If you want to reduce in size first you need to burn off some calories by getting your heart rate up. The x trainer and bike will raise your heart rate but mind you don�t raise it too much. Depending on your age and weight, there�s a rate range you want to reach and maintain to burn calories. If it goes too high over the target range, you�re working out your lungs and actually not burning fat. So it�s best to work less hard on these machines if your aim is to slim down. Once you�ve worked up a sweat, then move on to some weight work to tone your muscles. The weight you lift needn�t be heavy. 3 sets of 20 reps should do the trick. I really like the ball. You can get in all sorts of positions to work different body areas. It works on your core stability.