What Cardio Machines Burn The Most Calories?

What Cardio Machines Burn The Most Calories?

Cardio is an excellent way to burn lots of calories in a short period, but not all cardio machines are made equally. Some offer a more intense workout, kicking up your heart rate and initiating a burn in your muscles to help you blaze through calories. While the elliptical, rowing machine, and treadmill are among the cardio machines that burn the most calories, there are a few other options following close behind.

6 Cardio Machines That Burn the Most Calories

Some cardio machines offer a better calorie burn than others, helping you blaze through calories and reach your fitness goals. A few of the most effective calorie-burning cardio machines include:

1. Elliptical Machine

Ellipticals are one of the most effective cardio machines for burning maximum calories. They’re a low-impact alternative to other options on this list, making them a great choice for those with joint stress or similar concerns. The machine mimics the natural motion of walking, running, and stair climbing, allowing you to turn up the heat while still supporting your joints.

Plus, since many elliptical machines feature handles, you can get a great upper-body workout, too. On average, an intense session on the elliptical can burn up to 800 calories! Of course, calorie burn varies based on your weight, speed, and intensity, but the elliptical can be a great way to get in a quick but effective calorie burn.

2. Rowing Machine

Rowing machines are outstanding for both full-body engagement and a sweaty cardio workout. They engage many major muscle groups, including your legs, core, back, and arms, effectively driving your overall energy expenditure and leading to a higher calorie burn.

A quick-paced session on a rowing machine can burn a whopping 600-800 calories per hour, although the exact amount varies based on your intensity and weight. The continuous, rhythmic nature of rowing keeps your heart rate high, driving an impressive calorie burn in a short period of time.

3. Treadmill

Treadmills offer another intense calorie burn, although the exact amount of calories you’ll blaze through depends on multiple factors, including the incline and your speed. These machines, often considered the gold standard of cardio workouts, can do everything from a casual stroll to incline runs and sprints.

On average, a moderate run on a treadmill can burn anywhere from 600 to 700 calories per hour. This number is for a person weighing 155 pounds and running at about six miles per hour. Of course, if you turn up the heat by adding an incline or running faster, you’ll burn even more calories!

4. Stair Climbers

Stair climbers are the bane of many gym-goers’ existences, but they’re incredibly effective solutions for burning calories. These machines mimic the motion of climbing stairs, which targets the glutes, quads, and calves for an intense burn.

Even just a few minutes on the stair climber can escort a gnarly burn in your muscles, leaving your glutes, quads, and calves screaming for relief. But that effort translates well into your calorie-burning goals, allowing you to shred through anywhere from 500-700 calories per hour. The faster you go, the more you’ll burn!

5. Ski Machines

Cross-country skiing is no easy feat. Ski machines bring that challenge to the gym, allowing you to get in a full-body cardio workout. The machine requires input from both your upper and lower body muscles, increasing your total calorie burn and initiating a hurt-so-good fire in the engaged muscles.

The continuous, synchronized movement keeps your heart rate well within the cardio zone, maximizing your calorie burn. These machines can help you burn between 500 and 700 calories per hour!

6. Stationary Bike

If you want to sit and watch your show but still need to get in a good cardio workout, the stationary bike is a phenomenal pick. While the calorie burn isn’t quite as high as other machines on this list, the stationary bike can help you burn anywhere from 400 to 600 calories per hour!

They’re a great way to target the muscles of your legs, working through your quads, hamstrings, calves, and glutes as you pedal along. If you want to turn up the heat, increase the resistance level and pedal faster, initiating an intense burn in your legs and driving your heart rate well into the cardio zone.

Take Your Cardio Game to the Next Level With These Exercises

The cardio machine you choose can have a significant impact on the number of calories you burn during your workout. Ellipticals, rowing machines, treadmills, stair climbers, ski machines, and stationary bikes are among the top contenders for calorie-burning efficiency.

Each machine offers something different, whether it’s a low-impact option or one that burns the maximum amount of calories possible. Each can be a great addition to your workout routine. If you need help choosing the best machine for your regimen or can’t figure out the best way to incorporate it into your routine, connect with a personal trainer near you. They can help iron out the details to get you one step closer to achieving your fitness goals!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Exercise Machine Burns the Most Fat?

Exercise machines don’t necessarily target fat. Instead, fat loss typically comes down to your diet, requiring a calorie deficit to help you shed fat. However, since burning calories can help you remain in a calorie deficit, the treadmill, elliptical, and rowing machines can contribute to your fat burn.

What Exercise Machine Burns the Most Calories?

The exercise machine that burns the most calories varies based on your weight and the effort you put into the exercise. However, the treadmill, elliptical, and rowing machine can help you maximize your calorie burn.