When looking to burn fat and melt away the calories, the most efficient method is cardiovascular exercise. There are many options for cardio machines, each with its benefits and drawbacks, but the most cost efficient way is to buy used gym equipment. The key to choosing the right machine is to use a machine that you find most enjoyable and that you are most comfortable with. You shouldn't be dreading your workout, and the more fun you have, the harder you will work and the more benefits you will see. With that being said, knowing the basic functions and features of each cardio machine can help you further reach your fitness goals.
Treadmill
Pros - The treadmill is the leader in burning calories among cardio machines. It is also simple to use and does not require adjustments from person to person, so there is no fear of using the machine incorrectly. Many treadmills also have an incline or decline option for lower or higher difficulty. Treadmills help train the natural running motion, so it is an effective cardio machine for everyday life. It is also far more difficult to cheat and slack off on a treadmill.
Cons - The downside of the treadmill is that there is more impact on the joints than with other cardio machines. If you have not worked out in a while, it would be better to ease in to the other cardio machines to avoid soreness and too much stress on the joints.
Elliptical
Pros - Elliptical machines are also found in every gym and are extremely popular due to less impact on the joints. Many gym users also comment on the fun factor when using an elliptical, as quality elliptical machines create a smooth and flowing motion. Many elliptical machines also utilize arm motions which would be beneficial for a full body workout.
Cons - The elliptical does not burn as many calories as the treadmill. Also, if you are training for a sport that involves running or just running in general, it would generally be more beneficial to repeat the exact running form in order to gain muscle memory. Unfortunately, due to the comfort of the machine, it is also easier to just ease along without much intensity. Luckily, to combat this, many elliptical machines have resistance settings to further increase difficulty.
Bikes
Pros - Stationary bikes (whether they are upright bikes or recumbent bikes) offer a complete cardio workout with the least impact on the joints. Fitness bikes are also great for people who are training for bike events because they can get used to the motion of pedaling. Many bikes are also equipped with televisions, which would allow for goers to catch up on their shows while still getting a quality workout.
Cons - To make best use of the stationary bike, users must adjust it to maximize the workout and avoid injury. Many people sit too low on the bike, which causes too much pressure on the knee. Your legs should be able to go through the full range of motions when pedaling on the bike.
Stepmills and Stairsteppers
Pros - Walking up stairs is a great way to work out your calf muscles, upper thighs and the behind. It can also burn a good amount of calories, similar to running up an incline treadmill. The most beneficial stair steppers have belts that constantly rotate the steps.
Cons - Due to the constant standing motion, users with back issues may not want to use the stepmills or stairsteppers. Also if users clutch the railings of the stair climbers, there will only be minimal benefits. This machine also leads users to be more prone to accidents due to the climbing nature of it.
Conclusion
The main factor that you should be looking for when choosing a cardio machine is enjoyableness. If working out becomes a chore, then you're less likely to exert yourself and won't work out as long. Even if another cardio machine has a higher calories burned per hour ratio, if you don't enjoy the machine, you won't exert enough effort to burn those calories anyway. Each machine has its pros and cons, so the best technique is to try them all out and find out what you enjoy!
Still have questions regarding fitness? Want to buy used gym equipment for wholesale prices? Visit us at http://www.fitnessequipmentprofessionals.com
We have every type of fitness machine imaginable in our 50,000 sq ft warehouse located in Santa Ana, California (in the heart of Orange County).
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Huy_Pham/1822002
Pros - The treadmill is the leader in burning calories among cardio machines. It is also simple to use and does not require adjustments from person to person, so there is no fear of using the machine incorrectly. Many treadmills also have an incline or decline option for lower or higher difficulty. Treadmills help train the natural running motion, so it is an effective cardio machine for everyday life. It is also far more difficult to cheat and slack off on a treadmill.
Cons - The downside of the treadmill is that there is more impact on the joints than with other cardio machines. If you have not worked out in a while, it would be better to ease in to the other cardio machines to avoid soreness and too much stress on the joints.
Elliptical
Pros - Elliptical machines are also found in every gym and are extremely popular due to less impact on the joints. Many gym users also comment on the fun factor when using an elliptical, as quality elliptical machines create a smooth and flowing motion. Many elliptical machines also utilize arm motions which would be beneficial for a full body workout.
Cons - The elliptical does not burn as many calories as the treadmill. Also, if you are training for a sport that involves running or just running in general, it would generally be more beneficial to repeat the exact running form in order to gain muscle memory. Unfortunately, due to the comfort of the machine, it is also easier to just ease along without much intensity. Luckily, to combat this, many elliptical machines have resistance settings to further increase difficulty.
Bikes
Pros - Stationary bikes (whether they are upright bikes or recumbent bikes) offer a complete cardio workout with the least impact on the joints. Fitness bikes are also great for people who are training for bike events because they can get used to the motion of pedaling. Many bikes are also equipped with televisions, which would allow for goers to catch up on their shows while still getting a quality workout.
Cons - To make best use of the stationary bike, users must adjust it to maximize the workout and avoid injury. Many people sit too low on the bike, which causes too much pressure on the knee. Your legs should be able to go through the full range of motions when pedaling on the bike.
Stepmills and Stairsteppers
Pros - Walking up stairs is a great way to work out your calf muscles, upper thighs and the behind. It can also burn a good amount of calories, similar to running up an incline treadmill. The most beneficial stair steppers have belts that constantly rotate the steps.
Cons - Due to the constant standing motion, users with back issues may not want to use the stepmills or stairsteppers. Also if users clutch the railings of the stair climbers, there will only be minimal benefits. This machine also leads users to be more prone to accidents due to the climbing nature of it.
Conclusion
The main factor that you should be looking for when choosing a cardio machine is enjoyableness. If working out becomes a chore, then you're less likely to exert yourself and won't work out as long. Even if another cardio machine has a higher calories burned per hour ratio, if you don't enjoy the machine, you won't exert enough effort to burn those calories anyway. Each machine has its pros and cons, so the best technique is to try them all out and find out what you enjoy!
Still have questions regarding fitness? Want to buy used gym equipment for wholesale prices? Visit us at http://www.fitnessequipmentprofessionals.com
We have every type of fitness machine imaginable in our 50,000 sq ft warehouse located in Santa Ana, California (in the heart of Orange County).
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Huy_Pham/1822002
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