5 Best Cardio Machines According to Crunch PT’s!

Cardio – we love it, we hate it. When someone mentions cardio, the most common thing we think of is running, and we all know how boring that can be, especially if you’re not “into” running.

BUT!!!! It doesn’t have to be all about running! Thanks to developments in machines and technology, we’ve now got some pretty cool ways to get your heart rate up to burning those calories!

The Personal Trainers at Crunch have weighed in on what they believe to be the best cardio machines to get you into shape for Summer!

1. Assault/Air Bike

Trainers rate this machine as one of the hardest in the gym! The Assault bike is low impact on the joints, making it great for those with injuries or for those who are looking to get off their feet. It’s a full body exercise, engaging everything from the calves to the shoulders!

Trainers Tip: Go hard for 30 secs, then rest for 30 secs. Do this for between 5 – 20 minutes, depending on your fitness levels. It’s a sure-fire way to burn calories fast! Just make sure you have a bucket next to you 😉

2. Rower

Another machine that works the entire body, especially the back, quads, and hamstrings. It will get your heart rate up quickly, and will burn calories! The rower can be a great alternative to other “off-feet” exercise, such as the Assault bike.

Trainers Tip: Depending on fitness levels and experience, you can begin rowing in intervals, such as 40 seconds on, and 20 seconds off. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, try doing 5 minutes and see how far you can row! Anywhere between 1200m – 1500m is an elite distance!

3. Stair Master

One of the easiest machines to use. If you can walk up stairs, you can use the Stair Master! Whilst it may be easy to use, it’ll definitely get you breathing hard! Targeting the lower half of your body, the Stair Master will hit the quads, calves, hamstrings, and your core.

Trainers Tip: Begin your workout on an easy/moderate difficulty to warm the body up. After a minute or so, increase the speed and aim for 5 minutes. Once this is done, reduce the difficulty for 1-2 minutes and recover. Do this 2 to 3 times and you’ll be a sweaty mess by the end of it!

4. SkiErg

Easy on the joints, hard on the muscles. Using your legs to drive down into the ground, your shoulders, back, and arms to push, and your core to stabilize, the SkiErg is a hidden gem when it comes to cardio machines! There’s nowhere to hide on this machine, you get out what you put it!

Trainers Tip: First learn the correct technique and form of the SkiErg. Once you’ve got the hang of it, try doing 2 minutes hard, and 1 minute easy/recovery. You can do this for 20-30 minutes, which will involve the aerobic system!

5. Jacobs Ladder

Now this machine can look a little intimidating at first, but once you figure out how it works exactly and the benefits it comes with, you’ll be hooked! A non-motorized machine, the ladder-type rungs will go just as fast as you are! It’s a low impact, high range of motion exercise that researchers have found burns more calories to a treadmill based off users perceived exertion rate!

Trainers Tip: Once you’ve mastered how the Jacobs Ladder works, pick a speed that will keep your heart rate at 70% of your maximum. Keep this up for 15-20 minutes and you should be feeling it across your body.