I'm wanting to purchase some kind of excercise machine that would help with toning of the arms and thighs. I know these are probably going to be my problem areas. I keep leaning towards getting the elliptical. Any suggestions or ideas?

I want to get a rowing machine. I decide not to go with surgery and trying to lose weight naturally.

@jeniker3. I ended up buying a recumbent elliptical which has the ability to add muscle endurance, chest presses and leg presses to. I purchased it for this very reason and am doing well with it. I chose a recumbent elliptical because I have psoriatic arthritis and a regular elliptical causes a lot of pain in my knees and spine. My elliptical is made by Octane and I purchased it from 2nd wind. Unfortunately I had to buy it new because ellipticals are apparently favored by most and I could not get a used one.

I absolutely love it! I am on it most days if not every other. I have noticed a big difference in my arms and legs and I have only been using it since the end of November.

I don't know how toned my arms and legs will get, I am 51 and have already lost a lot of weight since my surgery on 9/29. I have a lot of loose skin..... However I would rather have that than the 72 lbs I have lost so far.

Good luck on your decision to purchase some type of equipment. I am so happy I have mine and it was worth every penny.

Thank you both for your response I'm going to check out machines tomorrow.