I'm thinking I may have to quit running at least for a while. My heel has been bothering me. So here's my question. What kind of a variation could I do on the machine that would still enable me to lose weight?My thought was this:

Day 1 - 20 min program
Day 2 - longer 45 min workout, increasing the resistance every few mins
Day 3 - shorter 30 min workout with a steady resistnace
Day 4 - 20 min program
Day 5 - 30 or 45 mins

What do you think? Obviously I would still do weights, but my main concern right now is the machine.

Does your elliptical have preset programs you could use? If so, try a different program each day for variation.

Even though they are only 20 mins long? Will that be enough?

Wendy, are you limited to an elliptical? Do you have access to any other machines?

20 minutes is the minimum length of time for cardiovascular conditioning but more is better. Try for 30-60 minutes if you can.

Yes and No. LOL I only have an elliptical and no way for me to workout in a gym.

See, that's what I was thinking. Like 20 mins won't seem like I've done enough...even if I am dripping with sweat.

Keep you're time up, for variance vary resistance and heart rate, like work 60 percent one workout, and 75 percent the next.

ok that sounds like a plan.