New Poll: What's Your Favorite Cardio Machine?
Wednesday June 7, 2006
A few years ago I was working at a health club and I was showing a new client how to use a treadmill when I heard a shout behind me. We turned around to see two women squaring off near the stairsteppers, faces red and spit flying as they screamed at each other. Turns out, one woman got mad because the other one took 'her' machine. My new client gave me a puzzled look and asked, "These machines are assigned?"
As funny (and slightly disturbing) as that event was, it isn't unusual for us to gravitate towards certain machines. Maybe we won't fight anyone over them, but we all have our favorites. What's your favorite cardio machine? Vote this week's poll and tell us all about it.
POLL: What's Your Favorite Cardio Machine?
1. Treadmill
2. Elliptical Trainer
3. Stationary Bike
4. Stairstepper
5. Rowing Machine
6. Other
Comments
For a great high intensity interval workout, nothing beats a spin class. Second to that, I’d have to say the elliptical. For any cardio activity involving a machine good form is important to get the most benefit from the exercise.
The Reebok Cycle Plus Recumbent Bicycle is my favorite. I started riding the dual-action bicycle 6 years ago and lost 50 pounds. The most challenging program is “Summit” - arm effort #10 and leg effort #4 - #6.
Right now, I have to say the exercise bike. I also like to do the treadmill since I have one also, but I don’t have any running shoes so I’m just using the bike. When I get some running shoes, I’m going to do the Treadmill work 3 days a weeks & the bike 4 days a week until I get to the point where I’m not lazy anymore.
To this day, the good, old-fashioned Stairmaster is my favorite cardio machine. I’d rather do a brisk walk outside instead of the treadmill and I’ve never warmed up to ellipticals, even though everyone else I know swears by them!
One interesting machine I found is called a Treadclimber. It has a tread for each foot. I tried it out for an article I was writing and it seemed to be easier on the joints, while working you harder than a treadmill would. Unfortunately, they don’t seem to be very common.
You know, Janiss, the Treadclimber seems like an interesting machine, but it hasn’t caught on in the mainstream yet. I know some people who have one and enjoy it - it will be interesting to see if more gyms and sporting goods stores offer it in the future.