Best Cardio Equipment for Fat Burning
I am always asked what is the best cardio machine and I always say the same thing. The one you like to do.
I worked at an upscale gym in downtown Chicago for many years that had all the latest high-tech cardio equipment. Treadmills, ellipticals, stair climbers, gauntlets, upright and recumbent bikes. You name it, they had it along with a few other pieces that claimed magical results that seemed like something from another planet.
There have been studies showing that the treadmill will burn the most calories when performed at a similar intensity and time compared to bikes, ellipticals, and stair climbers. So if you don’t care what equipment you use, then the treadmill should be your choice.
If you’re like most people I come across and don’t like cardio machines, you’ll lose motivation, your intensity will drop, and you’ll burn fewer calories. At this point, it doesn’t matter which machine will burn the most calories, the important thing is that you exercise. Speaking from experience there is nothing more boring than cardio machines that you don’t like to do.
Do an activity that you like to do, you will get better results. The most important thing in exercise is that you stay consistent. Consistency is your best weapon with exercise. There is no magic gear that targets your butt or the back of your thighs. I know that elliptical machines claim that if you raise the track, your butt will be more in focus. It’s a great marketing claim, but it won’t target your butt any more than if the track was set lower down.
Tips for Adhering to Cardio Exercise with Machines
- Get some good music: With all the convenience and availability of music in today’s society, good tunes will make the workout go by fast.
- Vary your time on the computer: You don’t have to spend 30 minutes on one computer. If you’re planning a 30-minute session, it’s fine to use 2-3 different pieces of equipment doing 10-15 minute stints on each.
- Stick to a schedule: Plan your cardio exercises ahead of time. Make weekly appointments with yourself so that you develop a habit. After 3 weeks it will be much easier to make your training a part of your day.
- Increase 1 minute per week, so you don’t get bored doing the same workout every time, challenge yourself by increasing your session time by 1 minute each week.
After all, the body does not discriminate how it burns calories and fat. Constant exercise will give you the best results.