Working out is difficult enough without having to contend with equipment that is working against you. Don’t panic if your elliptical machine won’t quit dancing around while you’re attempting to exercise. You’re not alone. Many individuals face this problem, and there are a few options for getting your elliptical to stop moving.

To stabilise your elliptical, put it on a rigid floor, ideally hardwood or concrete with a rubber pad below it to stop it from wobbling. You can also tighten the bolts as well if they are loose. Bolt the elliptical to the floor in extreme circumstances to hold it firmly in place.

And if these solutions do not work, then keep reading for more information on how to stop your elliptical from having those unwanted movements. Remember, that if one solution doesn’t work, don’t worry! There are more ways to try and stabilise your elliptical and make your workout convenient.

Let’s find out ways to keep them stable:

Table of Contents

1. Check what type of flooring do you have

The type of flooring that you have may affect the stability of your elliptical. Elliptical trainers work best on flat surfaces. Rigid floors, such as hardwood, concrete, or even vinyl, are designed to be stable. Hence, it is ideal for an elliptical machine because it can be supported on any flat, level, and robust floor.

But while rigid floors are suitable floor choices for ellipticals, it doesn’t mean that you can’t place them on a carpeted floor. Keep in mind though, that carpets tend to sway around like Elvis. And because the carpet isn’t stiff, it won’t hold up if you’re cycling on your elliptical and pulling the machine up and down while working up a sweat. It may squish and move about when the elliptical moves which can be bothersome while doing the workout.

But manuals for ellipticals don’t say that you can’t place them on your carpet. That’s why they recommend placing a mat between the floor and the elliptical not just to keep it from wobbling but to protect your carpet as well.

2. Check levelling of the elliptical trainer

Another important aspect of efficiently using elliptical equipment is levelling. This can prevent your elliptical trainer from wobbling.

To keep it from moving, you must first choose an appropriate levelling location, then install it and ensure that your elliptical’s feet remain stable. Setting up an elliptical foot is the best approach to cease moving.

Holding your elliptical by the handlebars and gently rocking it yourself is the best way to see which leg is wrong for most ellipticals. Fiddling with the legs until it stops rocking about is the best method to correct any imbalance.

But because the directions for levelling an elliptical change according to the brand and type, be sure to consult your handbook. Each company includes an installation guide that will assist you in properly installing your equipment. It is simple to perform if you follow the instructions.

Floor matters when it comes to levelling because it is much easier for the equipment to be placed on rigid floors. Even if you level your elliptical on the carpet, the carpet shifts about when you use it, so what appears to be level at first may not be level after ten minutes of exercise.

3. Check for Any Loose Screws and Bolts

Loose screws and bolts are other issues why your elliptical is wobbly. It is recommended to check and tighten them before or after using your elliptical.

This is to prevent from having a wobbly elliptical or detecting it right away. But while most people don’t do this step, it is a general rule to do a maintenance check every 3-6 months to see if everything is working well.

Doing a maintenance check will include tightening loose bolts and screws, oiling the elliptical, and checking other problems to give your equipment a longer life span.

Tightening the screws and bolts is easy and it wouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes to finish. So, it is a best practice to perform regular maintenance checkups on your elliptical.

4. Place an Equipment Mat Under the Elliptical

An equipment mat, in my opinion, is the finest method for preventing rocking. It can be used on carpet, hardwood floors, and other types of flooring to prevent movement and sliding because it is made of high-density PVC or rubber.

A mat under your elliptical machine not only prevents rocking but also provides more benefits.

  • It can help reduce noise and vibration
  • It is smooth which makes it easier to clean and use
  • Since the mat is flatter, it makes it easier to level the feet
  • Helps reduce the squish when using it under the carpet
  • Helps balance friction between the floor and your equipment
  • Provides protection for your floor
  • Give your elliptical stability
  • Provides a longer life span for your equipment

5. Use plywood

If all of the other methods did not work, then it may be time to use plywood to keep it from wobbling. While placing a mat is good, getting plywood is better because it can imitate a rigid floor and there’s no need for you to move your elliptical around too much – unless needed.

Plywood is excellent and reasonably priced. An elliptical is typically 183 cm (6 feet) long and 91.44 cm (3 feet) wide, while a sheet of plywood is usually 122cm by 244cm long and 91.44cm wide, with a thickness of 6.35mm to 19.05mm. Depending on the grade of wood, plywood panels of that length might cost anywhere from $40 to $80. The plywood will support your elliptical better if the panel is thicker and the wood is stronger. It will be worthwhile to invest in a more expensive panel because you won’t have to be concerned about your elliptical shaking or shifting.

Placing another mat on top of your plywood will make it look better, and easier to clean, and dampen the noise while doing your workout.

Conclusion

Nowadays, working out at home is highly beneficial. You purchase equipment and work out on a regular basis according to your schedule. However, in order to get the benefits, your equipment must be stable.

Elliptical training is a powerful and effective workout, but having wobbly equipment can be a big issue because it can lead to injuries. If it doesn’t stop from shaking or wobbling, you won’t be able to get good results from your workout.

Therefore, if you are experiencing a wobbly elliptical, you can try using the tips I have provided to ensure that your elliptical is stable. In doing so, you will have a hassle-free workout whereby you can see great results for your body.

1. How to clean the elliptical trainer?

To keep your machine from functioning efficiently, you need to clean it regularly. Each day or after every workout, use a lint-free towel to quickly wipe down the machine. Focus cleaning on the console and handles because this is where sweat and dirt get accumulated. You may also do a more thorough cleaning of the entire unit once a month. Wipe off the machine’s whole exterior. If your machine has them, pay specific attention to the guide rails and rollers.

2. Do ellipticals need to be oiled?

Ellipticals need to be oiled because this is the next most important part of maintenance. Ellipticals have several moving parts and when these parts are not properly oiled, they wear out quickly. Make sure that when you buy an elliptical machine, it should come with a lubricant. This lubricant has been certified by the manufacturer for the specific model of the elliptical machine you will purchase.