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Best Cardio For Fat Loss And Muscle Gain (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for a way to burn fat while still gaining muscle, cardio may be the answer. But before jumping into any cardio routine, there are a few factors you need to consider to maximize the results.

First and foremost, it’s important to determine your fitness level and goals. If you’re a beginner, start with low-intensity cardio exercises like walking, jogging or cycling. As you progress, you can gradually increase the intensity and duration of your cardio sessions.

Another key factor to consider is the type of cardio exercise. Different types of cardio will have varying effects on your body, so choose one that is aligned with your fitness goals. For instance, steady-state cardio is great for burning calories while high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is known for its effectiveness in building muscle mass.

Are you tired of the usual cardio routine and need to spice things up? Try incorporating a new type of cardio like swimming or dancing. Not only will you enjoy the variation, but you’ll also burn fat and gain muscle in different areas of your body.

In summary, cardio is an excellent way to burn fat and gain muscle. Determine your fitness level and goals, choose the right type of cardio based on your goals and experiment with different cardio variations to keep things interesting.

10 Best Cardio For Fat Loss And Muscle Gain

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
The product is ideal for at-home, full-body workouts with low-impact on joints.
2
This product is ideal for tracking various aspects of body composition, heart health, and overall wellness through Wi-Fi connectivity.
3
The product is ideal for indoor low-impact workouts with resistance bands to tone and strengthen muscles.
4
The product is ideal for low-impact cardiovascular exercise at home, with adjustable resistance and a digital monitor for tracking progress.
5
Ideal for women looking to lose belly fat, reduce bloating, avoid hormonal weight gain and balance hormones during menopause and PMS.
6
This product is ideal for improving heart health, boosting nitric oxide, and increasing energy levels.
7
The product is ideal for exercising legs and promoting blood circulation while sitting at a desk or in front of the TV.
8
This product is ideal for home workouts with its 2-in-1 recumbent and upright indoor cycling positions and folding feature.
9
The product is ideal for individuals seeking portable workout equipment with various resistance bands, pushup stands, and Pilates bars for body shaping.
10
Ideal for at-home full body workouts with 16 gym accessories, including a push-up board, resistance bands, and ab roller wheel.
The product is ideal for at-home, full-body workouts with low-impact on joints.
This product is ideal for tracking various aspects of body composition, heart health, and overall wellness through Wi-Fi connectivity.
The product is ideal for indoor low-impact workouts with resistance bands to tone and strengthen muscles.
The product is ideal for low-impact cardiovascular exercise at home, with adjustable resistance and a digital monitor for tracking progress.
Ideal for women looking to lose belly fat, reduce bloating, avoid hormonal weight gain and balance hormones during menopause and PMS.
This product is ideal for improving heart health, boosting nitric oxide, and increasing energy levels.
The product is ideal for exercising legs and promoting blood circulation while sitting at a desk or in front of the TV.
This product is ideal for home workouts with its 2-in-1 recumbent and upright indoor cycling positions and folding feature.
The product is ideal for individuals seeking portable workout equipment with various resistance bands, pushup stands, and Pilates bars for body shaping.
Ideal for at-home full body workouts with 16 gym accessories, including a push-up board, resistance bands, and ab roller wheel.

1. Sunny Magnetic Rowing Machine With Lcd Monitor.

The SF-RW5515 Rowing Machine is designed to make your fitness journey challenging and effective with its 8 levels of adjustable magnetic resistance. With just a twist, you can increase or decrease the resistance to suit your workout needs. The rowing machine is also equipped with an extra-long slide rail, measuring 48 inches in length, and 44 inches in inseam length, making it suitable for rowers of almost any size.

The large LCD console of this rowing machine displays time, count, calories, total count, and scan, making it easy for you to track your fitness progress. The convenient scan mode displays your progress, which helps you to achieve your fitness goals. You can easily move this rowing machine from one place to another, thanks to its built-in transportation wheels. Simply tilt and roll it out for use or away for storage, without any need for heavy lifting or muscle strain.

The SF-RW5515 Rowing Machine is also equipped with textured non-slip foot pedals that ensure a safe footing during the most demanding and vigorous workouts. The foot straps keep your feet saddled with the machine, allowing you to focus on the workout without feeling unbalanced.

Pros

  • 8 levels of adjustable magnetic resistance for a challenging and effective workout
  • Extra-long slide rail accommodates rowers of almost any size
  • Large LCD console displays important workout metrics
  • Convenient scan mode displays progress to help achieve fitness goals
  • Built-in transportation wheels for easy portability
  • Textured non-slip foot pedals for safe footing during vigorous workouts

2. Wi-Fi Smart Scale: Track Heart & Vascular Health

The Worldwide Smart Scale with Cardio Check-Up is a unique and innovative bathroom accessory that is perfect for those looking to monitor their health and fitness levels. The scale is equipped with a heart rate monitor that provides an indication of your cardiovascular health using vascular age. It also offers ultra-precise measurements for body weight, body fat and water percentage, muscle and bone mass in kg, lb, and st lb, which is essential for meeting weight loss or gain goals.

The scale is also multi-user friendly and can be used by up to 8 individuals, as the scale automatically recognizes who's who. Furthermore, it is equipped with a pregnancy tracker and baby mode, which is useful for keeping track of the whole family's growth. The patented positioning aid technology guides you into the correct stance, ensuring that each weigh-in is precise up to 0.1 kg / 0.2 lbs. Plus, the data from every weigh-in appears automatically via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth in the Health Mate app, which is compatible with iOS and Android.

This smart scale is highly compatible and even syncs with Alexa and Apple Watch. It is also compatible with more than 100 top health and fitness apps, including Fitbit and Google Fit. The rechargeable battery incorporated in the weighing scale lasts up to 1 year before the digital weight scale needs to be recharged, and a charger is included.

Overall, the Worldwide Smart Scale with Cardio Check-Up is an all-around smart bathroom essential that can benefit individuals at every stage of life.

Pros

  • Equipped with a heart rate monitor that provides an indication of your cardiovascular health using vascular age
  • Offers ultra-precise measurements for body weight, body fat and water percentage, muscle and bone mass in kg, lb, and st lb
  • Multi-user friendly and can be used by up to 8 individuals, with automatic recognition
  • Equipped with a pregnancy tracker and baby mode
  • Patented positioning aid technology guides you into the correct stance for precise weigh-ins
  • Highly compatible and syncs with Alexa and Apple Watch, as well as more than 100 top health and fitness apps
  • Rechargeable battery incorporated in the weighing scale lasts up to 1 year before needing a recharge

3. Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper With Resistance Bands, Black

Get fit and healthy with the Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper with Resistance Bands. It is equipped with an LCD monitor that measures the number of steps, time, total steps, and calories burned, ensuring that you have an effective and reasonable exercise routine. This high-quality stepper comes with removable training bands that can help you tighten over 20 different core muscles. By using low-impact aerobic exercises, it can help tone your chest, back, and shoulders.

Built with a hydraulic drive system, this workout machine provides a smooth stepping motion. It arrives fully assembled, and you simply need to attach the resistance bands to start using it. You can adjust the step motion height with the height adjustment knob, allowing you to choose between short bursts or long steps. The wide non-slip pedals with large textured foot plates ensure a solid, non-slip footing. The height range will decrease with each counter-clockwise turn.

The mini stepper has a compact frame and a minimalistic design, making it easy to move from room to room and store when not in use. It engages key muscle groups such as your core, glutes, arms, and shoulders for a full-body workout. You can customize your workout by adjusting the intensity level based on your preference. The resistance bands come included with the stepper, and you can engage key muscle groups through consistent form while stepping and using the bands.

At Sunny Health & Fitness, their mission and core vision is to stand beside you throughout your entire fitness journey, making home workouts seamless, simple, and fit for everyone. Get into a sunny state of mind and start your fitness journey with the Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper with Resistance Bands.

Pros

  • LCD monitor that measures steps, time, total steps, and calories burned
  • Removable training bands that can help you tighten over 20 different core muscles
  • Hydraulic drive system provides a smooth stepping motion
  • Height adjustment knob allows you to choose between short bursts or long steps
  • Wide non-slip pedals with large textured foot plates ensure a solid, non-slip footing
  • Compact frame and minimalistic design make it easy to store and move around
  • Customizable workouts by adjusting the intensity level based on your preference
  • Resistance bands come included with the stepper

Cons

  • – The height range will decrease with each counter-clockwise turn

4. Sunny Elliptical – Optimize Your Fitness Today!

Achieve your fitness goals with ease through this convenient elliptical cross trainer. It comes equipped with a precise micro-controller that allows you to adjust the intensity of your workout with 8 levels of magnetic resistance. You can easily keep track of your progress with the digital monitor that displays your time, speed, distance, calories burned, and pulse. The machine is designed for quick and easy setup, with partial preassembly to avoid overly complicated setups. The onboard stabilizers ensure smooth and even movement, providing a comfortable workout experience. Despite its powerful features, the compact design of this elliptical bike makes it ideal for people who want to achieve an incredible workout but don't have much space to work with.

Pros

  • 8 levels of magnetic resistance for customized workout intensity
  • Digital monitor displays workout progress including pulse
  • Quick and easy setup with partial preassembly
  • Onboard stabilizers for smooth and even movement
  • Compact design ideal for small spaces

5. Waistline Warrior – Hormonal Balance Support

Are you struggling to get rid of stubborn belly fat? Look no further than this weight loss supplement, designed specifically to target unwanted stomach fat and help you fit into those old jeans again. With natural CLA, it can also help reduce bloating, so you can slim, tighten, and tone your waistline.

One of the best things about this supplement is that it can help stop unwanted weight gain due to hormonal fluctuations, such as those caused by menopause, PMS, or PCOS. And unlike other weight loss supplements, it only uses non-stimulant herbal ingredients, so you don't have to worry about feeling jittery or experiencing nausea.

You can have peace of mind knowing that this supplement only contains all-natural ingredients, so you're not putting harsh chemicals into your body. Take control of your body confidence today with this effective and natural weight loss supplement.

Pros

  • Targets stubborn belly fat
  • Helps with hormonal weight gain
  • Reduces bloating with natural CLA
  • Non-stimulant herbal ingredients
  • All-natural

6. Flavaboost Heart Health Cocoa Powder.

This product is backed by more than 20 years of scientific research, 30 plus clinical studies, and 150 published scientific papers, making it a reliable choice for those who want to improve their health with the help of plant-based nutrients. The cocoa flavanols used in this product are one of the most researched plant-based nutrients, and they are clinically proven to promote a strong heart and cardiovascular health. By improving vascular elasticity, arterial function, and blood flow, this product helps to boost oxygen supply through the heart, muscles, and brain, resulting in better overall health. The product also acts as a natural pre-workout supplement by boosting nitric oxide supply for better blood flow and nutrient delivery to the muscles during exercise.

This product is the most concentrated cocoa flavanol product, tested and verified by Consumer Labs. Each scoop contains 500 mg of Cocoa Flavanol and also delivers 30 mg of naturally occurring caffeine. It is recommended to take this product daily to get the best results. You can consider adding it to your morning coffee, smoothies, or oatmeal for a delicious and healthy boost.

Overall, this product is an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their cardiovascular health, boost their workouts, and enjoy the benefits of a natural, plant-based supplement.

Pros

  • Clinically proven to improve cardiovascular health
  • Boosts nitric oxide supply for better blood flow and nutrient delivery
  • Most concentrated cocoa flavanol product
  • Contains naturally occurring caffeine for an added energy boost
  • Easy to incorporate into daily routine

7. Sunny Health And Fitness Magnetic Under Desk Mini Bike Pedal Exerciser

The Low Impact Under Desk Bike is an excellent solution for incorporating lower body movement without putting pressure on joints. It is perfect for those who want to stay active while working. This mini exercise bike has a 7-inch stride that allows users to pedal comfortably while seated at work. The bike is designed to provide smooth operation thanks to its belt-drive mechanism and 3.52lbs flywheel. These features make each stride simple and easy to complete.

One of the best things about this mini exercise bike is its easy-to-store design. Measuring just 20.5 inches long and 10.5 inches tall, it can be stored anywhere. The integrated handgrip makes it easy to pick up and move around. It weighs just over 19lbs, making it a portable exercise machine that can be used anywhere.

The Low Impact Under Desk Bike is equipped with magnetic resistance that allows users to bump up the exercise intensity in a matter of seconds. It has 8 levels of magnetic tension that progressively make it harder to complete a stride, which helps burn more calories. This feature makes it ideal for those who want to challenge themselves and take their workouts to the next level.

This 2-in-1 design allows users to switch up their exercise routine. By placing the machine on a desk-level surface, users can engage muscle groups in their upper body as they pedal forward with their arms. This feature allows users to get a complete body workout in a single machine.

Pros

  • Low impact exercise that is easy on joints
  • Smooth operation thanks to belt-drive mechanism and 3.52lbs flywheel
  • Easy-to-store design that is portable and lightweight
  • 8 levels of magnetic tension that progressively make it harder to complete a stride, which helps burn more calories
  • 2-in-1 design allows users to switch up their exercise routine

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for users over 6ft tall
  • – The machine may slide on slippery surfaces

8. Foldable 2-In-1 Exercise Bike For Home

Looking for a fast, fun, and easy way to lose weight in the comfort of your own home? Look no further than the Lanos 2-in-1 Home Exercise Bike! With gyms closing down every other week, it’s time to take matters into your own hands and get fit on your own terms. This premium exercise bike features a phone holder, 10 levels of magnetic resistance, and an LCD screen to track your fitness results. Plus, it even folds into a flat storage position for easy storage!

The new ultra-quiet design of the Lanos 2-in-1 Home Exercise Bike ensures an even smoother and quieter ride. With an upgraded LCD monitor for optimal performance, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible workout. And with our full satisfaction guarantee, you can buy with confidence knowing that your complete satisfaction is our highest priority.

Assembly of the Lanos 2-in-1 Home Exercise Bike is easy, fast, and clear. Your purchase includes a complete instruction manual with full images, easy-to-follow text, and all of the tools you will need to get started. Plus, we even provide a bonus instructional video to help you get the most out of your new exercise bike!

With just 30 minutes a day on your Lanos 2-in-1 Home Exercise Bike, you can change your life! Burn 200-300 calories while enjoying your favorite TV show, reading a book, listening to music, or talking on the phone. Customize your routine with 10 levels of intensity and 2 different biking position options to get toned abs, sexy glutes, and lean legs.

Looking for a great gift idea to help someone improve their mental and physical health? Look no further than the Lanos 2-in-1 Home Exercise Bike! This top-rated cycling machine is a great solution to get in shape at an unbeatable price and quality. Perfect for home, apartment, or office use, and recommended for men, women, and seniors. It's a great gift idea for back-to-school shopping, Christmas presents, birthdays, and more!

Pros

  • Easy to assemble in just 20-30 minutes
  • Ultra-quiet design ensures a smooth and quiet ride
  • LCD screen to track your fitness results
  • Folds into a flat storage position for easy storage
  • Customizable routine with 10 levels of intensity and 2 different biking position options

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for extremely tall individuals

9. Pink Push Up Home Gym Set.

The Ultimate Home Gym is the perfect workout equipment for both men and women as it comes with foldable pushup board, booty workout set, pilates bars, and resistance bands. This comprehensive package provides a wide range of exercises that are perfect for optimizing personal training and helping you progress naturally and safely with low-impact exercises. It is a great way to achieve your fitness goals in the comfort of your own home.

This all-in-one fitness equipment is highly effective in burning fat and increasing muscle strength. It is designed to help you exercise all parts of your body such as legs, hips, shoulders, arms, abdomen, chest, back, biceps, and abdominal muscles. It is also great for enhancing coordination, endurance, and flexibility. This workout equipment is perfect for both beginners and experienced individuals who want to get started with their workouts easily.

The Push Up Board is made of ABS ductile plastic, which makes the material highly structurally sturdy with strong toughness, high impact resistance, and high temperature resistance. The resistance bands are made of natural latex, which is durable and eco-friendly. The non-slip push-up handles provide a firm grip and distribute pressure evenly to reduce joint pressure/pain. There are also added non-slip plugs that help stabilize your body while exercising.

This Portable Home Gym set is easy to carry, store, and use. Its unique PINK edition design is ideal for women but also suits all gender and age groups. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this Portable Gym set will provide an easy workout solution to add to your routine. It’s perfect for toning and strengthening your body wherever you go.

The Ultimate Home Gym is made of premium quality materials and is built to last. Providing excellent products and customer satisfaction are their top priorities. If the workout equipment does not meet your expectations in any way, they offer a 24-hour satisfaction guarantee. Just contact them, and they will provide a satisfying solution.

Pros

  • Comprehensive package with various equipment
  • Effective in burning fat and increasing muscle strength
  • Designed to exercise all parts of the body
  • Enhances coordination, endurance, and flexibility
  • Made of high-quality and durable materials
  • Easy to carry, store, and use
  • Suitable for all gender and age groups
  • Non-slip push-up handles for a firm grip and even pressure distribution
  • Added non-slip plugs for stability while exercising
  • 24-hour satisfaction guarantee

10. Hotwave 20-In-1 Fitness Kit.

The HOTWAVE Portable Exercise Pack is an all-in-one home workout equipment system designed to fulfill most of your workout needs in the gym. This portable home gym is equipped with various workout equipment attachments, including a foldable Pushup board, 3-section Bar, 4 Resistance Bands, 2 Ankle Straps, door anchor, and Ab roller wheel. It is a creative workout concept that replaces bulky equipment and machines in gyms and combines them into one compact system.

The unique appearance of the custom-designed Push Up Board is not only fashionable but also efficient. Working out the right muscle groups according to the color area can improve exercise efficiency by 40%. The board targets chest, triceps, shoulders, and back for maximum effect. Additionally, the fitness system is designed to replace the expensive cost of a gym, and you can take it anywhere you go. It won't take up much space in your home, either.

The HOTWAVE Portable Exercise Pack is a versatile home portable fitness device that is suitable for everyone. It offers professional pushups training, foldable fitness bars and wrist/ankle straps, Ab roller wheel, and 4 resistance bands, which enable you to perform more exercises. The device is light but stable enough, and you can choose the intensity according to your ability.

As a professional sports brand, HOTWAVE aims to develop more creative home exercise equipment to help you with upper or lower body exercise, strength training, or aerobic exercise, physical therapy. It allows you to exercise and burn calories anytime, anywhere. If you have any problems with the product, please don't hesitate to contact us, and we will provide you with a solution within 24 hours.

Pros

  • All-in-one home workout equipment system
  • Unique and efficient Push Up Board design
  • Portable and compact home gym suitable for everyone
  • Versatile fitness device with various workout equipment attachments
  • Light but stable enough to use for exercise
  • Professional sports brand with excellent customer service

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for heavy weightlifting or advanced fitness enthusiasts

Best Cardio For Fat Loss And Muscle Gain FAQs

Can cardio exercise alone help me lose fat and gain muscle, or do I need to combine it with strength training?

Cardiovascular exercise is essential for weight loss as it helps in burning calories and reducing overall body fat. However, if your goal is to gain muscle mass and improve your strength, then you need to combine cardio with strength training. Strength training helps in building muscle mass, which increases your metabolism even when you are at rest. This means that you will burn more calories even when you are not exercising. Additionally, strength training helps in improving your bone density and reducing the risk of injury.

It is important to note that muscle weighs more than fat, so you may not see a significant decrease in your overall weight when you start strength training. However, you will notice that your body becomes more toned and defined. Therefore, it is crucial to track your progress by taking measurements and monitoring your body fat percentage.

In conclusion, while cardio exercise is beneficial for weight loss, it is essential to combine it with strength training for optimal results. By doing so, you will not only lose fat but also improve your muscle mass, strength, and overall fitness level.

Can too much cardio be counterproductive to my fat loss and muscle gain goals?

Yes, too much cardio can be counterproductive to your fat loss and muscle gain goals. While cardio exercise is excellent for improving cardiovascular health and burning calories, excessive cardio can lead to muscle loss and hinder muscle gain. When you do too much cardio, your body will burn both fat and muscle for energy. This can result in a decrease in muscle mass and a slower metabolism, making it harder to lose fat and build muscle. Additionally, too much cardio can lead to overtraining, which can cause fatigue, injury, and a decrease in performance. It's essential to strike a balance between cardio and strength training to achieve optimal fat loss and muscle gain results. Aim for a mix of cardio and strength training exercises, and don't overdo it on the cardio. Remember to give your muscles time to recover to avoid injury and improve performance.

How can I adjust my nutrition plan to support my cardio workouts for optimal fat loss and muscle gain?

To adjust your nutrition plan to support your cardio workouts for optimal fat loss and muscle gain, you need to focus on two key areas: your calorie intake and your macronutrient ratios.

Firstly, you need to ensure that you're consuming the right amount of calories to support your goals. If you're looking to lose fat, you need to be in a calorie deficit, which means consuming fewer calories than you burn. Conversely, if you're looking to gain muscle, you need to be in a calorie surplus, which means consuming more calories than you burn. You can calculate your daily calorie needs using an online calculator or consulting with a nutritionist.

Secondly, you need to pay attention to your macronutrient ratios. Protein is crucial for muscle growth and repair, so aim to consume around 1 gram of protein per pound of bodyweight. Carbohydrates are essential for providing energy during cardio workouts, so make sure you're consuming enough to fuel your sessions. Finally, healthy fats are important for overall health and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Additionally, staying hydrated is crucial for supporting your workouts and helping your body to function optimally. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, and more if you're sweating a lot during your workouts.

Overall, adjusting your nutrition plan to support your cardio workouts for optimal fat loss and muscle gain requires a combination of calorie control, macronutrient ratios, and proper hydration. A nutritionist can help you create a personalized plan that fits your individual needs and goals.

Is HIIT (high-intensity interval training) or steady-state cardio better for achieving fat loss and muscle gain goals?

Both HIIT and steady-state cardio have their own benefits and drawbacks when it comes to achieving fat loss and muscle gain goals. HIIT involves short bursts of high-intensity exercise followed by periods of rest or low-intensity exercise. This type of training has been shown to increase metabolic rate and promote fat loss, while also preserving muscle mass. On the other hand, steady-state cardio involves maintaining a consistent pace of moderate-intensity exercise for a longer period of time. This type of training can also lead to fat loss, but may not be as effective at preserving muscle mass.

Ultimately, the best approach for achieving fat loss and muscle gain goals will depend on individual preferences and goals. HIIT may be a better option for those who want to maximize fat loss while minimizing time spent exercising. Steady-state cardio may be more suitable for those who enjoy longer, sustained workouts and want to maintain a consistent routine. It's important to incorporate both types of training into your overall fitness plan for optimal results. Additionally, proper nutrition and adequate rest are also crucial factors in achieving fat loss and muscle gain goals.

What is the optimal frequency and duration of cardio exercise for fat loss and muscle gain?

The optimal frequency and duration of cardio exercise for fat loss and muscle gain depend on various factors such as current fitness level, goals, and time availability. Generally, it is recommended to perform cardio exercise for at least 150-300 minutes per week for weight loss and 75-150 minutes per week for muscle gain. This can be divided into 30-60 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio exercise, five days a week for weight loss and 20-30 minutes of high-intensity cardio exercise, three days a week for muscle gain.

It is important to note that cardio exercise alone may not be sufficient for muscle gain. Resistance training and a balanced diet rich in protein are also essential for muscle building. Additionally, it is important to gradually increase the intensity and duration of cardio exercise to avoid injury and burnout. Consulting with a certified personal trainer or a healthcare professional can also help determine the optimal frequency and duration of cardio exercise based on individual needs and goals.

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