When it comes to cardio machines, many people think that they can just jump on and start pedaling away. However, if you want to get the most out of your workout, there is a right way and a wrong way to use cardio machines.
When it comes to working out, most people think that they have to do some sort of cardiovascular exercise in order to see results. However, this isn’t necessarily true – you can actually get a great workout without ever stepping foot on a treadmill or elliptical.
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your time on the treadmill, elliptical, or bike:
1) Start with a warm-up:
Just like any other type of workout, it’s important to warm up before you start your cardio session. A good warm-up will help to get your heart rate up and prepare your body for the exercise to come. Start with a slow pace and gradually increase your speed as you go.
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2) Don’t hold on:
Many people make the mistake of holding onto the handrails or bars while they’re working out on a cardio machine. This not only takes away from the workout, but it can also be dangerous if you lose your balance and fall off.
3) Use Them for Intervals
One of the best ways to use cardio machines is to do intervals – that is, alternating between periods of high and low intensity. This type of workout has been shown to be more effective than a steady state cardio workout, and it’s also more interesting (and less boring).
To do an interval workout on a treadmill, for example, you would start by walking at a moderate pace for one minute. Then, you would increase the speed to a sprint for 30 seconds. After that, you would go back
to use cardio machines is to do intervals – that is, alternating between periods of high and low intensity. This will help you get your heart rate up while also giving your muscles a break in between sets.
4) Incorporate Strength Training
If you really want to get the most out of your workout, incorporate some strength training into your routine as well. For example, you could do a set of squats on the leg press machine in between bouts of cardio on the treadmill.
Not only will this help you build muscle and burn fat, but it will also make your cardio workouts more effective. That’s because when you have more muscle mass, your body has to work harder to pump blood throughout your body – which means your heart gets a better workout.
5) Use a Heart Rate Monitor
If you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of your cardio workout, invest in a heart rate monitor. This will help you keep track of your heart rate so you can ensure that you’re working hard enough to get results.
For example, if your goal is to burn fat, you should aim to keep your heart rate in the “fat burning zone” – which is generally between 60 and 70 percent of your maximum heart rate.
By following these tips, you can make sure that you’re getting the most out of your cardio workout and reaching your fitness goals!
