Many people often ask me which type of cardio or what cardio equipment is the best to lose love handles in the shortest time. The answer is not a straight forward as you might think but there are definitely activities that burn more calories than others. Running or jogging is one of the best cardio activities you can do because it is a total body movement that requires your arms as well as your legs to be in constant motion. However, not everyone has the endurance to start running for 30 minutes right from the start. If really want to take up running as an activity and want to improve your endurance so that you can run for a long time, then flip to the section entitled “Cardio Interval Training”.
If running or jogging does not appeal to you, the next best activity would be the elliptical trainer or what some people would call the “ski machine thingy”. The elliptical trainer is great because, like running, your arms and legs are in constant motion. The elliptical machine mimics the movement of cross country skiing which is an activity that has been shown to burn lots of calories! In fact, cross country skiers have one of the highest VO2 max ratings of any type of athlete. This means that their bodies are capable of producing a tremendous amount of oxygen to their muscles during intense activity. In other words, their cardiovascular endurance is top-notch! The elliptical trainer was tested among the recumbent bike, the upright stationary bike and walking on a treadmill and it was found that for the same time and effort, the elliptical trainer burns more total calories compared to the other equipment. So if you don’t want to run, the elliptical is your next best option.
If going for 30 to 45 minutes on any cardio equipment seems too boring for you then taking up a sport or activity would be an excellent idea. Playing tennis, rollerblading, basketball, volleyball or any activity that you enjoy and can do for at least 45 minutes would be a great way to get rid of belly fat and have fun at the same time. Remember, the goal of any cardio activity is to increase your heart rate and keep it elevated so that you can strengthen your heart and increase your cardiovascular endurance. A strong heart and good endurance means that you can work longer and harder without getting tired quickly.
Kamaral Bassier
B.A. Psychology,
Certified Personal Trainer,
Nutrition Consultant,
Lifestyle and Weight Management Coach.
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