Hello - I'm torn between the elliptical and rower at the gym. I prefer the elliptical - and I have heard that it works all major muscle groups, which is what I want - but also that it doesn't work the abs (?!) I don't mind if that means it doesn't give you a six pack, but what I need to know, is does it fulfil the requirements for all-over muscular endurance? (If not I guess it's grit my teeth and face the rower ) Thanks!

I mix up my cardio....(I have a short attention span, get bored quickly)....I use the Precor Ellip with the arms and stationary height, I use the Life-fitness elliptical which has a wider stance, I use the treadmill sporatically...I just discovered the Cybex ARC-trainer, I put the level up to 8&9.....and the resistance midway, it makes my legs feel like jelly after 20 mins.....I'm hoping it will make my buttisimo like a rock at some point. I love this machine! I mix up the cardio with wt. machines in-between, but try to do 35-55 mins. about 5X a week.

I don't think the elliptical will help you to build muscle, except perhaps in your legs. It's intended for cardio, not a whole body workout. It's great for cardio though--burns lots of calories without much impact. If you want to build a little muscle and tone up all over, you're going to have to do weights or weight machines.

Marblefly, my old gym had a Cybex arc and I *loved* it. It was my absolute favorite cardio machine. My new gym doesn't have one, so I pretty much use the treadmill. (I used to use the elliptical, but I got bored with it.)

well, i asked this guy at allexperts.com and he said the elliptical is a great all-over workout...this is good news for me - I hate rowing! Well I do put in some weights/calisthenics but I figure that's more strength than endurance...