Cardio Machine
If you ever go to the gym you will notice dozens of different types of cardio machines. The same goes for when looking to buy a cardio machine. It can be difficult to decide which one machine is the best to use. While there may be studies that show one machine works better than the rest, it is really a personal choice. If you cannot stay focused on a specific cardio machine then it will not do you much good.
Choosing a Cardio Machine
When picking a cardio machine to use or purchase you will have to look at a number of factors. First off, avoid any gimmick products. You want a basic machine such as a treadmill which requires basic movements. Do not bother with any machines that require awkward movements and have unbelievable claims to success. Another important part of picking a cardio machine for you is that you are comfortable with using it. If you choose a machine that you get bored of using in only a few minutes then it would be a bad choice. You want to choose a machine that feels right for you and you want to be able to perform a high intensity exercise without having to quit. Part of a comfortable machine also includes not having any awkward movement that could cause injury or abnormal pain while exercising.
Using a Cardio Machine
If you go to your gym you may notice people that just hang out at the cardio machines for half an hour, an hour, or even longer. These people are referred to as cardio bunnies and are usually using the equipment with a low intensity level. The end result of this is just a bunch of wasted effort and if anything it could hurt your health. You want to perform high intensity workouts. One option would be a high intensity interval training program but this is not as easy with cardio machines.
A short and high intensity exercise will help you target all your energy on the exercise. If you are exercising for a long period of time at a low pace then you will spend more energy keeping the proper form. Also, you sweat more and burn more calories from high intensity exercises then you will with a low intensity exercise.
Types of Cardio Machines
There are many different types of cardio machines to choose from. Not all of them will be a good choice. Take a look below for some brief details on some of the more common types of cardio machines.
Recumbent Stationary Bike – this is just like a normal bike except for the fact that you remain comfortably seated. This is a good cardio machine for people with a bad back or those that cannot perform high intensity exercises. Otherwise, this is nothing more than a warm up exercise for anyone that is in healthy shape.
Treadmill – this is one of the most popular types of cardio machines and is a very good choice. If you can get motivated to run on a treadmill then you could benefit from it. The design of a treadmill offers lower impact in comparison to running outside. You can also modify the speed and grade levels.
Pedal Stepper – many people enjoy using a pedal stepper as it is something new. The pedal stepper, or stair climber, is a great exercise that can be great when trying to lose weight. You can also choose a higher intensity level and not have to worry about losing your flow. If you had the option of running up and down actual sets of stairs it would be a better option. Otherwise, a pedal stepper is a great cardio machine to use.
Spinning Bike – a spinning bike is basically an upright stationary bike. This is great for anyone looking for a high intensity cycling exercise. You can modify the settings according to your needs as well. If you insist on using a bike cardio machine then the spinning bike is your best option. If you enjoy this exercise equipment enough you may want to consider spinning classes at your local gym for extra motivation.
Unless you are setting up a cheap home gym you should not be limited to what cardio machines you can use. If you have the ability to choose from a number of cardio machines then you may want to keep changing up your fitness program. You do not need to use just one cardio machine every day. Instead, change machines by day or use multiple machines each day you do cardio exercises. The only other thing to remember is to avoid low intensity cardio exercises as there is no major benefit besides improved endurance.
