When it comes to fat loss programs, almost everyone does some cardio training at some point.

It's widely known that cardio training will help you burn off those calories and move the process of weight loss along, but what many people don't know is that in all reality, cardio machines aren't the most optimal way to accomplish this.

Potentially the biggest reason why cardio machines should be avoided is because they are just plain boring. I mean, come on, if most of us are willing to admit it, we do not enjoy an hour spent on the treadmill, elliptical, or bike.

Sure, some of you may actually get a kick from this - but for the vast majority, they'd rather be spending that time doing something else.

Generally speaking, any exercise that you enjoy is one that will help deliver results because of the fat you'll be more likely to stick with it.

Adherence is possibly the most critical factor to success of any kind, and therefore what you need to look at first and foremost.

Regardless of what exercise form you choose to use with your weight loss program, if you aren't enjoying it, it's not going to be in the program for long.

Past that, here are another three big reasons why cardio machines are not optimal.

• 1. They don't optimize the metabolic rate.

Most workouts that are performed on cardio machines will not be doing everything they could for your metabolic rate as they're one movement repeated over and over again.

Since the body tends to adapt to repetition, this means it will not be nearly as biomechanically stimulating, thus your calorie burn may be lower.

Sure, if you are really sprinting hard, you will torch calories, but if you're just doing a relatively light jog on the treadmill, you aren't going to get near the same results as if say you made yourself run through an obstacle course where you're constantly changing directions.

• 2. They Will Mislead You

The second reason why cardio machines aren't the best option for weight loss is because they will not be entirely accurate with their readouts.

How many of you use the number you get after the workout as a guide for how many calories you can eat that day?

Many people fall into this habit. They think that because they burned off 300 calories during their session, this literally means they can eat 300 calories more that day.

The problem is that often they may have really only truly burned off 200 calories, thus they are going to over-consume and this will put a halt to their weight loss.

• 3. It's Easier To Cheat

Finally, the third reason why it's a smart idea to avoid cardio machines is because it's much easier to cheat on this.

For example, how many times have you seen someone in the gym holding onto the side rails of the treadmill for what look like dear life?

This is most definitely making the exercise easier - especially if they happen to be walking uphill.

So, next time you're headed to the cardio section of the gym, rethink that. Much better options would be doing running sprints and drills outside, participating in some form of boxing or kickboxing, skipping, getting involved with kettlebell training (which is becoming largely popular), or going hiking for the afternoon.