Cardiovascular Gym Equipment Guide

Everyone wants to feel fitter and healthier, but it is difficult to know what equipment is out there, how to use it, and what it does. There are plenty of online retailers that supply cardio gym equipment such as UK Gym Equipment, and this handy guide will talk you through what you need to use and how you need to use it.

The Treadmill

Primarily, walking, jogging, or running on the treadmill improves your general fitness and stamina, however, they also provide a core and leg workout. You particularly improve your muscle development when using an incline setting. 

What is great about a treadmill is that you can adjust your workout to suit you, whether it be jogging at a steady pace or performing some high-intensity interval training (HIIT). 

Many people underestimate the difficulty of running before embarking on the challenge for the first time; you will not immediately be able to hop on the treadmill and run 5K. Instead, there are many great training apps such as Couch to 5K which allow you to build up your stamina and running skills over 9 weeks. This is the easiest and safest way to incorporate running into your lifestyle. 

The Rowing Machine

When rowing, you will work your entire body, incorporating the arms and the legs simultaneously. Like the treadmill, the rowing machine will predominantly enhance your general fitness and stamina. Despite this, you will benefit from an arm and leg workout, particularly at higher resistance settings.

Much like the treadmill, you can perform endurance training at a steady pace, or crank it up to a HIIT workout. Amusingly, many rowing machines will include built-in games, introducing some whimsy into your workout. 

The Elliptical Machine (Cross Trainer)

The elliptical machine allows the body to simulate a running motion without placing impact on the knees, whilst integrating the arms into your workout. It is one of the more versatile machines, presenting you with the choice between cardio or strength training. In order to achieve the strength training, you will need to increase the resistance to target your lower body and arms. 

Similar to the aforementioned equipment, the elliptical can allow you to focus on both endurance and HIIT training. You can adjust the resistance and incline depending on what you are trying to get out of your workout. 

The Upright Bike

When stationary biking, you will receive a low-impact form of exercise, whilst enhancing your fitness, stamina, and lower body equally. The upright bike works every muscle in the lower body, particularly at higher resistances.

Like the elliptical, the upright bike allows you to perform both endurance cardio and HIIT, without placing impact on your joints. Despite this, you can achieve great tone if you integrate some resistance.

The Stair Mill

The stair mill allows you to simulate walking up a continuous set of stairs, providing another low-impact form of cardio training. Primarily, stair mills are used as an easily accessible form of cardio, however, they are effective in toning the calves and glutes when used at higher resistances.

Much like the abovementioned equipment, you will be able to partake in both endurance training and HIIT. 

Conclusion 

Working out for the first time can be absolutely terrifying and can even be nerve-wracking after weeks of training. Despite this, a completed workout brings an immense sense of achievement, and you also feel fitter and healthier over time. It is important to be kind to yourself and do not push yourself beyond your limits, which could differ from day-to-day. Remember, the only failed workout is the one that did not happen!