Hello all! I'm glad to have stumbled upon this site. I am new to working out and just bought an Elliptical machine. Any advice? My one question is how many calories per session I should burn? I've changed my eating habbits to reflect weight loss and a healthier lifestyle (I even quit smoking!), and now it's time to incorporate exercise. My goal is to lose about 12-15 lbs. and tone.

Thanks for your help in advance.

KC

I would shoot for at least 30 minutes. If you don't have time to spend 30 minutes all at once, then break it up into two 15 minute sessions. If you decided to go that route, I would push yourself a little harder. I'm not really sure on your activity level, but be sure to use the advantage of an incline. You really want to burn some calories, workout w/ an incline. Also, if you lift weights, you will also burn more calories. Lean muscle burns more calories, but my weight training you will tone your muscles. Be sure to eat healthy and drink plenty of water!

Good Luck, it takes time!

:) Thanks SparkleBuggy! I will continue to use the machine as you said and keep working at my goal. I do drink a lot of water.

The down side is...aside from being a single mom of 3 (keeps me active) I have a desk job and sit on my u-know-what all day 9 hrs a day. Actually, I gained this weight after I started this job a year and a half ago and gained more when I quit smoking.

I have some free weights at home. I am unsure how to use them effectively. Any ideas/advise? Again thanks a lot.

KC