Everyone knows that losing weight isn’t easy. Besides engaging in strength training, you should do cardio. However, visiting and exercising at a gym regularly can be both physically and mentally challenging. This is why many people opt to buy equipment for their homes. If that sounds like you, check out our guide to the best exercise machines for losing weight at home.
Elliptical
We’ll start with the elliptical, as it provides a good, low-impact workout. The elliptical involves walking or jogging, but it also gives you a full-body workout that targets your chest, biceps, and triceps, along with your lower body. The elliptical is popular for those easing back into exercise or suffering from joint pain. Try the elliptical if you want something to make you sweat without stressing your knees.
When you do the elliptical, remember to maintain an upright posture and engage your core muscles. A good thing about this machine is that you can target different muscle groups by changing the direction or reversing the movement. Additionally, you can adjust the resistance level to increase the difficulty and challenge your muscles.
Treadmill
Treadmills are a classic for a reason. Running is still the best exercise for building cardio health and losing weight, but you’re not at the mercy of the weather with a treadmill. It also allows you to customize your exercise intensity since you can take a leisurely walk or an intense run. Plus, you can get a folding treadmill to save space in your home gym.
Remember to start with a brisk walk to warm up your muscles before increasing the speed. You can also incorporate a higher incline to engage different muscle groups and increase the intensity of your workout. Another way to get a great workout is by doing HITT, alternating between periods of higher intensity (running or fast walking) and lower intensity to boost calorie burn.
Rowing Machine
The rowing machine has grown in popularity recently, and it’s easy to see why. A rowing machine is a great way to get in shape because it delivers a full-body, low-impact workout. About 60 percent of a row targets your lower body, while the rest targets your pectorals, triceps, biceps, deltoids, and upper back. But because you’re seated, rowing doesn’t put undue stress on your back and joints. With these machines, you can build endurance or strength with fast, high-intensity workouts.
It’s important to focus on proper rowing technique and engage your legs, core, and arms simultaneously. Start by maintaining a steady pace. Then, you can increase the resistance or incorporate interval training for a more challenging workout.
Assault Air Bike
Upright exercise bikes have been all the rage in the past couple of years, but if you want a machine that will help you lose weight faster, don’t overlook the assault air bike. Unlike a standard upright bike, the air bike exercises your upper body with its long arms and uses air as resistance to give you a full-body workout. Air bikes are best to use in short, intense bursts. For example, you might do 40 seconds of full-speed pedaling, followed by 20 seconds of a relaxed pace.
Make sure to adjust the seat to ensure your knees are slightly bent when the pedal is at its lowest point. In this machine, you can also increase the resistance for a challenging workout that simulates uphill rides. For an effective interval workout, just vary your speed and resistance.
Stair Stepper
Many people hate stair steppers because of how brutal they can be, but they’re undeniably effective in providing a cardiovascular and fat-burning workout. A stair stepper can get your legs and lungs burning faster than almost any other machine, and it can significantly increase your endurance. It may not be the most fun, but there’s no doubt that it’ll make you work hard.
Start by standing upright and using the handrails for balance if needed. However, allow the legs to do the work – Do not put your weight on your arms. You can increase the speed for a more intense body workout or do interval climbing by mixing periods of faster climbing with slower recovery periods.
Cool Down
No matter what machine you use, remember to always start with a warm-up and end with a cool-down to prevent injury and promote flexibility:
Also, it’s essential to listen to your body and gradually increase intensity to avoid overexertion. If you have any health concerns or conditions, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise.
Losing weight is challenging for anyone, but having the right equipment can help significantly. Working out with cardio machines can be an effective way to improve cardiovascular health, burn calories, and enhance overall fitness. We hope our guide on the best exercise machines for losing weight at home has given you some ideas for which equipment would work best for your body and fitness level. See what works best for you, and good luck!
To a Fitter Healthier You,
The Fitness Wellness Mentor
