While there are many good cardio machines in gyms, e.g. the Sole F80 treadmill, getting the best equipment for cardio workout is not always easy. What you may not know is that while you can cheat on some cardio equipment, it is almost impossible to cheat on great cardio machines. Even at the most basic level, good cardio machines are highly challenging and assist you to lose weight as well as raise your heart rate. Here are the best cardio machines:
Attention! With 2018 on the horizon we are prepping a whole bunch of updates to our site in general, and to this article in particular. Since we first published this review a few things has happened, Sole Fitness released a new line of treadmills and early next year we will check those out! The Sole Fitness F80 has been updated with a brand new look and now features bluetooth connectivity (among many other minor upgrades). Stay tuned for more in-depth information (coming early 2018).
Treadmill Such as the Sole F80 Treadmill
You are highly likely to find a treadmill in almost every gym, and for good reasons, a common treadmill found in many gyms is the Sole F80 treadmill from Sole Fitness, but many other brands are available, such as ProForm, Schwinn and Horizon Fitness. Treadmills accommodate almost any fitness goal or level. If your goal is to lose weight, working out on a treadmill will help you to burn calories and lose weight as the machine simulates real-life movement such as walking and running. You can get more treadmill reviews, ratings, and recommendations over at treadmillwatch.com and consumerreports.org, the Sole F80 treadmill has recently been featured on both these sites. Even more on social media here, here and here.
Common Treadmill Brands:
- NordicTrack Treadmills (NordicTrack C 1650 Treadmill)
- Bowflex Max
- Sole Fitness Treadmills (Sole Fitness F80 Treadmill)
- Horizon Fitness Treadmills
- ProForm Treadmills (ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill)
Though the Sole F80 treadmill, or any other treadmill, is ideal for cardio workout, there is one trick you have to master in order to enhance your ability to burn calories using this piece of equipment. You have to bear the load of your bodyweight. To put it simply, you have to avoid holding onto the treadmill’s side handles as you run or walk. In addition you need to keep up the speed of the belt on a treadmill to avoid resting or taking it easy. Newer treadmills such as the Sole F80 treadmill (pictures below) makes this easier as it comes with different fitness programs tailor made to different users.
Sole F80 Assembly
If you order your treadmill online, before you can get started with your exercise regime, be prepared to spend some time unpacking and assembling the machine .
Adaptive Motion Climbers
These are fairly new types of exercise technology and represent the true evolution of cardio machines as well as huge step up from arch and elliptical trainers due to freedom of movement. Just as their name suggests the motion trainers simulates the motion of the exercise to your movement. Rather than travelling in a similar motion as the ellipse, the machine allows you to vary your movements.
Though the machines have some limitations, you can perform various moves such as stepping up, down, short strides and long strides that simulates running. To get maximum benefits from the motion trainer machine, you should consider varying the strides you take. The machine allows you to perform different motions and control how long you can do them. This means that you can use timers on the motion climbers to avoid engaging in too much of a single move.
Versa Climber
The Versa climber is considered among the best cardio machines in the gym because it challenges you to climb vertically against the gravity. If you have ever used a versa climber you know that even at a decent level, the machine can be tough for just 5 minutes. The vertical challenge enables you to use your lower and upper body equally.To enhance the challenge of the versa climber, you can consider adding more resistance to the machine. Adding resistance enables you to pull and push. This not only enhances your muscles but also gives you a great cardio workout.
Indo-Rowing Machine
The Indo-rowing machine features a water-filled flywheel on the front which mimics the dynamic resistance of a boat gliding over water. The water creates an authentic feel and consistent resistance throughout the entire stroke. The extremely smooth action, ergonomically designed handle and comfortable seat allow you to challenge yourself both with intensity and duration.
Though the Indo-rowing machine is usually underrated in the gym, this machine can do a lot of good when used correctly. These contraptions are not meant for resistance training so when used improperly, they can give you a lot of grief
Stepmills vs Treadmills
Stepmills also known as stairmills operate just like the ordinary elevator, only that they are tougher to climb. In most instances, working out on a Stepmill feels like going up the stadium steps, the only difference is that the steps never end.
If you are a beginner, you are better off avoiding these machines. Even at the lowest settings, these machines increase your heart rapidly. When you increase the level of the difficulty, the steps move faster.
To maximize the effect of the stepmill, you should avoid supporting your body weight with the machine handles. The handles are meant for safety reasons and not for supporting body weight. If you keep supporting your body weight with the handles, you will lose out on the intended effect of the exercise.
Stepmills have very narrow steps. This means that if your feet size is above 12, it may not be possible to exercise on the machine. This can be a real disadvantage since stepmills are among the best cardio machines you can ever use to get your heart racing and maintaining the momentum.
Sole F80 Treadmill Promotes Natural Movements
To promote the most natural movements possible scientist recommend running outdoors, but, if you must practice indoor running opt for a treadmill. There are many good treadmill brands available on the US market, ProForm, Sole Fitness with their best selling treadmills the Sole F80 treadmill and the Sole F63 treadmill, Horizon Fitness with their T101, and many more. Just make sure to chose a high quality and sturdy one. Let’s get moving – Katherine FITNESS CRAFT signing off!