Cross-trainer : what's the limit one can exercise?

Question

We have purchased a Cross-trainer (Elliptical) and would like to know the following:
1. What is the limit to which we can exercise with this trainer (time) ?
2. Does this exercising help in weight loss and trimming your body ?
3. What are the guide values of heart beat etc to be followed during exercising on this trainer ?
4. What are the different ways in which we can use this trainer to get the maximum benefit i.e forward, backward, etc. ?
Will be thankful for getting some replies.....thanks and reg
shavi

Answer 1

I do 60 minutes as a maximum. I do 3 minutes backwards and then 7 minutes forward in each ten minute block. I generally exercise at around level 8 at 128-136 strides per minute. You can put the resistance up as you become fitter. I am very fit so I would start out on level 3 or 4 and build up. To maximise weight loss, I would exercise in the cardiovascular zone (you should have a monitor on the machine which tells you when your heart rate is in your cardio or weightloss zone) for 30 minutes and then do the other 30 minutes at within the weightloss zone. If you do not have such a monitor on your trainer, you should be able to look up on the internet what these zones are for you dependent on your age, weight and resting heartbeat.