Instead of quickly choosing elliptical trainer that your friend recommended or the popular treadmill specifically for its calorie-burning factor, you should first and foremost figure out and identify the exercise machine that truly feels best to you. Everything else should be secondary. In other words, the best and most effective piece of all exercise equipment is that which you are most willing to regularly use. The present batch of treadmills normally come with an electronic heart rate monitor which will allow you to determine if you are progressing well enough towards your desired workout. Chest-wrap monitors are usually favored over the ear clip type. The wireless variation of the chest-wrap comes with an alarm that notifies you when your heart rate is way below or above your acceptable range. Quality - You essentially get what you pay for, that is why in making a purchase it is important to go for the quality more than anything else. You may be tempted to buy cheaper equipments but remember, most of them are mass - produced. For treadmills, among of the best picks are Landice L8 Treadmill, Landice L7 Treadmill, True Z5.0, Precor 9.35 Treadmill, Bodyguard 312C Treadmill, Nordic Track 8600, and Smooth 9.45 Treadmill. Before you go to any retailer to find and buy the best possible cardio machine there is, you should pause for a while and make practical assessments of yourself and of the equipment you are eyeing. What should you know about such cardio exercise machines? First, be reminded that your body is still the ultimate and best cardio exercise machine. The only difference is that stair masters are used to facilitate climbing motion of your legs. Efficiency is easily achieved because the body weight is used to further push the steps down. Increasing the level of difficulty could pose greater challenge to bring about bigger cardio advantage. Stair mills or step mills are usually described as escalators coming from hell . As you progress, you can increase either the pace or incline so you can burn more fats and keep your heart rate in your target zone. Compare to running outdoors, a treadmill pulls the ground underneath your feet so running is made somewhat easier. The cushioning in treadmills helps minimize stress on your joints.