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Which Piece of Gym Equipment is Best Suited to Achieve Your Fitness Goals?

By May 7, 2014 No Comments

All machines are not created equal. Find out which you need…

Which exercise machine will burn the most calories? Which will make your upper body stronger and more toned? How many calories can I burn just by cycling? You may well have asked yourself these questions regarding your workout routine. Let’s begin unravelling the mystery behind some of the most popular exercises and the equipment that complements them.

Gym Equipments for Fitness Goals

How efficient is bicycling for calorie burning?

Pedalling your bike is a fantastic way to use the larger muscles in your legs, therefore, an equally great calorie burning activity. Expect to burn around 500-1000 calories an hour, making cycling one of the most effective workouts you can do. Ideally, you’ll need to get up to about 90 RPM (revolutions per minute) in order to achieve the best results. Are you on a stationary bike in the gym? Check the digital readout on the handlebars to chart your progress.

If you’ve had thoughts about using a recumbent bicycle, keep in mind that this type of bike won’t burn as many calories as a ‘typical’ upright bike. Because your position on a recumbent won’t use the same muscle group as a typical bike, your results will differ. Try pedalling a few sets at the highest speed possible and then do a recovery cool down.

How about treadmill workouts?

Running is a great way for your body to burn around 600-1200 calories per hour. If you run on an incline on a treadmill, expect to boost your metabolism – and keep it boosted, for hours post-workout. You can also walk on the treadmill, of course, but expect to burn fewer calories.

A tip for success on the treadmill is to not choose an impossibly steep incline setting. Doing so will force you to use the handrails to keep balanced and that sets your workout awry. When using the treadmill at any (or no) incline, you should move your arms in order to get the maximum workout possible.

Can I burn a decent amount of calories by using the elliptical trainer?

Expect to burn somewhere around 600 calories per hour on the elliptical. Keep in mind: you’ll be burning fewer calories on this machine than you would by running because you will be using less energy in order to operate the machine.

To burn the maximum amount of calories on the elliptical, keep just a few more things in mind: don’t lean against the railings (or use them as sparingly as possible); and use a resistance setting that actually challenges you so that you will be doing the ‘heavy lifting’ instead of having the machine help you. Your muscles should be contracting properly during the session and you’ll lose weight and burn more calories if you choose a striding rate of 120 and above.

How many calories can I expect to burn using a rowing machine?

The rowing machine is a powerhouse. It’s extraordinary at challenging your upper and lower body equally in a cardio duel. Expect to burn no fewer than 1000 calories each hour.

Make sure you include your torso in the mix as well as your arms and legs. By using all three areas you can bet that the workout on the rowing machine will show amazing results. It’s also very important to maintain the correct posture on this machine. You don’t want to throw your back out whilst exercising, so ask a trainer about the proper ‘sitting’ posture before hopping onto the machine.

Finally: will I burn calories on the Stair Master?

You could always just climb up a flight of stationary stairs at your office building, but if this is logistically impossible, then the Stair Master is your friend. Using this machine offers you the same calorie burning benefit as climbing real stairs or doing the treadmill incline.

Of cardio and calorie burning

Any type of cardio exercise will help you burn calories and eventually shed weight. Cardio is good for your heart, your muscles and more. Keep in mind to mix up the type of cardio you take on, so your body doesn’t become stale from using one machine or exercise only.

It’s important to have fun when you’re working out. Arming yourself with information about equipment will help make each day in the gym a breeze.

At Warwick Women’s Workout, our instructors are glad to offer assistance when it comes to demystifying each piece of equipment in our fitness facility. Contact Michelle Monks, Gym Manager and join us in your journey to better health. Call (08) 9342 9028.