What you need to know about cardio machines

We all recognize cardio’s importance and contribution to our overall health. It serves to accomplish one simple task — to get your heart rate up — and the gym offers a number of machines that are perfect for just that. The variety of options ensures that a great cardio workout can be completed by someone of any age and ability.

Treadmills

Treadmills are a great option for simple cardio. They provide the option to walk, jog, run or sprint and actually put less stress on the body than on flat, outdoor ground. On a treadmill, you have the ability to change speed and gradient to suit your abilities and, on most treadmills, you can run pre-set workouts based on your desired level of exercise. Many treadmills also give you the ability to monitor heart rate and even blood pressure, along with other metrics like your distance travelled or calories burned without the need for an external device like a smartwatch. Inside the gym, treadmills provide a safe, repeatable environment for running, free from outdoor threats or inclement weather.

Step Machine/Stairmaster

Step machines and Stairmasters are a great, low-impact workout with the ability to vary intensity levels. They are extremely easy on your joints while offering a dynamic workout that tests a variety of muscle groups in the legs, glutes and core. Step machines burn a significant number of calories due to the complex movement and number of muscles involved in the exercise.

Elliptical

Elliptical machines provide a simple, completely non-impact cardio exercise that can be completed by virtually anyone. Like a treadmill, the elliptical will provide an excellent leg workout, but holding the handles will also work the arms, chest and core. The elliptical promotes balance and mobility and is a perfect exercise to assist in recovery from a number of injuries. An added bonus: it is extremely easy to multitask while on the elliptical, allowing you to seamlessly read a book or watch TV during your workout.

Rower

Rowing machines provide one of the most effective calorie-burning workouts of any exercise machine. It offers an exceptional upper and lower-body workout that also targets muscles throughout the body. The rower is a non-impact exercise and can be tailored to any fitness level.

Recumbent Bike

The recumbent bike offers a more comfortable sitting position than a standard upright bike. This more relaxed, elongated position reduces body fatigue and impact on the lumbar spine. Using the recumbent bike is extremely low impact and easy on joints while still allowing for a workout that can be personalized to a specific intensity and difficulty.