Hi momrek06,
I have been consistently doing the elliptical for a few months now between 3-6 times a week. When I started out I could only muster about 15 minutes on a resistance of 1-4. Now I usually do 20-30 minutes using a heart rate program on my machine.
This program keeps my heart rate between 155-175 which is the optimal range for fat burning for my age (24). The programs I use start at either resistance 2 or 3 and go up to resistance 8 or 9 respectively. I can really feel these workouts too! with a 20 min I burn at least 300 cals and with the 30 min I have burnt as much as 456 cals which I think is great!
I like the changes in resistance because it keeps you motivated and keeps me from getting bored. For the heart rate programs the resistance goes up and down for the duration so your body gets some "rest periods" and doesn't tire out too fast. I love it! And of course the programs start and end on a low resistance which is a great warm up and cool down. Between the elliptical, weights, jump rope, and the ab lounger I have lost 10 pounds so far and now the pounds are starting to fall off now that my metabolism has finally kicked in to gear and I am eating healthier.
Stacy