Regular cardiovascular exercise is an integral part of a healthy weekly fitness routine. A minimum of 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous activity is recommended each week. Simple math then tells us we should be getting approximately 30 minutes of cardio five times per week. There are many ways to get in a good cardio workout, ranging from going from a brisk walk to jumping on a bike.
Today, we will cover the best low-impact cardio machines to use to hit your workout goals.
Which Type of Cardio is Right for Me?
The impact that different exercise modes have on the joints is concerning for anyone with joint pain, an injury, or a genetic predisposition for issues like osteoporosis or arthritis. There are a variety of cardio machines that can help you reach your weekly cardio minutes while keeping your joints happy and healthy. Let’s review them below:
The Stationary Bike
Riding a bike is one of the lowest impact options out there. It provides cardiovascular benefits while also increasing muscle endurance and strengthening the leg muscles. It’s not only easy on the body; it’s also easy to get started. Most stationary bikes feature data screens that measure speed, distance, elapsed time, and even calories burned.
The most straightforward machine to get started on is the recumbent bike since it requires only sitting. For more trunk and upper body work, you may choose an upright option as well.
The Elliptical Machine
Another great low-impact cardio machine is the elliptical. Since it requires weight bearing through the feet, it has more impact than a bike. However, since you don’t have to lift your feet, the impact is extremely low and is an excellent option if you generally prefer walking or running. Plus, you can gain additional benefits from using the upper body with the hand levers, such as increased calorie burn.
The Rowing Machine
The rowing machine is yet another lower impact option. However, it requires more skill and coordination than the previous two to get started. Yet, it does provide great cardio benefits and can be a lot of fun if you choose the right intensity for your fitness levels. Plus, it has the added bonus of a great arm and upper back workout.
The Stair Climber
The stair climber is another great low impact option, depending on the machine you use: a step mill or vertical climber. The latter tends to be gentler on joints since it doesn’t require lifting the feet of the workout surface. Once again, it requires coordination and skill to do correctly. Still, this machine allows you to increase intensity quickly with different settings that enable faster or more steps per minute. This exercise mode is a great leg strengthener and tends to burn more calories than the other options.
The Treadmill
The treadmill is the least preferred option for low-impact cardio exercise because of its higher impact on joints. Yet, no cardio machine article is complete without talking about this industry go-to. Of course, it does have some benefits, including the ability to increase intensity quickly by running or jogging and its ability to change inclines. Walking tends to be more gentle on your body than running, but either can be used effectively with the proper biomechanics. Plus, many newer treadmill models come with patented shock absorption technology to make a workout that’s easier on your body.
Which is Best?
If you truly want the lowest impact option, you’ll definitely want to jump on a bike at your local gym or purchase one for home. However, the correct answer isn’t always that simple. Your preferences, budget, and space can all play a role in deciding which workout option is best for you. Plus, you don’t necessarily have to choose just one! Most importantly, select an alternative that you enjoy and can continue injury-free for years to come.
Leave a Reply