With obesity on the rise in America, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity five days a week. When choosing cardiovascular activity, there are a number of things to consider. Choosing the right cardiovascular exercise machine will help to lead to workout success. Whenever beginning an exercise program, it is important to first consult a physician.
Cardiovascular Equipment
Cardiovascular equipment is designed to stimulate the cardiovascular system. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that healthy adults under 65 should do 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise five days a week or 30 minutes of high intensity exercise three days a week. Moderate intensity exercise is defined at the level of increasing the heart rate in order to break a sweat. Ellipticals, striders, and stair machines can all aid in achieving cardiovascular recommendations.
Elliptical
Elliptical trainers are one way to achieve a cardiovascular workout on a stationary machine. An elliptical trainer is designed to simulate running without putting additional stress on the joints. For this reason, the elliptical trainer is preferred by people who have joint injury or joint pain. The elliptical trainer provides a cardiovascular workout that the user can adjust in two ways. The first way is to pedal faster in order to increase intensity and the second is to adjust the amount of resistance. Some elliptical trainers having moving arm handles, while other models provide stationary arm handles.
Strider
Strider machines are a combination of incline trainers and elliptical machines. He arc shaped motion of the machine has led to striders also being referred to as arc trainers. The motion of the machine allows for low impact on the joints with an increase in muscle toning in the hamstring and glutes. The machine is ideal for people who need a low impact workout, but are looking for more toning than a standard elliptical machine provides. Striders are equipped with both functional and non-functional arm handles and resistance to increase workout intensity.
Stair Climber
There are two main types of climbers; stepping machines and revolving stair machines. The motion of the climbing machine simulates the action of climbing stairs. On the step machine, you use body strength to push down pedals, simulating stair climbing. Varying levels of resistance can be set on the machine to make the workout more difficult. The revolving stair machine is powered by a motor and can be placed on different speeds. This type of cardiovascular activity causes more stress on the joints then elliptical machines and striders, but is more effective at toning muscles. Climbing machines are also available with moving arm handles and stationary arm handles. Moving arm handles allow the user to perform a more total body workout.
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