When you’re short on time at the gym, you want to get the most bang for your buck during your workout.
Likely, for most of us, that means burning the most calories we can in the shortest amount of time. But not all exercises are created equal. Cardio on average burns more calories per minute than any other kinds of exercise.
With multiple cardio machines to choose from, how do you know what exercise equipment burns the most calories? Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a list of the most effective exercise equipment for burning calories.
We’ve listed them from least to most calorie burn per hour along with their pros and cons. Check out our list below to get the most out of your next gym session.
What Cardio Machines Burns the Most Calories?
1. Stairmaster
If you’re not familiar with the Stairmaster, it’s an aerobic machine that mimics walking up a continuous flight of stairs. Ever felt out of breath walking up a flight of stairs? That’s how the Stairmaster feels, but nonstop.
While the Stairmaster might not be everyone’s favorite, it burns a ton of calories while also working your major leg muscles. On average, most people will burn anywhere from 354-610 calories per hour using the Stairmaster at a moderate pace.
Check out the Bowflex Max Trainer Series stairmaster to add to your home gym equipment.
Pros: The Stairmaster burns a significant number of calories per hour while working your leg muscles at the same time.
Cons: People who have difficulty walking upstairs (such as those with knee problems) will find the Stairmaster challenging to use.
When you’re looking to lose weight and burn some major calories, you must choose the most effective exercises. The best exercise equipment for weight loss are cardio machines that allow you to work multiple muscles and body parts. Working multiple body parts (especially your legs) requires the most energy and therefore burns the most calories. When you’re short on time and looking for the most bang for your buck, choose exercise equipment that burns the most calories2. Rowing Machine
The rowing machine is rarely seen as one of the best gym equipment for weight loss. Most people don’t associate rowing with burning a lot of calories.
However, the rowing machine is surprisingly an intense, full-body workout that burns over 600 calories per hour on average. Although rowing may look simple, it requires the use of your core, leg, and back muscles.
It’s relatively low impact and great for toning your upper body. Rowing machines, such as the Sunny Health Magnetic Rower, sell for as little as $250 on Amazon.
Pros: Full-body workout that tones your upper body while burning calories
Cons: Not ideal for people with shoulder or back injuries
3. Stationary Bike
The stationary bike allows you to complete an entire tour de France from the comfort of your own home or gym.
It’s one of the best home gym equipment because it takes up little space and is easily assembled. Indoor cycling can burn up to 600 calories per hour, making it one of the best exercise equipment for weight loss.
Cycling works both your core and major leg muscles. It’s low impact and can be a great cardio machine alternative for those who have knee injuries.
Stationary bikes, like the YOSUDA indoor cycling bike make a great addition to your home gym equipment.
Pros: Great for working leg muscles while also providing low impact form of cardio.
Cons: Larger people who find bike seats uncomfortable may have a harder time using the stationary bike.
4. Treadmill
The treadmill is a staple cardio machine for every gym and home gym equipment. The treadmill makes walking or running in place simple.
Rain or shine, you’ll always be able to hop on a treadmill and get your steps in. Running is an exercise that burns the most calories because it requires full body motion.
When you run, you are using every part of your body including your legs, arms, and core.
On average, running burns upwards of 700 calories at 10km per hour. The treadmill is a versatile cardio machine that allows you to walk, run, or sprint your way to a major calorie burn.
Check out the NordicTrack Commercial Series treadmill for your home gym equipment.
Pros: Versatile exercise equipment that can burn upwards of 700 calories per hour.
Cons: Running on a treadmill is high impact, making it unsuitable for those with knee or leg injury.
5. Elliptical Machine
The elliptical machine is both a cardio and resistance machine. It requires the use of both your arms and legs.
Most people would describe the elliptical machine as feeling like you were trudging through deep snow.
Using the elliptical machine at a brisk pace for an hour can burn up to 800 calories on average. The fact that the elliptical machine is both a mega calorie burner and low impact makes it one of the best exercise equipment for weight loss.
Most elliptical machines allow you to change the resistance level for a greater or lesser intensity. Check out the Niceday Elliptical Machine as an addition to your home gym equipment.
Pros: The elliptical is a cardio machine that burns the most calories per hour and has least impact.
Cons: Elliptical machines sometimes have inaccurate calorie metric readings. Make sure to wear your own heart rate monitor to accurately track your calorie burn.