In its simplest form, losing weight requires expending more calories than you consume to create a calorie deficit. This means that using cardio-based exercise machines can be an effective way to do this.
“Cardiovascular activities primarily rely on stored fat and carbohydrates for energy to power your workout. Engaging in sustained moderate-intensity cardio can help your body tap into fat stores, aiding in fat loss over time,” says Goodson.
Shorter, more-intense workouts—for example interval training—can also be effective for weight loss as they tend to burn more calories during and after the workout due to the “after burn" effect. In addition, there are benefits to your metabolism. This is because regular cardio sessions elevate your resting metabolic rate, which means your body burns more calories even when you're not exercising and in the long run this can contribute to weight loss. You may also find you’re less hungry when you incorporate cardio into your fitness routine because cardio can help regulate appetite hormones.