Racer's Lounge - Elliptical machine/ Cardio Q's

So I've been using our NordicTrack elliptical machine doing some of the 30 minute exercises... Machine says I've been burning anywhere from 450-480 calories during these 30 minute sessions... What do you think? I do them at like 7-8am to maximize burning fat... Any suggestions? I'm also trying to keep my heart rate at 145 or higher.

I've found that those machines don't do anything for me per say. If I want a noticable difference in the size of my belly I need to actually go running. But I can't speak for everyone, plus stairing at the wall gets boring.

You should try using a rowing machine. That works your ENTIRE body. Or go swimming. That works your entire body too. If you really want to get your metabolism up you should be varying the intensity during your cardio workout. For instance go 75-85% intensity for 30 seconds then drop back to a normal pace(40-50%) for 4-5 min. and then go 75-85% again. Repeat as necessary.

When I first started training cardio I noticed that I could do 40 minutes on an eliptical, but only 10 minutes on a treadmill. Since I don't have bad joints or connective tissue, I decided that I got a much better workout on the treadmill even though the treadmill said I didn't burn as many calories. Now I train exclusively on the treadmill (since that's all I own) and my weight is controlled very well as is my "wind."

I only ever recommended the eliptical to someone if they had prior injuries to their kness, ankles, etc. that would hinder them from the treadmill or if they were severly out of shape.

Yikes! I never go by what the computers on those machines say. I think they all over estimate calories burned.

Obviouslly the heavier you are, the more you're going to burn though. Also, anything past the 20 min. should be fat burning.

As far as your heart rate, if this is what yours comes out to using the forumula, you should be fine.

Do you do any resistance training?

Bottom line: burn-off more than you take in.

And, the best machine or exercise for losing weight, is one that you'll use.

We bought the elliptical after considering also a bike and a treadmill. My plan is to start running in the near future, but I was dealing with some shin splint issues, and have been building up my muscles below my knees...