Elliptical trainers can burn calories more efficiently then most other fitness equipment. This is due to the fact they work the upper and lower body simultaneously. This results in the heart rate climbing more quickly. Consequently it requires less time to burn comparable calories on other machines.

With an elliptical trainer the energy expended is optimized. As the legs are being worked, the back, shoulders, chest, biceps, and triceps are also working - making it possible to burn more calories in less time.

No. Don't start thinking that an elliptical trainer is one of those miracle machines that you see on infomercials. To burn calories you must commit to extended workouts at a reasonably resistance level.

Often when I am at the gym I notice how people set their ellipticals at the lowest level of resistance. They casually go through the motions. They put in 10-15 minutes and now feel justified in overindulging. This is not the way to burn calories and get the most out of your workout.

It should be noted studies have shown that working out on an elliptical can trick the body into believing it is working easier than it actually is. That is due to the fact that you are exercising so many muscle groups at once. Therefore, as you're burning more calories in less time on an elliptical trainer, your body feels as though it doesn't have to work as hard to achieve its goals. This phenomenon is known as the "Rate of Perceived Exertion."