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Which Cardio Machine is Best?

Cardiovascular fitness is defined as having the ability to perform large muscle movement over a long period.

Being able to choose which machine you want to utilize when walking into the gym can be stressful enough. With so many choices available to improve your cardio fitness, how do you chose the right one…which one is best?

Treadmills:
Pros – This machine is probably the most popular. You have the option to walk which is a relatively easy activity that we all are used to doing. Walking is considered a lower impact activity which is easier/gentler on your body. Treadmills will work to help you keep the same pace and most have a variety of programs to choose from that can challenge you. The plus is you have the ability to monitor your progress and see the improvements in your distance, speed and time.

Cons – I don’t really consider walking the best calorie burner and it can also lead to shin splints if done excessively. Shin splints are the devil and do not feel that best! Walking can also get boring overtime...lets be honest. Running is definitely a great way to burn calories, but your joints will begin to pay for it. But even running can get boring.

Stationary Bikes:
Pros – You have the recumbent and upright bike to choose from, as well as bikes with upper body levers. “What?!?!?!?” you say! Depending on the bike of your choice, once you get used to the speed time sitting, it came be comfortable. They are less stressful on your joints which can be a positive. Recumbent bikes in my opinion are a good place to start for beginners and also those you deal with back pain.

Cons – With the stationary bikes it can be more challenging to get your heart rate up. It will take longer and you have to work harder in order to increase your heart rate to burn calories. Unless you are using a bike with upper body levers and increasing your speed.

Stair Climbers:
Pros – This is great calorie burner if done properly, but that’s with any activity honestly. Some of us may be used to going up and down stairs on a daily bases, but this machine make it more challenging. You are completely supporting your body weight on the pedals which takes a lot of energy to perform this particular exercise.

Cons -- Stair climbers may not be comfortable for some. If you experience knee issues, you will have problems with this machine. It definitely takes some time to build up your endurance in order to sustain this exercise for more than 20 minutes.

Ellipticals:
Pros – It is low impact which is less stressful on the joints. A great machine for beginners and those you are looking for an excellent rehabilitation workout. It adds in your arm work which helps elevate your heart rate. Great cardio workout in my opinion! Works out the legs and the arms at the same time.

Cons – This too can be considered as low intensity workout unless you choose a high level of intensity in order to break a sweat.

Rowers:
Pros – This is a great total body cardio exercise machine. It works your abs and upper and lower back and from my experience your legs and arms. This exercise is low impact and it is very easy to get into your target heart rate due to the arm and leg movement.

Cons – If you are suffering or experiencing knee, hip and/or back problems this may not be very comfortable. If you do not keep good form, you can encourage poor posture and possibly overstretch the muscles of your upper back and shoulders.

Trainer's Notes: Low impact refers to activities or exercises that do not require you to do a lot of jumping around.