Best Cardio Machines for Home Gym – Which Is Right For You?

Now more than ever there is a surge in the purchase of home gym equipment and cardio machines for home, as more and more people find themselves working from home rather than in an office.

Previously things like conflicts of schedule, overcrowding, membership fees and hassles with travel were an excuse not to get to the gym. All of these can be eliminated with a home gym.

If you’re committed to getting fit and staying active and healthy, investing in a home gym could be the answer.

To help you save money, this article will help you identify the best home gym equipment for weight loss or which cardio machines for home gym are needed if you are working out on a specific muscle area.

Rowing Machines

Best Cardio Machine If:

• You’re looking for a full-body workout
• You’re looking for a low-impact cardio machine for home
• You want a workout that combines strength and cardiovascular exercises

Muscles Targeted:

• Full-body

A rowing machine is a good option if you’re consistently working out as it provides a low impact, total body workout. You can use the rowing machine daily even if your body is sore and recovering from a tough workout the day before. It can be used for muscular recovery, aerobic training and strength training.

Other Features:

• Options to purchase a machine with an extra long rail for tall people
• Easy to assemble
• Provides a realistic rowing experience
• Some units are foldable and compact for small spaces
• Built with comfortable seats
• Heart rate monitor to measure heart rate & calories burned
• Suitable for heavy or overweight people

Steppers

Best Cardio Machine If:

• You want to improve your balance and stability
• You’re looking for a cardio workout
• You’re wanting to tone your lower body
• You are a beginner or elderly

Muscles Targeted:

• Glutes, Calves, Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Core Muscles

With the help of steppers, you will be able to tone your lower body while enjoying a cardio workout. These home cardio machines keep your core engaged, improve your stamina, and burn a huge amount of calories.

Having a stepper in your home gym is good for beginners and inexperienced who want to start their fitness journey. They’re also a great option when looking for home cardio equipment for small spaces.

Features of a Stepper:

• Display Screen – Shows how many calories you’ve burned and may help you stay motivated to work out.
• Assembly – Though small, it’s recommended to purchase a stepper already assembled. Assembling it on your own can be a tiring task, especially if you are not a fan of DIY.
• Motor – Getting a motorized stepper provides you with a low-impact workout that will not put stress on your knees. However, the motorized machine may cost more and produce noise.
• Extra Storage Space – If your house is already full of workout equipment, a small stepper is a great option when looking for the best cardio machines for home.

Climbers

Best Cardio Machine If:

• You want to improve your general well-being
• You want to have leaner legs, toned abs, and in-shape body and arms
• You want to have foldable gym equipment that can give you an intense workout

Muscles Targeted:

• Shoulder and Chest Muscles, Abdominal Muscles, Triceps, and Chest Muscle

When summer is approaching and you want to have a leaner body, you can use a climber like my favourite, the Maxi Climber. Having one in your home gym allows you to burn as much as 20 calories per minute through an intense workout. A climber is designed for all body types and can be adjusted depending on your height.

Pros of Having Climbers in Your Home Gym:

• Unit comes pre-assembled
• Uses very little space in your home
• Lightweight but sturdy
• Costs less than other home gym equipment

Cons of Having a Climber in Your Home Gym:

• No resistance adjustments
• Most are built with studs in the pedals which requires you to wear workout shoes
• Not able to replace a full-length workout

Elliptical Machines

Best Cardio Machine If:

• You’re looking for the best home gym equipment for weight loss
• You want a workout that does not put stress on your joints (good for elderly)
• You want to improve balance and coordination

Muscles Targeted:

• Biceps and Triceps, Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Glutes, and Core Muscles

The elliptical machine is one of the best cardio machines for home gyms. Though it does not work on your upper body as well as other gym equipment, elliptical machines can improve your overall endurance. It also has a range of variations that you can choose depending on your exercise preferences.

Benefits of Using Elliptical Machines at Home:

• Cardiovascular improvement – Raises your heart rate in a cardio workout which is good for your heart and lungs.
• Low-impact workout – Though it focuses on your lower body, it doesn’t stress the knees or add pain to your joints unlike other intense activities. Having an elliptical machine at home is good for households with senior citizens or other family members that are frequently experiencing joint pains.
• Customized workouts – Because of the adjustments, it makes working out interesting with different levels of resistance and speeds.

Exercise Bikes

Best Cardio Machine If:

• Recumbent bikes are good for those who want a reclining position while working out
• You want to go cycling but can’t go outdoors
• You want to tone your buttocks, thighs, and legs

Muscles Targeted:

• Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Calves, Other Upper Body Muscles Such as Biceps and Triceps

If you want to remain seated while working out, getting an exercise bike for your home gym is good piece of cardio equipment. It allows you to work on your legs and thighs without back or joint pain. For this reason an exercise bike like the recumbent bike, can also be beneficial for older people since it is a low-impact exercise and easy on the joints.

Types of Exercise Bikes

Recumbent Stationary Bike

For those who want to rest their backs while working out, a recumbent exercise bike is a great option. With its reclined seated position, you may even read a book while working out your legs.

Upright Exercise Bike

These are the traditional stationary bikes. Compared to other indoor cycling bikes, an upright bike is cheaper and most similar to an actual bike.

Dual-Action Exercise Bikes

This bike is a combination of a stationary bike and an elliptical machine. As soon as you step on the pedals, the handlebars move in sync.

Interactive Exercise Bikes

These are the most modern models of exercise bikes. It comes with tv and music players to keep you entertained while cycling.

Spin Bikes

When comparing exercise bikes to spin bikes the main difference is the high intensity of a spin bike and the ability to sit or stand. A spin bike can also bear more weight than an upright bike.

Treadmills

Best Cardio Machine If:

• You prefer to run or walk indoors
• You need a quick workout
• You want to burn a large number of calories in a short period

Muscles Targeted:

• Core, Calves, Hamstrings, and Glutes

With the latest technology, you can go running or walking in New York City or the middle of the Australian Outback using the state-of-the-art treadmill monitor. Some treadmills allow you to run backward as long as your coordination is good. Working out on a treadmill is effective if you want to burn calories in a short amount of time.

Treadmill Routines with 60-Second Intervals and 1-minute Recovery Time You Can Try:

• Start at 7mph
• Increase speed to 7.2mph
• Increase speed to 7.4mph
• Increase speed to 7.6mph
• Keep the speed for 120 seconds with a 1-minute walk every 60 seconds of running

Best Home Gym Equipment for Weight Loss

Best Cardio Machine If:

• You want maximum weight loss results
• You want to lose weight whilst having fun
• You want to keep all muscle groups in good condition

Muscles Targeted:

• Hamstrings, Core, Glutes, and Calves

Everyone wanted to look slim but healthy. These cardio machines can help you burn fat in the areas that you want to slim down. Aside from traditional cardio equipment, a jump rope can also help shed some weight while having fun.

My recommendations for the best home cardio equipment for weight loss:

Recumbent Bike

On a weight loss plan, exercising both the heart and the lungs help in increasing a person’s metabolism. When using this piece of equipment, do some stretching first to loosen tight muscles and avoid muscle pains after working out. A few minutes of squats, toe touches, and trunk rotations will do.

Adjust your seat to a proper height to keep your workouts effective. It should be bent while you are cycling. Start with a slow pedal for a warm-up and gradually increase the speed every 5 minutes. Choose your resistance and push forcefully with your legs.

Keep in mind that you need to keep good form to minimize the risk of injury. Proper breathing should be observed in a way that you can still talk and have a conversation with someone.

Jumping Rope

As mentioned earlier, jump rope can also be one of the best pieces of home gym equipment for weight loss. It doesn’t just assist in losing fat but also exercises your mental alertness.

Ideally the length of your jump rope should be 12-20 feet for adults, and comfortable enough to swing. Different kinds of jump ropes also add difficulty to a workout.

Weighted jump ropes can be used for cross fit or regular skipping. Or you can use speed jump ropes if you want more intense skipping. This is a lightweight rope that can swing fast.

Conclusion: Best Cardio Machines for Home

Whether you are looking for the best home gym equipment for weight loss or cardio machines for home, you should consider the best cardio equipment for home that will focus on the areas of the body that you want to workout.