Is Elliptical Training Making a Comeback in New Zealand?

Longevity is in. Strength training is hot. Tracking your workouts has never been more important.

But what if there was a single machine that felt easy on the joints, delivered a serious sweat, and connected to your smartwatch for real-time feedback?

What if that same machine could support HIIT intervals, glute-focused workouts, cadence-based training, and active recovery days?

Perhaps it’s time to take another look at this tried-and-true staple for your facility. The elliptical isn’t just back - it never left. And the Precor EFX, brought to New Zealand exclusively by Blue Fitness, has quietly been leading the charge all along.

What Is an Elliptical Trainer?

An elliptical trainer simulates walking or running while keeping your feet in constant contact with the pedals. This smooth, continuous motion reduces impact on joints, making it ideal for a wide range of Kiwis - from beginners to elite athletes. It protects knees, hips, and ankles from the repetitive pounding of impact-based cardio like running or jumping.

Ellipticals are especially popular with:

• Runners looking to cross-train or recover

• People returning from injury

• Beginners building movement confidence

• Individuals managing joint pain or arthritis

• Anyone wanting to elevate cardio in a low-impact, secure environment

Because elliptical movement is weight-bearing, it also supports bone density, muscle strength, and cardiovascular health.

Why Elliptical Training Works

Elliptical workouts help exercisers:

• Burn calories and improve heart health

• Engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously

• Choose low or high-intensity sessions

• Reduce joint impact in overall training load

This flexibility is why ellipticals are recommended for both performance athletes and those new to exercise. 

When Running Isn’t an Option

Running is often seen as the gold standard for cardio, but not everyone can - or wants to-run, despite how many runners you see out and about. Joint issues, injury, body mechanics, or personal preference can make it challenging. The Precor EFX provides a way to experience a natural runner’s rhythm without the wear and tear.

On the EFX, runners can:

• Mimic stride cadence with less strain

• Build tempo and endurance

• Simulate hill training by increasing the CrossRamp incline

The EFX supports proper running mechanics while reducing repetitive ground impact.

What Makes the Precor EFX Different?

Precor invented the industry’s first elliptical in the mid-1990s, inspired by a desire to reduce joint impact for a teenage athlete recovering from injury. Since then, the EFX has become a staple in commercial and home fitness spaces for its comfort, performance, and adaptability.

Converging CrossRamp® Technology

• Replicates a natural stride path

• Smooth arc mirrors walking or running

• Supports training variety to avoid plateaus

Train Smart, Not Harder

• Low ramp angles target quads

• Higher settings engage glutes and hamstrings

• Reverse motion recruits different muscles and increases heart rate

Total Body Engagement

• Moving handlebars activates arms, shoulders, and core

• Static handles focus on the lower body

• Perfect for active recovery, steady-state cardio, or high-intensity training

Recovery Without Stopping
The EFX is ideal for active recovery. Whether between intervals or on lower-intensity days, it encourages circulation and clears metabolic waste, supporting regeneration without sacrificing conditioning.

Built for Commercial Success

• Active Status Light simplifies maintenance

• Covered frame and sealed joints keep sweat and dust out

• Ergonomic design fits a range of body types

• Compact footprint works in versatile gym layouts

Blue Fitness is proud to be the exclusive distributor of Precor in New Zealand, helping Kiwis of all fitness levels train smarter, recover faster, and enjoy every stride on the industry-leading EFX elliptical.