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It is impossible to rank how effective the different cardio machines are. Whatever you like the best, use the most and stay on the longest would be best for you! Each user has different goals and abilities. These rankings do not include any version on TV or cheap sporting goods stores! Also, size and cost are not factors either. Here is a brief paragraph about each cardio machine and my own personal rankings for the top four found in gyms and homes.
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1. TREADMILLS: Cost is not a variable in ranking. (Treadmills are the most expensive.) The only natural movement (walking, jogging, running) available. People use treadmills more often, stay on them longer, and stick with them for years! Treadmills have the best variety of intensities for the most people (Elevation & Speed). You can walk slow up a steep hill or run fast on the flat. Weight bearing is a big part of the treadmill ranking #1. Motor controls your speed! You must main your chosen speed. That fact helps treadmills beat out #2 & #3. If I was a betting man, I bet that 10 years from now you still like and use your treadmill.
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2. ELLIPTICALS: Because ellipticals are weight bearing, they barely nudge out stationary bikes. Cardio is always best if bearing your own weight. No pounding is a plus for ellipticals. They are trendy but this trend will remain! I am 100% biased towards Precor ellipticals. Precor invented and patented the most important parts. I recommend an adjustable ramp but everyone tends to like the moveable arms. Treadmills win because pedals are fixed and you can slack on RPM speed. You power the movement so you must have discipline to monitor proper speed. FYI: Ellipticals and treadmills are the largest.
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3. STATIONARY BIKES: Non weight bearing is why it ellipticals and treadmills are better. Non weight bearing is also why bikes are better than stairclimbers! For enough of the population, we need to sit down. Stationary bikes allow the user to ride without the pounding of walking or jogging. I have to rank stationary bikes lower because when you sit down, you generally will not burn as many calories compared to standing up (weight bearing). Bikes are much smaller and much cheaper if shopping for home equipment or multiple cardio pieces for a gym. That is not factored into my ranking! To get the exact same workout on a bike as a treadmill, elliptical or stairclimber, your legs are going to burn because you're seated! Bikes have been around! They are tried and true! P.S. Unless you're Lance Armstrong, Recumbents are better.
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4. STAIRCLIMBERS: I personally will only use a stairclimber! The stairclimber is my favorite, bar none! It is a really hard workout! So hard that I have to rank it last. Minimum starting intensity is too tough for most people! Statistically people will not be able to last long enough on it, use it often enough or keep using it years from now. “Stair” “Climber” means climbing stairs. Weight bearing: Big plus! Constant vertical climbing can be a heart breaker! If you can handle it… Stairclimber is #1. It is also the smallest!
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