12 Best Home Cardio Machines in 2024
Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy (21 years of Oly Lifting experience)
You may be looking to upgrade your home gym or starting from scratch without having any cardio exercise equipment. Whatever the case, you’ll need to know about the best home cardio machines because no workout is complete without some cardio.
Let’s clear something up right away – this isn’t about just mindlessly hopping on a machine and hoping for the best. This is about being healthier, more active, and improving your cardiovascular health, all in the comfort of your home.
In this review, we have a variety of machines that will help you do that; recumbent bike, upright bike, a treadmill, rowing machines, even a ski machine. Cardio can be fun if you know how to do it right, and we absolutely do, so let’s dive into the best cardio equipment for home.
Let’s get our heart rate pumping!
Our team of certified experts and professional athletes has tested 35 different cardio machines and they found the best ones to include in this list. The equipment was evaluated on 6 key criteria and our team has spent over 500 hours testing most of them. They have also carefully analyzed hundreds of online user reviews to be sure they’re providing you with the most accurate information.
This list is updated regularly, so feel free to leave a comment and share your experiences with us!
In a hurry?
In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the Pro-Form Carbon TLX.
Pro-Form’s Carbon TLX is the best cardio machine for home, it’s decently priced, and although it isn’t as premium as some expensive treadmills, it’s very functional and overall, it’s fantastic value for money.
Top 12 Best Home Cardio Machines Reviewed
- Pro-Form Carbon TLX – Best Treadmill
- Nordictrack S22i Studio Bike – Best Stationary Exercise Bike
- Nordictrack RW600 Rowing Machine – Best Magnetic & Air Rowing Machine
- Concept 2 SkiErg – Best Ski Machine
- Pro-Form Pro C10U – Best Upright Exercise Bike
- Rogue Echo Bike V3.0 – Best Air Bike
- Concept 2 RowErg Rower – PM5 – Wall and/or Ceiling-Mounted Pull Up Bar
- Yosuda Magnetic/Water Rowing Machine – Best Water Rowing Machine
- Sunny Premium Magnetic Resistance Smart Recumbent Bike – Best Recumbent Exercise Bike
- Sunny Pre-Programmed Elliptical Trainer – Best Elliptical Trainer
- Maxoclimber XL-2000 – Best VersaClimber
- Sportsroyals Stair Stepper – Best Stepper Machine
Product | Total | Durability | Portability | Adjustability | Comfort | Functionality | Price & Quality |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PRO-FORM Carbon | 59.5 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9.5 | 10 | 10 |
NORDICTRACK S22i | 59 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 |
NORDICTRACK RW600 | 58 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 |
CONCEPT 2 SkiErg | 57.5 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9.5 | 9 |
PRO-FORM PRO | 57 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 |
ROGUE | 56.5 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 |
CONCEPT 2 RowErg | 56 | 9 | 10 | 9.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 9 |
YOSUDA | 55 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9 |
SUNNY Premium | 54.5 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 9 | 8.5 |
SUNNY Pre-Programmed | 54 | 9 | 9 | 8.5 | 9.5 | 9 | 9 |
MAXICLIMBER | 53 | 8 | 9.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 9 | 8 |
SPORTSROYALS | 52.5 | 8 | 10 | 8.5 | 9 | 8.5 | 8.5 |
1. Pro-Form Carbon TLX
- Type: Treadmill
- Best for: Running, walking
- Dimensions: 74.3’’D x 35.1’’W x 59.1’’H
- Item weight: 249 lbs
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Warranty: 10-Year Frame, 1-Year Parts, 1-Year Labor Warranty
- Main features: 7’’ display, 3.0 CHP motor, ProShox cushioning, iFit
As far as cardio goes, most people will think of running, and if we’re talking about machines, then everyone’s first thought is probably the treadmill. Pro-Form’s Carbon TLX is the best cardio machine for home, it’s decently priced, and although it isn’t as premium as some expensive treadmills, it’s very functional and overall, it’s fantastic value for money.
Carbon TLX is compatible with iFit, and when you buy this treadmill, you get a 30-day free trial, after which you’ll need to pay for a subscription if you want to keep using it. IFit gives you access to personal trainers and over 10,000 workouts. The LCD display is basic (it would be great to see a touchscreen) but of good quality and lets you see everything clearly.
The 3.0 CHP motor is powerful, and its performance is consistent. The 20’’x60’’ belt will be spacious for most people, but if you’re very tall, it might be a tad too short for you. The incline ranges from 0% to 12% and is easily adjusted thanks to the QuickSpeed button controls. Although a treadmill isn’t the most joint-friendly cardio machine for a home gym, the ProShox cushioning does a great job at minimizing impact, so your joints won’t feel it as much.
The price is fantastic, and you’ll have a hard time finding a better treadmill in this price range. The warranty is also decent – it’s not the most impressive warranty there is, but this treadmill is made very well, so if you take care of it, it’s unlikely you’ll need to use the warranty.
Pro-Form’s Carbon TLX is the best cardio machine for home, it’s decently priced, and although it isn’t as premium as some expensive treadmills, it’s very functional and overall, it’s fantastic value for money.
Positives:
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2. Nordictrack S22i Studio Bike
- Type: Exercise bike
- Best for: Cycling workouts
- Dimensions: 61’’L x 22’W x 58’’H
- Item weight: 205 lbs (in box)
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs
- Warranty: 10-Year Frame Warranty, 2-Year Parts Warranty, 1-Year Labor Warranty
- Main features: 22” 360° Rotating Smart HD Touchscreen, Android 9 OS, 30-Day iFIT Trial Included, Ergonomic Padded Saddle, Vertical and Horizontal Seat Adjustment
S22i is a premium bike that doesn’t have a crazy high price tag. This is another at home cardio machine that’s compatible with iFit.
The incline can be cranked up to 20%, and the decline can be adjusted down to 10%, which gives a lot of versatility to your workouts. The first thing that’s probably going to catch your eye is the screen – it’s a 22’’ 360° rotating smart HD touchscreen. Its quality is outstanding, and you’ll feel like you have a mini-TV in front of you. It shakes a bit during really intense workout sessions, but considering its size, that’s to be expected.
It's quiet during workouts, so you can use it anytime you want without disturbing the people around you. The Inertia Enhanced Flywheel makes the performance consistent, and the SPD+Toe Clip Pedals offer secure shoe-to-pedal connections. Along with the bike, you also get two 3-pound dumbbells, and you can use them to engage your upper body while you’re cycling.
The saddle is padded and ergonomic, but it’s stiff, so it’s not the most comfortable thing in the world. You can adjust it vertically or horizontally. There’s also the AutoBreeze Fan to keep you cool during your sessions, and a water bottle holder.
S22i is a premium bike that doesn’t have a crazy high price tag. This is another at home cardio machine that’s compatible with iFit.
Positives:
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3. Nordictrack RW600 Rowing Machine
- Type: Rowing machine
- Best for: Rowing exercises
- Dimensions: 87.02’’L x 22’’W x 47.24’’H
- Item weight: 117 lbs
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs
- Warranty: 10-Year Frame Warranty, 2-Year Parts Warranty, 1-Year Labor Warranty
- Main features: Inertia Enhanced Flywheel, Oversized, pivoting pedals, Adjustable SMR™ (Silent Magnetic Resistance) with 26 Digital Resistance Levels
A rowing machine is incredibly versatile and offers full-body workouts. This one is a blend of convenience and comfort.
The 10’’ Smart HD touchscreen is a decent size, and the quality is really nice. There are also two 2’’ speakers, and the rower can connect to your Bluetooth headphones, so you’re all set for an immersive workout experience.
There are 26 levels of magnetic resistance, and although it’s supposed to be super quiet, it’s not. It’s not exactly loud, but people will definitely hear you working out, and you’ll annoy them if they’re trying to sleep.
The weight capacity is 250 lbs, which is disappointing, but people under 250 lbs will find this rower very comfortable. It has an aluminum seat rail, an ergonomic molded seat, and oversized pivoting pedals with adjustable nylon foot straps. The ergonomic handle makes the entire workout experience more comfortable and allows for a natural grip during intense workouts. There are also front-mounted wheels to make moving it a piece of cake.
It’s a decent value for money, but there’s room for improvement.
A rowing machine is incredibly versatile and offers full-body workouts. This one is a blend of convenience and comfort. The 10’’ Smart HD touchscreen is a decent size, and the quality is really nice.
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4. Concept 2 SkiErg
- Type: Skiing machine
- Best for: Full-body workouts
- Dimensions: 50’’L x 23.5’’W x 85’’H
- Item weight: SkiErg: 46 lbs; Floor Stand: 35 lbs
- Warranty: Frame Parts: Five-Year Limited Warranty; All Parts: Two-Year Limited Warranty
- Main features: Vertical orientation simulates real cross-country skiing movements, double-pole and classic alternating arm techniques, adjustable spiral damper for altering air resistance
Concept 2 is one of the most well-known brands when it comes to rowing machines, but they also make the best ski machine you can find. This is ideal for people who want a full-body workout but are bored with traditional rowers and ellipticals.
If you’re familiar with Concept 2 rowers, you’ll recognize some key rowing machine elements here, like the flywheel resistance and the PM% performance monitor. This piece of home cardio equipment orients you vertically and emulates the motions of cross-country skiing, engaging both double-pole and classic alternating arm techniques. This will challenge your strength and endurance and target your arms, legs, and core.
You have the option to mount it to the wall or add the floor stand to your order to make it more portable. For the price, you would expect the floor stand to be included in your order, but unfortunately it isn’t, and you’ll need to purchase it separately. The floor stand is a good addition, and it has an anti-skid deck and caster wheels, which makes this aerobic exercise machine easy to transport. Without it, it’s not too mobile-friendly.
The SkiErg has high-strength, lightweight drive cords that enable a smooth response, and the ergonomic strapless handles offer a secure grip that’s resistant to moisture.
Although a ski machine is not something you’ll find in all home gyms, it’s an interesting addition that can help with boredom and provide full body workouts.
Concept 2 is one of the most well-known brands when it comes to rowing machines, but they also make the best ski machine you can find. This is ideal for people who want a full-body workout
Positives:
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5. Pro-Form Pro C10U
- Type: Upright exercise bike
- Best for: Cycling workouts
- Dimensions: 34.65’’L x 20.87’’W x 57.87’’H
- Item weight: 110.23 lbs
- Weight capacity: 275.58 lbs
- Warranty: Years parts, labor, and frame guarantee subject to warranty registration
- Main features: Offers 25 levels of Digital Resistance with SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance for varied intensity; 17.64 lbs Flywheel for smooth and consistent pedaling motion; Equipped with pedals featuring toe clips and adjustment straps for secure foot placement
Pro C10U is made to accommodate people of all shapes and sizes, but in reality, there’s no way it can be suitable for everyone because of its low weight capacity. However, it’s still a really comfortable upright bike, and if you’re below the weight limit, it will be a nice addition to your home gym.
The saddle is extra wide and padded and can be adjusted both vertically and horizontally. It’s very comfortable and provides excellent support. The display is another great feature – it’s HD and 10’’ in size, which means you’ll see everything on it clearly. The bike is compatible with iFit, and as it’s usually the case with such equipment, you get a 30-day free trial.
The bike has 25 levels of magnetic resistance and is pretty quiet when in use. While you’re working out, you can also connect your wireless headphones and blast your favorite music or just enjoy it with the two built-in speakers.
The handles are not adjustable, which is a shame, because other than that, the bike is adaptable and comfortable, but the fact that you can’t adjust the handles affects the overall comfort.
Pro C10U is made to accommodate people of all shapes and sizes, but in reality, there’s no way it can be suitable for everyone because of its low weight capacity.
Positives:
Could be better:
6. Rogue Echo Bike V3.0
- Type: Air bike
- Best for: Cardio, interval training, customizable cycling workouts
- Dimensions: 55’’L x 29.5’’W x 52.25’’H
- Item weight: 123 lbs
- Weight capacity: 330 lbs
- Warranty: 2 years
- Main features: Belt driven steel fan, adjustable seat, metal pedals, steel construction
Rogue’s Echo Bike is a sturdy, heavy-duty piece of home gym cardio equipment that will last you for a really long time. Its steel frame is excellent quality and, as far as updates from the previous version go, the LCD console is improved, and it has Bluetooth and ANT+ compatibility. It’s not the easiest thing to move, but its footprint is not that big, so there may not be a need for you to move it around frequently.
The quiet, belt-driven steel fan blade delivers a smooth and consistent ride, and this is the feature that stands out the most. But apart from the ride, you’ll notice that the entire experience is just… smooth — there’s no other way to describe it.
The adjustments are made without any snags, and everything is very fluid. There are no multi-grip handles, though, which affects the overall adaptability and versatility.
The screen is small, but it clearly displays all the information you’re interested in. It’s not the most comfortable thing and it feels like Rogue put so much work into the rest of the bike, it makes no sense why they wouldn’t make it bigger.
One good thing about the entire console is that you can buy it separately if you have a previous version of this bike because the console is compatible with both this new and the older version.
The console runs on four AA batteries that are included with the order. As a matter of fact, you’ll see that everything you need to get the bike up and running is included: all hardware, assembly tools, batteries… You get absolutely everything.
Rogue’s Echo Bike is a sturdy, heavy-duty piece of home gym cardio equipment that will last you for a really long time. Its steel frame is excellent quality and the LCD console is improved, and it has Bluetooth and ANT+ compatibility.
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7. Concept 2 RowErg Rower - PM5
- Type: Indoor rowing machine
- Best for: Full-body workouts
- Dimensions: 96’’L x 24’W x 14’’H (standard legs) or 20’’H (tall legs)
- Item weight: 57 lbs for standard legs, 68 lbs for tall legs
- Weight capacity: 500 lbs
- Warranty: Frame Parts: Five-Year Limited Warranty; All Parts: Two-Year Limited Warranty
- Main features: Advanced PM5 Performance Monitor that tracks various workout metrics; Flywheel design for smooth and quiet operation; Spiral Damper with adjustable 1-10 settings; Ergonomic handle for natural arm and hand position
A rowing machine is an excellent way to add some versatility to your home gym, especially if you’re used to basics like the treadmill or an exercise bike.
It takes only 20 minutes to set this entire thing up and then you’re good to go. It comes with clear, well-written instructions, so the entire process of putting it together isn’t really a process at all.
The design is compact, and the included caster wheels allow you to easily move it around if your space is limited and can’t dedicate a permanent spot to it. It doesn’t feel as durable as a heavy-duty piece of cardio equipment for home gym, but it has a good warranty, so even if something goes wrong, you’re covered.
The PM5 performance monitor shows all the data you need, like the distance, speed, pace, calories burned, etc. It’s backlit and easy to read, and you can customize its position to what you feel is comfortable.
The performance is smooth, and the flywheel is quiet, while the adjustable spinal damper allows for personalized air resistance settings.
The price is quite high for a rowing machine, so keep that in mind if you don’t want a machine that’s going to feel like an investment.
The design is compact, and the included caster wheels allow you to easily move it around if your space is limited and can’t dedicate a permanent spot to it.
Positives:
Could be better:
8. Yosuda Magnetic/Water Rowing Machine
- Type: Rowing machine
- Best for: Full-body workouts, physical therapy
- Dimensions: 35.4’’D x 18.1’’W x 17.7’’H
- Item weight: 58 lbs
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Main features: Aviation-standard Polycarbonate tank, bearings, and EPDM Rubber Sealing ring to prevent water leakage; Engages 90% muscle groups, working legs, core, and arms; Double Aluminum alloy slide rails for smooth, quiet, and stable rowing movement
This rowing machine is incredibly lightweight and compact, so it’s great for home gyms that don’t have a lot of space available.
This rower is supposed to engage 90% of your body’s muscle groups and provides an authentic rowing experience. The frame is made of aluminum and can accommodate people of up to 350 lbs. Although aluminum is not bad, it’s always preferable to see steel frames due to their incredible durability.
The resistance system has aviation-standard materials, including a Polycarbonate tank and EPDM rubber sealing ring, which prevents water from leaking out. The double aluminum alloy slide rails provide stability and make the rowing motion quieter. Keep in mind that it’s not quiet by any means, but the slide rails help.
The monitor tracks all of your metrics and the wheels make it relatively easy to transport. It’s lightweight, which is a plus, but the wheels don’t roll smoothly (especially over carpets), so moving it can be annoying.
This rowing machine is incredibly lightweight and compact, so it’s great for home gyms that don’t have a lot of space available.
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9. Sunny Premium Magnetic Resistance Smart Recumbent Bike
- Type: Recumbent exercise bike
- Best for: Low-impact cardio
- Dimensions: 61.81"L x 25.98"W x 47.24"H
- Item weight: 86.4 lbs
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Warranty: 3 Years Structural Frame, 180 Days Other Parts and Components
- Main features: 16 levels of automatic magnetic tension controlled through the console, Bluetooth connectivity, connects to SunnyFit® App, 24 built-in workout programs, color meter display tracking various metrics, device holder for tablets or phones, pulse sensor.
This recumbent bike is designed to be comfortable and easy to use, and it delivers on both.
The first thing you’ll notice about this indoor cardio machine is the wide recumbent seat that has breathable mesh back support. It’s very comfortable and its easy seat adjustment mechanism with leg inseams ranging from 29.9” to 39.4” allows you to adjust the distance from the pedals. It’s easy to get on and off because of the step-through design.
The universal pedals have textured grips, and the adjustable straps provide some stability to your workouts. Sadly, the straps are not of the best quality – you’ll enjoy them while they last, but they break pretty easily, so that won’t be for very long.
The maximum weight capacity is 300 pounds, which is not too impressive, but not too bad either. The bike has a maintenance-free belt-drive mechanism and a 6.6-pound flywheel, so the workout experience is quiet and smooth. There are 16 levels of resistance that you control through the console, and there are also 24 built-in workout programs.
All things considered; this bike would be exceptional if the screws weren’t loosening all over the place. No matter how much you tighten them, they keep getting loose, which results in the entire bike wobbling. You can, of course, just tighten everything again, but be prepared to do that rather often.
This recumbent bike is designed to be comfortable and easy to use, and it delivers on both. The first thing you’ll notice about this indoor cardio machine is the wide recumbent seat that has breathable mesh back support.
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10. Sunny Pre-Programmed Elliptical Trainer
- Type: Elliptical trainer
- Best for: Home cardio and full-body workouts
- Dimensions: 55’’L x 23’’W x 64.5’’H
- Item weight: 104.8 lbs
- Weight capacity: 330 lbs
- Warranty: 3 Year Structural Frame warranty, 180 Days for other parts and components
- Main features: Offers 24 unique workout modes, including manual, pre-programmed, watt, body fat, heart rate, and user programs
We can’t forget about an elliptical, of course, and the best one comes from Sunny. Like any other elliptical, this one is suited for people of all fitness levels and you’ll love it even if you’ve never tried working out on an elliptical.
With a 15.5’’ stride length, this elliptical gives you enough leg movement and engages multiple muscle groups in your calves, thighs, and glutes. The foot pedals are textured, and they have a non-slip surface, so the footing is always super secure.
The elliptical comes with 24 pre-programmed workout modes and is able to cover various workout preferences, from manual and heart rate programs to watt and body fat measurements. There’s also a device holder that can accommodate your phone (even if it’s in a case) so you can follow workout videos or use it to entertain yourself.
It offers full motion arm exercises that engage your upper body and has pulse sensors to monitor your heart rate. The arms squeak a bit during use, though.
There are 16 levels of resistance, which is more than a decent amount, but the resistance isn’t as challenging at higher levels as you would expect. Nevertheless, it is a decent full body cardio machine, and its price is quite reasonable.
It doesn’t feel as heavy-duty as something super premium and there are a few things that could be tweaked to make it better, but all in all, this elliptical is a good choice for your home gym.
Like any other elliptical, this one is suited for people of all fitness levels and you’ll love it even if you’ve never tried working out on an elliptical.
Positives:
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11. Maxiclimber XL-2000
- Type: Vertical climber
- Best for: HIIT
- Dimensions: 56’’L x 11’’W x 9’’H (package)
- Item weight: 52 lbs (package)
- Warranty: 1 year
- Main features: Bi-directional, 12-Level Hydraulic Resistance System for a comprehensive full-body workout
XL-2000 is a vertical climber that won’t take up too much space and it will give you an effective full-body workout.
MaxiClimber has a free fitness app that’s available for both Android and iOS. It gives guidance and structure to workouts, which may improve your overall workout experience. If you want to use it during your workouts, there’s a convenient device holder for your phone.
The climber is bi-directional and has 12 levels of hydraulic resistance. It’s compact and lightweight, and its anti-sliding leveling mechanism makes it stable even on uneven surfaces. It does its job and gives you a good workout, but it’s not very durable and probably won’t last you very long. First of all, it squeaks a little during use, which is not terrible but distracting. Secondly, the nylon rollers snap within a few uses.
Since it does have a warranty (although it’s only 1 year), you can get a replacement for free, but once your replacement snaps, you’ll need to pay for a new one. If it were more durable, it would be amazing, but it’s still a decent machine, although the price is high for something that’s not high-quality.
MaxiClimber has a free fitness app that’s available for both Android and iOS. It gives guidance and structure to workouts, which may improve your overall workout experience.
Positives:
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12. Sportsroyal Stair Stepper
- Type: Stepper machine
- Best for: Everyone looking for a compact workout machine
- Dimensions: 15.5’’L x 17,3’’W x 47.2’’H
- Item weight: 28 lbs
- Weight capacity: 330 lbs
- Warranty: One-year free parts replacement
- Main features: U-shaped Handlebar for balance and varied grip positions; Twist action to tone thighs, buttocks, and engage in cardiovascular workouts; Resistance Bands for arms, chest, back, and shoulders workout; Hydraulic Drive System for quiet and safe exercise environment
Our list finishes with a good ol’ stepper machine. This one will fit pretty much anywhere because it’s very compact, not to mention you’ll have absolutely no issues with moving it because it weighs a mere 28 pounds.
The stepper has a U-shaped handlebar, and its outward-bent design allows for more than enough space for exercises. You don’t need to worry about knee contact, the entire workout experience is comfortable. It has a V-shaped linkage lever frame instead of the traditional cable-pulley design.
It comes with removable resistance bands, which means that you could get a full-body workout from this stepper because you can use the bands to engage your arms, chest, back, and shoulder at the same time you’re using the stepper.
It’s made of 2mm steel and precision bearings, which sounds more impressive than it actually is. The stepper is affordable, sure, but it feels rather cheaply made. It’s kind of flimsy, and you’ll notice unsightly hot glue that holds the wires to the display in place. However, you will find some thoughtful features on it, like the silicone anti-skid pads on the textured pedals.
The weight capacity is 330 lbs, which is impressive when you consider the product weight. There’s also an internal super-energy spring for cushioning and a shock absorber cushion beneath the pedals to minimize the noise. If it were made better, this would be perfect.
This one will fit pretty much anywhere because it’s very compact, not to mention you’ll have absolutely no issues with moving it because it weighs a mere 28 pounds.
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Cardio Machines for Gym: What Are They, Key Features
When you’re building a home gym, there’s a high chance a cardio machine is going to be the first thing you think about because you can’t have a decent gym without one or two of them. Treadmills, stationary bikes, ellipticals, rowing machines, steppers… You don’t need all of them, because they’re quite versatile, but you definitely need some.
Which type of machine you pick is going to depend on what workouts you want to do. If you want something classic, like walking or running, then go for a treadmill. However, cardio machines go way beyond just basics: some can provide a low-impact workout and are suitable for people with joint issues, some engage your entire body or focus on your arms, back, and core, and others are better for the lower body.
Most of them have several levels of adjustable resistance and often come with additional features, like built-in workouts, heart rate monitoring, and displays with performance metrics.
Main Types of Cardio Machines for Home Gym
Try googling “cardio machines” and then not getting completely lost in all the variations. However, all of them come down to several main types of cardio machines, so let’s see what those are.
1. Treadmill
You can’t get more basic than a treadmill. It has a motorized belt and offers you the chance to run or walk indoors. You can adjust the speed and incline, and it’s ideal for people who like walking, jogging, or running but don’t always feel like going outside. Treadmills often come with built-in workout programs and heart rate monitoring.
On the other hand, they take up a lot of space, can be noisy, and are usually expensive compared to other cardio machines.
2. Exercise Bike
Exercise bikes come in various forms: upright, recumbent, or spin. They let you do cycling workouts and have adjustable resistance. They’re ideal for people who want low-impact workouts and good for beginners and those who have joint issues.
However, the bikes won’t engage your upper body much, and the workout may get boring if you’re going through a longer session.
3. Elliptical Machine
If you want something that simulates walking, running, or climbing and combines arm and leg movements for a full-body workout, go for an elliptical. The workouts it provides are low impact, but it still engages your entire body and has resistance levels you can adjust.
Elliptical machines might be challenging for beginners and people who have never used cardio machines, and as far as workout routines go, you don’t have a lot of variations.
4. Rowing Machine
Rowing a boat inside? That’s exactly what a rowing machine offers: it simulates the action of rowing a boat and engages a lot of muscle groups. It’s perfect for people who want full-body workouts and those that want to build strength and endurance.
Rowing machines have variable resistance but need proper technique to be effective. They also might not be that great for people with back issues.
Tips From the Champ
If you want even better value for money, you can go for a hybrid option, like a recumbent bike rower! It will add some diversity to your workout routine, not to mention all the space you’re going to save because you get two machines combined in one. Focus on getting versatile at home cardio equipment for your gym, because that way, you won’t need a bunch of machines.
Olympic Weightlifting Champion
5. Climber
Climbers replicate the motion of climbing on a mountain or a ladder and engage your leg muscles while providing a challenging cardio workout. They are best for people who want an intense lower body workout and cardiovascular conditioning. Their design is compact and (usually) lightweight, but they may be too intense for beginners.
6. Air Bike
Air bikes have handlebars that are connected to a fan wheel and provide air resistance through air displacement while you pedal. They’re fantastic for HIIT and those who want upper and lower body workouts, because it can engage your entire body. However, it can annoy people around you because the fan can be noisy. Some models come without pre-programmed workouts, which can also be an issue.
7. Ski Machine
Cross-country skiing is a great workout, but it’s not easily accessible, so a ski machine is a great choice if you enjoy skiing. It engages your entire body but emphasizes arms, shoulders, and legs. It helps improve endurance, and overall, the workout is low impact.
Keep in mind that it has a learning curve, so if you’re a beginner, it’s best to start with something more basic.
8. Stepper
Your thighs and glutes will get a decent workout from a stepper machine. It simulates the motion of climbing stairs and focuses mainly on your lower body. Its design is compact, you can adjust the resistance, and it’s ideal for people who want targeted lower-body workouts. However, you won’t get a full-body workout with it, because the upper-body engagement is limited at best.
Machine | Description | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|
Treadmill | Simulates walking or running, has a motorized belt | Ideal for walking, running, or jogging indoors. Has adjustable incline and speed, often comes with workout programs and heart rate monitoring | Bulky, noisy, and usually more expensive compared to other machines |
Exercise Bike | Available in upright, recumbent or spin forms. Cycling workouts with adjustable resistance | Low-impact and good for beginners or those with joint issues | Limited upper body engagement and potentially monotonous workouts |
Elliptical Machine | Simulates walking, climbing, or running with combined arm and leg movements | Provides full body, low-impact workouts with adjustable resistance | Can be challenging for beginners and the workout variations are limited |
Rowing Machine | Simulates rowing a boat | Builds strength and endurance, offers variable resistance, engages almost all muscle groups | Needs proper technique and may not be the best for people with back issues |
Climber | Replicates the motion of climbing a mountain or a ladder | Intense lower body and cardio workout, compact and lightweight design | Too intense for beginners |
Air Bike | Has handlebars connected to a fan wheel, provides resistance | Engages the whole body, excellent for HIIT | Noisy, may lack pre-programmed workouts |
Ski Machine | Simulates cross-country skiing, focuses on arms, legs, and shoulders | Improves endurance, offers low-impact workout | Has a learning curve |
Stepper | Mimics stair climbing, focuses on lower body | Compact design, adjustable resistance | Limited upper body engagement |
8 Benefits of Using Cardio Machines
Cardio machines come with a bunch of benefits. Although we always focus mostly on what a machine can do for our physical appearance, a cardio machine can help with your overall well-being.
✅ Better Cardiovascular Health
If you do cardio on a regular basis, it will significantly benefit your cardio health, because it will increase circulation and reduce the risk of heart diseases. Treadmills and ellipticals are superstars when it comes to increasing your heart rate and improving its endurance.
✅ Weight Management and Loss
Cardio helps with burning calories and losing excess body fat. Machines like rowers, exercise bikes, and climbers let you burn a substantial number of calories each time you use them, which helps lose and manage weight.
✅ Enhanced Endurance and Stamina
If you use cardio machines consistently, you’ll boost your endurance over time, since you’re continually challenging your body’s ability to sustain physical activity. Machines like rowers, ellipticals, or air bikes are best to use if you want to work on your endurance and stamina.
✅ More Lung Capacity
Did you know that cardio pushes you to breathe more deeply and efficiently? It will increase the capacity of your lungs and allow oxygen to circulate through your body better.
✅ Less Stress and Better Mental Well-Being
Endorphins are your body’s way to lift your mood, and exercising in general triggers their release, which promotes a sense of well-being and reduces stress levels. If you use your cardio machine regularly, it can help you fight anxiety and depression and boost your mental health.
✅ Better Sleep
Many people struggle with the quality of their sleep and don’t know that a simple cardio session could help them. Cardio regulates sleeping patterns and allows you to have a deeper and more restful sleep, which results in having more energy. So, hop on that machine!
✅ Muscle Toning and Strength
Certain cardio machines will engage a lot of different muscle groups at the same time. Take a rowing machine or a climber, for example – they both strengthen and tone your arm muscles, legs, back, and core and contribute to the overall strength of your body.
✅ Improved Metabolic Rate
Regular cardio elevates your metabolic rate, which means you burn calories even after you stop working out. How cool does that sound? This effect is known as post-exercise oxygen consumption.
How to Choose the Proper Cardio Machine for Your Home Gym?
A cardio machine can make or break your fitness routine, so you want to make sure to choose the correct one. How do you do that? It’s pretty simple – there are a few factors to consider before choosing your cardio machine, and, of course, cardio machine reviews are always a good source of information, so look for a few of those.
1. Define Personal Fitness Goals
What do you want to get out of your workout? Do you want to lose weight, improve your endurance, tone your muscles, or improve your overall health? Different machines are suited for different fitness goals, so you need to know what you want before you can choose a machine properly. For example, if you’re a runner, the treadmill is a logical choice, but if you want full body workouts, an elliptical may be just what you need.
2. Assess Available Space
Bust out your tape measure and check how much space you have available so you know what you can fit inside your home gym. Treadmills and ellipticals usually take up quite a bit of space, while air bikes and steppers are usually better for smaller areas because they’re more compact.
3. Estimate Budget
Set a realistic budget that won’t get you into debt. Cardio machines come at different prices based on brands and functionalities. Think about which features are essential for your workout routine and see what machines have them and at what cost. Some brands offer financing through Klarna, Affirm, or Afterpay so you can pay for the machine in installments, but remember that you don’t need to get everything at once. You can also always go for a budget cardio machine, just make sure its quality is decent.
4. Test the Machine and the Gym Before Buying It
Don’t spend a cent until you know exactly what you’re investing in. Hit the gym and try a few machines out to see what works best for you and what features you need (or don’t need). Think of it as a test drive – you wouldn’t buy a car without it, right? So why invest in a cardio machine before trying it out and checking if you even like it?
Tips From the Champ
While you’re testing the machine out, you may want to find a trainer or an expert that can tell you a little bit more about what kind of maintenance the machine needs. You’ll need to maintain your cardio machine regularly if you want it to perform the best that it can and if you expect it to last you a long time. Maintenance can get complicated for some machines and some of the tasks may need professional help — check all that before buying so you know what you’re in for.
Olympic Weightlifting Champion
5. Availability of Interactive Features
Workout programs, touchscreen displays, and connectivity to fitness apps are great features to have, so check which machines have them. These features can make your workout more engaging and motivational, which will help you stay consistent and interested in working out.
FAQ
Which Cardio Machine Burns The Most Fat?
There’s no one-word answer to this, because it varies depending on things like intensity, duration, and, of course, your fitness level. If we’re talking in general terms, HIIT on machines like treadmill, rower, or an air bike can be effective for fat burning because these workouts are all about short bursts of intense effort followed by rest periods. But remember that it all comes down to consistency and intensity.
What Burns Fat Better Than Cardio?
Resistance training can also do a good job of burning calories. Cardio focuses mainly on calorie burning during the workout, but resistance training helps build lean muscle mass and muscle tissue is metabolically active, which means it burns calories even while you’re lying on your couch and watching Netflix. But if you really want to do the best you can for fat burning, combine cardio with resistance training.
Is a Treadmill Better Than an Elliptical?
It depends on who you ask, because it’s all about personal preference. Treadmills provide a weight-bearing exercise that’s excellent for bone density and mimics walking or running. Ellipticals, on the other hand, give you a low-impact, full-body workout that targets various muscle groups and that’s gentler on your joints.
What Cardio Machine is The Safest?
That would be the elliptical. They give a smooth gliding motion that doesn’t put a lot of stress on your joints, while its design allows for a natural range of motion, so you’re at less risk of impact-related injuries that are usually linked to high-impact activities (like running on a treadmill).
What Cardio Machine is The Best Full-Body Trainer?
The rowing machine is hands down one of the best. It engages almost every muscle group in your body: legs, core, back, and arms, all in a coordinated motion. It’s a combination of cardio and strength training, so it builds endurance and tones your muscles.
Conclusion
If cardio is just a necessary evil to you and you hate doing it, it’s because you don’t have the right machine. Every type of workout can get tedious if you don’t introduce some variety into it, and with so many machines available, that’s a piece of cake!
One of the best cardio machines you can get is the PRO-FORM Carbon TLX. It’s a treadmill, so it’s likely very familiar to almost everyone, its quality is fantastic, and the price… Considering how much treadmills usually cost, this one is a great bang for your buck!
What do you have to share on this subject? We’ve covered a lot in this article, but there must be something useful you can add so we can discuss it further together!
Leave anything you can think of in the comment section!
Cardio out!
Also read:
- Seated Calf Raise Alternatives
- Ghd Machine Exercises
- Best All in One Home Gym
- Best Belt Squat Machine
- Belt Squat
- Best Ab Machines
- Best Cable Machine for Home Gym
References:
- Ayman A. Mohamed, Motaz Alawna, "Role of Increasing the Aerobic Capacity on Improving the Function of Immune and Respiratory Systems in Patients with Coronavirus (COVID-19): A Review," Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews 14, no. 4 (2020): 489-496.
- Carl J. Lavie, Ross Arena, Damon L. Swift, Neil M. Johannsen, Xuemei Sui, Duck-Chul Lee, Conrad P. Earnest, Timothy S. Church, James H. O’Keefe, Richard V. Milani, Steven N. Blair, "Exercise and the Cardiovascular System," Circulation Research 117 (2015): 207-219.
- Kristen MacKenzie-Shalders, Jaimon T Kelly, Daniel So, Vernon G Coffey, Nuala M Byrne, "The Effect of Exercise Interventions on Resting Metabolic Rate: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," Journal of Sports Sciences 38, no. 14 (2020): 1635-1649.
- M. Brennan Harris, Chia-Hua Kuo, "Scientific Challenges on Theory of Fat Burning by Exercise," Frontiers in Physiology 12 (2021): 685166.
- Maria Grazia Benedetti, Giulia Furlini, Alessandro Zati, Giulia Letizia Mauro, "The Effectiveness of Physical Exercise on Bone Density in Osteoporotic Patients," BioMed Research International, no. 2018 (2018): 4840531.
- Mark Hargreaves, Lawrence L. Spriet, "Skeletal Muscle Energy Metabolism during Exercise," Nature Metabolism 2, (2020): 817-828
- Matthew A. Nystoriak, Aruni Bhatnagar, "Cardiovascular Effects and Benefits of Exercise," Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 5, no. 135 (2018).
- “New Study by American Health Association: Top 10 Effective Ways for Women to Lose Belly Fat in 2024,” University of Washington, https://sites.uw.edu/sondayb/2023/12/08/new-study-by-american-health-association-top-10-effective-ways-for-women-to-lose-belly-fat-in-2024/#:~:text=,Strength%20Training (accessed December 22, 2023).
- Wayne L. Westcott, "Resistance Training is Medicine: Effects of Strength Training on Health," Current Sports Medicine Reports 11, no. 4 (2012): 209-216.
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Author: Jason Li
Personal Coach, Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist
Jason is an NYC personal training expert and National level Olympic Weightlifting Coach with over 10 years of experience training everyday clients to high levels of performance. He has trained everyone from youth (13 years old and under) to masters (60+ years old) to regional and national rankings for powerlifting, Olympic Weightlifting, Short distance (up to 200m) sprinting, discus & hammer throwing.
Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy
Olympic Weightlifting Champion
Best Results: Snatch – 200 kg,
C&J – 240 kg
Oleksiy Torokhtiy is a professional athlete boasting 20 years of experience in Olympic weightlifting. With multiple European and World titles under his belt, he has showcased his prowess in two Olympic Games (Beijing 2008 and London 2012). Upon concluding his illustrious career, Oleksiy dedicated himself to coaching. By 2022, he had conducted over 200 weightlifting seminars worldwide. He is the visionary behind an international sportswear and accessories brand known for its motto, “Warm Body Cold Mind.” Additionally, he is an esteemed author and the creator of a series of training programs and eBooks.
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