Best Cardio Machines for Weight Loss

Stationary Bike

Whether upright or recumbent (the type where you sit in a “chair”), stationary bikes can pack a huge punch when it comes to calorie burning – 500 to 1,000 calories per hour is the average. They’re a great low-impact exercise, too, so for those with a history of shin splints or knee issues, these can be a fantastic way to get back on the exercise train without aggravating your injuries.

A word of caution: although bikes can provide a good workout, most people don’t use them to their best effect. You’ll want to use a high enough resistance that you’re huffing and puffing when you’re pedaling at 90 RPM.

Elliptical

Ellipticals offer many of the same benefits as treadmills, like an upright position, without the stress on your joints. You can also get a full-body workout when you engage your arm muscles at a high resistance. They’re a lower intensity workout, clocking in at 600 or so calories burned per hour, but they can be a good way to get into the flow of running.

However, you’ll want to supplement your elliptical workout with some lower-body weight training. Since you’re not physically pounding the pavement (or treadmill surface), you can lose muscle and bone mass in your legs even as you improve your overall fitness.

Stair Climber

From an energy consuming point of view, you may be better off avoiding these. While they can be good to occasionally mix up your exercise routine, you’ll only burn 400 or so calories an hour. However, if you’re looking to work your butt, hips and calves, then it’s a whole different story.

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