WHEN it comes to losing weight and improving fitness, burning calories is often a top priority. While any form of physical activity contributes to better health, certain pieces of gym equipment are especially effective at increasing your heart rate and maximising calorie expenditure.

“The number of calories you burn depends on factors such as your body weight, workout intensity, fitness level and exercise duration,” said fitness director Amfroy Lyn. “When you choose the right equipment and use it consistently, you can make your workouts more efficient and achieve your fitness goals faster.”

Lyn said certain types of gym equipment burn more calories than others, and these high-intensity gym equipment can help you burn a substantial number of calories while improving strength, endurance and cardiovascular fitness.

“The most effective workout is one you enjoy and can perform consistently,” Lyn said. “So by combining calorie-burning equipment with a balanced diet and regular exercise routine, you can achieve sustainable weight loss and long-term health benefits.”

Here are six pieces of equipment Lyn said you can use to kickstart your fitness plan.

Treadmill

The treadmill is one of the most effective calorie-burning machines in the gym. “Walking at a brisk pace, jogging or running can burn a significant number of calories while improving cardiovascular endurance,” Lyn said. “Here’s a tip: increasing the incline makes the workout even more challenging by engaging additional muscle groups.”

Estimated calories burned: 500-900 calories per hour, depending on speed and intensity.

Rowing machine

“The rowing machine provides a full-body workout by engaging the legs, core, back, shoulders and arms. It combines strength and cardio, making it an excellent choice for burning calories while building muscular endurance,” Lyn said.

Estimated calories burned: 500-800 calories per hour.

Stair climber (stair stepper)

The stair climber mimics climbing stairs, targeting the glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves. “It offers an intense cardiovascular workout while strengthening the lower body,” Lyn said.

Estimated calories burned: 500-800 calories per hour.

Elliptical trainer

The elliptical trainer delivers a low-impact cardiovascular workout that’s gentle on the joints. “Many models include moving handles, allowing users to work both the upper and lower body simultaneously,” Lyn said.

Estimated calories burned: 450-800 calories per hour.

Stationary bike (spin bike)

Cycling on a stationary bike is an excellent way to burn calories while improving leg strength and endurance. High-intensity interval training on a spin bike can significantly increase calorie burn.

Estimated calories burned: 400-700 calories per hour.

Battle ropes

“Although not a machine, battle ropes are a popular piece of gym equipment that provides intense full-body conditioning,” Lyn said. “They rapidly elevate the heart rate while strengthening the upper body, core, and legs.”

Estimated calories burned: 400-700 calories per hour.

Lyn said several factors influence how many calories you burn during exercise, including your body weight and composition, age and sex, exercise intensity, workout duration and fitness level, and metabolism.

“Because of these variables, calorie estimates should be viewed as general guidelines rather than exact numbers,” he explained.