One of the most efficient ways to slim down is to invest in the best home gym equipment for weight loss. Why?
Well for starters, it is harder to skip a workout if the equipment is right there inside your own home. In fact, research shows that working out at home is just as effective as working out at a gym.
If you want to lose weight, you’ll need to engage in a lot of cardio. As someone who is continuing their weight loss journey, I’ve composed a list of my favorite at-home cardio equipment.
Contents
1. The “all-to-familiar” Treadmill
The treadmill, our old favorite is by far the most famous piece of cardio equipment for losing weight, and for good reason.
Treadmills are great for speed walking, jogging or running. The machine is easy to use and there are different speeds and settings available, both of which can automatically change if part of a preset program.
With the help of good quality screens and audio, there are often immersive options that allow you to be running in a wooded glade with friends or following an online trainer giving encouragement.
If you are just starting out on pushing the limits of your cardio exercise, treadmills are great to use for all ages and abilities.
If you want to really push the weight loss button, start inclining! And with that thought what about a HIIT workout on a treadmill.
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Best in Class for treadmills in 2024
My #1 pick for a treadmill in 2022 is the NordicTrack Commercial 2950. It is on the pricier side; however, it comes with neat features, moves smoothly, and has a high maximum incline of 15%.
A screen is built into the machine, allowing users to watch TV or different landscapes while they work out. Like most of NordicTrack treadmills, the Commercial 2950 is very reliable.
There are endless training options via the iFIT software.
With my dodgy ankles, I like the cushioning the deck gives you without taking anything away from the track, trail or road you might be traveling on.
2. The Stair-Stepper Machine
I personally hate the stair-stepper machine. It simulates walking up a never-ending flight of stairs.
Regardless, the stair-stepper machine is extremely effective for weight loss. This is the only reason why the stair-stepper machine is on this list.
The workout is intense and burns off a lot of calories. The stair-stepper creates resistance while you get in your cardio. The pain is worth it!
Best in Class for Stair-steppers in 2024
I do not like any stair-stepper machine. If I had to pick my one, I would go with the Sunny Health and Fitness Cardio Climber.
Sunny Health is a good fitness equipment brand these days and this machine appears well made and is a good price.
This machine caters to you and allows you to customize your workout with 8 magnetic resistance levels to choose from.
3. The Elliptical
The elliptical machine is a popular choice for cardio workouts. Cardio gurus know that the elliptical provides a workout with low impact.
The elliptical low-impact qualities make the machine ideal for people who struggle with joint pain or simply want to avoid developing any problems with knees ankles and hips.
The machine is stationary and mimics a sort of running/sliding motion but your arms can be activated as well, meaning you can easily get your heart rate up.
This machine is excellent for those that love variety. You can walk, run, or climb using the elliptical.
Best in Class for Ellipticals in 2024
The best value-for-money elliptical is one that has recently seen a price drop. It makes the Schwinn Fitness 430 elliptical a fantastic buy. Even just nudging under the 1k it was good but at 40% off it’s a snip.
Ellipticals are inherently noisy. There are a lot of moving parts. But I found this one pretty quiet.
It has a fully functional dashboard that allows you to set goals. You can set goals using a combination of the many different programs, preset, custom, fitness tests and so on.
All with the ability to change up through the 20 levels of resistance.
4. The Spinning Bike
The spinning bike is another classic that was pioneered in the 1980s. Mad Dogg Athletics bought the word “spinning” as a trademark to differentiate it from other stationary bikes.
The spinning bike took off because it allowed cyclists to train without risking injury and does not use electricity.
The resistance in the spinning bike was originally manual friction. Nowadays, you can buy a spinning bike that uses magnetic resistance – great for longevity.
Best in Class for Spinning Bikes in 2024
The notable spinning bike, of course, hails from Mad Dogg Athletics. The new Pace Connected Spinner bike feels like you’re riding an actual bike, which I like.
But it’s a bit pricier than most and there’s a lot of choices out there these days.
Check out our research into the best spin bikes here; these are where a subscription is not necessary.
Spoiler alert – our top choice was the L NOW Commercial Grade Bike but it’s a good price.
5. The Exercise Bike
I know what you’re thinking. Didn’t we just go over bikes? Not entirely!
There are many different kinds of stationary bikes you can use for working out, each with slightly different features.
Exercise bikes generally use electricity, unlike spinning bikes. Exercise bikes are another extremely popular option in the cardio world as well.
Both spinning and exercise bikes are great for burning calories quickly, especially if the intensity of the workout is increased.
Best in Class For Exercise Bikes in 2024
We have bikes covered in our section all about exercise bikes and for more detail an article on the types of bikes for indoor use.
6. The Rowing Machine
A rowing machine is like a bike machine. Except, you are not biking like a professional biker. You are rowing like a professional rower.
The rower is extremely fun to use and one of my favorite machines for cardio. The rowing machine is meant to imitate the feeling of rowing on the water and offers great resistance to increase exercise intensity.
It is another very low impact for of exercise with many benefits. Rowing incorporates strength training into your session as well as cardio.
I love rowing for the continuous light but effective strain that your core gets. That’s “strain” in a good way.
There is a technique to be learned in rowing. I see many people doing it incorrectly putting strain on the back unnecessarily. Check out our article here to find out more.
And for the best rowers in their class and the differences in the types of rowers check out our rowing machine section.
Best in Class For Rowing Machines in 2024
My favorite rowing machine has been the Concept 2 Model D by RowErg. This rowing machine is simple and offers air resistance.
The Concept 2 Model D is a standard model, wonderfully made without all the fancy technological add-ons and a long time favorite of elite and not so elite athletes.
The simplicity of the machine makes it last a long time, and the fanciest feature is a heart-rate monitor. What more do you need?
Top of the range rowing machine – one that has all the bells and whistles – in our opinion. See our review of the Aviron Rowing Machine.
7. The Ski Erg Machine
The ski erg machine resembles an upside-down rowing machine. The ski erg machine is great for getting your heart rate up and utilizing your upper body.
As the name implies, you look like you are skiing when you use a ski erg.
It looks a load of fun but I have to admit neither using this machine nor a similar one – it’s on my to-do list.
Best in Class For Skiers in 2024
The best and most popular ski erg machine is the Concept 2 Ski Erg. The machine has several monitors and flywheel resistance.
Using the machine apparently feels like you are actually skiing! Nordic skiing that is.
Advocates of the Concept 2 Ski Erg machine swear by this. It’s got a 95% 5 star rating on Amazon – never seen the likes.
8. The Air Glider
The air glider, or air walker, looks similar to an elliptical.
Like the elliptical, it is considered a low-impact workout ideal for joints. The air glider is not bad, and it is possible to get a full workout on one of these machines.
As far as low-impact machines go, they’re usually on the cheaper side compared to ellipticals. However, there is not much resistance in an air glider to add to your workout.
Best in Class For Gliders in 2024
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 Air Walk Trainer is the best air glider on the market by far.
The machine is reasonably priced and comes with pedals that can simulate a run or a walk.
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 Air Walk Trainer is also easy to store, which is ideal if you do not have a lot of room. Most exercise machines are quite bulky.
9. The Punching Bag
The punching bag is great for blowing off steam while getting a great workout in. If you ever boxed, you know that using a punching bag will really get your heart rate going.
There are many different types of punching bags. Some are filled with water or sand.
Some bags hang down, and some are free-standing. You will have fun using any of the types. Just make sure you remember gloves.
Best in Class For Punch Bags
My favorite punching bag is the FITVEN Freestanding Punching Bag. It is easy to set up with a suction cup base and even comes with free gloves that match the bag.
Into Kickboxing? Perfect.
This punching bag is quite affordable! Although punch bags are generally not cheap.
I would love to have had one of these in the office – when I worked in one. Great for getting rid of work-related frustrations.
Conclusion
Some of my clients in the past have sworn by waist trainers to help lose belly fat but I’m not sure. They certainly need to be worn in conjunction with some serious activity.
Another perk of buying your own gym equipment is that it gives you options. Purchasing your own machines gives you the freedom to buy something you’ll know you enjoy, all while saving money on a gym membership.
If you do not have space or the budget for any of these machines, other cardio options exist out there. Jump ropes are a good substitute for machines or exercise bands.
Before you buy anything, make sure you do your research! You do not want to buy something that you will regret. Invest in the best home gym equipment for weight loss and for your overall health.
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