16 Best Low Impact Cardio Machine: Most Effective For Weight Loss

Are you thinking about adding some cardio to shed those extra pounds, but are concerned about the impact it will have on your resistance training?

The thought of post-run soreness lingering, and affecting your lifts well into the week, leaves you apprehensive.

But you love how cardio helps you lean down and the natural high it gives you..

That endorphin rush, the stress relief, and its ability to burn extra calories just seem too good to pass up.

As a trainer for over a decade, this is a conversation I know too well.

Today, I will discuss with you the 16 low impact cardio machines most effective for weight loss.

Including the different types, how to perform, benefits, and pro tips to help you get the most out of your low impact cardio sessions.

Let’s jump in. 

Related: Which Cardio Machine Burns Most Calories Per Hour?

What Are Low Impact Cardio Machines?

Low impact cardio machines are machines that allow you to perform aerobic exercise without the heavy impact of your feet hitting the floor.

The rowers, cross trainer, and the stationary bike are all considered low impact machines.

As they allow you to perform an aerobic exercise gently with little to no impact, greatly reducing the joints.

Low impact cardio machines are great for beginners, those returning from injury, and for individuals wanting to lose weight. 

16 Best Low Impact Cardio Machines

Related: Military Press Muscles Worked And Best Bars For The Job

Here is a list of the best low impact cardio machines, including how to perform the exercise, benefits, muscles worked and pro tips. 

Treadmill

The treadmill is the most accessible low impact cardio machine in the gym.

It is a brilliant piece of equipment that replicates both running and walking movements, with the benefit of a softer surface. 

Equipment Requirements

• Treadmill

How To Perform Treadmill

• Step onto the treadmill and position yourself in the middle of the platform.
• Press the start button.
• Gradually increase speed to suit your settings.
• Walk for desired duration.
• Once competed, push end workout.
• Wait till the treadmill stops moving, then carefully walk off. 

Treadmill Features

• Speed – Can be adjusted for walking, running, or sprinting
• Gradient – The incline can be changed simulate different terrain for a great challenge
• Programs – Select different programs such as intervals, and hill climbing to add variety to your training.
• Heart Rate Monitor – A handle bar that reads your heart rate using  your palms
• Monitor – Shows session progress,, including heart rate, distance, calories burned.
• Emergency Stop – Big red button is made available should you need to stop immediately.     

Benefits 

• Safe and easy to use
• Low impact
• Great for interval training and hill training
• Improves aerobic fitness

Target Muscles

• Calves
• Quadriceps
• Hamstrings
• Glutes
• Hip Flexors

Pro Tips

• Before using the treadmill, make sure that you are positioned in the center of the platform before starting. This will reduce the risk of falling at the end.
• Stop the workout and wait till the machine stops before dismounting. This will reduce the chance of injury from falling or tripping. 

Recumbent Bike

The recumbent bike is a great piece of cardio equipment as it takes away impact from the joints.

The laid back position also removed body weight from the low body, which reduces even more load from the legs. 

Equipment Requirements

• Recumbent Bike

How To Perform Recumbent Bike

• Sit down on the recumbent bike.
• Position your feet on the pedals and tighten the straps.
• Push the start button and set duration and your chosen resistance. 
• Perform the session for the chosen duration.
• Push the stop button. 
• Untie straps, and sit up from the seat.

Recumbent Features

• Reclined position removes body weight from legs, and joints
• Pedaling is a no impact movement. 
• Programs – Select different programs which change the pedal resistance for additional challenges. 
• Heart Rate Monitor – A handle bar beside the seat read your heart rate using  your palms
• Monitor – A screen displays heart rate, distance, calories burned.     

Benefits 

• Safe and easy to use
• Low impact
• Great for interval training and hill training
• Improves aerobic fitness

Target Muscles

• Calves
• Quadriceps
• Hamstrings
• Glutes

Pro Tips

• Before starting your session, ensure that the seat is set to the correct leg length. This will give you enough space for your legs to move, making for a more natural pedaling motion. 
• Be sure to tie off and tighten the foot straps. This will give you great control and stop your feet from coming off the pedals.

Stationary Bike

The stationary bike is an excellent low impact cardio machine for weight loss.

By positioning yourself on the seat, and feet into the pedals you remove your body weight from your joints and reduce the level of impact to almost zero.  

Equipment Requirements

• Stationary Bike

How To Perform Stationary Bike

• Sit down on the seat.
• Place your feet on the pedals and tighten the straps.
• Begin pedaling and the screen will turn on.
• Set your program, duration and resistance and start pedaling. 
• Perform the session for the chosen duration.
• Once completed, hit the stop button. 
• Loosen the straps, and sit up from the seat.

Treadmill Features

• Seated position removes body weight from legs, and joints
• Pedaling is a no impact movement. 
• Programs – Select different programs which change the pedal resistance to adjust intensity.. 
• Heart Rate Monitor – Handle bars have a built-in heart rate monitor
• Monitor – A screen shows your session, including heart rate, distance, calories burned.     

Benefits 

• Great for beginners
• Gentle movement
• Low impact
• Great for interval training and hill training
• Improves aerobic fitness

Target Muscles

• Calves
• Quadriceps
• Hamstrings
• Glutes

Pro Tips

• Before you begin, set your seat to the correct height. This can be done by standing next to the seat, adjusting the seat to the height of the top of your hip bone. This will allow for a comfortable stride with each pedal.
• Be sure to fasten the foot straps before starting your session. This will stop your feet from sliding off. 

Cross Trainer

The cross trainer is a brilliant low impact cardio machine that offers a mix of cycling and running movements, without the jarring of your feet hitting the ground. 

Equipment Requirements

• Cross Trainer

How To Perform Cross Trainer

• Step up to the cross trainer and grab the handles.
• Step on to the cross trainer with one foot on each platform.
• Begin to pedal and move your arms in a forward motion. 
• Once the screen turns on, set your duration and resistance level.
• Continue to pedal similar to riding a bike, and moving handles back and forward.
• Do this for the duration of the exercise.
• Once complete, stop pedaling and get off the cross trainer. 

Cross Trainer Features

• Pedals and arms move to help propel you forward.
• Pedals and handles have a fluid movement which is great for matching your personal stride.  
• Programs – Select different programs which change the pedal resistance to alter resistance and intensity.. 
• Heart Rate Monitor – Handle bars have a built-in heart rate monitor
• Monitor – A screen displays your current session, including heart rate, distance, calories burned.     

Benefits 

• Great for beginners
• Gentle movement
• Low impact
• Great for interval training
• Improves aerobic fitness

Target Muscles

• Calves
• Quadriceps
• Hamstrings
• Glutes
• Shoulder
• Biceps
• Triceps

Pro Tips

• When getting onto the cross trainer, grab the handles first. This will help you secure you while you place your feet.
• When using the cross trainer aim for a longer stride. This will allow you to get more momentum and help you get into a circular rhythm.

Rowing Machine

Related: 10 Best Inexpensive Rowing Machines

The rowing machine is one of the most grueling cardio machines in the gym. 

This low impact machine uses the entire body, and is great for getting your heart rate up, and improving your aerobic capacity. 

Equipment Requirements

• Rowing Machine

How To Perform Rowing Machine

• Sit down on the rower.
• Place your feet on each platform and tighten the straps.
• Grasp the handle using an overhand grip.
• Push your body back with your legs while pulling the hand toward your chest.
• Push back until your legs are straight and the bar meets your body.
• Once at this position, bend the knees and lower yourself back to the starting position. Repeat. 

Rowing Machine Features

• Full body movement.
• Programs – Select intervals, resistance, or time trials.
• Monitor – A screen that displays current session, distance, calories burned.     

Benefits 

• Great for beginners
• Brilliant for advanced
• Gentle movement
• Low impact
• Great for interval training
• Improves aerobic fitness

Target Muscles

• Calves
• Quadriceps
• Glutes
• Shoulder
• Back
• Biceps

Pro Tips

• When you are performing your row, push with your legs and pull simultaneously. This will get you into a good rhythm.
• When you are pushing with your legs and pulling the bar, at the end with your legs outstretched and let your pull travel the full distance. This allows for more meters gained, and stops you from smothering the movement by coming back too early.  

Curved Treadmill

The curved treadmill is a non-motorized piece of low impact cardio equipment.

It uses the users downward and diagonal contour to generate movementum, while its rubber tread to absorb impact. 

Equipment Requirements

• Assault Bike

How To Perform Curved Treadmill

• Set the resistance to half way.
• Step onto the treadmill and grab handles for balance.
• Begin to make the belt move by walking forward.
• Set your program, and duration.
• Continue to walk or run until your session is complete.
• Once complete, wait for the treadmill to come to a complete stop.
• Grab the handles and step off. 

Curved Treadmill Features

• Uses your own momentum to make the belt move
• Intensity level to adjust magnetic resistance – Can be used for running and sled pushing
• Programs – Select intervals, resistance, or total distance.
• Monitor – A screen that displays current session, distance, calories burned.     

Benefits 

• Incredible workout
• Gentle movement
• Low impact
• Great for interval training
• Improves aerobic fitness

Target Muscles

• Calves
• Quadriceps
• Glutes
• Hip Flexors

Pro Tips

• For beginners, set the resistance to medium and big with slow strides. While walking is a familiar movement, doing so on the curved platform can be strange to begin with.
• When you step onto the treadmill, position your feet to the sides while holding the handles. This will reduce the chance of stepping onto the moving belt and slipping.

Assault Bike

The assault bike is an amazing low impact cardio machine that is capable of wrecking you.

It has been the weapon of choice for many crossfitters and advanced gym goers for improving cardio capacity and losing body fat. 

Equipment Requirements

• Assault Bike

How To Perform Assault Bike

• Step up onto the crossbar, and sit down on the assault bike.
• Position feet on the pedals and fasten the straps.
• Grab the handles using an overhand grip. 
• Begin by pedaling with your feet, while pulling and pushing the handles as they alternate.
• Perform this for the desired duration.
• Once complete, slow down to a complete stop before dismounting. 

Assault Bike Features

• Full body movement.
• Programs – Select intervals, resistance, or total distance.
• Monitor – A screen that displays current session, distance, calories burned.     

Benefits 

• Incredible workout
• Gentle movement
• Low impact
• Great for interval training
• Improves aerobic fitness

Target Muscles

• Calves
• Quadriceps
• Glutes
• Shoulder
• Back
• Biceps
• Triceps

Pro Tips

• When using the assault bike keep your hands on the handles and feet on the pedals until the bike stops moving. This will reduce the occurrence of injury. 
• To start the movement give the pedals and handles a gentle push to get moving before hammering away. This will allow for a more efficient movement.   

Elliptical

The elliptical is a low impact cardio machine that is similar to the cross trainer, however, it has fixed handles.

This is a great alternative, you can still aerobically use your legs, while holding on and balancing using your arms. 

Equipment Requirements

• Elliptical

How To Perform Elliptical

• Step up onto the crossbar, and sit down on the assault bike.
• Position feet on the pedals and fasten the straps.
• Grab the handles using an overhand grip. 
• Begin by pedaling with your feet, while pulling and pushing the handles as they alternate.
• Perform this for the desired duration.
• Once complete, slow down to a complete stop before dismounting. 

Elliptical Features

• Full body movement.
• Programs – Select intervals, resistance, or total distance.
• Monitor – A screen that displays current session, distance, calories burned.     

Benefits 

• Incredible workout
• Gentle movement
• Low impact
• Great for interval training
• Improves aerobic fitness

Target Muscles

• Calves
• Quadriceps
• Glutes
• Shoulder
• Back
• Biceps
• Triceps

Pro Tips

• Grab the handles before stepping onto the elliptical. This will help you balance while you set your feet up.
• When you have completed your session, wait until the machine has completely stopped before you dismount. This will help reduce the chances of failing off and injuring yourself. 

Stairmaster

The stairmaster is a great exercise for replicating the movement that comes with climbing stair without the need to walk all the way back down.

It is great for the calves, quadriceps, glutes and hamstrings, and for getting your heart rate up. 

Equipment Requirements

• Stairmaster

How To Perform Stairmaster

• Walk up to the stairmaster and grab a handle in each hand.
• Step up onto the stairmaster.
• Press the start button and select your duration, resistance and speed.
• Once the machine begins, begin to step in the same way you would walk up the stairs.
• Once you have completed your session, push the stop button.
• Wait until the starmaster has completely stopped moving, then step off. 

Stairmaster Features

• Full body movement.
• Programs – Select intervals, resistance, or total distance.
• Monitor – A screen that displays current session, distance, calories burned.     

Benefits 

• Replicated stair climbing
• Gentle movement
• Low impact
• Great for interval training
• Improves aerobic fitness

Target Muscles

• Calves
• Quadriceps
• Glutes
• Hamstrings

Pro Tips

• When you are performing the stairmaster, focus on step up with the entire font and heel. This will help you get more glute, and quad activation.
• When you step, focus on the quality of muscle contraction through your legs. This will improve your mind-muscle connection and improve your results. 

Vertical Cardio Climber

The vertical cardio climber is a great low impact cardio exercise that replicates climbing a ladder, which is excellent for increasing your heart rate while moving the upper and lower body.

.Equipment Requirements

• Vertical Cardio Climber

How To Perform Vertical Cardio Climber

• Align the bottom two pedals and step up placing one foot on each.
• Grab a handle with each hand.
• Push the start button and begin pulling down the side hand and pushing down the same side leg.
• Alternating this movement with the opposite hand and leg.
• Continue to do this for your chosen duration. 
• Once complete, use one leg to lower yourself back and step off the machine.   

Vertical Cardio Climber Features

• Programs – Select intervals, resistance, or total distance.
• Monitor – A screen that displays current session, distance, calories burned.     

Benefits 

• Replicated climbing a ladder
• Gentle movement
• Low impact
• Improves aerobic fitness

Target Muscles

• Calves
• Quadriceps
• Glutes
• Hamstrings
• Biceps

Pro Tips 

• For beginners, take smaller strides to begin moving the pedals and handles, building up to bigger strides. This will help  familiarize yourself with the movement. 
• When performing the climbing movement, avoid hitting the feet on the floor and hit your handle at the top. This will reduce distractions and create a consistent stress on the working muscles.

Air Walker

The air walker is a mechanical low impact cardio machine that uses dynamic leg swings to elevate your heart rate and test your aerobic capacity.

.Equipment Requirements

• Air walker

How To Perform Air Walker

• Grab the handles and place a foot on each platform.
• Begin by swinging one foot forward and one backward, in a walking motion.
• Continuously swing for your chosen duration, at your desired speed.
• Once complete, bring your leg swings to a complete stop.
• Hold the handles while you step off the air walker.

Air Walker Features

• Mechanical pieces of equipment are simple to use.   

Benefits 

• Affordable alternative to a cross trainer as it is strictly mechanical, driven by human motion 
• Can be found at parks as a part of outdoor gym equipment
• Gentle movement
• Low impact
• Improves aerobic fitness

Target Muscles

• Calves
• Quadriceps
• Glutes
• Hamstrings

Pro Tips

• Hold the handles when getting on and off the air walker. This will help you balance and stop you from falling.
• Begin with smaller leg swings to begin with to familiarize yourself with the movement. Once comfortable, experiment out to faster and longer strides. 

Steppers

The stepper is a variation of the stairmaster, that is designed to have the user perform a small stride marching motion.

This is great for beginners, who still want the benefits of cardio through stepping but are not ready for the bigger steps of the stair climber. 

.Equipment Requirements

• Stepper

How To Perform Stepper

• Grab the handles and place a foot on each step.
• Push the start button and select your program, duration, time or distance.
• Begin marching in a stepping motion, pushing one leg down as the other lifts.
• Alternate your steps in this motion for your chosen duration.
• Once you have completed your session, allow the step to both meet at the bottom and step off the machine.

Stepper Features

• Handles have built-in heart rate monitors
• Programs – Select intervals, resistance, or total distance.
• Monitor – A screen that displays current session, distance, calories burned.     

Benefits 

• Smaller more accessible version of the stairmaster
• Great for beginners
• Gentle movement
• Low impact
• Improves aerobic fitness

Target Muscles

• Calves
• Quadriceps
• Glutes
• Hamstrings

Pro Tips

• Beginners should set their step resistance to a higher level. This will slow down the speed in which the step drops. If you want to increase difficulty, lower the resistance. 
• Hold onto the handles for the duration of your session. This will help with balance and allow you to focus on pushing through the legs and hips with every rep. 

Arc Trainers

The arc trainer is a low impact cardio machine that has a forward marching motion.

This motion is less free flowing and is great for those with existing injury who need a more fixed movement pattern to guide them through the movement.

.Equipment Requirements

• Arc Trainer

How To Perform Arc Trainer

• Walk into the frame and place your hand on each side.
• Step onto the pedals and move your hands from the frame to handles.
• Begin the movement by pushing the pedals down and back.
• Turn on the machine  and set your program, speed and duration.
• Once you complete your session, wait until the steps come to a complete stop.
• Place hands on the frame and step off the machine.  

Arc Trainer Features

• Handles have heart rate monitors built in
• Programs – Select intervals, resistance, or total distance.
• Monitor – A screen that displays the current session, distance, and calories burned.     

Benefits 

• More predictable than elliptical
• Gentle movement, great for those with knee injuries
• Low impact
• Improves aerobic fitness

Target Muscles

• Calves
• Quadriceps
• Glutes
• Hamstrings

Pro Tips

• Beginners should start with a smaller stride to get used to the motion. Once familiar with the movement, longer strides can increase intensity.
• Before dismounting, ensure that the machine has come to a complete stop. This will stop you from falling or getting hit by the pedals.  

Reformer Pilates Machine

The reformer is one of the most effective low impact machines as it uses a board to assist with pulling, pushing, and jumping movements.

One function is the cardio rebounder which can be used as a trampoline, without the aggressive landing that comes with gravity.

.Equipment Requirements

• Reformer Pilates Machine

How To Perform Pilates Machine

• Lie on your back on the carriage with your shoulder under shoulder pads.
• Place your feet on the cardio rebounder.
• Begin by jumping and allowing the bed to roll up and down.
• Once you hand completed your desired duration, allow the carriage to come to a stop and sit up. 

Reformer Pilates Machine Features

• Resistance band attachment to adjust to your preferences
• Comfortable base
• Shoulder pads to keep you secure on carriage 

Benefits 

• Removes gravity, decreasing impact
• Gentle movement
• Low impact
• Improves aerobic fitness

Target Muscles

• Calves
• Quadriceps
• Glutes
• Hamstrings

Pro Tips

• Beginners should start with fewer bands attached for a lighter resistance. This will slow down your jumping motion. Gradually all resistance to increase difficulty. 
• Start with slower movement jumping off two feet until you are familiar with the movement. Once you are comfortable you can begin to experiment with different jumping combinations. 

Upper Body Ergometer

The upper body Ergometer is a low impact cardio machine that requires the arms to perform a pedaling motion.

This is great for individuals who can’t get on to a bike, or who are recovering from a lower body injury.

.Equipment Requirements

• Vertical Cardio Climber

How To Perform Upper Body Ergometer

• Step on to the platform and grab a handle in each hand.
• Push the start button and set your resistance, duration or program.
• Begin by pushing one handle forward and pulling the other toward you.
• Continue pedaling in a cycling motion. 
• Once you have completed your session, gently slow the handles to a stop. 

Upper Body Ergometer Features

• Programs – Select intervals, resistance, or total distance.
• Monitor – A screen that displays current session, distance, calories burned.     

Benefits 

• Requires only upper body movement. 
• Gentle movement
• Low impact
• Improves aerobic fitness

Target Muscles

• Shoulders
• Triceps
• Biceps
• Forearms

Pro Tips

• Beginners should start with a lighter resistance until they get familiar with the movement pattern.
• When finishing your session, gradually slow down and allow the pedals to naturally wind down to a complete stop. This will reduce the chances of the handles losing control and hitting you.

SkiErg Ski Machine

The SkiErg is an excellent machine that replicates a skiing movement.

This requires a great degree of effort from the upper body, hips and knees.

.Equipment Requirements

• SkiErg Ski Machine

How To Perform SkiErg Ski Machine

• Step on to the platform and reach overhead to grab the handle.
• To begin, unhinge at the hips, and pull the handles down toward the ground.
• As the handles pass the shoulders lean forward at the hips to generate additional force.
• Continue to lean forward and gently bend the knees, extending the elbows.
• Once you reach the bottom, push the hips forward and release the cables back to the overhead position. Repeat. 

SkiErg Ski Machine Features

• Full body movement.
• Cable handles offer accessibility for all different body types.
• Programs – Select intervals, resistance, or total distance.
• Monitor – A screen that displays current session, distance, calories burned.     

Benefits 

• Replicated skiing motion
• Gentle movement
• Low impact
• Improves aerobic fitness

Target Muscles

• Calves
• Quadriceps
• Glutes
• Hamstrings
• Lats
• Triceps

Pro Tips

• Beginners start  with a gentle movement, taking the movement through its full range of motion. Once they are confident then you can add power for great intensity.
• To initiate the movement, focus on unhinging the hips, while creating tension through your arms. This will allow you to pull with your entire body. 

Related: Best 14 Stairmaster Benefits: Workouts For Cardio, Glutes, And Fat Loss

Benefits Of Low Impact Cardio Machine

Here is a list of benefits of using low impact cardio machines.

Improve Physical Health

Low impact cardio machines are excellent for your physical health.

They allow you to perform your aerobic exercise while reducing stress on your joints.

Research indicates that it can help improve cardiovascular health, and reduce the occurrence of heart disease.

And help with the management of pregnancy, diabetes, and aging. 

Reduces Joints Stress

Low impact cardio machines are brilliant for reducing joint stress.

While the treadmill and cross trainer still have a varying degree of impact with each stride, it is significantly less than pounding the pavement on your traditional run.

While exercises such as the bikes, rower and skiErg remove impact altogether. 

Which is great for those who have joint issues or pain, as they are presented with a means of performing aerobic exercise without aggravating pre-existing conditions. 

Reduces Risk of Injury

Low impact cardio machines are great for reducing the risk of injury. 

This is due to the controlled nature of the movements or exercise.

A treadmill, while risky using a moving platform, offers a clear walking path, handles, and emergency stop button.

While variations of bikes and cross trainers remove impact completely, reducing stress on joints and the risk of rolling ankles.  

Lower Blood Pressure

Low impact cardio machines are great for improving cardiovascular health and lowering blood pressure.

Studies illustrate that it can reduce and regulate blood pressure for individuals suffering from high blood pressure.

And reduce blood pressure for those with a healthy baseline. 

Improves Cardiovascular Health

Low impact cardio machines are a great way to improve cardiovascular health and reduce risk factors.

Research identifies that it can burn fat, increase glucose uptake and improve insulin secretion and sensitivity.  

Good For Beginners

Low impact cardio machines are great for beginners, as they serve as a gentle entry point into aerobic exercise.

By offering movements such as pushing, pedaling and rowing, those with weaker joints, injuries or less conditioning can improve their aerobic capacity without risking injury. 

Increase Muscle Mass

Cardio has been linked to increase in muscle mass. 

A study was conducted with younger and older adults over a 12 week period that resulted in quadricep growth and aided in hypertrophy. 

Weight Loss

Low impact cardio is great for burning those extra calories and weight loss.

Research suggests that performing aerobic exercise is optimal for reducing fat mass and body mass. 

Low impact cardio machines give individuals of all different fitness levels the ability to shed those extra pounds, while reducing pressure on their joints. 

Reduces Stress

Performing cardio has also been linked to stress relief. 

When our body is stressed it produces the stress hormone cortisol.

Which research identifies as a cause of increased appetite and weight gain.

Studies show that bouts of  20-30 minutes of exercise are enough to decrease stress levels. 

By hitting the gym and jumping on a piece of low impact cardio equipment you can get out of your head and get your body moving. 

Improve Mental Health

Low impact cardio can be used to improve mental health, as it provides accessibility to aerobic exercise without the need for long runs.

Scientific literature suggests that aerobic exercise can have positive effects on self-esteem, anxiety, and insomnia.

Great For Older Adults

Low impact cardio machines are great for older adults as they provide a variation of aerobic exercise that is easier on the joints.

Cardio exercise has also been identified to increase muscle mass.

Which is incredible as it allows older adults to improve their strength and cardiovascular fitness while reducing risk of falling.  

Pregnant Women

Low impact cardio machines offer a safe and accessible means of aerobic training for pregnant women.

Scientific literature suggests that exercising while pregnant can aid in reducing cesarean rates, and manage gestational diabetes.

It also is great for increasing blood flow, and moving the joints in a safe and controlled environment.

Which is great for those who are feeling restrictions in movement and function due to pregnancy.  

How To Choose The Right Low Impact Cardio Machine For Your Needs?

Related: Best Cardio For Weight Loss

Choosing the right low impact cardio machine is based on your health needs and goals.

If you are wanting to burn fat and really push your aerobic and anaerobic capacity consider using the rower, skiErg or assault bike.

These low impact cardio machines are notorious for their ability to get your heart pumping, without reducing impact.

However, if you are returning from injury, have joint pain or are looking for a more gentle introduction into aerobic training consider treadmill, recumbent bike, or arc trainer. 

These cardio machines offer a safe simulated cardio experience that guide your body through the movement.

This helps reduce the chance of injury.

The key to selecting the right type of low impact cardio machine is giving them a try, and starting slow.

And if you need further assistance, speak to the staff at the gym.

They will give you their recommendations, and show you how to operate the machines to suit your needs. 

Is low impact cardio effective?

Related: 20 Best Oblique Exercises

Low impact cardio is a highly effective means of aerobic training. It reduces joint stress, increases aerobic fitness, while providing a safe and controlled environment. 

Is low impact cardio good for weight loss?

Low impact cardio is great for weight loss, providing you nutrition is correct and you are in a calorie deficit.

It allows you to burn additional calories in a safe and guided movement.  

What low impact cardio machine burns the most calories?

The cardio machine that burns the most calories is the arc trainer, however, this may vary depending on your intensity.

The cardio machine that is most effective for burning calories is the one that you stick with.

Which low impact cardio machine is best for the heart?

The low impact cardio machine for the heart is the treadmill or bike. These offer a safe and controlled motion that is beneficial for gently increasing heart rate.

While this may be a simple introduction to low impact cardio, this may vary depending on the individual and their preferences. 

Best cardio machine for bad knees?

The best cardio machine for bad knees is the bike, as it takes the knee joint through a complete range of motion while removing impact. 

Best cardio machine for seniors?

The best cardio machines for sensors are treadmills, bikes and various cross trainers. These typically have sensors within their handles.

However, this can vary between make and model. 

Best low impact cardio machine for beginners?

Related: 10 Best Leg Machines At The Gym

The best low impact cardio machines for beginners are the bike or treadmill. The treadmill simulates walking, which is an everyday movement.

While the bike offers a safe guided movement pattern that removes impact from the joints.

Final Thoughts

Low impact cardio machines are incredible for both beginners and advanced gym goers for weight loss and improve aerobic fitness.

Their ability to reduce joint stress, and impact while guiding users through the movement make them accessible to everyone. 

Just be sure that when you are choosing a low impact cardio machine for weight loss that you take your time, familiarize yourself with the movement.

And ultimately choose the one you enjoy the most.

This will ensure long term cardiovascular health and success with weight management.

So, which low impact cardio machine suits you best? Have you got a favorite?

Let us know in the comments.