Martin Lewis takes his walking very seriously. In 2025, he averaged more than 26,000 steps a day – the equivalent of around 23.7km.
But what many people don't know is that the Money Saving Expert founder has also been a keen runner for much of his life. In fact, as he shared on Jenni Falconer's RunPod podcast, until recently he was running around 2,500km every year.
At 54, however, he says he's had to cut that down due to a few age-related aches and pains. But that doesn't mean he's let his cardio slip. Instead, as he explained on the podcast, he's shifted his focus to the elliptical.
'I run once a week – normally 10 or 12km – and then I use an elliptical machine that I've got at home the other six days,' he said. 'I got the most similar elliptical you can get to running, but it doesn't have the impact [on my joints]. Mentally I'm a runner, but physically I'm 54.'
He continued: 'They're so good. Because the impact on your joints is quite minimal, even at times when I've had a little injury or niggle, I've actually been able to [use the elliptical] because it doesn't have the same impact as running.'
Lewis explained that he uses the elliptical for around 40 minutes every day, using the time to read the news, check his emails and get ready for the day ahead – something you can't do when you're running outside or on a treadmill, he added. On five days of the week, he also follows this 40-minute session with a strength workout.
And, ever the one to have figures to hand, Lewis also highlighted how his average heart rate on the elliptical (135bpm) is lower than when he runs (152bpm). Occasionally, he added, he'll push himself at the end of an elliptical session to get his heart rate a little higher, but the bulk of the work remains in that lower heart rate zone. That makes it well suited to the kind of steady, lower-intensity training often used to build an aerobic base.
Lewis' approach is backed by science. A study published in Physical Therapy found that elliptical training can mimic the movement pattern of walking while eliminating heel strike, reducing the impact on the joints.
Previous studies have also found that the elliptical can offer comparable cardiovascular benefits to a treadmill when used at the same intensity, meaning you won't necessarily sacrifice fitness gains by making the switch to protect your joints.
NordicTrack AirGlide 14i Elliptical Trainer, Black
NordicTrack AirGlide 14i Elliptical Trainer, Black
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Lauren Geall is deputy site editor for Women’s Health UK and Men’s Health UK. She graduated from Exeter University with a BA in English Literature before studying an MA in Magazine Journalism at City, University London. She’s been writing about health, fitness and wellbeing for over five years, with a total of seven years in digital journalism. Prior to her current role, she worked at Stylist as the acting health and fitness editor. As well as being a keen runner, Lauren is passionate about women’s sport and can often be found cheering on Arsenal Women at the Emirates or keeping tabs on the Red Roses’ latest win.
