Whether you’re looking to lose weight, tone, or obtain a certain fitness goal, the secret to great results in the gym is cardio. When using five main cardio machines: treadmill, elliptical, stair climber, stationary bike, and a rowing machine, correctly and efficiently, you’ll hit your goals faster and with better results (while having a great time doing it)! Here’s the ultimate guide to cardio machines and how to get the best results ever!
What cardio machine is good for what?
Treadmill
Treadmills are some of the most popular cardio machines found anywhere. There’s one in almost every gym, and chances are, it’s usually taken. The treadmill is easy to use and can be used at home, so you don’t always have to visit the gym. If you’re away from home and can’t go out for a run or walk, choose a treadmill.
A treadmill allows you the freedom to move your body, whether it’s running, walking, or jogging, and you go at your own pace. The setback of treadmills is that they can be expensive if purchased for your home, but compared to gym membership costs, and if used regularly, it’s worth it. A treadmill provides the best cardio exercise by lowering your blood pressure, and it helps strengthen your heart.
Elliptical
An elliptical machine gives you a low-impact, high-intensity workout. If you want to lose weight and tone your entire body, the elliptical machine is perfect because it’s great for both. The elliptical machine is great for cardio workouts because you get a full-body workout without the impact force by incorporating both the lower and upper body.
Stair Climber
For those looking to lose weight, climbing stairs is an effective way of burning calories. Stair climbers are one of the best cardio machines for losing weight and toning legs, butt, and thighs. Stair climbers work just like climbing actual stairs in a regular gym or at the office, but on a machine.
A stair climber activates the lower body muscles and increases bone mass. It also helps reduce weight because of the energy consumed while working out. If you’re looking to combine muscular strength and cardiovascular conditioning, a stair climber is the best machine to use.
Stationary Bike
Stationary bikes are great indoor exercise machines. These bikes help by burning calories and reducing weight. A stationary bike is very easy to use and is perfect for cardio exercises at home. To use a stationary bike, you simply adjust the seat, handlebar, and saddle at your convenience. A bike is also perfect for people who have lower extremity conditions or back issues because they offer impact-free exercise. Stationary bikes come with a back support model for people suffering from back pain, and they are also useful for endurance building and core strength training.
Rowing Machine
Rowing is a major cardio technique that is very useful for full-body workouts. If you want a machine for full-body workouts, this is it. A rowing machine provides a broad range of muscle movements because it incorporates approximately 80% of the body’s muscles and is very effective in burning calories.
Although it is harder to perform rowing exercises, doing 10 minutes of rowing per day will give you maximum results. The machine is popular amongst runners, bikers, swimmers, or those looking to burn calories and stay healthy and fit.
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