Elliptical feeling a bit too easy? Try changing up a few things. (Getty Images) The first time I hopped on an elliptical was not how I planned it going. The machine was moving faster than my arms and ...

Not to be dramatic, but ellipticals save my fitness in times of need. As a runner with on-and-off injuries, the elliptical is the low-impact cross-training tool that keeps my endurance in check.

Treadmills and ellipticals are two extremely popular machines you can use at the gym or buy for your own home. And there's a reason for that: Both get your heart rate up, work your lower-body muscles, ...