elliptical training or jogging?

I heard those elliptical machines are the latest thing, never tried it though. But if you can do it longer because its easier, what's the point? Personally I prefer running and jogging, I got used to it the hard way. I think that if you feel pain its because you're neglecting far too many other areas, such as your basic activity level and your nutrition. There's also a method of how to productively run/jog (how to land your feet, posture, etc) and with all these things commonly ignored by most people I can see why there's so much pain and so few old people still doing it. A decent pair of shoes doesn't hurt either.

As far as diet, last year I went from 262 to where I am (193) in about six months. In 1999 I went from 240 to 187, and I like to think I've learned enough to not gain that weight back ever again.

Whatever cardio you decide on, don't go past 30 minutes for the love of God. I think 15-20 is best, but optimally (like Will said) interval training is best. You bust your ass for 30 seconds, do some light walking or whatever for one minute or a minute and a half, and repeat another five times. Short, intense, and it works wonders for your body and metabolism. Look at the difference between the body of a long distance runner and a sprinter. And you can do interval training without even having to necessarily run. Whatever you do though, don't become a mindless automation huffing and puffing away for over a half hour... Even if that helped you lose weight, what good does it do you performance wise? I've seen great long distance joggers get out of breath by just running up a flight of steps. Absolutely no explosiveness, it seems all they've trained to do is be able to withstand being out of breath for long periods of time. In the real world what does that help beyond some heart benefits?

As far as dieting, don't be stupid and keep it simple. I like to eat first thing in the morning for a good 300 calories, then repeat with four or five more meals throughout the day with 2.5-3 hours between each. This way you wont overload your body with food itll have to store as fat, you increase your metabolism by constantly making it work, and the best part is you can actually eat more throughout the day and still lose weight if you just like to eat. Personally I avoid horrible sources of fat (mayo, butter, greasy foods) and try to stick to fish oils, nuts (wtf are you talking about Leveless?), canola and olive oil, etc. Just avoid saturated fats and ESPECIALLY trans fats, get some decent omegas in, and try to get whole grain/fiber carbs in too and cut the sugar down to a minimum. Personally, I only drink water and green tea. At the very least start chugging some water.

If you want to complicate your life even more drink extremely cold water or take very cold showers. This'll increase your core temperature which will increase your metabolism. Slightly varying the calories you eat day to day helps to if you want to get anal about things, since you're results might plateau if your body gets used to the same exact calories everyday. Just like weightlifting.

This is my disorganized arrangement of what works for me. Of course I don't think I have to do every little thing here to get what I want, but every little bit helps.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Makes sense that the setting would be too low on the elliptical. Because, if people can last longer on an elliptical than jogging, something's up. There's no way in fucking hell you can do something for a half hour that's easier than jogging (in terms of getting you tired) and lose more calories.

Good point though Dee. I sort of look at an elliptical versus jogging/running the same way I look at free weights versus machines and cables.

There's nowhere I can't reach.