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Losing weight can sometimes seem like an uphill battle, but the right cardio machine can turn the climb into a fun and rewarding adventure. Whether you’re a gym junkie or a home workout enthusiast, finding the perfect piece of equipment can make all the difference in your fitness journey. From the classic treadmill to the intense assault bike, cardio machines offer a variety of ways to burn calories and boost your metabolism.
Cardio machines are the perfect complement to weight loss goals, perfectly complementing resistance training to help you lose weight and tone your muscles. They provide consistent, controlled environments that make it easy to track your progress and adjust your workouts. Plus, they offer a low-impact option for days when your joints need a break from high-impact exercise.
Let’s take a look at the most popular cardio machines, ranked by their effectiveness for weight loss. We’ll explore the unique benefits and types of workouts they support, and also recommend a specific machine if you’re ready to upgrade your home gym. Let’s get started and find out which cardio machine reigns supreme for weight loss!
Ski Erg
Finally, the Ski Erg simulates the exhilarating experience of cross-country skiing, providing a great full-body workout. A vigorous session on the Ski Erg can burn between 500 and 900 calories per hour, working your upper body and core while providing solid cardiovascular benefits. Try interval workouts, such as 1 minute of hard skiing followed by 1 minute of easy skiing, repeated for 20 to 30 minutes.
For a top choice, the Concept2 SkiErg with PM5 Monitor is known for its smooth operation and durability.
Stair Master
The Stairmaster is great for building lower body strength and endurance. Climbing stairs is a great way to burn calories and tone your legs and glutes. A session on the Stairmaster burns between 500 and 800 calories per hour. Incorporate intervals of high-intensity steps with slower recovery periods. A popular workout is interval climbing: 1 minute of brisk steps followed by 2 minutes of moderate steps, repeated for 20 to 30 minutes.
If you are looking for a versatile model, the Signature Fitness – Continuous Climber is a commercial grade stair lift that comes ready to use right out of the box!
Elliptical machine
The elliptical machine is perfect for an effective, low-impact cardio workout. It mimics the motion of running without the joint strain, making it ideal for all fitness levels. An elliptical session can burn between 500 and 1,000 calories per hour, depending on the intensity. It’s great for endurance training and interval training. Try varying the resistance and incline to work different muscle groups, alternating between high resistance for 2 minutes and low resistance for 1 minute, repeated for 30 minutes.
THE Schwinn 470 Elliptical Trainer offers a variety of resistance levels and workout programs, making it versatile and user-friendly.
Rowing machine
Rowing machines provide a fantastic full-body workout, engaging your legs, core and arms simultaneously. They are low-impact, making them a great option for those with joint issues. A vigorous session on a rowing machine can burn between 600 and 1,000 calories per hour and is particularly effective for toning and strengthening muscles while providing excellent cardiovascular benefits. Mix up your routine with long-distance rowing, HIIT or power strokes. Popular HIIT workouts include rowing hard for 500 metres, resting for 1-2 minutes and repeating for 20-30 minutes.
THE Concept2 Model D Indoor Rower is a favorite among rowers and fitness enthusiasts for a smooth, durable option.
Treadmill
It’s no surprise that the treadmill, a staple in any gym, made our list. Its versatility and ease of use make it accessible to all fitness levels. Running on a treadmill can burn 600 to 1,200 calories per hour, depending on speed and incline, and is great for steady-state cardio and interval training. NordicTrack T Series TreadmillA reliable and relatively affordable model, it is known for its robust features, including incline adjustments and a variety of workout programs, making it perfect for home use.
Assault runner
The Assault Runner is a self-powered treadmill designed to mimic outdoor running. Running on the Assault Runner can burn up to 30% more calories than a traditional treadmill, making it great for high-intensity workouts and developing overall cardiovascular fitness. Popular workouts include sprints, interval runs, and steady-state cardio. For a reliable model, the AirRunner Assault Fitness is built to last and provides a smooth, natural running experience.
Assault bike
Last but certainly not least, we have the #1 cardio machine for weight loss: the Assault Bike, the undisputed king of cardio machines for weight loss. This beast combines the elements of cycling and upper body resistance, making it a total body workout like no other. The harder you pedal, the more resistance you create, making each session as challenging as you want it to be.
The assault bike is ideal for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), burning up to 80 calories per minute depending on the intensity. Popular workouts include the 20-second sprint followed by a 10-second rest, repeated for eight rounds, or the :30/:30 interval, where you go all out for 30 seconds and rest for 30 seconds for 15 to 20 minutes.
If you are looking for a reliable model, the Assault Fitness Assault AirBike Classic Exercise Bike is durable and built to withstand intense workouts, making it a favorite among fitness enthusiasts and professional athletes. It’s also the least expensive piece of equipment on this list!
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