For most people, stomach fat is the most difficult type of fat to lose, a fact that can be especially discouraging if you’re trying to lose belly fat specifically and not just fat in general. But don’t give up just yet! In this article, I’ll tell you which cardio machine is best for belly fat so you can start shedding those excess pounds in no time.
What is belly fat?
We all know that belly fat, also known as visceral fat, is extremely bad for our health. First and foremost, it makes you look older because it thickens your skin and soft tissue. It's especially dangerous because it creates an insulin resistance in your body, meaning your body starts to store sugar as excess calories in your fat cells rather than burning them off as energy. The more visceral fat you have, the higher your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, two of America's biggest killers.
What causes belly fat to accumulate?
There are several things that can cause belly fat to accumulate in your body. If you have a slow metabolism or an underlying health condition, you may tend to put on weight around your middle. For example, diabetes and hypothyroidism can hinder your body's ability to burn calories and maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, poor diet choices might also be leading factors in developing lower abdominal fat.
A diet low in protein and high in refined carbs will trigger insulin production, which leads to an accumulation of fat in that area. Ultimately, managing your weight includes more than just exercise, it's important that you take steps to eat right and manage any underlying health conditions as well.
4 cardio machines for burning belly fat
1. Elliptical Trainer
An elliptical trainer is one of many cardio machines you can use to burn belly fat. Unlike an exercise bike, which focuses on your quadriceps and hamstrings, an elliptical trainer targets your glutes and hip muscles, both which are important when it comes to losing belly fat.
Also, since you’re not using momentum like a running or walking motion does, you don’t have to spend hours at it in order to see results. However, keep in mind that while an elliptical trainer may help burn belly fat over time, you should also be sure to incorporate strength training into your routine.
If you don’t enjoy going to the gym, you can actually purchase an elliptical trainer on Amazon. Here is a great choice.
2. Rowing Machine
The rowing machine's main appeal is that it mainly works large muscle groups, including those in your back, hips and legs. But don't be fooled: It actually engages more muscles than just about any other cardio machine, according to Theodore G. Rampone, an exercise physiologist at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital in New York City. Its popularity also stems from its versatility. Rowers can target different muscles depending on how you choose to use them, by adjusting positions or resistance levels. Some rowers even provide workout routines which switch up the resistance automatically over a specific duration of time.
Rowing machine can also be found on Amazon if you're considering on reaching your goals from home.
3. Stationary Bike
A stationary bike is a stationary exercise bike that helps you burn fat and maintain your fitness. While not all belly fat can be attributed to cardio, a lot of it can be. Stationary bikes are perfect for those with limited mobility or injuries because they provide an easy-to-use alternative to outdoor cycling. For faster results, try speed intervals or high resistance. If you regularly go to a local gym, you should take a look at their class schedule as most gyms offer spinning classes. These are high intensity classes that use stationary bikes. They are very powerful and last approximately 30-45 mins.
Alternatively, if you're considering on purchasing a stationary bike, here is a really popular one on Amazon.
4. Stair Climber
Climbing stairs is a great cardio workout that can help you lose belly fat and lower your risk of obesity-related diseases, such as diabetes. Climbing several flights of stairs every day will have greater benefits than going to a gym and using just one machine, since it incorporates both upper- and lower-body movements.
This is great news if you don’t have time to hit a traditional gym on your lunch break, you can work in some cardio while running errands around town or even at home if you have a set of stairs to climb. A simple stair climber machine is also available at most gyms. You can use it along with dumbbells to target muscles in different ways, and enhance your total calorie burn!
Stair climbers are not widely available for purchase for home use, some vendors do offer them on rental basis. Make sure to google your local vendors and see if you can get one.
The verdict: Which is the best cardio machine for burning belly fat
Experts agree that a workout routine should include strength training and cardio to get results. Since each machine has its own benefits, you should really mix them up and use different one at each workout.
Other ways to burn belly fat
Aside from regular exercise, you should also consider making small changes to your eating habits. Some nutrition strategies to help burn belly fat include:
- Eating lean proteins like chicken breast, fish and beans.
- Consuming healthy fats like eggs, avocadoes and nuts.
- Eating fibrous carbohydrates such as oats, quinoa, fruits and vegetables.
- Incorporating your favourite snacks in moderation throughout the week.
Nutrition is very important for shedding belly fat. As one wise man once said "You cannot outperform a bad diet", and this is true. If you exercise regularly and still eat junk food, you're not going to get the results that you want. However, if you clean up your diet and include some snacks here and there, you'll have a much better chance of achieving the body you desire.
Summary
Cardio machines are great for burning fat and helping you lose weight. Although in this post, I mentioned several machines and discussed why it's important to incorporate all of them, it's also important to note that you cannot fat target. This means that you'll end up losing fat overall and not just on your belly.
You can target where you tone up and build muscle, but you cannot actively target where the belly fat comes off.
So, with that information in mind, incorporate cardio machines, weight training and proper eating habits to get the best results.