Aerobic exercise, also known as cardio, is characterized by a repetitive motion of the major muscles with little to no resistance. This type of exercise strengthens the heart and lungs, and it is also an efficient calorie burner. Aerobic equipment is designed to give your major muscle groups the repetitive motion they need for weight loss. As far as which piece of equipment provides the best workout, it depends on your preference and if use it regularly. For the best fat-burning results, you should work out at least 30 minutes, three to four days a week.
Treadmill
Treadmills have a rotating track with safety rails on the sides. You use a treadmill in place of outdoor running or walking. They come equipped with a digital screen that tracks your speed, time, incline and heart rate. This is good if you are trying to monitor your progress or make your workouts more challenging. If you are accustomed to running outside and the weather gets cold, a treadmill would be your best option. If you are a first-time exerciser, walking on the treadmill is a good way to get started with an aerobic program.
Stair Machines
Stair climbers are characterized by a revolving staircase that continually goes around as you step up. These machines offer you a great workout in as little as 20 minutes because of the vertical nature of the exercise. Another form of stair machine is a stepper. These have platforms that you place your feet on that move up and down in a stepping motion. Being that you do not lift your body weight off the platforms, this style is not as effective as the stair climber. But it can still give you a good workout and doesn't have any harmful effects on your joints.
Elliptical Trainer
The elliptical trainer is a piece of equipment that works your upper and lower body at the same time. These have platforms that you place your feet on, and handles to hold with your hands. You move the platforms in a circular manner while moving the handles back and forth with your arms. This is the best option for you if you want to target your legs, shoulders, back and arms all in one fell swoop. The elliptical trainer doesn't effect your joints.
Exercise Bike
Exercise bikes are good options to burn calories and not cause adverse impact. The recumbent has a chair that you sit in with your legs out in front of your body in a horizontal position. This would be your best option if you have lower back pain or joint issues in your lower spine.
Rower
Rowing machines incorporate your whole body in similar fashion to an elliptical trainer. You sit on a sliding padded seat and place your feet against a platform. You grab a hold of a handle with both hands, then push back with your legs and pull the handle. This is the same rowing motion that you would experience in a boat. You can adjust your intensity to make it hard or easy. The muscles involved with this exercise include the back, shoulders, biceps, abs and legs.
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