Based on advice received here, I have selected an elliptical machine for my post pregnancy weight loss. My son is soon going to be 6 mos old and it's high time I try to lose all my baby weight!

I am looking for some pointers to get the best workout of an elliptical that has moving handlebars and can be pedalled both ways. It is going to be my primary weightloss program and I am hoping to do 30 mins for 4-6 days a week on it.

The elliptical also has a seat on which to sit and pedal (like a cycle).

This is going to be my first time on an elliptical (but I worked out a lot regularly before pregnancy and thankfully, my stamina is mostly intact). How should I go about using it?

TIA,
Ramya

Usually the machine will come with some preset programs that you can use, like crosstraining, weight loss, etc. These will tell you when to pedal forward or backward. They will also adjust the the level and tension.

If your machine does not have programs you can kind of make your own up, start at level 4 or so and go 5 minutes forward and 5 back and go for 30 minutes. As you get better you can increase the level to make it harder.