Boost Your Fitness Routine with These Top 5 Cardio Machines
If you want to take your cardiovascular health and fitness to the next level, there are several ways to do that. One of the most efficient and effective ways to boost your fitness is to utilize cardio machines. These machines are great for promoting health, elevating your exercise and boosting your overall wellbeing.
Several cardio machines offer fantastic results for a heart-pumping, sweat-inducing workout. If you are looking for the best cardio machines, you can often find them in the gym. Looking to build your own home gym and get that heart pumping? Choose cardio machines that provide the best benefits.
Top 5 Cardio Machines for Optimal Fitness
Several cardio machines offer fantastic cardiovascular benefits, however, there are 5 in particular that really get your heart pumping. These machines not only help you to burn calories, but they also have significant benefits to your cardiovascular stamina and endurance.
The Best Cardio Machines for Your Health
Getting an in-depth look at how these cardio machines benefit your health is important, especially when choosing them for your home gym. It is important to take how each machine works, what muscles they use and why they are a great choice, prior to settling on which one you will purchase. You want to optimize your workout and your finances, so do your research.
Rowing Machine
The rowing machine is an excellent choice when it comes to a comprehensive, low-impact workout. This cardio machine engages 60% of your leg muscles per stroke while targeting several other muscle groups at the same time. Equipped with a sliding seat, handle, footrests, flywheel, and adjustable damper, this machine offers a variety of workout options and tracking metrics to optimize your routine. Adjusting the damper settings between 3 and 5 can help you achieve the best results, depending on your workout duration and intensity.
Great for: Full-body workout, low-impact exercise
Muscles Used: Calves, quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, abs, obliques, pecs, biceps, triceps, deltoids, upper back, and lats.
Estimated Calories Burned:
- Moderate rowing: 210-311 calories in 30 minutes
- Vigorous rowing: 255-377 calories in 30 minutes
Benefits:
- Low-impact workout that's easy on the joints
- Full-body engagement for enhanced muscle toning and cardiovascular health
Recommended: Spirit Fitness CRW800 Rower Rowing Machine
Spin Bike
Spin bikes are a staple in many cardio workouts. They provide an intense lower-body exercise session. With adjustable resistance levels, a spin bike allows you to simulate flat terrains and hill climbs, making it versatile for various workout intensities. Some spin bikes offer access to online spin classes. Spin classes often incorporate high-intensity interval training, making it an excellent choice for boosting your cardiovascular fitness.
Great for: Cardiovascular endurance, lower-body workout
Muscles Used: Calves, hamstrings, quadriceps, glutes, core
Estimated Calories Burned:
- Average: 400-600 calories per hour (depending on intensity)
Benefits:
- Adjustable resistance for varied workout intensities
- Low-impact, joint-friendly exercise
Recommended: Spirit Fitness XIC600 Indoor Cycle
Treadmill
Treadmills are an extremely popular contender in the cardio machine game. Whether you go with conventional treadmills or more compact folding treadmills, the cardiovascular benefits are hard to deny. A treadmill offers up several different workout options. Whether you are walking, jogging or running, most machines also offer adjustable speed and incline settings to intensify your workout. There are also a variety of treadmill on the market that offer built-in workout programs and virtual scenery to enhance your exercise experience.
Great for: Cardiovascular endurance
Muscles Used: Quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, glutes, abdominals
Estimated Calories Burned:
- Running at 5 mph: 537-744 calories per hour (based on weight)
Benefits:
- Adjustable settings to mimic outdoor running
- Convenient indoor workout regardless of weather conditions
Recommended: Spirit Fitness CT850 Light Commercial Treadmill
Steppers
Steppers emulate the motion of climbing stairs. This effective workout targets your lower body all while increasing your cardiovascular health. Most steppers have adjustable intensity levels, various workout options, and more. These are a fantastic choice for those seeking a machine that will focus on their lower body and cardiovascular endurance at the same time.
Great for: Lower body focus, cardiovascular endurance
Muscles Used: Quads, glutes, hamstrings, calves, core
Estimated Calories Burned:
- 125 lb person: 180 calories in 30 minutes
- 155 lb person: 223 calories in 30 minutes
- 185 lb person: 266 calories in 30 minutes
Benefits:
- Low-impact exercise that targets the lower body
- Versatile workout options for added challenge
Recommended: Stairmaster 8Gx Gauntlet
Elliptical
Ellipticals are a popular choice for a low-impact, full-body workout. With separate foot pedals and handles, it provides a smooth, gliding motion that is easy on the joints while still delivering an effective cardiovascular exercise.
Great for: Balance, coordination, cardiovascular endurance
Muscles Used: Glutes, hamstrings, quads, chest, back, biceps, triceps, core
Estimated Calories Burned:
- 125 lb person: 270 calories in 30 minutes
- 155 lb person: 335 calories in 30 minutes
- 185 lb person: 400 calories in 30 minutes
Benefits:
- Ideal for those recovering from injury or surgery
- Enhances balance and coordination
Recommended: ZymFit CE810 Commercial Elliptical
While there are several different ways to perform cardiovascular exercise, these top 5 cardio machines are ideal. They offer a wide range of benefits from full-body workouts to low-impact exercise options. Incorporating these machines into your fitness routine can significantly improve your cardiovascular health and overall fitness. Just make sure to shop with your needs in mind.