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What cardio machines burn the most calories? If you’re looking to up your calorie-burning game, there’s no need to ditch the elliptical in favor of sprints outside. You can burn just as many—if not more—calories by switching up your cardio routine and trying a new machine at the gym.
This article will give you the low-down on which cardio machines burn the most calories so that you can make the most of your workout time.
Factors Influencing Which Cardio Machines Burn The Most Calories
A few factors come into play when determining which cardio machines burn the most calories.
First the machine itself. Some machines require more effort to use than others. For example, an elliptical will be easier on your body than a stair climber.
Second how you use the machine. If you push yourself hard and get your heart rate up, you will burn more calories than if you’re going through the motions.
Finally, your physiology. Your weight, muscle mass, and metabolism affect how many calories you burn during a workout.
Let’s look at some of the most popular cardio machines and see how they stack up in calorie burn.
What Cardio Machines Burn The Most Calories: The 5 Most Recommended
Losing weight is a common goal, and many people turn to cardio machines to help them reach their goals. Many different cardio machines are available, and each has its benefits. Here is a look at some of the most popular cardio machines and how they can help you lose weight.
1. Treadmill
Calorie burn: 6-8 calories per minute
The treadmill is one of the most popular cardio machines because it’s easy to use and provides a great workout. You can adjust the speed and incline to make it as challenging as you want, and you can burn a significant number of calories in a short amount of time.
A treadmill is an excellent option for those looking to improve their cardiovascular fitness. It’s also a good choice for those who want to lose weight, as it can help you burn many calories quickly.
How to make it more challenging and improve your stamina: Increase the speed, incline, or both.
Related: The Best Under Desk Workout Equipment
2. Rowing Machine
Calorie burn: 8-10 calories per minute
The rowing machine is a great way to get a full-body workout in a short amount of time. In addition, you can burn many calories on a rowing machine, making it an excellent choice for people looking to lose weight or tone their bodies.
Rowing machines are also low-impact, meaning they put less strain on your joints than other types of cardio equipment. This makes them a good choice for people with joint problems or injuries.
Rowing machines can be found at most gyms and are relatively inexpensive to buy for your home gym.
How to make it more challenging:
- Add resistance by turning up the dial on the rowing machine.
- Row faster to increase your heart rate and burn more calories.
- Do intervals, alternating between periods of fast rowing and slower rowing.
- Try a rowing class at your gym for a fun, challenging workout.
No matter your fitness level, the rowing machine is a great way to get a workout in. With a bit of creativity, you can make it as challenging as you want.
3. Versaclimber
Calorie burn: 10-12 calories per minute
The Versaclimber is unique cardio equipment that provides an excellent workout for your whole body. It stimulates the motion of rock climbing, which means you’ll get a great cardio workout and work your arms and legs.
The Versaclimber is an excellent choice for people looking to burn many calories in a short amount of time. It’s also low-impact, so it’s easy on your joints.
You can find Versaclimbers at some gyms, but they can also be expensive to buy for your home gym.
How to make it more challenging:
- Add weights to the handles
- Wear a weight vest
- Increase the resistance level
The Versaclimber is excellent cardio equipment that can give you a challenging workout. It’s easy on your joints and can help you burn a lot of calories in a short amount of time.
4. Airbike
Calorie burn: 8-10 calories per minute
The Airbike is a piece of cardio equipment that provides an excellent workout for your whole body. It’s similar to a stationary bike, but the pedals are in the air, so you must use your arms and legs to pedal.
The Airbike is an excellent choice for people looking to burn many calories in a short amount of time. It’s also low-impact, so it’s easy on your joints.
You can find Airbikes at some gyms, but they can also be expensive to buy for your home gym.
How to make it more challenging:
- Wear a weight vest
- Increase the resistance level
If you don’t have access to an Airbike, you can try a similar workout on a stationary bike or elliptical machine.
5. Elliptical Machine
The elliptical is a low-impact cardio machine that provides an excellent workout for your whole body. It’s similar to a stair climber, but the motion is smoother and easier on your joints.
The table below details roughly how many calories you will burn depending on your body weight using an elliptical machine:
| Bodyweight | 5 min | 10 min | 15 min | 30 min | 45 min | 60 min |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 lbs (45kg) | 19 | 39 | 58 | 117 | 175 | 233 |
| 125 lbs (57kg) | 24 | 49 | 73 | 146 | 219 | 292 |
| 150 lbs (68kg) | 29 | 58 | 88 | 175 | 263 | 350 |
| 175 lbs (79kg) | 34 | 68 | 102 | 204 | 306 | 408 |
| 200 lbs (91kg) | 39 | 78 | 117 | 233 | 350 | 467 |
| 225 lbs (102kg) | 44 | 88 | 131 | 263 | 394 | 525 |
| 250 lbs (113kg) | 49 | 97 | 146 | 292 | 438 | 583 |
| 275 lbs (125kg) | 53 | 107 | 160 | 321 | 481 | 642 |
| 300 lbs (136kg) | 58 | 117 | 175 | 350 | 525 | 700 |
The elliptical is a great way to burn calories and improve cardiovascular fitness. If you’re looking for a challenging workout, you can increase the resistance on the machine.
How to make it more challenging:
If you want to make your elliptical workout more challenging, you can increase the resistance on the machine. This will make it harder to pedal and help you burn more calories. You can also try interval training on the elliptical, where you alternate between high and low-intensity periods. This workout is excellent for burning fat and improving your fitness level.
Conclusion
If you want to burn as many calories as possible, treadmills and ellipticals are your best bet. But ultimately, any machine can be effective if you work hard and stay consistent with your workouts!
So, next time you’re at the gym, try a few different machines to find the one that’s right for you. And, don’t forget to mix up your routine from time to time to keep your body guessing (and burning more calories)!
Editor-In-Chief at Recovatech. Dr. Ben has been a Doctor of Chiropractic for over 10 years, specializing in structural and neurological imbalances with an emphasis in functional movement patterns, exercise performance, and muscle recovery. He has been the team chiropractor for professional baseball and soccer organizations, as well as collegiate athletes. In his personal life, he’s always been driven when it comes to athletics and personal performance. His mornings start by lifting something heavy and end spending time with family.