Cardio training is a word that has a special section dedicated to it in the gym and every exerciser actually has a picture in their head of what exactly cardio equipment is. Nevertheless, it is worth defining the term more clearly. This gives you a better overview of the cardio equipment available and allows you to choose exactly what you want to achieve.
Cardio training - meaning and interpretation
The term cardio training is contradictory in several respects. Linguistically, it is derived from the Latin heart, so it is training that is good for the heart. Colloquially, it is used for endurance training, but this is actually wrong.
If you do four 100-meter sprints every day, you are of course also doing something for your fitness, your endurance and of course your cardiovascular system. Nevertheless, the interpretation of endurance training has prevailed. In purely sports science terms, however, we should be talking about endurance training, i.e. sessions of around 30 minutes or more. This means that CrossFit is not considered cardio training, but slow cycling on an ergometer is. However, this is entirely up to the standard definition.
Cardio equipment at a glance
There is a wide range of cardio equipment available, most of which can be used for both warm-up and training. These include ergometers, indoor cycles, recumbent bikes or hand ergometers, if you're thinking in classic cycling terms. Even if the hand ergometers train your upper body. Treadmills are used for running training; electric treadmills allow you to run after a constantly "running" track. Most gyms use these cardio machines because they also train joints and technique. Steppers are also among the most popular cardio machines for legs and lower body, where you climb imaginary steps to your dream body. You can train your lower and upper body on a cross trainer, as this works your arms and legs. Of course, this also involves the back and core in the movement. Rowing machines are specially designed for the upper body. They replicate the rowing motion in a boat, which naturally requires power in the arms and back. The rowing machine and treadmill are good examples of how the definition of cardio equipment also includes strength and fast units and is not always about slow trotting. So when buying a new cardio machine, you should think carefully about what kind of training you like and what you enjoy doing. Theoretically, you can of course do cardio training without any equipment, the machine just provides you with the support you need to achieve your goals faster and regardless of the weather. And, of course, to have fun working towards your sporting goals in the long term. Whether fast or slow.
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Editorial team fitnessmarkt.de (EA)
Image credit: #189350226-nutthaseth-AdobeStock
Published on: 7 March 2018