Twister exercise machine (cardio slim): how to exercise and choose for home

The Twister cardio exercise machine (Cardio Slim) is a modification of a conventional stepper. The only significant difference is the presence of a rotating handle, which makes training on this stepper more varied. Today Cardio Slim is very popular in many countries of the world, including Russia, and the demand for it recently is much higher than for classic steppers. The design of the cardioslim is almost 100% identical to the classic stepper.

pros

Benefits of exercising on the Twister cardio machine

Reducing the layer of subcutaneous fat and, as a result, getting rid of excess weight.
Strengthening and toning all major muscle groups. Thus, in particular, the buttocks, thighs and stomach become more toned, and the waist becomes noticeably narrower.
Improved coordination.
Development of flexibility.
The overall endurance of the body increases.
Strengthening the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

In addition, Twister is a fairly budget-friendly option for cardio training at home.

Benefits of Cardio Twister

Like other cardio equipment, Twister also has a complex positive effect on the body. We can talk about the advantages endlessly:

Compactness. Unlike a treadmill or ellipsoid, this exercise machine requires virtually no installation space. Just 10 minutes, and the installation is assembled. Exercise comfortably even in limited space.
Modern style. The simulator looks beautiful and technologically advanced. There is no shame in leaving it in a visible place when friends or relatives come to visit. The design fits well into the interior.
Smooth/soft pedal travel. Classes on Twister are comfortable. During training, you don’t need to worry about your foot accidentally slipping off or the unit suddenly slowing down. Any force majeure is excluded, and with them injuries.
Ergonomics. The structure is not only easy to assemble/disassemble, but also weighs 16 kilograms.

Detailed specifications are available with the selected installation model.

Cons and contraindications

Like the classic stepper, the Twister cardio exercise machine has no significant disadvantages, however, due to the nature of its use, it is contraindicated for some people , namely:

people suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system;
with severe curvature of the spine;
for joint pathology;
those who have recently suffered injuries or are in the process of recovery.

One of the few disadvantages of the design of the Twister simulator is the small stroke (amplitude) of the pedals, which is why the intensity of the workout is noticeably lower than on some other cardio equipment, so the duration of the session needs to be increased.

In addition

In order to make your training on this simulator more effective, you should adhere to the following rules:

Lead a healthy lifestyle, that is, first of all, stop smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages. This should become a habit, so even occasionally you should not allow yourself to smoke or drink. It is advisable not to drink coffee, as it disrupts the functioning of the heart, which leads to general poor health and obesity. It can be replaced with regular green tea.
Minimize the consumption of salt and sugar, both in pure form and in products containing them.
Switch to fractional meals, that is, eat often (five to six times a day) in small portions. This will help you not put so much strain on your stomach and avoid overeating, which negatively affects your figure.
Avoid eating junk food: fast food, processed foods, fatty and fried foods. At first it will be quite difficult to do, but then you will definitely feel better and lighter without such junk food, which, by the way, contains a lot of calories.
You should try to eat fermented milk products (cottage cheese, kefir, yoghurt) every day to saturate your body with calcium and bacteria beneficial to microflora, which will help improve digestion, since it is often impaired with excess weight.
It is also necessary to eat fresh vegetables and fruits every day. You can also make fresh juices from them. Such products are low in calories, but very healthy because they contain fiber and vitamins necessary for the body. In general, to make it easier to lose weight, you should stick to a low-calorie diet, since it is one of the fastest-acting.
Avoid stress and have good, healthy sleep.

What muscles work

Many Twister manufacturers, in order to increase demand for their products, claim that thanks to their simulators, almost all muscle groups are strengthened. In reality this is not the case. The main load when exercising on the Twister cardio machine falls on the leg muscles, mainly on the buttocks and thighs. The abdominal muscles, oblique abdominal muscles and lower back get a load thanks to the rotating mechanism of the exercise machine. The muscles of the shoulder girdle and calf muscles act as stabilizers

What exercise machines are suitable for home use?

Stores today offer a huge range of home exercise equipment that will help you lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, are all of them effective? Many of them have a different focus, some are designed for cardio exercises, others are strength training. Let's look at the most popular ones that are used at home and help achieve the desired result.

Treadmill.
Cardio twister (stepper) exercise machine.
Elliptical.
Bicycle.

Each of them has a number of advantages and disadvantages, and you should familiarize yourself with them before choosing. Let's try to figure out which one is better to buy so as not to make a mistake.

Treadmill

Running is difficult to replace with something else, as it creates a load on all muscle groups and helps to improve the health of the body, strengthen the immune system and improve blood circulation. Therefore, the treadmill is a success, because in an hour of exercise you can burn up to 1000 kcal and have a great break from household chores. Among the advantages are:

Possibility of adjusting speed and inclination.
Variety of exercise options.
The results of the classes are visible within a month.
Possibility to study at any time of the day.

In addition, training can be enjoyable if you combine it with listening to your favorite music, audiobook or watching interesting programs. But this simulator also has disadvantages:

The exercise machine is bulky and requires a lot of space to comfortably perform the exercises.
Some types of appliances make loud noise; this is not permissible in apartments with poor sound insulation.
High price.
When overloaded, the leg muscles grow quickly, which is not always acceptable for females.
Older people should be careful when using treadmills, as running always puts a lot of stress on the joints.

Elliptical trainer

According to many fitness trainers, one of the most effective devices that will help you quickly lose weight is the elliptical trainer. You can see what it looks like in the photo. Advantages include low cost and ease of exercise. But the main disadvantage will be low efficiency, in the absence of an integrated approach. To get results you will have to practice at least 2-3 hours every day.

Exercise machine in the form of a bicycle

For lovers of cycling, a bicycle-shaped exercise machine is suitable. It has a number of advantages, because it allows you to create a complex load on the body and burn a lot of calories. But, as in the case of a treadmill, it takes up a lot of space and in small apartments, there is often simply nowhere to put it.

Cardio twister

The stepper is a simulator for weight loss and complex exercises to maintain excellent shape. It is also called a cardio twister. This device has many advantages.

Easy to use.
Compactness and the ability to allocate a minimum of space for activities.
Works without noise or unpleasant sounds.
Uses maximum muscles during training.
The cardiotwister does not place stress on the joints or vertebrae.
Its height is only 1 meter.
The ability to independently regulate the pace and load.

This simulator can be used by people of any age. It has practically no contraindications, and it will make the body sculpted for both men and women. That is, by purchasing one family exercise machine, you can save a lot, because everyone can use it. How exactly the cardio twister trainer works is shown in the video.

How to choose a Twister simulator for your home

On the Internet we are offered dozens of Twister models. But, despite the large number of positive reviews about this or that model, you should not order it right away. It is advisable to try the machine in person before purchasing. This can be done with someone you know or in the gym. Nowadays, the cardio training area of almost every fitness club is equipped with several Twisters, so finding them will not be difficult. Below we will talk about several of the most popular models of Twister cardio equipment.

Cardio Twister Titan

Country of origin: Germany
Dimensions: 57 x 67 x 122 centimeters;
Weight: 15 kilograms;
Maximum permissible weight of an athlete: 120 kilograms;
Equipment: seven-level load (resistance) and speed adjustment lever, handles and pedals made of non-slip material, mini-computer with a monitor that displays time, number of steps and number of calories burned;
Cost: from 5 thousand rubles.

BRADEX Cardio Twister SF 0033

Country of origin: Israel
Dimensions: 47 x 29 x 56 centimeters;
Weight: 14.5 kilograms;
Maximum permissible weight of an athlete: 110 kilograms;
Equipment: seven-level load (resistance) and speed adjustment lever, handles and pedals made of non-slip material, mini-computer with a monitor that displays time, number of steps and number of calories burned, DVD with training video;
Cost: from 4 thousand rubles.

Cardio Slim (Cardio)

Country of origin: China
Dimensions: base – no more than 1 square meter, height – 122 centimeters;
Weight: 15.2 kilograms;
Maximum permissible athlete weight: 113 kilograms;
Equipment: mini-computer for monitoring and adjusting resistance levels (7 levels), monitor displaying time, number of steps taken and calorie consumption, handles and pedals made of non-slip material;
Cost: up to 6 thousand rubles.

Rower Twister KCR-2800

Country of origin: China
Dimensions: 74 x 74 x 117 centimeters;
Weight: 13.3 kilograms;
Maximum permissible weight of an athlete: 90 kilograms;
Equipment: seven-level load (resistance) and speed adjustment lever, sensor displaying time, number and speed of steps and calorie consumption;
Cost: from 5 thousand rubles.

Advantages of Cardio Twister compared to other home exercise equipment

No diet will allow you to get your body into ideal shape without adequate physical activity. Sport has long been recognized not only as the most effective way to get rid of extra pounds, but also to restore tone to the body and restore health. In the modern pace of life, there is so little time left to visit fitness centers or gyms, so home exercise equipment that allows you to perform all the exercises without leaving the threshold is becoming increasingly popular. And the resulting effect is practically no different from that achieved under the supervision of a trainer.

How to exercise on the Twister simulator

You need to start your “acquaintance” with Twister with simple steps with turns in order to understand the mechanics and range of movements.

The Twister cardio exercise machine has 2 main modes: “Fast” and “Slow”.

“Fast” mode means working with low pedal resistance. This regime is aimed primarily at burning subcutaneous fat.
The “Slow” mode adds elements of strength training to cardio training on several muscle groups, mostly on the legs.

For best results, it is recommended to combine these modes in each workout.

Twister or ellipsoid?

What is better for losing weight: strength or cardio exercises?

An elliptical trainer and a cardio twister are similar in the principle of exerting stress on the body. Both work the muscles of the chest, back, arms, legs and hips, and both are based on walking and train endurance.

Elliptical trainer

Pros:

Burns up to 900 calories per hour of active work;
Works all muscle groups;
Contains training programs, different levels of difficulty;
You can exercise for people with musculoskeletal problems and obesity; there are no weight restrictions.

Minuses:

High price;
Periodically you need to tighten the parts and take care of the simulator;
Bulky, takes up a lot of space in the house.

Cardio twister

Pros:

Compact;
There are 7 degrees of difficulty;
Works the muscles of the back, abs, legs;
The price is up to 8 thousand rubles, which is acceptable for a simulator.

Minuses:

Weight restrictions – up to 110 kg;
Tall people sometimes find it difficult to exercise;
Sometimes it is not assembled well;
The training levels are not suitable for everyone, sometimes too easy.

A cardio twister for weight loss is slightly inferior in functionality to an elliptical trainer, but is much more attractive in price than the latter. Another significant advantage of the twister is its compactness and ease of movement.

How to conduct a lesson correctly?

The instructions for use say that exercising for 10 minutes will bring noticeable results; this idea should be discarded. Cardio training takes effect after half an hour of active work; before this time, the body is dehydrated and carbohydrates are burned. To reduce the time spent on the machine, it is recommended to do a light warm-up of the whole body.

The minimum warm-up complex contains:

Head turns;
Head rotation;
Rotation of the arm in the shoulder and elbow joints;
Tilts of the body to the right-left-forward-back;
Bends to the feet;
Squats;
Straight and side lunges;
Rotation of the ankle joint.

While performing the main exercise program for weight loss, monitor your pulse, let it lie within the boundaries of 220-age in years. Avoid eating or drinking coffee an hour or two before and after your workout. You are allowed to drink water while exercising on the machine to prevent dehydration.

We advise you to read: what to eat before and after training

The duration of the training varies depending on the level of the student. For beginners, it’s enough to do the exercises for 30 minutes, 3-4 times a week, at 1-3 levels of difficulty, for advanced ones – 40 minutes, 3-5 times, at levels 3-5. People with good physical fitness are advised to exercise for about an hour, 3–5 times a week, at levels 5–7. Watch how you walk, you need to step from the heel, as when running.

Exercise program

Basic step. Stand on the machine, place your hands shoulder-width apart, lean lightly on the handles. Step with your left foot and turn your body to the right at the same time, then return to the starting position, move your right foot, and turn your torso to the left. Do the exercise at an accelerated pace for 2-3 minutes.
Squat. Starting position is the same as in the previous exercise. Bend your knees and lower yourself down so that your hip muscles make an angle close to 90 with your calf muscles. Move using a basic step. Do the exercise at an accelerated pace for 2-3 minutes.
Hand exercise. Take a basic step position, lower one hand down, and begin walking. During the step, raise and lower your arm up through the bend at the elbow. It will turn out like this: step with the left foot - the arm moves from a free position to a bent position at shoulder level, step with the right foot - the arm straightens up and lowers to the shoulder joint.
Twisting. Take the starting position, move your hands closer to the center of the steering wheel. Start walking, try to hold the steering wheel in the initial position and prevent it from turning left or right. This exercise models the pectoral muscles and also puts stress on the arms. Do the same as the previous ones, in fast mode, 2-3 minutes.
Inclined crunches. Stand on a cardio twister, place one hand in the center, and lower the other to your waist. Start walking, while turning your body in the direction opposite to your hand. That is, if the right hand lies in the center, then the twists are made to the left. If the exercise seems easy to you, then add side bends to it.
Chest rotation. Rest your palms on the steering wheel and transfer part of your body weight to it. While walking, push off from it, tensing your arm muscles. Watch how you step on the pedals of the exercise machine and your heart rate.
Exercise for oblique muscles. Stand on the machine, place your hands on the handles so that they are shoulder-width apart. Start walking as in exercise 1, while adding bends to the side. When you step with your right foot, you lean to the right and vice versa, respectively.

Doing a weight complex right away, without preparation, is quite difficult. Start with the first 4 exercises, work up to the required time and gradually add the remaining 3. Don't forget about restoring your breathing and cooling down after training. Cardio equipment puts a strain on the cardiovascular system, so you need to cool down after exercise. It is recommended to use stretching as a cool-down, then the muscles will acquire a beautiful shape.

Other types of steppers

Their family includes various types and modifications:

Classic. Simulates walking up the stairs. Cardio workouts are simple and effective.
Ministepper. A compact platform with pedals is a favorite small-sized home cardio exercise machine.
With expanders. It is equipped with conventional expanders attached to the end of strong harnesses, which allows you to simultaneously work out the muscles of the arms, back and shoulder girdle while stepping.
Balancing. The work is based on shifting the student’s center of gravity from side to side and develops coordination well.
Elliptical. Universal trainer. The steps on it are quite large and resemble walking, swimming and cycling at the same time. Thanks to its smoothness, it is the most gentle on the leg joints.
Children's. It is distinguished from the usual classic stepper by its brightness, increased strength and safety. Helps children from 4 years old to direct energy into sports, strengthen muscles and heart.

These little things cannot be ignored, but we must also remember the main thing: one step-turn movement on the Cardio Twister, and more than 20 muscles are involved in working on your beauty!

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