What is the difference between these 2 workouts on the elliptical?

Question

level 8 going at about 6mph vs level 15-20 at about 4mph...

I decided to increase to level 15 today and the only thing I can feel is that the top of my thighs are sore... I burnt around the same calories.... but I was wondering if anyone can tell me which is better or does it really matter?

I work out everyday for 45 min and just wanted to change it up a little and wanted to know if impacts differently on the body. I am trying to lose weight and i've got 15 lbs to go but I'm just kinda stuck at the moment.

Answer 1

exercising at a higher level of intensity uses more calories per unit of exercise and will have a greater effect on keeping the metabolic rate high after exercise, where the real fat loss takes place.  exercise isn't supposed to be easy.  to make continual gains you have to keep pushing yourself harder and harder.