and conditioning...I do 45 min at a setting where I go a bit over 4 mi and burn 500 calories. With 2 torn ACLs, it is one of the few really intense aerobic things I can do and get a good calorie burn - no more running for me! Smooth motion is pretty easy on my knees.

but that 45 min is not easy to get through - I am sure to use my iPod and have something with a good beat going!

to get to 20 minutes. lol I could feel my heart rate getting up, which is great. I have some books on my iPod which I'll probably listen to.

Thanks for your input on this.

I am mid 50s, 6 foot male - went from 258 to 210 just doing WW (over a 6 mo period), maintained for another 6 mo - then joined a gym, started going more veggie/vegan, do the elliptical with some weights and sit ups - went from 210 to 196 over another 6 mo - holding around 202 right now (holiday eating, winter, no gardening!).

I feel much better having done that damned elliptical thing at least once per week. Yes, the heart rate climbs....and I can't believe how much I sweat!

good luck!

And continued good wishes to you on your maintenance--it's the hardest part.

I find it a lot less boring than a treadmill.

It gets my heart rate in the target zone and keeps it there. I tend to change up my speed and keep moving while monitoring my heart rate. I still can't do a lot of minutes (about 20), but I'm working my way up.

I don't have any problems using it for up to 75 mins in one block. It's in the basement near a tv so I can watch shows while getting a great workout.

That plus diet changes has helped me lose 15 lbs recently