Elliptical?

Question
no problem...thanks Ryan i will be checking in a few days
-------------------------------------------
The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Hi Ryan,

I am a 22 year old female who stays active all year. I have joined a gym many months ago and have seen improvement in myself for a while now. My question has to do with the equipment in the gym, specifically the elliptical machines.  I use the elliptical for at least 30 mins. before i get bored and move to another machine.  At the end of my 30 the machine reads that i have worked off around 300 to 400 calories depending on my settings and how hard i have worked. Are these machines telling me the truth.  I have always been very skeptical of them.  I would just like your opinion on this machine in specific and maybe a recommendation for a young woman between 120-125 lbs. looking to lose a few more and to tone my flabbyness.  thanks a bunch

Natasha
-----Answer-----
Natasha,

I had to unexpectedly go out of town this weekend. I will be more than happy to answer your question, but give me a day. I will try to get some computer time in tomorrow.

Ryan

Answer
Natasha,

As far as the accuracy of those machines, I would recommend not believing them. They just give a general guideline, as everyone's bodies are different, metabolism rates are different, etc and the workout intensity plays a large part as well. Elliptical machines can be good as they eliminate the pounding of running. However at your weight, I can't see you having many running problems.

The key to losing weight is exercise. At least 30 minutes four days a week...however an hour is much better. Intensity plays a key part as well. I think you should concentrate on running and elliptical, but also do 1 or two days a week of a hill type workout. Jog easy or elliptical a few minutes, and then do 1 min hard at incline, 1 min easy, 2 min hard, 1 min easy, 3 min hard, 1 min easy, 4 min hard, 2 min easy, and then revers down the pattern. These are great workouts. Also I think sit ups and pushups are great for general strength and toning.

Hope it helps.

Ryan