What is the most effective cardio machine in the gym?

 What is the most effective cardio machine in the gym?

Ask yourself these questions every time you enter the gym to determine the best way to get your heart rate up.

The treadmill is the best option if you’re training for a race or trying to lose weight.nortonrsx / Get

By Brianna Steinhilber

As if getting yourself to the gym didn’t take enough mental power, once you get there you’re faced with a building full of equipment to navigate. You narrow down your workout plan to cardio, which helps, but then find yourself staring down a handful of machines that will all get the job done.

Should you hop on the treadmill? Maybe the elliptical or stationary bike is a better option. You have heard the StairMaster is a real calorie burner. Which workout is your best bet?

One piece of cardio equipment is not better than another, Amanda Katz, personal trainer and Equinox group fitness coach, told TODAY. “It depends on the individual’s goals and what they enjoy doing,” she said. “The best option is the one you can stick to over time and sustain.”

So ask yourself: Why I am exercising? Are you trying to improve your endurance? Do you want to work up a sweat or burn off stress? Do you want to lose weight?

Once you’ve narrowed down your specific goals, certain machines will rise to the top as the most effective for getting you there.

Today