What does the elliptical target? Elliptical training is a big added plus to your glutes, muscles in the buttocks like the gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus that you may be looking to tone up. Octane Fitness Xr4c Seated Elliptical Trainer Review No Equipment Workout Elliptical Trainer Workout These muscle exercises cooperating with the leg & thigh muscles when you hit the pedals, and as a result, you will achieve better hip movements in your body. What muscles does a seated elliptical work . Cunningham says that “when done the correct way (using both the lower and upper body movements together) the elliptical machine works the glutes, quads, hamstrings, calves, adductors, abductors, chest, back, biceps and triceps.” However, your arms can often get in on the action. What muscles do elliptical workouts focus on? Does an elliptical trainer target glutes? So, in short, the muscles worked on ellitpicals are: They work together to extend the knee joint and support it duri...