by Mark Barroso Men’s Fitness
Whether you’re trying to bulk up or cut fat, cardio workouts improve aerobic and muscular endurance, and make your abs pop.
Since professional athletes, CrossFitters, and fitness models often share cardio routines with Men’s Fitness and mention their favorite devices, we compiled a list of tried-and-true machines for burning calories and boosting performance in the gym. Find local facilities that have these innovative pieces of equipment or train to the max at home. The power to uncover your six-pack is in your hands.
Cybex Arc Trainer 525AT
Arc Trainers are aptly named since they allow for an arc/crescent shaped pattern of lower body movement. An advanced, non-impact, resisted cardio device, the 525AT delivers 21 incline levels, various built in weight loss, power and cardio workouts, plus wireless heart-rate monitoring. Whether you’re gliding at a low-incline level, striding at mid-range, or climbing, the Arc Trainer burns major calories and is a great way to improve athleticism.
Concept 2 Indoor Rower Model D
To elevate heart rate superfast, burn fat, and build muscle the StepMill 3 is a no-brainer. StairMaster’s most compact stairclimber strengthens glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, and calves while shedding pounds in a workout that has stood the test of time. You don’t need to work quickly to get a good workout, which means less impact on knees. Step up your fitness regimen with the functional StepMill 3.
Stairmaster Stepmill 3
Jacobs Ladder 2 is the home/light commercial version of the Jacobs Ladder as seen on NBC’s The Biggest Loser. The patented cardio machine places you at a 40-degree angle reducing lower back stress and allows for a full range of motion when climbing. Since the rungs move faster when you increase speed and slower when you slow down, you control the intensity of your full-body workout. Increase heart rate and burn calories like never before with this unique piece of training equipment that fits in your home.
Jacobs Ladder 2
Jacobs Ladder 2 is the home/light commercial version of the Jacobs Ladder as seen on NBC’s The Biggest Loser. The patented cardio machine places you at a 40-degree angle reducing lower back stress and allows for a full range of motion when climbing. Since the rungs move faster when you increase speed and slower when you slow down, you control the intensity of your full-body workout. Increase heart rate and burn calories like never before with this unique piece of training equipment that fits in your home.
Keiser M3+
The latest addition to Keiser’s M series, the M3 Plus features an innovative magnetic-resistance system that is nearly silent yet superdurable since no parts of the eddy current resistance system ever touch. A backlit computer screen displays metrics like repetitions per minute and watts, allowing you to track your fitness like a pro. Choose your favorite fore-aft position of the handlebars and adjust the seat in four ways to find the right fit for this high-quality, smooth-spinning bike.
NordicTrack x11i Incline Trainer
All treadmills are not created equal. The NordicTrack x11i Incline Trainer goes from a 6% decline to a 40% incline so you can reduce impact and increase intensity at will. Compatible with iFit technology, you can watch Google Street View of a real-life route and have the treadmill adjust its inline to match the terrain. Even just walking on this powerful machine will get you sweating fast and recruit the hip flexors and other muscle fibers. Get moving on the 22-by-60 tread belt to find the workout that burns for you.
Schwinn AirDyne AD6
Featuring infinite wind resistance, getting a workout in can’t get any more user-friendly. The harder you pedal, the higher the resistance gets so you may want to pace yourself and the handlebars engage your entire body. Track your RPM and pulse on the screen with this telemetric upright stationary bike. Take the AirDyne challenge and see how long you can go at max effort to really break a sweat.
Stamina Products InMotion Elliptical Trainer
Don’t be fooled by this elliptical’s size; it really packs a weight-loss punch. According to a 2013 study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, an hour a day on an elliptical machine like this may result in 5.2 pounds dropped per year and prevent 1-2 pounds of annual weight gain. The elliptical can fit practically anywhere, from under your desk to inside your gym bag so you have no excuses to not feel the burn. Grab this science-backed piece of fitness equipment to see real results.
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