery or injury or simply to relieve or prevent hip, knee or low back pain.
Reduced fall risk
Pain reduction & PT
Pain reduction & PT
Clinical research has shown that lateral ellipticals can improve strength-related balance an average of 59% in just 4.5 weeks, making them ideal for older users or those with balance impairments due to stroke, injury or illness such as MS or Parkinsons.
Active aging
Pain reduction & PT
Active aging
Non-impact and clinically found to reduce knee pain even for those with bone-on-bone conditions. lateral ellipticals can address chronic pain and improve balance. It's why they're cited as the best workout for seniors, whether de-conditioned or seasoned athlete.
Commercially available lateral ellipticals
Helix® Upright Lateral Ellipticals
Helix® Recumbent Lateral Ellipticals
Helix® Recumbent Lateral Ellipticals
The company that invented lateral ellipticals offer products for home or commercial use. Their patented trainers are used by pro athletes (LA Lakers, New England Patriots, Cleveland Cavaliers). and are the only cardio trainers clinically shown to work in all three dimensions of human motion.
Helix® Recumbent Lateral Ellipticals
Helix® Recumbent Lateral Ellipticals
Helix® Recumbent Lateral Ellipticals
Commercial seated lateral ellipticals that are most commonly found in gyms, YMCAs and other community recreational centers as well as assisted and senior living facilities. Ideal for seated training or injury rehabilitation.
Octane Fitness Lateral X
Helix® Recumbent Lateral Ellipticals
TheraScoop® Lateral Trainer
A commercially rated lateral elliptical available through fitness distributors or online. This trainer additionally incorporates an ergonomic upper body component with converging path handlebars.
TheraScoop® Lateral Trainer
SciFit Latitude Stability Trainer
TheraScoop® Lateral Trainer
Designed for use in professional physical therapy settings or for occupational therapists to take to clients, this compact lateral elliptical allows for seated knee, hip or low back pain therapy or can double as a low impact cardio workout.
Technogym Cardio Wave®
SciFit Latitude Stability Trainer
SciFit Latitude Stability Trainer
As with Helix® ateral ellipticals, this commercial equipment by Italian manufacturer Technogym works the user in three places of human motion simultaneously. No longer produced, some remanufactured units are available through fitness retailers.
SciFit Latitude Stability Trainer
SciFit Latitude Stability Trainer
SciFit Latitude Stability Trainer
Institutional physical therapy equipment designed for physical rehabilitation after arthroscopy or injury. The company specializes in equipment for health professionals including cardio rehabilitation facilities.
Scoop® Lateral Trainer
Scoop® Lateral Trainer
Scoop® Lateral Trainer
The first widely-available and low priced lateral elliptical on the market, introduced in 2019. It is marketed for knee and hip pain relief.
The company offers free on-line classes for all customers.
Reebok® Slide Board
Scoop® Lateral Trainer
Scoop® Lateral Trainer
While not an elliptical. the simple design of this product (and the many copies on the market) allow users to perform a similar motion to those of lateral ellipticals, and to activate many of the same muscle groups.