How long and at what resistence level should I work out on my elliptical?
456978
The resistance level depends on you and the model machine you bought. I would suggest to start out low and work up gradually. A good way to do this is to do "intervals" of the higher resistance. Try bursts of 30-60 seconds of the higher resistance and then go back to whatever resistance you can handle for the whole time of your cardio. Do several of these bursts throughout your cardio and recover for a few minutes in between. I would also suggest that you do some strength training. You could do simple exercises at home like squats, lunges, calf raises, sidelying leg lifts (inner & outer thigh) to start. This is just lower body. You could do pushups, dips, and hand weight exercises for your upper body. There are dozens of web sites and magazines with instructions on proper form for these exercises. \n\nJust don't leave out the strength training because most women feel like they are fat when in fact they just need to build up their muscle mass to firm areas up and stop them from looking flabby! It helps with your shape. Remember you can't spot reduce but you can spot tone! Good luck and don't be too hard on yourself!
915286
Anything elliptical that involves both the legs and arms. Elliptical machines give you low impact, and using both arms and legs helps to burn more calories, as well as involve more muscles used.\n\nI can easily burn 400 calories in 30 minutes on an elliptical trainer with not too much effort.  40 minutes is ideal for fat burning, by the way.
1012010
depends on the time schedule you have...a 3-4 day excessive program is the best for you..each should be no longer than an hour  if on a 3 day program..an hour and a half if on a 4 day .  at least   30 minutes of your program dedicated to cardio.  weight training  should consist of toning, shaping exercises 3 sets of 12-15 reps per body part ..you can e-mail me at mikewood31@yahoo.com  if you have anymore questions...good luck
1023876
What do you want to accomplish?  Just general fitness, build up a specific muscle group, lose weight, or what?  Answer that and you'll be 90% of the way to your ideal workout.\n\nAs a very general rule, exercise that uses your arms AND legs is better than just one or the other, and exercise that raises your arms over your heart is better than exercise that doesn't (because the heart has to pump harder to push the blood uphill).  Which means that if you're stuck indoors and don't have equipment, the humble jumping jack isn't a bad choice.   (Hmmm... jumping jacks with a 5-lb dumbbell in each hand?  I've never tried that...)\n\nIf you have access to a health club, try the elliptical cross-trainers, especially the ones that let you pump with your arms as well as "pedal" with your legs.  I find those get my heart rate up faster than treadmills or stationary bikes, and are a more "concentrated" form of exercise, at least for my body and its many flaws and weaknesses.  Your mileage may vary.\n\nFrom my personal experience, though, I haven't found anything that is as intensive, complete, and thorough as martial-arts practice.  Kicking and punching for half an hour, either alone or with a partner, is incredibly intense, especially if you have a heavy bag to provide some resistance.  I've been teaching my 15YO daughter her next form lately while we are at the gym, and just minutes of walking across the floor doing  reverse punches gets me more winded than half an hour on the elliptical.
1178693
I'd go with an elliptical because has as much impact as walking, and is more quiet then a treadmill, also you can set different programs for forward and backward motion.
590858
The smith machine.  Do lunges and squats.  Enough weight so you can feel it after 12 reps.  You will really work your glutes.
369644
It depends on what you want.  You can increase the tension on it to build muscle and endurance and you can increase the slope as well.  If you want to build endurance and lose weight, increase your speed (do more 'steps' per hour)\n\nI wouldn't recommend carrying weights as you could lose your balance and hurt yourself.\n\nAlso, look for a machine that has the arm trainer built in so that you can work two parts of your body at the same time.
910569
I love working out on an elliptical machine. You can get one for cheap, but the more expensive ones have some nice features. I just go to the gym and use theirs. I like how you can get different workouts, and vary the intensity. I also love how you can make it uphill as well in order to give you a different work out and get past plateaus. I plan on buying one soon so I can fit in smaller workouts throughout the day at home while I am watching my favorite shows or whatever. \n\nI am also a fan of mixing pilates in with cardio. Lean muscle helps burn calories at a faster rate, and it also mixes things up so you never get bored. I try to aim for every other day with cardio 3-4 days a week and pilates the rest of the time. You can even fit it into 10-30 minute increments with some dvds. I enjoy it and it gets to the point I look forward to working out because you feel so relaxed afterward. \n\nIt also good to mix it up with other activities to work different muscle groups. I also enjoy dancing and swimming, and include those in whenever I get bored with the elliptical machine. 45 minutes of dancing, be it salsa or hip hop, can work many muscle groups and burn calories, so it is 2 for the price of 1!
917653
I have an elliptical.  It's fun, it works, and it gives a great workout.  I have one I got for around $800 from Dick' Sporting Goods online, so you aim for a nice one, but I wouldn't buy one without trying it out.  Go to your local Y and work out on one -- see if you like it.
327629
I'd say elliptical would be better on the joints.  You can increase the tension so you get a better work out (though build up to it, and don't push yourself too hard if you're just starting).  If you want to use the treadmill, avoid the running and increase the incline.
81654
Any form of resistance training with the proper amout of calories to sustain whatever muscle you have. Also Cardio is essential even for those trying to tone or gain muscle, however limit your cardio training to 3 to 4 times per week no longer than 30 to 40 minutes, anymore will work against your current goal.
1187744
If you're going to the gym anyway, then I'd recommend cutting back on your cardio to maybe 30min each visit (but make sure you're working hard enough to sweat profusely), and replace the other 30 minutes (or so) with weights (30min) and stretching (5min or so).\n\nFor the cardio portion, consider 2 machines for 15min each, but skip the cycle entirely.  go with treadmill, rowing (if available), and elliptical.  Do the elliptical or rowing first, and 'warm up' for the first 5 minutes.  5min 'cool down' at the end is plenty before you move on to the weights.   The stretching at the end is when you completely cool down.\n\nCheck out "Hot Point Fitness" for suggestions on all specifics for cardio, weights, stretching.
133844
I suggest an exercise bike, because you can work out at a high intensity on it while watching TV, it provides a good workout for your lower body, and you can find them at whatever price fits your budget.  Another good choice would be an elliptical trainer, but these tend to be more expensive.  You can set the incline and resistance on these to specifically target thighs or hip.  Here is a good intro to choosing an elliptical trainer:\n\nhttp://www.primusweb.com/fitnesspartner/library/equipment/elliptical.htm\n\nI wouldn't suggest a treadmill, because it would be hard to run on it unless you devote your full attention, and if you walk on it at a lower intensity, it probably won't help very much in toning your lower body.
363491
Well, I am not sure if you have access to a Elliptical Trainer. But, it works your arms, chest, abs, legs and glutes all at the same time and you will see results within a week. It is an excellent overall exercise machine. You will burn 100 calories in 8 minutes. Stay away from Sodium, Sugar, dairy products and carbohyrdtaes and you will lose weight quickly. Drink plenty of water and eat alot of lean protein and vegetables.
729810
I workout. I turn on the ipod and get on the elliptical trainer for about 30 or 45 minutes. I'm in my own world when i am working out. I tune everything else out. It clears my mind.
569362
The elliptical machine is best. I reduced my hips and thighs in a month (working out on the elliptical for 25-35 min, 3 times a week).
30927
Bench pressing is an ego thing. To get "toned" just lift. Push day one... Pull day two... repeat do 15 to 20 reps and 5 to 6 sets  and "don't sweat the weights"