Top Cardio Machines for Weight Loss

1. Treadmill

There is a reason that treadmills are popular for a good reason. They accommodate almost any fitness level and goal. If weight loss is on your list then the treadmill is at the top of the list. Treadmills are a great way to burn calories and help with weight loss because they simulate a real-life movement.  As a result, we are able to utilize this machine with walking or running in which it emulates our movements with our arms, lets, torso, etc.

There’s one trick, though, that boosts your ability to burn calories for weight loss on a treadmill.  If you are able to bear the load of your body weight which means no holding onto the treadmill’s side handles as you walk or run then more calories are burned.

The treadmill’s features also work well for weight loss. You have to keep up to the speed of the belt on a treadmill so you cannot rest or take it easy. There’s also the calorie-zapping incline feature, allowing you to kick up the intensity without having to move faster or break into a run if you prefer a joint-friendly walk.

2. Group Cycling

Most of the gyms have stationary bikes but the most optimal way for weight loss is to rev your way to a group exercise class.  You can ride with the class or cycle solo. Indoor bikes for group cycling tend to fit a rider differently than a stationary bike due to the mechanical design, structure and speed functionality.

These bikes allow for more adjustment points, such as seat height, saddle fore and aft [front and back] position, handlebar height and handlebar fore and aft position. The more you can tailor the bike’s fit to your body, the more comfortable the ride.  And the more comfortable you feel on the bike, the longer you’ll be able to ride, which counts toward weight loss.  Indoor bikes also have a very smooth pedaling feel to them because they’re built to mimic outdoor riding. For this reason, they complement exercise techniques like interval training such as H.I.I.T that burns much more calories.  Also, cycling with a group class gives you the inspiration from the others in the class and motivation to keep pushing your limits.

3. Rowing Machines

Rowing machines have made a comeback and you’re able to take up group classes . There are also features on the machines that help you get the most out of this cardio program.

The extremely smooth action, comfortable seat and ergonomically designed handle allow you to challenge yourself both with intensity and duration. Its a great winning combination to burn more calories.

If you think rowing only works the arms and back, think again. Rowing machines utilizes more than 80 percent of your muscle mass, taking the body through a dynamic range of motion. By spreading the workload over the entire body, you’re able to work at a higher intensity or go longer.” Either way, you’ve just added more calorie burn to your workout.

4. Stairmaster

Sort of like a fast-moving escalator for the gym, this machine stimulates climbing stairs – except the steps actually move! This is one of the hardest pieces of cardio equipment. It feels like a treadmill but with stairs.

One reason it works so well for weight loss is the potential for calorie burn – you could climb the equivalent of 10 or 20 flights of stairs. You’re working against gravity – essentially going up a flight of stairs  and you’re forced to bear most of your body weight. You have to lift your foot off of the step and up onto the next step as opposed to a Stairmaster or elliptical trainer, where your feet stay planted on one step for the duration of the workout. This extra movement causes more work and burns more calories.