Question about elliptical trainer

I use the elliptical as my main form of exercise in the gym but on the instructions it tells you to hold onto the two handrails that move back and forth ... but I find this kind of uncomfortable and restricting (maybe I have short arms, idk) and I usually don't actually bother unless I'm going really fast. Does this mean I'm burning less calories while exercising?

When I do step aerobic classes our instructor says if you use the arm movements it adds about 12% to your heart rate- so I guess yes by about 12%.  I don't use the arms on the machine at the gym I use cause its uncomfortable for me as well but my little elliptical I have at home the arms are easy and comfortable and I do use them then.  The machine at the gym is so big and bulky and I think that is why its hard to use the arms.

I actually read on here that you burn more calories by NOT hanging onto the handrails because you are using your body to balance on the machine.

I am by no means an expert but from personal experience I have noticed when I don't hold onto the handrails my heart rate goes up.  Now this is when I have let go to adjust my ipod, or take a drink of water.  I am not sure exactly how that relates to calorie burn but I figure if your heart rate has gone up you must be working harder.

I am by no means an expert but from personal experience I have noticed when I don't hold onto the handrails my heart rate goes up.  Now this is when I have let go to adjust my ipod, or take a drink of water.  I am not sure exactly how that relates to calorie burn but I figure if your heart rate has gone up you must be working harder.

There are two elliptical machines, one with moving handles (like you are pole planting as you "walk") and one that just is a rail to hold onto... The moving handles help "build" your upper body (slowly but surely) and the stationary railing machines are just so you have something to hold on to so you don't fall off the machine - You don't have to hold on to them and as people have been saying, it is probably better not to because you can burn more calories... 

If you are actually pushing and pulling with your arms, not just hanging on and letting them go for the ride you'll burn more. Maybe not a ton more, but better than nothing. On the other hand not holding on builds balance, I usually do a mixture of both.