I own an elliptical. I used to have a gym membership, but I put a home gym in my den. The gym had a cardio theatre, which made the the time go by quicker, (granted it had to be a good movie). Now I have my 61" TV in front of my elliptical, so I can throw in an action movie, and before you know it, I have finished an 1 1/2 hour ride without thinking about it.

The really cool thing about ellipticals is that they can get your heart rate up without shock to the joints. I have some slight knee problems and the elliptical gets the rate up without the hard bounce of a treadmill or the "seat weggie" you get from a bike.

When I use this machine, I feel unbalanced somehow. Does anyone else? What am I doing wrong?

There are many models of ellipticals. The stride length, (how far the pedals can go back and fourth), varies from machine to machine. If this is a gym machine, then try another model. Most gyms have more than one brand. If this is a home elliptical, check the foot holders. Mine elliptical has sliders so you can adjust to different foot sizes. This also changes the stride length somewhat.

Ellipticals are not for everyone, just like treadmills and stair climbers. These may not be right for you. I don't know your frame or build, and that may have something to do with it.

Hope this helps.

That's a good idea, watching a video on my ipod while I'm on the elliptical. I figured I could watch 2 episodes of something while I'm there..I love The Soup so that would be awsome.

Thanks Fishman! I think it probably is the foot size. Usually I am so busy trying to keep my feet in place that one leg is sort of stiff. Will look to resize it next time. Thanks!

ah, i can't wait to get my elliptical, geez! very first of the year.

does anyone have any brand suggestions?

I just bought mine from Wal-Mart...it's a Weslo Momentum 620...its a smaller machine so not good for taller people, also there are not adjustable pedals or anything on this model. Just a suggestion.