Favourite Cardio Machine?

Onk

1kg = 2.20 lbs
So it's cutting time before my next round of BB comps so I find myself doing cardio again. I've used them all over the years and found some work in specific situations and others work all the time...or never at all. Keep in mind I don't want to injure myself in my cardio

Treadmill:
Effective - 8/10
Function - 8/10
Available - 8/10

always available, most gyms, even small ones have at least 6 treadmills and I've seen with 30+. You get full use of your body as opposed to cycling machines and it's really easy to watch videos/songs whilst doing long sessions. Long walking incline cardio is easy on your knees and never fatigues you going into a leg day. This is my cardio machine of choice for these reasons

Stairmill:
Effective: 9/10
Function: 7/10
Available: 5/10

This may be a function of Australian gyms, but there's never more than 1 or 2 and they're ALWAYS IN USE by some PT and their protege barely using it properly. They're sure effective, it's why I want to use them. Lots of load to the hamstrings and calves, nearly as much function as the treadmill but sadly just aren't available. Try going 40 mins on this like a treadmill and you're doing it incorrectly!

Rowing machine:
Effective: 10/10
Function: 7/10
Available: 7/10

Best used (imo) in interval training, this bad boy really gets you working. You have to know what you're doing as it's really easy to injure your back if you aren't strict with form. My gyms don't have too many of these, max 4 and often none since they take up decent room. Best for HIIT so not as versatile as the treadmill in that regard. Also, they fatigue you quite well so watch out before training shoulders...and after shoulder/back days...good luck doing the rower properly!

Airdyne:
Effective: 6/10
Function: 6/10
Available: 8/10

they're available for a reason, they're a shitty version of a bike. Not the most effective and best used for resistance HIIT type training. I've been on ones with no screen so there's no place to watch videos but you can throw your phone in the drink holder for music. I just don't like them

Bike:
Effective: 8/10
Function: 6/10
Available: 7/10

Lots of gyms have them, don't take up much space, they get the job done, sure, but you only use your lower body. I don't like them for that reason, my ass goes to sleep riding for 40-60 minutes. Has less of an impact than the airdyne which is okay by me. If you're after some great legs, cycling can sure help but imo, f*ck sitting on that shitty seat for too long!

Jacobs Ladder:

Effective: 9/10
Function: 9/10
Available: 3/10

this bad boy is just not at much gyms. I go to a heap as i travel around the country and intercontinental for work, they just aren't any where I go I guess. But when you do see them, WOOHOO. Once you get past the awkward start and into a rhythm, nothing can beat it. It does take up a shitload of room and costs a fortune so no wonder they aren't too popular.

Skierg/Arm peddling:

Effective:3/10
Function: 5/10
Available: 3/10

Okay here's the worst one for sure. Peddling the machine with your arms? no thanks. Standing the whole time? no thanks. They also aren't at too many gyms for a good reason! The skierg version is more like a skiing simulator than a cardio machine. Personally I'd rather sell it for hooker money than use this machine

Arc Trainer:
Effective: 4/10
Function: 6/10
Available: 7/10

I've seen these in a lot of places and they're readily available. Some gyms love them and others don't. I don't. It isn't effective, you can get up to massive speeds whilst on tren and not get puffed...that says something. Function is alright but it never feels natural...moving on...

Cross-trainer:

Effective: 4/10
Function: 4/10
Available: 7/10

Similar to the ar trainer, some gyms love them and some don't. Again I don't like it for the same reasons as the Arc....yet this feels even less natural

Sit back/recumbent bike:
Effective: 4/10
Function: 3/10
Available: 3/10

They aren't in every gym and if they are, it's usually an old lady sitting on it idly peddling whilst reading a book or magazine. I hate this machine as it does fuck all. You sit down lazily and kick your legs almost like riding a bike but with less effort. The function is shit and it's not effective because of this. Given it isn't too many places either...despite being an easy option for old ppl says something. Also it's cheap! Yeah the word is out on this bike and thank god....

Curve Treadmill:

Effective: 8/10
Function 8/10
Available: 1/10

I've only used this once, when I was in hong kong. It was like a cool treadmill, just like the new curved tvs compared to older flat TVs. I liked it, it seemed harder and better on my ankles and the brochures say you expend 30% more effort being on it (on average) than regular treadmills. Expensive apparatus from Woodway, but I loved it. Pity I've never seen it since!

Boxing bag:

Effective: 7/10
Function: 9/10
Available: 8/10*

*As long as there aren't any classes on, boxing bags allow for great cardio sessions. Can be treated as a cardio station or solely by itself, the boxing bag packs a punch. Pun intended. It's as functional as you're going to get, despite the big padded gloves. You can throw kicks, knees, elbows and punches. Shit you can even headbutt the thing. You can wrap your legs around it and do sit ups up the bag. I find i use it on 1 min HIIT/1 min rest training towards the end of a cut....but really it's great if you need to let off steam which is hard to do with the other machines. This can be high impact compared to others, so be careful.
 
so I did mean to have a poll, but that has max 10 options and I posted 12. Any other cardio machines ppl use, please let me know. I tried to keep them slightly more sophisticated than a skipping rope and a boxing bag barely scrapes in already
 
In the gym--treadmill hands down as walking is the most basic of human functions and in today s world the most overlooked basic approach to fitness.

Out of gym---

1-see Avi
2-Push mow my 1/2 football pitch lawn one armed w a cig in mouth a coffee close by
3- ride bike
4-walk in sand or on seawall w my Dawg , son or avi
5- snorkel in wetsuit
 
Two-a-day sexathons for the win.

Effective: 11/10
Function: 11/10
Available: 11/10

Yes, I turned it up to 11. :)
 
I'm going to disagree about the Skierg... I have a C2 rower and a skierg in my cardio room and they complement each other well. I actually find it easier to keep up my heart rate on the skierg and the standing position is a plus if you've ever done a long stretch on the seated rower.

I've got millions of meters between the two, but lately I prefer the skierg.
 
I like the elliptical trainer, easy on my old joints especially the knees, most have a built in hr monitor as well
 
I like the elliptical trainer, easy on my old joints especially the knees, most have a built in hr monitor as well

it certainly is easy on the joints, i give you that. but so is the treadmill (maybe slightly worse) which also comes with an HR monitor. As does the bike. Most bang for your buck I feel
 
I'm going to disagree about the Skierg... I have a C2 rower and a skierg in my cardio room and they complement each other well. I actually find it easier to keep up my heart rate on the skierg and the standing position is a plus if you've ever done a long stretch on the seated rower.

I've got millions of meters between the two, but lately I prefer the skierg.

interesting, I've never known someone that liked the skierg! Will take your word for it as it just isn't for me :)
 
I knew there'd be some guys that jump in with that. My current partner isn't the best for this form of cardio (I've had better) so it doesn't even make the list.

5 minutes is barely enough to get my hr up, and once a week won't cut hardly any fat

Oh what I would give for a sexathon. As the tren starts to kick in my libido and ability to perform expand exponentially. Couple that with 15 mg/day cialis and.....dam!
 
Last edited:
interesting, I've never known someone that liked the skierg! Will take your word for it as it just isn't for me :)

That's fine and to each his own. My opinion is probably also influenced by the fact that skate skiing is a big part of my winter activities.

The rower uses more lower back, glutes, traps, quads and biceps.
The skierg uses more abs, lats and triceps (and quads to a somewhat lesser degree).
 
5 minutes is barely enough to get my hr up, and once a week won't cut hardly any fat

Oh what I would give for a sexathon. As the tren starts to kick in my libido and ability to perform expand exponentially. Couple that with 15 mg/day cialis and.....dam!

I miss the days between about 16-22 when you had a lot more time and sex went for a lot longer.

I also have the same feeling right now, 600mg tren and 600 mast....sex drive is through the roof
 
I miss the days between about 16-22 when you had a lot more time and sex went for a lot longer.

I also have the same feeling right now, 600mg tren and 600 mast....sex drive is through the roof

I bought some pt141 from rui to hopefully wake up the wife's libido. Seems lately it's all but dead. Other than that I'm happy with 28 year old marriage.kids are all gone,I make good money but only 8-9 months per year,the rest we can travel and see friends and extended family.im liking the arrangement so far. Just need more good loving
 
Honestly, mine is a jump rope.. treadmill is a second

I been jumping rope since an early age (combative sports), there's ways to really dial it up if one begins to say its easy, i can show people techniques that will brake them..Ear buds in and I'm in a zone, I take it everywhere I go!
 
I absolutely positively LOATHE cardio. I spent three years doing that every day, then twice a day. Yet, I'm doing it again as I have been lax with the diet and going backwards is no bueno.

I agree with your thoughts for the most part Onk (big surprise), although the arc trainer is how I lost a ton of weight. With a resistance setting at high and ROM low, calorie expenditure is really phenomenal and impact on the joints is minimal. The only caveat being that arms are stationary (unless you have really good balance), which does create a lack in total body involvement.

Treadmill it is for me, while I bite my tongue and eat humble pie as everyone likes watching the big oaf sweat his balls off lol.
 
my favorite cardio machine is my wife... hands down..

puttin that work in 20 min between those legs!
 
I absolutely positively LOATHE cardio. I spent three years doing that every day, then twice a day. Yet, I'm doing it again as I have been lax with the diet and going backwards is no bueno.

I agree with your thoughts for the most part Onk (big surprise), although the arc trainer is how I lost a ton of weight. With a resistance setting at high and ROM low, calorie expenditure is really phenomenal and impact on the joints is minimal. The only caveat being that arms are stationary (unless you have really good balance), which does create a lack in total body involvement.

Treadmill it is for me, while I bite my tongue and eat humble pie as everyone likes watching the big oaf sweat his balls off lol.

I can do the balance of the arc pretty well and even then...still don't like it much. I'd rather be pushing with the arms in that scenario rather than just moving them randomly with high leg ROM
 
Back
Top