Pick the Right Cardio Machine for You: From Treadmill to Rowing Machine, What You Need to Know

When it comes to working out, you can be spoilt for choice in the number of cardio machines at your disposal, ranging from treadmills and ellipticals to stationary bikes and stair climbers, to rowers. The ideal choice may vary depending on personal goals, physical conditions, and personal preferences for one over another. Here is the basic cardio equipment you might find at a gym along with what each offers to you, so you know just what you're selecting the right one for yourself.

Treadmill

A treadmill is the "classics" of choice of cardio. You'll see both walking and running available on them. These machines primarily work the lower body muscles, which are your quads, hamstrings, calves, and glutes, although they are most effective for cardiovascular fitness rather than building muscles. You can also increase the speed and incline of the treadmill to introduce intensity or interval changes. Running or walking on a treadmill can be a little more impactful, though, so if you have concerns with your joints, it is best to limit running or walking and find alternative, lower-impact machines.

Exercise Bike

Stationary bikes. There are upright, recumbent, and spinn-style, low impact for working on cardio endurance and targeting the quads and hamstrings. Some let you adjust the resistance and turn a cardio session into a muscle-building workout, especially for those who do not want to be extremely strenuous. In an exercise bike, those undergoing lower-body injuries may need it as a safer piece of equipment since there are less strains in the knee and ankle area.

Elliptical Machine

Ellipticals: This is a low-impact cardio workout that proves perfect for gentle exercising on the joints. The machines can target those muscles in the lower extremities, such as the quads, hamstrings, and calves. With increased resistance, these help build strength. If you're a beginner or just off from an injury, a stair climber's designed approach, which allows for keeping your feet on the pedals, can provide that gentle yet effective training method.

Stair Climber

Stair climbers mimic the motion of stair-stepping. They engage the muscles in your glutes, quads, and calves. It's a very intense workout. Often a good choice for short, powerful cardio sessions, it may not be as ideal if you're looking for lower-impact options or have knee or hip concerns.

Rowing Machine

A full-body exercise, rowing machines exercise the upper and lower body muscles, apart from making your cardiovascular fit. You will be sitting while pulling at a handle, which triggers your back, shoulders, quads, and calf muscles, hence all-rounded. Rowers are low-impact exercises, making them less abrasive on joints, and with the feature of changing resistance, they can be cardio or strength-based.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of the machine you choose, the best cardio workout is the one you enjoy and are able to stick with. Tailor your choice based on what fits your goals and health needs, and don't hesitate to discuss with a fitness professional or healthcare provider if you have any doubts about which best suits you.