The 16 Best Cardio Machines of 2023 for Any Home Gym, According to Experts
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
NordicTrack’s EXP 7i Treadmill has a high-tech touchscreen and folds up when you’re not using it
Verywell Fit / Marcus Millan
Reviewed by Kristin McGee, CPTFact checked by Rich Scherr
Cardiovascular health can have a huge impact on your quality of life, from improving sleep to managing anxiety, depression, and stress. The right machine can even boost your cardiovascular resistance and strength, says Eva Pena, CPT, a personal trainer with a background in physical therapy based in New York City. “Cardio machines are also a convenient way to stay moving when you don’t have the time or ability to leave your home, or the access to outdoor cardio options, like running,” she adds.
The right cardio machine for you is one you’ll use often. When shopping, look for one that’s appropriate for your fitness level and will help you meet your goals, whether you’re looking to move more or you’re recovering from an injury. It should also fit your space and budget. Ultimately, the best cardio machine for you is easy to use and provides a safe, enjoyable, and challenging workout.
If narrowing down the many options makes your heart race, we’ve got you. To help you find the right cardio machine, we consulted personal trainers with a background in physical therapy and dietetics to learn which features set the top cardio machines apart. Then, we researched dozens of options on the market and evaluated them based on cost, effectiveness, functionality, size, safety, and more to help refine our recommendations.
NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill
Best Overall
Pros
Interactive touch screen
Folds flat for storage
Comes with massage gun and yoga accessories
Cons
Heavy
A treadmill’s a treadmill—unless it’s our best overall pick, NordicTrack’s EXP 7i. It goes above and beyond traditional walking and running, with a fitness library containing over 16,000 workouts led by iFit trainers. Featuring speeds up to 10 miles per hour and a maximum 12 percent incline, the EXP 7i adjusts according to the workout, whether you’re virtually hiking through Switzerland or jogging in a Google Maps location of your choice.
Hop off the machine between routes to try yoga classes, recovery circuits, and other cross-training options. We love that this treadmill also comes with a massage gun, a yoga mat, a stretching strap, a yoga block, and more, so you can enjoy all of the classes NordicTrack has to offer without making additional investments.
The 7-inch touchscreen has plenty of interactive features, to help you track statistics, participate in daily challenges, and more. And the treadmill’s software can switch between five different adult profiles, or adjust the machine’s speed and incline automatically during iFit classes. We appreciate that the latest version of the EXP 7i has a more streamlined frame, with a lower step-up height for safety—but it’s one of the heaviest machines on our list. Even so, we love that it folds up and can even be propped up vertically when you’re done working out to save floor space.
Price at time of publication: $1,199
Key Specs:
Type: Treadmill | Dimensions: 77.3 x 35.3 x 59.6 inches | Weight: 222 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Display: 7-inch HD smart touchscreen
XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Exercise Bike
Best Budget
Pros
Compact design with wheels
Comfortable, cushioned seat
Quiet
Cons
No programmed workouts
Low weight capacity
This exercise bike is our top pick if you need an effective, low-impact way to get your cardio in on a budget. With a wheeled, folding design for simple storage, this quiet and sturdy stationary bike is great for small homes and shared spaces. It has eight challenging resistance levels and a straightforward LCD screen to help you track essential statistics, like speed, distance, time, and calories burned.
You can also monitor your heart rate while you bike, thanks to the handlebar sensors. We like that the adjustable, cushioned seat is nice and wide, for a comfortable ride. Plus, Xterra also offers a model with a backrest, if you need more support.
This no-frills bike doesn’t have programmed workouts, a device ledge, or a beverage holder. And like our Best Overall pick, it has a lower weight capacity. But we think the features it does offer are impressive, for the price.
Price at time of publication: $180
Key Specs:
Type: Stationary bike | Dimensions: 31.89 x 18.1 x 43.30 inches | Weight: 32 pounds | Weight Capacity: 225 pounds | Display: 2-inch LCD screen
Peloton Bike+
Best Luxury
Pros
Large, rotating touchscreen
100 levels of resistance
Includes professional assembly
Cons
Heavy
An upgrade from the original Peloton bike, we recommend Peloton’s Bike+ if you’re looking to invest in an ultra-quiet cardio machine with a long list of premium features. With a streamlined, solid frame, it has a surprisingly small footprint, but can accommodate riders up to 6 feet, 4 inches tall. It also has an impressive 100 levels of resistance and an optional “Auto-Follow'' feature that automatically adjusts to the right difficulty during any class or scenic ride.
To make the Bike+ worth it, we suggest subscribing to Peloton’s app for an additional cost—between $13 and $44 per month, depending on which level of membership you choose. Subscribing grants you and up to five users access to the app, including thousands of live and on-demand classes, and the ability to connect with other Peloton users and trainers. The large, 23.8-inch touch screen also rotates, so you can take non-cycling classes (like barre or yoga) off the bike.
The Bike+ requires clip-in bike shoes, which you can buy directly from Peloton's website, or sneaker cages, which you’ll need to purchase separately. But we love its high-tech features, including the ability to pair your heart monitor or wireless headphones using Bluetooth, a USB charging port, and Apple GymKit integration for syncing your Apple Watch.
While Peloton’s Bike+ is heavy, at 140 pounds, it does come with professional delivery and assembly. This, plus the Bike+’s thoughtful design and powerful technology, makes it well worth the investment, to us.
Price at time of publication: $2,495
Key Specs:
Type: Stationary bike | Dimensions: 59 x 59 x 22 inches | Weight: 140 pounds | Weight Capacity: 297 pounds | Display: 23.8” HD, anti-reflective, rotating touchscreen
Related:The 22 Best Peloton Bike Accessories of 2023
Hydrow Rower
Best High-Tech
Pros
Strava and Apple Health connectivity
Large, rotating touchscreen
Quiet
Cons
Expensive
Large and heavy
With immersive, scenic workouts and over 4,000 live and on-demand classes that you can take on or off the machine, the Hydrow Rower’s easy-to-use interface connects you with Hydrow Athletes to keep you motivated. Note: As with Peloton’s Bike+, you’ll need to purchase a Hydrow Membership for $44 per month to take full advantage of these features. But we like that you can make unlimited profiles for everyone in your household using just one membership.
The app also tracks plenty of performance metrics, and you can sync with your Apple Health or Strava profiles for even more tech-friendly tracking options. We like that this rower can accommodate rowers with up to a 36-inch inseam, and a smooth glide that uses an electromagnetic mechanism instead of noisy chains, water, or fans found in other rowers. Plus, the large touch screen pivots and tilts, to make working out anywhere in the room simple and easy.
While Hydrow’s Rower has a large footprint, the brand offers an optional Upright Storage Kit for tucking your machine away when not in use. Users also note that it’s easy to put together, but if you’d rather let someone else do the heavy lifting for you, you can also opt for professional in-home assembly. Despite the high price tag, the Hydrow Rower’s impressive features won us over: For a seamless, high-tech experience, we think it can’t be beat.
Price at time of publication: $2,495
Key Specs:
Type: Rower | Dimensions: 86 x 25 x 47 inches | Weight: 145 pounds | Weight Capacity: 375 pounds | Display: 22-inch HD rotating touch screen
Related:The Hydrow Rower Review
NordicTrack Commercial 2450
Best Treadmill
Pros
Incline and decline settings
Large, wide tread belt
Wide touch screen
Cons
Heavy
Expensive
While we think the EXP 7i is an ideal starting point, the Commercial 2450 is our top treadmill pick because it has more functionality (at a higher price point). It’s durable, with a solid construction and larger motor for avid runners, but it also folds and can be stored vertically to help maximize floor space.
Unlike the EXP 7i, the Commercial 2450 can adjust both up to 12 percent incline or minus-3 percent decline. The 22-inch touchscreen that can tilt and pivot also dwarfs the EXP 7i’s 7-inch version, which only tilts. Plus, we like that it offers speeds up to 12 miles per hour, compared to the EXP 7i’s maximum speed of 10 miles per hour. But both treadmills come with the same additional accessories, including a yoga mat, a stretching strap, a yoga block, and a massage gun.
The long, wide tread belt makes this treadmill ideal for tall runners with a longer stride. And we like that the belt runs under the guide rails—a safer, longer-lasting belt design. However, weighing 286 pounds, this is one of the heaviest machines on our list.
Like the EXP 7i, this model allows access to the iFit exercise library, Google Maps workout locations, heart-rate monitoring, and smart workout suggestions. A few other details, like a fan, water bottle holder, and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, make this solid treadmill an intuitive option that’s built to last.
Price at time of publication: $3,000
Key Specs:
Type: Treadmill | Dimensions: 78.5 x 35.6 x 65 inches | Weight: 286 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Display: 22-inch HD rotating, tilting touch screen
Bowflex Max Trainer M6
Best Elliptical Machine
Pros
Small footprint
Comes with a one-year JRNY membership
Magnetic rack for tablet or smartphone
Cons
Not as quiet
The best ellipticals are compact and offer a challenging, low-impact workout. We recommend Bowflex’s Max Trainer M6, which has 16 levels of resistance and a shorter step pattern than other elliptical machines on the market. The result: An efficient circuit that tests your muscular endurance while helping you reach your target heart rate.
We like the cushioned handles and wide pedals that offer a safe, stable experience. A clear digital display makes it easy to track metrics like calories burned and time spent exercising. For even more information, download Bowflex’s JRNY app on your smartphone and activate your free, one-year membership. Then, rest your phone on the magnetic rack to follow virtual workouts, coaching advice, and personalized targets to help you reach your fitness goals.
If you or your phone run low on juice, there’s a USB charging port and cup holder whenever you need to refresh. While we love this elliptical machine’s small, space-saving footprint, some users have found that it makes some noise. (If you’re looking for a quiet machine, Peloton’s Bike+ is one of our top picks.)
For $500 more, Bowflex’s Max Trainer M9 has many of the same features, plus a high-definition touch screen and four additional levels of resistance.
Price at time of publication: $1,499
Key Specs:
Type: Elliptical | Dimensions: 46 x 26 x 64.2 inches | Weight: 148 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Display: Digital
Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine
Best Rower
Pros
Less expensive than the Hydrow Rower
Comes in a range of bright colors
Lightweight
Cons
Takes longer to assemble
Vertical storage sold separately
While we like the Hydrow Rower’s high-tech features, we love that the Wave’s stylish, compact design offers an equivalent workout for less money—earning our top rower spot. Although the Wave is over 40 pounds lighter than the Hydrow Rower, it has the same weight capacity. The sleek design also makes it easier to store the Wave when you’re not using it or anchor it to the wall using Hydrow’s Wave Vertical Anchor, sold separately.
Adjustable foot cradles can accommodate users of varying heights. And we love that the Wave comes in a range of bright colors (for an additional cost), which sets it apart from the other machines on our list. To get the full Hydrow experience, we recommend purchasing a Hydrow membership for $44 per month: You’ll get access to a library of over 4,000 virtual workouts, unlimited profiles for everyone in your household, and more.
You’ll only sacrifice on a few key features—like the screen, which measures 16 inches compared to the original Rower’s 22 and can’t swivel. And while Hydrow also offers in-home assembly for the Wave, if you choose to do it yourself, the brand says it will take up to 90 minutes (while the Rower only takes around 30). But if you have a tighter budget, we think the Wave has everything you need to get started rowing in a modern, user-friendly package.
Price at time of publication: $1,895
Key Specs:
Type: Rower | Dimensions: 80 x 19 x 43 inches | Weight: 102 pounds | Weight Capacity: 375 pounds | Display: 16-inch HD Touchscreen
Sunny Health & Fitness Cardio Climber
Best Stair Climber
Pros
Budget-friendly
Wheels for easy storage
Quiet
Cons
Basic display
Low weight capacity
For a low-impact way to condition your legs and glutes, we recommend Sunny Health & Fitness’ Cardio Climber. Eight easy-to-adjust resistance levels and non-slip pedals provide a safe and challenging workout. Users have also found that the climber’s mechanics are quiet, so you can exercise when you need to without disturbing your roommates, family members, or neighbors.
We like that you can monitor basic metrics like time spent exercising, speed, distance traveled, and calories burned using the climber’s digital display. While it’s not as large or interactive as other touch screens (like the one on NordicTrack’s EXP 7i Treadmill), it still has all the information you need to track your progress.
We also appreciate that the frame has places to stash your phone, tablet, and water bottle. The Cardio Climber doesn't fold up, but it’s still compact—plus, it has wheels, so you can move it whenever you need to. And while it’s one of the lighter cardio machines on our list at around 64 pounds, it also has a lower weight capacity.
Price at time of publication: $289
Key Specs:
Type: Stair climber | Dimensions: 23 x 60 x 42 inches | Weight: 63.9 pounds | Weight Capacity: 220 pounds | Display: Digital
Maxi Climber The Original Patented Vertical Climber
Best Vertical Climber
Pros
Lightweight and compact
Budget-friendly
Comes with a free app
Cons
Small foot pedals
Low weight capacity
MaxiClimber’s Vertical Climber Classic uses your body weight as resistance to provide a full-body, low-impact cardio workout. We chose this manual machine as our top vertical climber for its no-fuss setup, easy operation, and budget-friendly price point. Plus, at 33 pounds, it’s light enough that you can quickly fold it up and tuck it away after each workout.
We also love that this climber comes with free access to MaxiClimber’s Fitness App. Track your progress, join challenges, and try new HIIT workouts straight from your smartphone—just note that the climber doesn’t have a space to hold your tech, so you’ll need to prop it up somewhere nearby. The platform even provides a meal plan and digital recipes.
We like that the frame comes nearly fully assembled and can be easily adjusted. Foam handles provide a comfortable grip, and the digital display tracks your steps and calories burned while you sweat. But the pedals are on the smaller side, and the weight capacity is only 240 pounds. For a tougher, more expensive climber that has plenty of space for your feet, try MaxiClimber’s XL-2000 Hydraulic Resistance Vertical Climber.
Price at time of publication: $175
Key Specs:
Type: Vertical climber | Dimensions: 57 x 10 x 6 inches | Weight: 33 pounds | Weight Capacity: 240 pounds | Display: Digital
Bowflex VeloCore Bike
Best Indoor Exercise Bike
Pros
Leaning mode
Comes with a set of dumbbells
Doesn’t require cycling shoes
Cons
Seat isn’t as cushioned
Heavy
If Peloton’s Bike+ is outside of your budget, or you’re looking for a simpler bike that still has high-tech features, we recommend Bowflex’s VeloCore Bike. When we tested indoor cycling bikes, we loved the VeloCore’s ability to switch between leaning and stationary mode. Leaning mode simulates riding a real road bike, allowing you to shift left and right for an immersive, responsive workout.
The VeloCore also has a few design features that set it apart from Peloton. First, Bowflex lets you choose between a 16-inch console and a 22-inch console. The VeloCore’s pedals also have a dual-sided design we liked, meaning you can ride with your current spin shoes or regular sneakers without having to purchase new footwear.
We also like that the VeloCore’s frame and handles are easy to customize for a comfortable ride, too, although we noticed that the seat doesn’t have a lot of padding. But you’ll also get a pair of 3-pound dumbbells to use while riding. Activate your included one-year JRNY membership to access scenic rides, live workouts, or watch a show on your favorite streaming service. (And unlike Peloton, you can make an unlimited number of profiles on one account.)
Price at time of publication: $1,799 (16-inch screen), $2,199 (22-inch screen)
Key Specs:
Type: Stationary bike | Dimensions: 59.8 x 24.1 x 55.3 inches | Weight: 158.3 pounds | Weight Capacity: 325 pounds | Display: 16- or 22-inch HD touchscreen
Schwinn 270 Recumbent Exercise Bike
Best Recumbent Bike
Pros
29 preset workouts
Ventilated seat
Use your phone as a secondary screen
Cons
Heart rate monitors may not be accurate
We chose Schwinn’s 270 as our best overall recumbent bike for its impressive connectivity, comfortable seat, and wide range of resistance levels. We also like that it’s highly customizable, with 25 resistance levels, a seat that slides to accommodate riders of different heights, and room to create four profiles for each rider in your household.
A ventilated, cushioned seat and a fan with three speeds keep you feeling cool and comfortable. But while we like that the hand grips at each side feature built-in heart rate monitors, some users have found that they aren’t very accurate.
This bike’s LCD display has easy-to-use buttons to help you navigate through 29 preset workouts, change the resistance, see your statistics, and more. Connect your phone using Bluetooth to play your favorite music. We love the USB port, which doesn’t just charge your phone—it turns your personal device into a secondary screen, so you can ride virtual cycling routes using apps like Explore the World (although a subscription is required).
Price at time of publication: $1,075
Key Specs:
Type: Recumbent bike | Dimensions: 27.7 x 64 x 49.9 inches | Weight: 86.6 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Display: LCD
Assault Fitness Assault Airbike Classic
Best Air Bike
Pros
Standard pedals can be replaced
Six-way adjustable seat
Cons
Noisy
A smooth pedaling system and clear, digital display make this bike from AssaultFitness our top pick for an air bike, or airdyne. This classic gym staple uses wind resistance to build your endurance and stamina—the harder you pedal, the more resistance you get (plus a cooling breeze from the fan in front).
The bike’s grippy handles are designed to help you add in upper body training, for a full body workout. We like that the seat can be adjusted in six directions, or replaced, if you need more cushioning. However, the Assault Airbike does have a chain drive, which tends to be louder than most other machines on our list.
The digital display provides your speed, distance, and calories burned. It also features preprogrammed workouts, including Tabata and Interval modes to shake up your usual cycling routine. Just note that the bike only comes with standard pedals, but they can be swapped out for new ones if you’re looking to wear your cycling shoes while riding.
Price at time of publication: $999
Key Specs:
Type: Airdyne bike | Dimensions: 60 x 23.3 x 50 inches | Weight: 110 pounds | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Display: Digital
Assault Fitness Air Runner Pro
Best Air Runner
Pros
Doesn’t require electricity
Removable handrails
No maximum speed
Cons
Expensive
Heavy
If you want to improve your pace or tackle new running goals indoors, we love this manual treadmill that’s powered by your own strides. Designed to help refine your running form, the curved tread works with your natural stride to boost your speed, making it ideal for sprinting and high-intensity training. This air runner doesn’t have a maximum speed, either, so you can set your own pace or push yourself faster with every session.
There is a learning curve to controlling this treadmill, especially when slowing down—something to keep in mind if you’ve never used an air runner before. And the belt doesn’t have any grade variation, meaning you can’t adjust the incline or decline. However, we like that you can remove the handrails, depending on your space or personal preference.
Since the AssaultRunner doesn’t require electricity, it has no cords or plugs, so you can put it anywhere (unlike our other treadmill picks, NordicTrack’s EXP 7i and Commercial 2450). But we love that it still has connectivity, including Bluetooth and ANT+ for monitoring your heart rate. The display also tracks plenty of basic metrics, including time, distance, heart rate, and calories burned, with some built-in interval training programs to keep your workouts interesting.
While it’s one of the heaviest and most expensive cardio machines on our list, we think its unique features and design make it a solid investment for runners.
Price at time of publication: $3,000
Key Specs:
Type: Air runner | Dimensions: 69.9 x 31.7 x 64.4 inches | Weight: 282.2 pounds | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Display: Digital
Gazelle Edge Glider
Best Air Walker
Pros
Foldable
Budget-friendly
Lightweight
Cons
Only works one plane of motion
No resistance settings
For a low-impact air walker, we recommend Gazelle’s Edge Glider. Its wide foot cradles and foam-covered handles offer stability and support, for a comfortable workout. We also like that it comes with a manual, to help you get the hang of six different exercises.
The 45-pound Edge Glider is lightweight, easy to move around, and foldable, too. And we like that it’s one of the less expensive cardio machines on our list, making it an easy addition to your home gym.
Since this machine doesn’t have any resistance settings, you’ll need to pick up the pace to make your workout more challenging. If you’re looking for an air walker with resistance, try Gazelle’s slightly more expensive Freestyle or Sprinter models. Also, the Gazelle only works the frontal plane of motion (meaning it only creates forward and backward motion), so we recommend it as a supplement to other types of training, like weightlifting.
Price at time of publication: $200
Key Specs:
Type: Air walker | Dimensions: 43 x 29.25 x 53.75 inches | Weight: 45 pounds | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Display: Digital
Concept 2 SkiErg
Best Ski Erg
Pros
Little assembly required
Ergonomic handles
Base or wall mounts available
Cons
Expensive
You don’t have to hit the slopes to reap the fitness benefits of skiing with our top pick, Concept 2’s SkiErg. Used by skiers to get their bodies ready for the next fresh powder, this ski erg is another low-impact way to condition your upper body, core, and lower body muscles. The ergonomic handles’ downward motion helps build endurance and explosive power that will come in handy on or off the slopes.
Challenge yourself by adjusting the resistance or diving into the SkiErg’s preprogrammed workouts. We like the digital monitor, which provides statistics and allows you to connect a heart rate monitor via Bluetooth or ANT+. There’s also a smartphone mount on the console if you want to stream workouts or use Concept2’s free ErgData app, which can also track and log your sessions.
This durable machine comes with a wall mount, but a floor stand is also available in case you want to move it around. It is expensive, but with all of its features and a simple assembly process that requires just 12 screws, we think you get what you pay for.
Price at time of publication: $850
Key Specs:
Type: Ski erg | Dimensions: 52 x 24 x 85 inches | Weight: 46 pounds | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Display: LCD
Tangram SmartRope Rookie Donut
Most Portable
Pros
Budget-friendly
Durable silicone coating
Adjustable rope length
Cons
Handles may be slippery
Our top choice for the best portable cardio machine is this cordless jump rope that weighs just under 11 ounces. Each handle is attached to a 0.8-ounce, donut-shaped weight for resistance as you skip, for the same feel as a traditional jump rope. You can even change the length of the ropes to suit your swing, height, or space.
Incorporate the SmartRope into elevated box steps during circuit workouts or side-to-side motions for an extra challenge. You can also use the app on your smartphone or smartwatch to access motivating interval workouts, competitions with friends, and your own statistics. While we like that the modern design is available in a variety of colors, the handles aren’t contoured, so they might not be grippy enough for some.
Better for small or indoor areas than a standard rope, Tangram’s SmartRope Rookie Donut can be used for more than just jumping in place. We love how easy it is to pack for the gym or on vacation for a quick way to work up a sweat, elevate your heartbeat, and engage the entire body. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and features a durable silicone coating that repels dust and prevents scratches or scrapes.
Price at time of publication: $55
Key Specs:
Type: Cordless jump rope | Dimensions: 1.1 x 1.1 x 5.9 inches | Weight: 10.6 ounces | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Display: In app only
Related:9 Best Cordless Jump Ropes of 2023, According to a Personal Trainer
How We Selected the Best Cardio Machines
To choose the best cardio machines, we first asked Stephanie Hnatiuk, RD, CPT, a registered dietician and fitness coach based in Winnipeg, MB, Canada, and Eva Pena, PT, ASFA-CPT, ISSA-CPT, a personal trainer with a background in physical therapy, for their expert advice on which features every high-quality cardio machine should have. They also shared with us which machines are best for different needs and fitness goals, along with the benefits and potential risks of using them.
Then, we researched dozens of cardio machines from the top, trusted brands. We only chose products that ranked highly in key areas, like cost, functionality, and safety features. We also considered how easy each machine was to use, and how much effort it would take to move or store them. Finally, our writer, a certified personal trainer and runner who has owned and used many cardio machines, applied her personal and professional experience to detail our recommendations in this guide.
What to Look For in a Cardio Machine
Price
When shopping for cardio machines, sometimes making a bigger investment upfront can pay off in the long run: “You might be able to spend just a little bit more to get a machine that lasts you ten years, versus only five for a lower-cost model or brand,” Hnatiuk says. She adds that less expensive machines may also need more frequent repairs or replacement parts, which can add up over time.
On the other hand, expensive does not always necessarily mean better, Pena adds. Depending on the type of machine, she says there are plenty of affordable options that can be just as effective as their pricier counterparts. It depends what’s most important to you—while NordicTrack’s Commercial 2450 is our favorite treadmill, the brand’s EXP 7i Treadmill is our top overall pick because it offers many of the same features at a lower price point.
Fitness Level
It’s also important to make sure the cardio machine you’re considering purchasing matches your fitness level. Many machines have adjustable settings to accommodate and challenge most users. “There are even some machines, like trainer treadmills, that are meant for a specific training purpose or skill level,” Pena says, “so when selecting your machine, make sure it’s appropriate for your fitness goal and skill level.”
If you’re a cardio beginner or recovering from an injury, it’s a good idea to consult a health care professional before revamping your exercise routine. “Anyone with a history of injuries or medical history which can be impacted by a change in activity level should check with their doctor before beginning an exercise program, and work on building up their fitness level with the guidance of a trained fitness professional,” Hnatiuk explains.
Size
Make sure your cardio machine fits comfortably in your home gym space, is stable and safe, and feels comfortable to use. Most machines have adjustable seats and backrests, to fit users of different heights. But you may need to spend some time perfecting these settings to reduce your risk of injury, Hnatiuk explains: “What's important here is testing the machine before you buy it, so you know exactly how it feels and you can be sure it’s comfortable for you.” (When shopping online, this might mean purchasing a machine with a longer return policy so you can gauge if it’s right for you.)
Effectiveness
“While all cardiovascular exercise is beneficial, the type of machine you choose can depend on your fitness goals or any limitations you might have,” Hnatiuk says. Opt for a machine that will compliment other types of training that you do, for a well-rounded workout routine. If you’re aiming for an efficient, full-body workout, Pena suggests looking for machines that target multiple muscle groups at once, like ellipticals, ski ergs, and climbers. A rower (like Hydrow’s Rower or Wave Rowing Machine) is also a solid choice, she adds, as long as you’re using proper form.
Additional Features
Your machine should also have features that work properly and are useful to you, like a clear display and accurate metrics. Incline and decline settings, resistance modes, and preprogrammed workouts are also nice to have, depending on your fitness goals. If you’re looking for a luxury machine, Peloton’s Bike+ has a large, rotating touchscreen and the ability to automatically adjust its resistance levels while you’re riding. We also highly recommend purchasing a cardio machine with safety features, like an emergency stop button, detection sensor, or safety key.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cardio machine burns the most fat?
“The ability to burn fat is not related to the machine you use, it’s about how you use it,” Pena says. Hnatiuk adds that any cardio machine can provide a “fat burning” effect, depending on which resistance, speed, or elevation settings you’re using. “But the idea that we should exercise in a specific ‘fat burning zone’ is a myth,” she explains.
Instead, both experts recommend working up to moderate or high-intensity exercise, after clearing any new workout routines with a medical professional. This boosts your heart rate into your target heart rate zone, which conditions your heart and also helps the body burn more calories. “It’s also important to remember that you don’t need a long cardio workout to burn fat,” Pena says. “Just 20 to 25 minutes is enough for that purpose, and its effect can last up to 24 hours after the workout is done.”
What’s the most effective cardio machine?
To achieve the health benefits from any cardio exercise, the American Heart Association recommends that adults aim for 150 minutes per week of moderate activity, 75 minutes at a higher intensity, or a combination of the two. “While all cardio exercise is valuable for our overall health and fitness, if we have specific goals, we should choose exercises that are specific to that sport or activity,” Hnatiuk says.
In other words, if you’re an avid skier, Concept 2’s SkiErg will strengthen your core and upper body to boost your endurance on the slopes. But runners who are looking for a challenging way to train indoors might benefit more from Assault Fitness’ AssaultRunner Pro, which is designed to improve your speed and form. And, as with all exercise, consistency is key to developing an exercise routine that produces results.
What’s the best cardio machine for a home gym?
“The best cardio machine someone can purchase for their home is the one they’ll honestly use the most often and enjoy getting on at least a few times per week,” Pena says. “I would strongly recommend avoiding machines that are ‘trendy’ or [ones] you’re feeling pushed to buy because others have them. Pick something you enjoy doing, and you’ll be able to get a great workout with it.”
Why Trust Verywell Fit
A certified personal trainer and runner, Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT, CNC, loves her cardio, getting in a daily run, HIIT workout, or hiking whenever she can. She finds cardio machines extremely helpful for cross-training. Having owned a few treadmills and stationary bikes over the years, she loves a machine like NordicTrack’s Exp 14i Treadmill to get her heart racing. For this guide, she prioritized trustworthy exercise equipment brands that provide safe and effective products.
Read Next:We Tested The Best Folding Treadmills for Saving Space, Here are the Top 10
