20 min of cardio enough??

I have been doing 45 minutes on the elliptical trainer every other day.  On the other days I do 15-30 minutes on the elliptical and either an upper or lower body workout (alternating).  Six days a week usually.  My husband says that any more than 20 minutes of cardio on the elliptical is not helpful.  I think that burning 800 calories versus 300 calories makes a difference. 

I am 33, 306 lbs. looking to lose 100+ lbs.  When I started out I lost 25 lbs. really quickly, but I have been stalled out lately.  I am eating 1500-1800 calories a day usually- all healthy foods.  My short term goal is to be an 18/20 by July 15th (for my trip to Vegas!).  Right now I am a 22.  Any suggestions?  Is my husband right about 20 minutes being all the cardio you need and any more doesn't do any good???

No! I think you are right this time. Not only is a longer workout burning more calories, but it is also building your endurance and helping your heart grow stronger. As long as you feel fine afterward, then I say keep it up!

There is nothing wrong with busting your butt.  Try to do some 30 min really intense work outs once and awhile though.  Studies have shown that intense workouts may reduce your risk of cancer by 16%, vs. more moderate exercise.

According to a recent AHA study they say "30 minutes of moderate exercise a day- 90 minutes for weight loss"  so you are correct.  YOu need to do at least 20 minutes in a moderate heart rate zone to be effective so if you count 5 min warm up and 5 min cool down you still get at least 30 min work out.

Your husband is wrong. For weight loss (and that's your goal) you should do at least 45 min. of cardio on most days (read 6 days a week.) So I would actually recommend you up your cardio on the days you're doing 15-30.

I used to use the elliptical a lot as well, but started to incorporate the treadmill as well. Your body is probably used to the elliptical now so changing it up is good.

Also, make sure to keep track of your heart rate. Usually the machines at the gym have a target range.

its good to change your routine because once your body adjusts to one form of excercise its gonna need more. Like after awhile of walking for 30 min a day, you will see that its no longer a struggle and your not losing as much weight. Its good to increase your excercise when you feel your ready and even to change up and add new things to it

One of the staff at my gym advised me to do 20 minutes hard cardio, then 6 sessions of weights for arms and legs. He said to try and do 12 reps, then rest, then another 12, and that would be a session. 6 of those, then 20 minutes cardio 3 or 4 times a week. Apparantly building muscle burns more calories in the long run. I think 6 days is too much, as you'd be more inclined to burn out. 3 or 4 days a week is better for the long term. We're not cyborgs! Thenagain, this is just one opinion and I'm seeking a second.

Your husband may be right but it's only if the person

(a) lift weights regularly like 3 - 5 day split

(b) lifts heavy

(b) doesn't have lots of weight to lose

The reasoning is possibly that if you do too much cardio, and don't have much fat to lose, you'll start burning both fat AND muscle.