Did you know treadmills and elliptical gliders provide great cardio workouts?

Many people like to work a variety of cardio exercises into their fitness routine. For example, if you're trying to lose weight, a non-impact aerobic activity, such as a treadmill or elliptical glider, is a great addition to your routine. However, if you want to lose weight, you must be sure that your target heart rate is in your fat burning zone for at least 30 minutes during your workout.

If you're trying to lose weight, a non-impact aerobic activity, such as a treadmill or elliptical glider, is a great addition to your routine.

Photo Credit: Exchange

Crunching the numbers

The target heart rate is 60 to 90 percent of your maximum heart rate. And your fat burning zone is 75 to 90 percent of your target heart rate. Use these formulas to calculate your maximum heart rate:
Maximum heart rate for men = 220 minus age
Maximum heart rate for women = 226 minus age

Tracking your progress is easier than ever

Constantly monitoring and keeping track of your target numbers yourself can be difficult as you exercise. This is why exercising on one of the sophisticated treadmills or ellipticals that automatically tracks your progress is an ideal way to help maximize your training workout regimen. Newer treadmills and ellipticals let you enter your age and weight. The built-in computer calculates your target heart rate and fat burning zone. As you exercise, these fitness machines monitor your heart rate and automatically change speed and incline to keep you "in the zone" to maximize your workout.

Adapted from Exchange Tabloid wk61 article