Cardiovascular Workout Machines

Improve your health and burn calories by using cardiovascular workout machines. Although cardio is often dreaded, it does serve a purpose and offers benefits. It burns calories, reduces stress and the aging process, and gives a sense of self-satisfaction. Running or biking is commonly the first cardiovascular exercise that comes to mind, but there are many options to enable a good cardiovascular workout.

If you're looking for the quickest way to make changes in your build, try the cardio equipment in your gym. Gyms and warehouse sized health clubs have expanded over the years, and offer cardio equipment to accommodate the needs of all members.

Stair climber or step mill

A climber offers several aerobic exercise programs such as a manual quick start, endurance, strength, and customizable interval cardiovascular workouts. It is normally used in the standard forward position, but you can face backwards, also. Do this carefully to keep your balance and your stride.

Versa Climber

Although this is one of my favorite machines, it is not available in all gyms. It is an upright machine with foot pedals and handles. Just like the step mill, you will use the pedals to step up and down, but you will also use your arms with the handles. This exercise movement uses the entire body, like climbing.

Treadmill

Walking is one of the simplest ways to increase your cardiovascular health. If you prefer to be indoors, you can run or walk on a treadmill. The treadmill gives you the options to use an incline, run, skip, side-step and sprint.

Recumbent or stationary bike

The recumbent and stationary bike gives an effective low impact cardiovascular workout. Although there is always a chance of muscle strains or injury with repetitive motions, the low impact does not put as much strain on the joints.

Elliptical

The Elliptical trainer also has a low impact threshold, but it will take time to build your cardiovascular endurance on this machine. Your legs move in an elliptical fashion, and some machines include resistance handles so you can get a full body workout.

Arc Trainer

Not all gyms will have this piece of equipment, but the Arc Trainer was introduced to the fitness industry years ago. It is also joint-friendly, and has adjustable settings. The settings let you change your stride resistance and allows you to use more muscle groups.

Row machines

It can take a few minutes to get your stride on the row machine, but once you do, it delivers a hard cardiovascular workout. The row machine uses your full body for the workout; including your abdominal and oblique muscles. Engage your core by holding your abs in tight, alternating your hands grips and row from side to side.

Source: Experience