2 weeks Ago By Laura Forsyth
Choosing the right cardio machine is about more than just burning calories. It’s about finding something you enjoy (or at least don’t hate), that fits your body’s needs and that you can stick with consistently. Whether you want a high-intensity calorie burn or need something easier on the joints , the key is to challenge yourself and make cardio a part of your routine that doesn’t feel like a chore.
As a pro-level athlete, I do cardio at least five days a week, even in my bodybuilding off-season , because fitness isn’t just about lifting weights for me. It’s about being able to move without getting out of breath and to feel good. If you’ve ever bulked up in the gym, you’ll know that a high-protein, low-calorie diet and cardio are the final steps to revealing all that hard-earned muscle underneath.
But even if losing weight isn’t the goal, cardio is essential for heart health, endurance and just feeling fitter in everyday life. Cardio is the calorie and fat burner. Weight training builds muscle, but if you want to lean out and see the definition under your body fat, cardio is your best friend.
And even if aesthetics aren’t your main concern, keeping your cardiovascular system strong means better energy, improved stamina, and the ability to keep up with life without getting winded . Some people skip cardio in the name of gains, but I’ve never been one of them. Even when I’m in a muscle-building phase, I still clock in my sessions first thing in the morning because I don’t like feeling sluggish or out of breath .
The trick? Choosing the right machine - one that keeps you engaged, fits your goals and doesn’t wreck your joints in the process. There are plenty of ways to get your heart rate up in and outside the gym, but these are the ones that make the biggest impact for me. If there’s one machine that consistently shreds through calories while making you question your life choices, it’s the Stairmaster .
It’s super effective and perfect for anyone who wants a high-intensity burn in a short amount of time. I make it more bearable by putting on a playlist, covering the timer with a towel, and tracking my progress by song length. The key to getting the most out of it is not leaning on the rails for support.
So stand up straight, engage your core and let your legs do the work. Don’t try any fancy side steps, or leg raises while on this machine; it’s not for targeting or building glutes and is designed for cardio only. I typically go hard for 30 minutes at levels 12 to 16 if I’m in a rush, or take it steadier at level 10 to 12 for a full hour but everyone’s intensity levels vary and machine models differ in difficulty settings.
It can wear away the knees and ankles stomping away if you’re not careful, so I swear by thick-soled trainers like Brooks Glycerin Max . The extra cushioning has really helped my joints, which is a must if you’re using this machine regularly. A spin bike is one of the best options if you want a cardio session without impacting your joints.
If I’m in a class at Psycle or 1Rebel , I get swept up in the energy, but if I’m riding by myself, I like using a follow-along video. Peloton and similar brands have live classes that make it way more fun than just pedalling at a steady pace. If you’ve ever zoned out on a stationary bike and barely broken a sweat, this will help with motivation and intensity.
This cardio machine is an underrated form of cardio that is starting to gain in popularity. The first time I did a climbing class at BXR , I was shocked at how quickly I was burning calories; it was on par with my usual stairmaster sessions, but without the same knee stress. The movement is full-body, which means more engagement, more sweat, and more payoff in less time.
If you’re bored of traditional cardio, this one is worth trying either at home or at a class. The treadmill is the classic all-rounder and there are so many handy models that you can use in the comfort of your home now. Whether you’re jogging while watching Netflix, walking at an incline to torch calories with minimal impact, or sprinting in short bursts for a high-intensity sweat session, it’s one of the most versatile machines in the gym.
If you’re tight on space, home-friendly treadmills are also useful options. There are models that fit under your desk while working , compact versions you can store away easily and folding options for further space saving . If you’re running at high speeds, the impact can add up, so I always recommend cushioned trainers for this too; the New Balance Fuel Cell are my go-to for sprints.
They stop my feet from feeling like they’re being pounded into the treadmill, which makes a huge difference for joint health and scuffing the skin at the bottom of my feet in the long run. It might be worth investing in some anti-blister socks while you are at it too. Not every cardio session needs to be an all-out grind.
The cross-trainer, or elliptical, is perfect for low-impact days when I still want to move but don’t want to put too much pressure on my legs. It’s smooth, easy on the joints and lets you switch between upper and lower body focus, depending on how you set the resistance. Great for active recovery, or for keeping things fresh when other machines start to feel repetitive.
The Wattbike is a love-hate situation. When I’m doing circuit rounds at the gym, this is the machine that pushes me to my limits. It’s brutal and it makes me break out in a major sweat super quickly.
The resistance can be cranked up to high levels, making it one of the best calorie burners out there. One small perk is that some models blow back cool air as you pedal, which helps when you're drowning in sweat. I like how it gives you the option to shift effort between your arms and legs, so if one set of muscles starts to fail, you can push harder with the other.
Over years of training, I have tried cardio machines in gyms across the world, testing everything from high-end club staples to boutique studio exclusives. I also regularly try the latest UK launches, seeing how they hold up for serious training. And let’s not forget home workouts; my tiny London flat is stocked with compact, practical options that I can easily pull out while catching up on emails or watching TV.
So whether you need something for a hardcore gym session or a more casual calorie burn, here’s what I’ve found to be the best cardio machines for weight loss; covering everything from high-intensity calorie burners to joint-friendly options. Read on for more.
