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Kent Probst, BS, MEd
Kent Probst is the owner of Long Healthy Life Blog
Introduction: What Cardio Machine Burns the Most Calories?
Many people trying to lose weight want to use their time exercising in the most effective way. Hence, they want to know what cardio machine burns the most calories.
Generally, weight bearing exercise (in which your legs support your body weight) tend to burn the most calories.
Exercise intensity is a variable to be considered when assessing what cardio machine burns the most calories.
Higher exercise intensity means higher caloric expenditure. But when everyone exercises at the same intensity, we can get a more accurate answer to the question.
Other variables taken into account when evaluating cardio machines include fitness level, weight, age, body mass index, and height.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse evaluated 10 cardiovascular exercise machines based on caloric expenditure, heart rate and rating of perceived exertion.
Here are the results of what cardio machines burned the most calories, ranked from best to least effective.
The Equipment: What Cardio Machine Burns the Most Calories?
Caloric expenditures were based on a 30 minute period.
1. Treadmill
- Calories burned: 378
- Time needed to burn 300 calories: 23:47
2. Stepmill
- Calories burned: 354
- Time needed to burn 300 calories: 25:25
3. Elliptical
- Calories burned: 303
- Time needed to burn 300 calories: 29:42
4. Upright Bike
- Calories burned: 300
- Time needed to burn 300 calories: 30:00
5. Arc Trainer
- Calories burned: 294
- Time needed to burn 300 calories: 30:04
6. Exercise Fan Bike
- Calories burned: 279
- Time needed to burn 300 calories: 32:16
7. Rower
- Calories burned: 273
- Time needed to burn 300 calories: 32:58
8. Recumbent Bike
- Calories burned: 228
- Time needed to burn 300 calories: 39:29
9. Recumbent Stepper
- Calories burned: 210
- Time needed to burn 300 calories: 42:52
10. Arm Ergometer
- Calories burned: 162
- Time needed to burn 300 calories: 55:34
Summary
As you can see, the weight-bearing exercise burned the most calories. With weight-bearing exercise, the heart must beat harder and faster to get blood flowing back to the heart.
Factors such as fitness level, medical history, and comfort should be considered as well when selecting a cardio machine.
For someone who has difficulty walking safely or maintaining balance, the bike or recumbent stepper may be a good option.
If your goal is to work your arms as well as your legs, then the elliptical trainer would be a better option than the treadmill or the step mill.
What cardio machine burns the most calories is just one factor to consider when personalizing your workout routine.
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