I saw this in a Globe and Mail feature on the workout routines of high-profile people:

"Using the elliptical is a waste of workout time," says Mr. (Paul) Plakas (Edmonton based trainer, hosts the Slice network show X-Weighted) says. "The elliptical trainer makes your body dumb. It forces you into a restricted movement pattern that you would never use in any life activity." In his opinion, "The only person that should be using the elliptical is someone who's overweight, has no balance and can't walk."

Hey: I use an elliptical trainer! :)

I've actually seen some other anti-elliptical trainer references in other such articles, but haven't seen a detailed analysis, or suggestions as to what someone else should use in its place.