If you are planning to buy a cardio machine for your home workout, then it is important that you understand the function and benefits of each of them, before you decide which one is the best for you. The main benefit of cardio workouts is that they help in weight loss. These exercises are the fastest way to shed overall body fat, as they boost your metabolism. A quick 30-minute routine at least three times a week will improve immunity, and provide you resistance to fight infections like common cold. Another important benefit of cardiovascular exercises is that they are good for your heart. It increases heart rate, due to which the heart pumps more blood in fewer beats and the lungs get more oxygen with lesser effort. This also reduces your risk of heart diseases and improves cholesterol levels. Here are some of the features of the most popular cardio exercise equipment. Treadmill A treadmill is the most preferred cardio machine. It's easy to use and you don't need to learn any special coordination, as walking or running are normal activities which we perform in our day-to-day lives. So, you can walk, jog, or run on it, and the settings are easy to operate too. You can also adjust the incline rates, to increase or decrease the level of difficulty. The most important benefit is the fact that it helps to burn the maximum amount of calories, compared to other machines. This makes it the best equipment to lose weight. It can also be a good workout for your legs. However, this machine is not ideal if you are looking for a low-impact workout. Elliptical Trainer If you are looking for a low-impact workout which also helps to burn calories, then choose an elliptical trainer. They are also known as cross-trainers. If you have any health condition similar to arthritis, then this workout is a good choice. They are a bit harder to use compared to treadmills, but once you get the coordination right, you can use them on a higher intensity setting and lose weight quickly. Also, it helps to work the upper as well as the lower body. Stationary Bike The most important reason for people selecting a stationary exercise bike is that it supports the body weight. Therefore, the energy is reserved in the body, and hence, the calories burned using this equipment aren't as high as compared to the machines mentioned above. But they are easy on your knees. If you are heavy and can't support your body weight, this is a good choice. Stationary bikes also increase your post-exercise metabolism, and are good for interval workouts. They provide an injury-free workout, and can be a good alternative for warming up, if you are not an experienced runner. Moreover, they help to build thigh and calf muscles. So, consider the pros and cons of each machine, and select the appropriate one to use at the gym or home.