There are many reasons people join Midtown.

Some join seeking workout motivation. Others join to make friends or to socialize. Still others join for the huge variety of equipment, and of course, many want to achieve a healthy lifestyle and consider Midtown a great place to start.

You’re not alone if you’re initially intimidated by the club. There’s no shame in your game! You may have lots of questions: 

• What machines burn the most calories?
• How much weight should I put on?
• Am I going to fall off this thing?

And all of these are very common concerns for newcomers and gym veterans alike.

So here is the first lesson in Midtown 101 – Cardio!

Cardio is an A+ workout. What we call “Cardio” is actually known as “Aerobic Exercise.” Being ‘aerobic’ means with air or oxygen, or, as it applies to us sweating to the oldies, when you exercise at an intensity that allows the cardiovascular system to supply the muscles with sufficient oxygen. You can usually sustain this type of activity for longer periods of time and doing so helps build endurance and burn calories.

During aerobic exercise, you should be able to carry on a conversation, although perhaps not a heated debate, but definitely a weekend wrap-up chat.

Here are the Top 3 Pieces of Cardio Equipment:

• Treadmill – A treadmill is an exercise machine for running or walking while staying in one place. So basically, we run and run and run and get nowhere! Running on treadmills is easier than running on an equivalently flat distance outdoors because the ground is smooth (fewer twisted ankles) and there is no wind resistance. 

Of course, some find treadmills monotonous and prefer to run outside away from distractions. However, you can spice up your treadmill time with intervals, inclines, and a great iPod playlist.

• Stationary Bike – An exercise bicycle, or stationary bicycle, or Exercycle (that’s our favorite name) is a device with saddle, pedals, and some form of handlebars arranged as on a bicycle, but used as exercise equipment rather than transportation – no paper boys on these.

The exercise bike has long been used for physical therapy because of the low-impact, safe, and effective cardiovascular exercise it provides, but can also be used in a kick-butt Spin Class. The low-impact movement involved in operating an exercise bike does not put much stress on joints and does not involve sporadic motions that some other fitness equipment may require. This is a great weight loss tool since it is a calorie-burning machine!

• Elliptical Trainer – An elliptical trainer or cross-trainer is a stationary exercise machine used to simulate stair climbing, walking, or running without causing excessive pressure to the joints, hence decreasing the risk of impact injuries. Elliptical trainers first entered the market in the 1990s – so, flannel was not the only hit of that decade!

Most elliptical trainers work the upper and lower body (BONUS!), although some models do not have moving upper body components. An elliptical cross trainer is kind of like a treadmill as it works to exert leg muscles and the heart. The logic is that by exercising more muscle groups simultaneously, you can achieve a more intense workout in less time.

So far, my vote for the best Cardio workout is the Elliptical!

Visit the prohealth website where they have a great application called the Exercise & Activity Calculator. You enter your activity, weight, and length of time and BOOM – it counts your calories! A person who weighs 150 pounds and completes 30 minutes of cardio will burn:

• 204 Calories Walking Uphill on a Treadmill (3.5 mph)
• 215 Calories Elliptical Machine
• 271 Calories Stationary Bike

It seems that a killer Spin class at Midtown would be the best way to burn off some extra calories. 

What cardio do you like to do? AND which do you find the most effective?

1 COMMENT FROM Tamm Blount October 7, 2011 at 12:45 am

My favorite cardio machine is the eliptical cross-trainer

2 COMMENT FROM Frank Ringhofer October 7, 2011 at 9:10 am

Of course, I am biased, but IMHO nothing beats the cardio workout of one of Midtown’s excellent cardio group exercise programs. They are not “classes”, they are Experiences! I’ve never seen two people high-five each other or say “Woo-hoo!” coming off equipment (but that can be fun in its own way too). An hour in a group goes by so much faster, and people with heart rate monitors are pleasantly shocked at how many calories they burn!

3 COMMENT FROM Allison Ford - Midtown October 7, 2011 at 3:43 pm

You are SO right! Our Group Ex schedule has recently changed and the energy in the club is great! The workout seems easier and more fun when you are with a group of people!

4 COMMENT FROM Jill Carlson October 10, 2011 at 8:49 pm

The best cardio workout is one that you enjoy, so that it is sustainable. If you hate what you are doing, you won’t continue it, no matter how many calories it burns.

5 COMMENT FROM Allison Ford October 10, 2011 at 9:12 pm

That is so true! You have to like what you are doing…that way you keep on doing it! So its not about the numbers – just do what you LOVE!

6 November 15, 2011 at 11:30 am

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