Cardio Exercise Equipment Overview

There is so much to choose from when it comes to fitness equipment, but if your primary goal is to get your heart in better shape, you need to have cardio equipment. Cardio exercise equipment offers several benefits like it makes the heart stronger, burns calories, increases metabolic rate, and improves energy. In additional, most experts also believe that using this heart-pumping equipment can help prevent certain illnesses like heart disease.

However, there are many types of cardio exercise equipment and each one provides different functions to suit the needs of different individuals. Rest assured whatever purpose each cardio machine is designed for, it will help improve your heart health and your overall wellness. Here are a few pieces you may want to take a look at:

Exercise Treadmills

This is one of the most popular type of cardio exercise equipment that allows you to walk, run, or jog on a rotating belt. It is easy to use and a great indoor workout alternative during bad weather. Its best features include the ability to vary speed, incline, and monitor heart rate and the length of time. Other treadmills are also designed to monitor how much calories have been burned during the workout.

Treadmills have various sizes, designs, features, and price ranges. For best buys, consider the one that would be perfect for your space, your needs, and most importantly, your budget.

Elliptical Trainers

This machine mimics running as each foot stands on a platform that swings back and forth as the legs move. Unlike treadmills, which can sometimes jar your joints, elliptical machines, are much easier on joints due to the gliding motion it does without having to lift your feet. Another good thing is that, this cardio equipment does not only focus on your cardiovascular health but also provide a full body work out that can burn fats and shape you up.

There are different elliptical trainer models manufactured by different companies so you also have to learn to compare one from another. Preferably, purchase the one that has a heart monitor.

Exercise/ Stationary Bike

This cardio exercise equipment is a great lower body workout. Use it like an ordinary bicycle and you are on your way to an excellent cardiovascular health. Latest features include pre-programmed cardio workouts, distance and speed monitors, cooling fans, and high-tech video routines.

Stair Climbers/Steppers

This cardio exercise equipment uses the same muscles that you use when climbing or stepping up the stairs. Like other cardio fitness machines, it also has features that can program your workout routines and monitor your distance climbed, your heart rate, and the pace in general.

Rowing Machines

This cardio exercise equipment is not only great for your full body cardio workout but also for your arm muscles. As it mimics the motion of rowing a boat, each complete stroke helps to strengthen your arm muscles and firm your chest muscles as well. Nevertheless, use this with caution, as the rowing motion may be hard on your back if not done properly.