What Machine Burns the Most Calories?

When it comes to burning calories, most people’s minds immediately jump to treadmills and ellipticals. Although these are fantastic tools for burning calories, there have been a handful of other machines that have become popular over recent years for helping to stay fit. Machines like Jacobs Ladders, VersaClimbers, Stair Steppers, Rope Pull Machines, Rowers, and Stationary Bikes have all become viable options for shredding through calories. But out of all these machines, which one is best? Let’s find out.

Calorie Burning 101

Before we dive into the world of cardio machines, let’s take a quick look at what calories are and what calorie burn means.

A calorie is a unit of measurement for the amount of energy in a food or drink. Calories in food come from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Each of these macronutrients is used in a different way by our bodies, but the end result is that the body uses these calories throughout the day to support our physical activity and physiological processes. Even seemingly simple actions like standing or walking require calorie expenditure. Moreover, the body continually expends calories, even during periods of rest, as vital functions such as breathing and digestion demand energy.

When the amount of calories that we consume is the same as the amount of calories that we expend through exercises and daily living, then our weight stays the same. If we consume more calories than we expend, then our bodies store this excess energy as body fat. If we consume less calories than we expend, then our energy reserves which are primarily fat tissue) end up being used.

With that said, here are the levers we have to work with in order to burn calories:

• Option 1: Limiting the amount of calories consumed to enter a caloric deficit while maintaining the same level of physical activity.
• Option 2: Keeping the amount of calories consumed the same, but increasing the level of physical activity.
• Option 3: Doing a combination of both by limiting caloric intake and increasing the level of physical activity.

So if you're aiming to boost your physical activity level (Options 2 or 3) or kickstart a more effective workout regimen (Option 1), the following cardio machines can help you achieve your fitness goals.

Criteria for Choosing the Best Cardio Machine for Burning Calories:

Now that we’ve covered how Cardio Machines can help with burning calories, let’s go over the main criteria that you should look at when determining which is the best one for you:

1. Personal Preference – Consistency is the number one determinant for whether you will lose calories and you’re more likely to be consistent using a machine that you enjoy. If you can’t stand using the treadmill but you absolutely love using a rower, then by all means go with the rower. You will see better results when you are consistent on the machine.
2. Time Efficiency – Do you want to get your cardio out of the way in 20 minutes or in 1 hour? Machines that offer resistance are more efficient at burning calories but require more effort to use in the shorter time you’re on them. Machines without resistance will require you to spend more time using them to burn the same calories.
3. Form Requirements – In other words, what’s the learning curve for using the machine in question? Is it simple to use or does it take some getting used to?
4. Impact on Joints – If you have sensitive joints, then you should be mindful about how much of an impact your knees and hips will take from using the machine.
5. Space Requirements – Cardio Machines come in all shapes and sizes. If you’re purchasing a cardio machine for personal use, you should be aware of the different size options so that you’re not constrained by space or headroom.

Which Cardio Equipment Burns the Most Calories?

#7: Recumbent Bike:

A recumbent bike is a type of stationary bike that has the user sit in a reclined position. This reclined position has you closer to the ground and results in less strain on your back during workouts. Although recumbent bikes train the legs, they require minimal muscle engagement from the rest of the body, and this typically results in less calories burned than other cardio machines. Having said that, the recumbent bike has its pros. It is a fantastic machine for people with joint issues, back pain, or balance problems. It is also a fantastic option for elderly people who want a safe and efficient way to get their workout done.

Shop Recumbent Bikes

#6: Stationary Bike:

A stationary bike is designed for indoor cycling workouts. The stationary bike is a fantastic low impact exercise that targets the lower body. Stationary bikes are intuitive to use and have adjustable resistance levels. Stationary bikes are fantastic for burning calories but it should be noted that they only work the lower body. There are other cardio machines that provide just as good of a workout in less time because they target the full body. It should also be noted that if you have a desk job, using a stationary bike can potentially reinforce the muscle imbalances that come from tight hips.

Shop Stationary Bikes

#5: Elliptical:

The Elliptical is a low-impact alternative to running, making it a solid exercise for people with joint pain or arthritis. The elliptical is also a full body workout that simultaneously works the arms and the legs with adjustable levels of resistance. Most people who use the elliptical use it for low impact steady state cardio (LISS). Although the elliptical burns a tremendous amount of calories, it usually takes longer to burn these calories compared other machines. If you’re using the elliptical while watching your favorite shows, then this isn’t a concern. But if you’re on a tight schedule and need to squeeze in a workout, then there are more efficient options out there.

Shop Ellipticals

#4: Rowers:

A rower is a piece of equipment designed to simulate the motion of rowing a boat. It consists of a sliding seat, foot pedals, a handle, and a flywheel or water tank for resistance. Rowing machines are a fantastic full body exercise that train both strength and cardio. Rowers also have the added benefit that they are easy on the joints. People who suffer from knee pain find rowers easier to use compared to other pieces of equipment like treadmills. Rowers are fantastic for burning calories, especially when resistance is added to the motion. Unfortunately, rowers are also the machines that require users to have the best form. Rowers take some time to get used to and improper form can lead to back pain which can lead to missed workouts.

Shop Rowers

#3: Treadmill:

When most people think of the gym they think of the treadmill, and with good reason. The treadmill is versatile in its workout options, fantastic at building cardio, and amazing at burning calories. The amount of calories burned depends on the time on the machine and intensity of the workout. Workout difficulty can be modified by raising the incline of the treadmill and by changing the speed of the workout. The two main drawbacks of using the treadmill are that 1) it can have a high impact on the joints and 2) outside of raising the incline of the treadmill, incorporating additional resistance into the movement to build strength can be difficult.

Shop Treadmills

#2: Jacobs Ladder:

A Jacobs Ladder is a climbing machine that provides a full body workout with a focus on the lower body. It is a low impact workout that resembles climbing a ladder. The intuitive nature of the movement makes it easy for users to get started with using the machine. In terms of workout pace, the Jacobs Ladder can be used at a higher intensity with faster climbing speeds to burn maximum calories, or it can be used at a moderate pace with a focus on recovery and rehabilitation. Another benefit of the Jacobs Ladder is that it doesn’t require electricity to use. One potential drawback of the Jacobs Ladder is that it comes fully built, making it difficult to maneuver through tight hallways and staircases.

Shop Jacobs Ladders

#1: VersaClimbers:

VersaClimbers are vertical climbing machines that provide a full body workout. The machines provide a low impact, high intensity workout that simulates the motion of climbing. Users can use the machine with just their body weight or they can adjust the resistance upwards to 500lbs. The climbing motion trains the arms, legs, chest, shoulders, and core. Regular use of VersaClimbers builds cardio, develops strength, and shreds through calories. This machine is number one on the list because it is the machine that requires the most muscle engagement. Users should note however that VersaClimbers stand at 7’10” which can become a constraint if used in a room with low ceilings.

Shop VersaClimbers

Conclusion:

In conclusion, each cardio machine has its own plusses and minus. All of these machines are efficient at burning calories, but at the end of the day the machine that’s best suited for you is the one that fits best with your lifestyle.