This material was written by our reader Alexander. We publish it without any changes.
When it comes to a healthy lifestyle, weight loss, sports, the first thing everyone remembers is running. Undoubtedly, running is one of the most effective pastimes for your health, but at the same time it is only a part of sports loads.
All sports loads, depending on the intensity, are divided into two types: aerobic and anaerobic. The main difference between these loads is the saturation of the body with oxygen during the lesson. Let's focus on aerobic exercise in more detail. Most often, they include such types of activity as running, cycling, swimming, and various game sports. Remember your feelings when you are doing some of this: there is not enough breath, the heart is pounding, it seems that there is not enough breath for the next breath — all these are signs of a lack of oxygen for the body. It is with these loads that weight loss and improved endurance of our body are associated.
What kind of aerobic exercise is better to do? You have a huge choice. If you like fresh air, you can choose for yourself running on the street, cycling, or stop at a huge variety of game sports, be it football, basketball, tennis, etc. If you prefer indoor sports, then the so-called so-called gyms have been created especially for you in all major gyms. cardiozones.
In simple words, a cardio zone is a part of a sports complex in which there are various aerobic exercise machines or cardio equipment. As I have already said, cardio zones exist in almost all sports complexes. But if you are very unlucky and there is no such zone in your gym, then most likely you will definitely have a pair of exercise machines like a treadmill, an orbitrek or an exercise bike.
The zone mentioned above includes several basic types of exercise equipment: treadmills, exercise bikes, elliptical simulators (in the common people — orbitrek) and steppers. And a reasonable question arises: what is the difference between these simulators? After all, in fact, they are all aimed at strengthening our cardiovascular system, well, to lose fat, how without it. Below I will try to outline their main differences.
The most popular exercise machine in any gym. No, seriously, personally, I've never seen all the tracks empty at the same time in my gym. Someone always runs on it to their goal. And it's not by chance that she became the No. 1 simulator for keeping fit. The main action that you perform on this simulator is the active transfer of the body in space. In the common people — running. It is for this that the body needs an increased supply of oxygen. Perhaps the most high-intensity simulator that you can choose, but there are also a number of disadvantages. In particular, when running incorrectly, the shock load is assumed by the joints of the knees and feet, and the load also goes to the back. Therefore, it is better to start running with an instructor, or at least look at some materials about the correct setting of the foot when running.
It is also very common and popular. As it is not difficult to guess from the name, on this simulator you will simulate cycling, just not as fun and entertaining as outdoors. The load on the joints in comparison with the track is minimal, it is also possible to increase the intensity of the load by switching modes, the larger the mode, the harder it is to pedal. But we didn't come to rest, did we?
Here is an ellipse for you to understand why they are so called.
As it has already become clear, this simulator is called elliptical due to the fact that the leg when practicing on it describes the trajectory of an ellipse or oval. This simulator also has its advantages and disadvantages. The advantages include the fact that the large thigh muscles work more strongly here: the quadriceps, biceps of the thigh and the gluteus muscle (note to the girls), there is also no shock load on the joints and almost always handles are provided in the design, holding on to which you can additionally connect the upper shoulder girdle, namely the arms, shoulders, chest. There is a mode setting that allows you to complicate your work. This simulator is also very effective in terms of burning calories.
Stepper (from the English step — step) simulates climbing stairs. This simulator, as well as the elliptical one, uses the large thigh muscles to a greater extent, with an emphasis on the quadriceps and the anterior surface of the thigh. The main advantages include a minimal chance of injury, the disadvantages are the not too active nature of the exercise itself, but a large number of different modes will not let you get bored.
Very rare and specific types of cardio equipment include a manual ergometer, a rowing simulator, a climber, etc.
The manual ergometer simulates cycling, with one small difference — you will ride with your hands, not with your feet. There is this simulator for people who, due to some injury, cannot exercise on simulators in which the muscles of the legs or back are involved.
The rowing simulator is a great tool for strengthening the whole body. The muscles of the legs, back and shoulder girdle are included in the work. The rowing simulator simulates rowing on a kayak. But its main disadvantage is a strong strain on the back, so it is better for people with back or spine injuries to refrain from doing this exercise.
Climber (from the English. climb — climb, climb) — simulator that simulates rock climbing. I think it will be no secret to anyone that climber assumes some physical training, and also is not too convenient for prolonged cardio, as it is very exhausting for the muscles of the upper shoulder girdle.
Summing up, we can say that each of these types of activity has its advantages and disadvantages and you need to choose a cardio exercise machine in connection with the goal you want to achieve, but also do not forget that sports are only part of your work to achieve health and an ideal body shape, and go it's up to you to decide further or not.
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