Bouncing Back / Elliptical Fun

Bouncing back from my December slide!

During 6 days of traveling to MI I did no cardio and allowed myself some carbs...but really didn't go crazy...after it was over I was astonished to find I gained 9 pounds!

Well in about 18 days I blasted off those pounds.

Now I'm traveling again and staying at a hotel with an elliptical. After doing the treadmill this morning for 60 mins. I went back to use the weight machines and once again got back to trying out an elliptical for 30 mins...almost couldn't walk afterwards...legs felt like jelly...lol! Did it all again the next day too!

What a great cardio weekend!

I've finally gotten back on an elliptical while staying at a hotel (a Precor) and found it much more "do-able" than the last one I tried some time ago. 30 mins. with resistance set at 10 and pace between 110-130 rpms. My total # of strides was 3400 the first time and 3600 the second. Legs were like jello afterwards, but a plunge in the pool and I was good to go! Normally on the treadmill it takes 12-14 mins. for me to start sweating. The elliptical had me going in 6 mins.! My heart rate bumped from 70 to 130 where I pretty much maintained it throughout the workout. I'm very impressed by the feeling I get from this workout. The flabby backs of my thighs seem to get much benefit!

Question, tho: Is there a way to translate elliptical time into distance? For instance on the treadmill you have a final distance you've covered. I didn't see anything like that on the display of the Precor I was using.

It seems an important part of whether an elliptical works or not (i.e feels comfortable or "do-able") is the length of the cycle around which the foot pedals rotate. Don't know if that is possibly adjustable or whether it's a one size determined at the time of purchase.

Appreciate any thoughts folks have to share about it as I can tell I'm getting increasingly curious enough to consider purchasing one. Would want to be sure it's a good sturdy piece of equipment that could go the distance...!