Tips on Choosing the Best Cardio Machine for Yourself

One question that is frequently asked is by our members and visitors: What is the best cardio machine to use?

Several different types of cardio machines are currently on the market and with
new models coming out yearly, selecting the right machine may seem overwhelming.

The first thing to do is pick something you like. This is all about you,
how you feel on the machine, so forget about the trends and what others are
doing. Begin by starting with any machine, hop on it, try it out and get a feel
for it. You might need to try a couple to find which ones fit you best. Spend
around 5-10 min on the machine while varying your speed. Start with a slower
pace and progress to a faster pace. While experimenting with the machine, ask
yourself some basic questions: Does anything feel uncomfortable or hurt? Does
this motion feel awkward? Do this for multiple pieces of equipment so that you
have more options. Keep in mind that doing any one particular exercise too
often can lead to overuse injuries.

Once you have found your cardio equipment, the rest comes down to the amount of time and effort you put in. As a general guideline, you want to exercise for 30
min – 45 min, 3-5 days per week while keeping your heart rate between 65% and
85% of your maximal heart rate (220-age x %). For example, a 30 year old
exerciser should keep his or her heart rate between 123-161,
(220-30=190x.65=123) for the lower level, (220-30=190x.85=161) for the upper
level.  Finding a piece of equipment you enjoy and sticking to general
guidelines will help to ensure that you stay on the right path to reaching your
goals.

On a final note, your intensity will always be more important than the actual
type of exercise. So find some things that you like, put effort into it and you
will be rewarded with the results. Good luck!

Kevin Hollshwandner MS, ATC, CSCS, Personal Trainer at Steel Fitness Premier in Allentown