The Elliptical machines or cross training machines are fantastic for losing the flab especially if you have joint issues or are overweight.
Use it at least 3 times a week for a min of 30 mins a session at 70% of your aerobic capacity and you will see the flab come off. This will only happen if your diet is right and your in calorie deficit.
I recently developed shin splints from hard road running and and the cross trainer allowed me to continue training without impact thus allow my legs to heal.
Simple rule about all marketing of gym equipment and fitness magazines is they will make fat loss and muscle growth sound easy when its not. Its takes hard work and time! Take it was a pinch of salt. You wont be disappointed when your realise it was all marketing.