Table of Contents
Learn About the Best Cardio Machines
As cardio machines go, each has its own benefits, but some may be more suited to your needs than others. If you’re looking for a high-intensity workout that will burn the most calories in the shortest time possible, then the treadmill is your best bet. However, if you’re a runner and you want to get serious about track training, an indoor track can be a valuable tool—especially during inclement weather. The stair climber provides an intense lower body workout that’s especially good for strengthening glutes and hamstrings. The rowing machine provides a low-impact, full-body cardio workout that engages both upper and lower body muscles. A spin bike is a great option for those who prefer cycling workouts or enjoy access to live classes through their home TV screen or mobile device with apps like Peloton Digital ($20 per month).
The elliptical trainer combines many of these benefits into one machine: it burns hundreds of calories in as little as half an hour while engaging multiple muscle groups simultaneously. Overall it’s probably the most versatile piece of equipment out there because it works so well for any fitness level and almost anyone can use it due to its low impact on joints. It also has no moving parts which means less maintenance over time than many other machines might require at some point in their lifespan (like treadmills).
Rowing Machine
The rowing machine is one of the best all-around pieces of exercise equipment out there.
For People of All Fitness Levels: Rowing machines will challenge you no matter what your fitness level, so whether you’re a pro or a first-time exerciser, you’ll get a great workout.
For Joints and Backs: Rowing machines engage all major muscle groups, but they do so without putting extra stress on joints or backs — this makes them ideal for people with joint issues such as arthritis or lower back pain.
For Cardio Fitness: If your main goal is cardiovascular fitness, then the rowing machine should be your go-to piece of equipment (especially if you don’t want to run).Rowers provide an intense, low impact cardio workout that can burn up to 800 calories per hour! Plus, it works 86% of your muscles. So even though rowing will give you a full body workout, it won’t wear out just one muscle group (like running does).
For Lower Body Strength: The rowing machine provides one of the most effective lower body workouts — in fact, many people say that it’s even more effective than using the elliptical trainer! By focusing on building up your legs and glutes with each stroke, your legs are constantly being challenged during every single workout. This not only helps to improve lower body strength but also tones those muscles as well. Just like any other exercise routine targeting specific muscle groups in order to tone up that area and build muscle strength.
Plus … It’s Fun! One thing we love about the Concept2 Indoor Rowing Machine is that it comes with a free online logbook where you can record how far and how long you rowed — plus other information such as calories burned and weight loss progress (for those who are trying to lose weight while exercising on this machine). You’re also able to easily track personal performance over time so that you can see
Indoor cycling
- Indoor cycling is one of the best machines for building endurance, stamina, and speed. If you’re looking to improve your performance in running or swimming, try using an indoor bike as a cross-training exercise. It’s also great for people with bad knees or back problems. However, it won’t be as helpful if you have specific goals to tone your lower body—after all, there’s no resistance beyond what the wind (or fan) provides.
- If you’ve got a spare 30-45 minutes in your day and are looking to add some high intensity interval training to your routine, consider trying an indoor cycling class like SoulCycle or Flywheel. Some gyms offer indoor classes too—just check with your local gym!
Elliptical trainer
An elliptical trainer is a popular piece of cardio equipment that features two pedals connected by one or two moving handles, each of which can be used independently. The elliptical allows for a low impact workout, but it still engages your upper and lower body, allowing you to work all your major muscle groups at the same time. For this reason, the machine is an efficient option for those who want to use their time in the gym wisely.
The elliptical has earned its reputation as a safer alternative to running or jogging because the motion of the pedals puts less strain on your joints than these forms of exercise do. However, those with prior knee injuries should proceed cautiously when using this machine since it can still put pressure on joints if used improperly. People with weaker leg muscles may also find using an elliptical difficult because they may have trouble pushing both pedals simultaneously. A lower resistance level should be chosen until you’ve increased your strength and endurance enough to handle more intensity.
Treadmill
If you have any gym experience, you’ve probably seen treadmills in action. However, if this is your first personal experience with treadmills (or even the first time hearing about them), treadmills are one of the most popular forms of exercise machines. Treadmills’ popularity stems from the fact that they’re usually involved in some sort of fitness program for beginners. While there are several different types of exercise machines available, it’s important to note that a treadmill is one of the best ways to lose weight and keep fit.
Stairmaster
The Stairmaster machine is the best cardio device for beginners because it’s very basic, easy to use, and allows you to exercise your legs and abdomen. The machine has a large flywheel at the bottom that spins with an easy-to-read dial indicator that lets you know how fast your legs are moving. As you work out on the machine, an LCD display shows how many calories you’ve burned and how far you’ve covered in a mile.
The Stairmaster was also designed with users in mind. It’s simple to turn left or right on its own tracks; it doesn’t require any assembly or installation; and it can be used both indoors (in gyms) and outdoors (on grass, pavement, etc.), so there are no concerns of keeping the machine safe from moisture or weather.
Versaclimber
If you’re looking for a full-body workout that will take up minimal space in your home or office, and won’t strain your joints during the process, then you’ll want to consider a Versaclimber machine. These vertical climbers are designed to allow users of all fitness levels to burn calories and build muscle, which is ideal for those who want to improve their cardiovascular health but don’t necessarily want to join a gym.
You’ll be able to easily track your progress since the Versaclimber monitors calories burned and distance traveled, so you can see how far you’ve come from week to week. The machine allows you to adjust the intensity level based on what your body needs at any given time, so if you’re just getting back into exercise after an injury or taking it easy on sore muscles, this equipment is great for giving yourself a little bit of extra support. It’s also extremely easy to use; there’s no complicated assembly required and very few setup steps involved when bringing it over from storage or relocating it elsewhere in your house or office. You can use each Versaclimber machine by itself or connect multiple machines together if desired—this would be ideal if you have more than one person who wants to get fit!
Final Words
Exercising is a priority for many, especially during the winter months. For this reason, it’s important to select a cardio machine that you’ll enjoy and use consistently, whether you’re a runner or looking for an intense workout such as cross training. The above machines are just a small selection of what’s available on the market; be sure to thoroughly research your options before selecting your preferred machine. And remember, when you include regular cardiovascular exercise in your weekly routine, not only will you feel better both physically and emotionally, but you’ll also increase your life expectancy.
