Have you always wondered which cardio equipment is the best for me? Well, there really isn't one because each one has it's own benefits.
The reason I say this, is because it all depends on how hard you work & what pace you plan on maintaining while on it.
Let's take the trusted elliptical machine (which is my favorite) for instance.
This is one of my favorites in the gym because after the years of soccer I played, my knees have taken a beating and this provides the smoothest movement on my body.
Not only does it take away from the pounding of running but it also has your legs moving in a circular motion.
The continual circular motion also targets more muscles in your legs.
Depending on what kind of elliptical machine you are on can also decide if you are getting a total body workout as well.
Some do have the moving arms as others do not.
Another big reason why the elliptical machine is my favorite piece of cardio is the fact that you have so many types of variations in the machine.
Changing directions on the machine puts more focus on different muscles in your legs.
So if you are looking for a great way to burn fat, strength train, & increase your endurance, then I highly suggest giving the elliptical machine a chance.
Another one of my favorite ways of training for that ultimate cardio session is shadow boxing or KenpoX (provided by P90X).
The reason I favor these 2 styles of cardio is the fact that you are always moving & changing directions.
It's a great way to elevate your heart rate as well as give your legs & arms a truly exhilarating workout.
The great benefits I get out of shadow boxing or Kenpo X from P90X is the raised heart rate.
Being 33 yrs.
of age, I need all the cardio I can get.
It's highly important to me to be able to move along in my daily activities without getting winded.
I keeping up with my daily lifestyle, it started to make me think how important exercise and nutrition is to me to live a better life.
So I took the mindset roughly about 3 yrs ago to tackle on as much knowledge as I could in regards to nutrition and exercise.
I bought as many fitness magazines (REPS being my favorite) as I could.
Also included in my studies I also purchased a home study course in personal training.
I just wanted to be the best I could possibly be.
Not just in physical shape but it was important to me for my mind to be just as fit as my body.
To conclude to today's thoughts, it's really about how much you want to put into your cardio vs what you want to get out it (kind of how life is).
So pick the machine that suits you best and stick with it.
Just keep this in mind when you are on that machine, train as hard as you can while you are there.
Don't just get up there & go at a moderate pace, try to push yourself and do some interval training.
If you want to moderate yourself and go at a slow pace, just take a walk around the park.
Today's Quick Meal (courtesy of REPS Magazine) Oatmeal Puffs 1 cup instant oatmeal 1/2 cup crushed pineapple 4 egg whites 1/2 tsp.
cinnamon 2 tbsp.
raisins 4 tsp.
sugar substitute cooking spray Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, mix together & refrigerate over night.
(if pushed for time, let stand for 10 mins).
Preheat a large skillet over med-high heat.
Lightly cover skillet w/cooking spray & place tablespoonfuls of batter onto skillet.
Cook each side for approximately 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, & serve.
Garnish with honey & pineapple slices.
Nutrition Value 319 Calories 21 g Protein 53 g Carbs 2 g Fat