Prevent and Manage Hip Pain From Elliptical Machines
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Hip Pain From Elliptical Machines

Hip Pain From Elliptical Machines
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Updated on August 6, 2025
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An elliptical trainer offers a low-impact workout. It can be a good option if you experience discomfort from high-impact exercises, like running.

However, you may still have some hip pain after using this type of machine. You can usually make some simple adjustments when this is due to minor differences between elliptical models, improper form when using the equipment, or overexercising.

Here’s what to know about elliptical trainer hip pain and what to do about it.

Hip Pain After Exercising 

Hip pain typically stems from arthritis, bursitis, or an injury. If you experience pain in your hips after using an elliptical machine, your discomfort may be a signal that you are causing injury by overdoing your workout or by doing your workout improperly.

Treatment for this type of pain starts with rest, ice, compression, elevation, and, if needed, over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

After you recover, review your posture and form while working out on an elliptical machine to prevent reinjuring your joints (see below for more about this).

If you still have a painful hip after taking a pause from your elliptical trainer, consider seeing a doctor to get an evaluation and treatment plan. Some medical issues, such as bursitis, require rest to heal.

However, exercise isn’t always bad for hip pain. Low-impact workouts can reduce joint pain when you have arthritis in your hip. According to the Arthritis Foundation, using an elliptical machine is a good option for people who have arthritis because it strengthens the muscles that support your hips without putting excessive stress on your joints like running does.

Machine Size and Style

Many companies, from NordicTrack to Precor, manufacture elliptical machines. This means that every machine is manufactured differently and will therefore perform differently.

Your body may work with one brand of machine better, much in the same way that certain clothing brands fit your body better than others.

Try different machines in person to see which one is comfortable. Make sure you can stand up straight while easily reaching the handles. The stride should be the right length or adjustable to the right distance, and you should be able to fluidly move your arms, shoulders, and knees without contorting or bumping into anything.

If you are using an elliptical and experiencing hip pain, try a different brand to see whether it’s a better fit for your body before you give up the exercise altogether.

Exercise Posture

Incorrect posture during exercise can also contribute to hip pain. When using an elliptical machine, keep your shoulders back, look straight ahead, tighten your core muscles, and stand up tall. Leaning forward or backward can put a strain on your hips and lower back.

Elliptical machines come in different sizes. It’s important to use the right size for your body. Hunching over may mean the machine is too small, while pushing off on your toes a lot may indicate it’s too big.

Shoes and Pedals

Another precaution against hip pain is proper footwear. If your shoes are worn out, replace them with quality supportive footwear. Orthotic inserts, which you wear inside your shoes, can help keep your hips properly aligned with your knees.

Check the foot pedals on your elliptical machine. Your feet should fit the pedals comfortably and without sliding. Some elliptical trainers have nonslip pedals.

Too Much Exercise

Sometimes, when you find an exercise you enjoy, you continue to do it even if you are having unpleasant sensations.

If you are using an elliptical machine and experiencing hip pain, it may be time to change your workout. You can overuse your hips, and pain can be their way of saying this to you.

Listen to your body and try alternating your low-impact workouts with walking, swimming, or rowing until your hip feels better.

The Takeaway

  • Common causes of hip pain after working out on an elliptical trainer include overexercise, poor form, and medical conditions, such as arthritis and bursitis.
  • Pause your elliptical workouts and rest to recover from pain that’s a result of overuse, poor form, or bursitis. For arthritic pain, work with your healthcare team to create a workout plan that strengthens your muscles without causing hip discomfort.
  • Choose the right size of elliptical trainer. The right size will allow you to stand up straight, comfortably reach the handles and controls, and move fluidly without bumping into things or contorting.
  • Minimize hip pain by using proper form when working out on an elliptical machine: Stand up straight with your shoulders back, keep your hips in alignment with your back and legs, and wear supportive shoes.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Hip Pain. Cleveland Clinic. June 5, 2023.
  2. Rath L. Elliptical Machines Go Easy on Your Joints. Arthritis Foundation. April 25, 2023.
  3. Bursitis. Cleveland Clinic. March 7, 2023.
  4. Loria K. How to Choose an Elliptical. Consumer Reports. December 20, 2024.
  5. Stay active with 6 low-impact workouts. Kaiser Permanente. March 3, 2025.
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Kara Andrew, RDN, LDN

Medical Reviewer
Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Kara Andrew, RDN, LDN, is the director of health promotion for Memorial Hospital in Carthage, Illinois. She is also licensed as an exercise physiologist and certified in lifestyle medicine by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Her experience includes corporate wellness, teaching for the American College of Sports Medicine, sports nutrition, weight management, integrative medicine, oncology support, and dialysis.

She earned her master's in exercise and nutrition science at Lipscomb University.

Andrew has served as a president and board member of the Nashville Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She was recently elected a co-chair of the fitness and medicine group in the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.

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Lisa M. Wolfe

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A mother of two and passionate fitness presenter, Lisa M. Wolfe had her first fitness article published in 2001. She is the author of six fitness books and holds an Associate of Arts in exercise science from Oakland Community College. When not writing, Wolfe is hula-hooping, kayaking, walking or cycling.

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