I had to work my way up on the elliptical. When I started I could barely handle 8 minutes, it really kicks your butt! I am up to 35-45 minutes now. It has resistence levels; meaning, making it harder to step down on and to go and it also has incline levels so you can work legs and butt or just legs or just butt. The ellipticals with the arm bars are the best as you condition your arms at the same time. I think it's a great overall body conditioning. It shows your distance, and how many calories you are burning per minute and overall, similar to a treadmill. It isn't hard on your knees either. Walking or the bike pound on my knees. The elliptical or some people call it a glider is much easier on your knees. Thanks for the comment on my son! keep up the good work....