Cardio Equipment Workout

Despite the reality that treadmills, ellipticals, and  bikes are fundamentally boring, cardio equipment does have its place. Sometimes the weather won't permit an outdoor workout, and high-intensity interval training, group fitness classes, and plyometric routines aren't suitable for everyone. And frankly, sometimes it's just easier to hop on a piece of equipment and go, biding your time until your requisite 30 minutes of cardio expires. Sure, it may not be as fun as a day spent kayaking through a national park, but it can be effective.

You don't have to settle for an indoor workout or a standard road bike when it comes to working your heart and lungs. Go ahead and rack your two-wheeler, because these other pieces of outdoor cardio equipment are ready to take over. Whether you're a fan of the elliptical, upright bike,recumbent bike,stepper, or treadmill, there's an alternative practically guaranteed to be right for you.

• Elliptical: If you're looking for an outdoor elliptical trainer that enables you to closely mimic running form, the Elliptical is a great option. The inventors originally developed the machine as a way for seasoned runners to continue outdoor training while battling injuries; however, they quickly discovered it's also a great tool for long-distance runners to enjoy low-impact training.