Mini Elliptical
the treadmill and the elliptical are my arch nemesises?

I can't stand being on the treadmill, bike, anything like that. I can do crunches, I can jump rope and do squats and all that, but the freaking elliptical is like mini-torture. I force myself to do 15 minutes and by the end I want to strangle someone. It's soooo long and dissapointing, people say stay on for 30-45 minutes I'm like you gotta be kidding me! it sux man. what can I do to replace it? I jump rope to replace cardio but what can I do to replace aerobics
be honest if theres no better exercise then the elliptical for aerobics, but will 15 minutes do anything anyways? and swimming isnt an option sorry for being picky!

I can definitely understand how the elliptical and treadmill machines are tough to stay motivated on. It took me a long time to have fun on the treadmill, but I run about 20 miles a week (on a great week!) now.

Here's my advice: Remember, the purpose of cardio is to make/keep your heart healthier. You're right! Swimming, running, and the elliptical trainer are great options, but since they're not for you, try to find something else that might be fun. Some other things you can do for cardio is:
* cross-country skiing (if it's available at your gym)
* bicycling
* aerobics (see if your gym has a few classes you can join!)
* rowing
* walking

The time you need to spend on these machines depends on your existing health. Assuming you're already fairly healthy, 30 minutes of cardio is ideal. However, it doesn't have to be 30 minutes of the same activity! If you can do 10 minutes of running, then 10 minutes of bicycling, then perhaps 10 rowing, you've completed 30 minutes of cardio workout.

Do you listen to music while working out? One thing that helps me stay motivated with running is my iPod + system. I have a sensor inside my Nike + running shoes. The sensor that I plug into my iPod tracks my distance, my average pace, and my time. I can sync it up with my iTunes and post my results at the Nike Plus website. I set goals, join "virtual" runs, and can compete in challenges.

Good luck finding what motivates you, and I hope you find an exercise that you like to do that will help keep your heart strong!

Mom's mini elliptical