Cardio Equipment Options For You!

Are you new to exercise? Do you want to get in shape and lose excess body fat? Whether you plan to work out at home or at the gym, understanding the cardio equipment options is a must-know for anyone with fat loss goals. In this article, Cardio Equipment Options For You, I will tell you everything you need to know. Let’s jump right in!

Cardio Is Great But What About Weights?

Before I do anything, I want to clarify that including a resistance program in your quest for a leaner body is a major key to your success. The reason is, if you’re losing body fat, you want to do just that – lose fat, not “weight”. Losing weight means you will lose muscle as well as fat. Why not keep your muscle mass, maybe add a little, and focus on losing fat only? You can do this if you add a resistance program, and employ the correct nutrition/supplement program. Of course, I will show you how a little later. 

Types Of Cardio Equipment

Ok, with that said, here are the primary cardio options you should know about.

Treadmills

A treadmill is a good exercise option for anyone new to exercise, and specifically cardio exercise. You can start easy by walking, and build up to jogging or running. That’s the main advantage of a treadmill, it can be adjusted to your current fitness level, and grow with you as you advance. If you use one at the gym, there’s TV or perhaps a screen with options to help keep you engaged. If you use one at home, you can use it while you watch TV or listen to music. I myself have played video games while walking briskly on a treadmill. 

Elliptical Machines

An elliptical machine provides a no-impact workout, but they can be tough for someone brand new to exercise. That’s because they work both the upper and lower body, which requires a lot of effort. This means you will burn more calories, but it also means, as noted, you will have to work harder. However, if you train at home, you have the option of under-desk designs. These make it a lot easier as they work the legs only. Plus, some come with resistance bands so you can work your upper body. That makes this an ideal choice for seniors or anyone with medical problems that limit mobility. 

Exercise Bikes

Exercise bikes are a good, low impact option for anyone. The great thing about an exercise bike is you can use it year-round. Yet it can provide the feel of riding an outdoor bike (of course, in nice weather, an outdoor bike is a great option). There’s more than one type of design. For example, there’s the standard upright riding position. There is also the leaning forward riding position as if you were riding a 3-speed or a 10-speed bike.

Plus, many home models have the option of folding up for easy storage. At the gym, you have to go with what they have (most gyms have a good selection). At home, you can spend a little, or spend a lot, depending on goals and resources. 

Recumbent Exercise Bikes

A recumbent exercise bike is good for anyone with knee or hip problems. So what’s the difference between a recumbent and regular exercise bike? An upright bike puts your legs directly under you. On the other hand, a recumbent bike puts you in a seated position with your legs out in front of you. Also, a recumbent bike is easier on your lower back. 

Rowing Machines

A rowing machine is a low impact exercise machine that can involve the entire body. Many users may think of a rower as a machine that targets only the back and arms, but it also involves your core and leg muscles. 

Stair Climber

Probably, you have seen someone “running stairs”, either in person or on video. It’s a great cardio exercise, if very advanced. In the gym or at home, you use a stair climber to imitate this exercise. It can be tough on your lower body, so it’s a machine you will have to grow into. Still, there are handles to hang onto and you can adjust the difficulty, an option that is available on all cardio equipment. 

Walking (Jogging/Running) Track

I work out both at home and at the local YMCA. One of the things I like about the Y (besides the multiple pools) is the walking track. It’s a ⅛ mile, and there are lanes for walking, jogging, or running. I’m a big believer in brisk walking for cardio exercise, and this fits the bill perfectly. Of course, on nice days, get outside and walk!

Adding Weights

I mentioned above the importance of a resistance program. As noted, no matter what your goals are, you will get better results by including weight lifting. Besides using regular free weights or stack machines, you can add weights to your cardio. You can use resistance bands or dumbbells on the treadmill, or you can wear a weighted vest while performing any cardio activity. 

Nutrition

The first step to correct nutrition with the goal of fat loss is to avoid fad diets. A major key to successful fat loss is to take your time. As noted, if you try to lose fat too quickly, you’ll also lose muscle. The best place to start, therefore, is to consume fewer calories than your body burns. That means you should take in less daily calories than your daily maintenance level. If you aren’t sure what your maintenance level is, the simplest thing you can do is to reduce your daily calorie intake by 250. These calories should come from simple, sugary carbohydrates. 

Take It Week By Week

As noted, reduce your calories by 250 for one week. If you have not lost any body fat, lower your daily calorie intake by another 250 calories. Always cut carbohydrates first, beginning with simple, sugary carbs. But, your body needs carbohydrates for energy. Therefore, if you reach a point where your carbohydrate calories will drop below 75-100 grams of carbs per day, turn your focus to fat calories.

Never lower your protein calories! The only change should be from a high-fat source to a low-fat source. Always keep your protein intake high. I recommend 1 gram of protein per pound of bodyweight, at least! Ok, so your goal should be to lose 1-2 lbs of fat per week as a result of cardio exercise and this simple plan of reducing calories. Finally, track your daily calorie intake and breakdown of macronutrients.

Supplementation

Your supplement program caps off everything. Begin with a premium-quality protein such as Hi-Tech Precision Protein. You also need a good pre-workout such as DAS Labs LFG Burn – a powerful fat-burning pre-workout! Of course, it also has your pump, focus, endurance, and energy needs covered. Next, I would include a good thermogenic fat burner such as Condemned Labz Arsynist. This is a potent fat burner, but you can take one capsule if the full 2 capsule serving seems too strong. From here, I suggest a good multi-vitamin/mineral formula to ensure you’re getting all the necessary micronutrients. This can be an issue when following a lower calorie nutritional program. This is a great foundational program to start off with. 

Summary

While it’s true that fat loss begins in the kitchen, understanding your cardio options can make a big difference in your success. Cap that off with the right supplements, and you’re on the way! Stop by illpumpyouup.com today and stock up!