The husband got me one last weekend as I am dead set on losing weight more than ever. I am averaging one hour on usual days, paced 25 minutes three times a day. Four days into using it, I cannot feel my legs anymore. Seriously! A friend told me pain is a good thing, it means it is working. Now to get through the pain so I can increase my time. Maybe next week. In the meantime, I’m due for a facial – time to get rid of blackheads!

The low impact nature of these machines greatly reduces stress on the joints of the lower body (ankles, knees, and hips).

Since it is a weight-bearing exercise, elliptical training promotes cell growth in the bones of the lower body and spine thus helping ward off the debilitating effects of osteoporosis. This is a distinct advantage that elliptical trainers have over other exercise devices that are not weight-bearing such as rowing machines and stationary bikes.

The other great advantage that elliptical trainers have over other exercise machines is that most models work the muscles of both the upper and lower body. This results in a cardiovascular efficiency that produces an equivalent training effect as other forms of exercise, but over a shorter period of time.