Losing weight and reducing body fat are common goals, and consistent cardio exercise stands out as an effective strategy. With a variety of cardio equipment available, finding the best home fitness machine for weight loss can be a daunting task. This article explores several top options, considering factors like workout intensity, space requirements, and personal preferences.
Benefits of a Home Gym
A home gym offers numerous advantages, primarily convenience and cost savings.
Time Efficiency
Eliminating travel time to a commercial gym saves valuable time, making it easier to fit workouts into a busy schedule. With a home gym, exercising becomes more accessible, as the workout space is always open and ready for use.
Cost Savings
While setting up a home gym requires an initial investment, it can be more cost-effective in the long run compared to ongoing gym membership fees.
Setting Up a Home Exercise Area
Creating an inviting and functional workout space is crucial for consistent use. The ideal setup caters to individual preferences and fitness goals.
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Space Considerations
A spare bedroom, basement, or garage can provide ample space, but even a small corner of a living room can be transformed into a decent exercise area.
Creating an Inviting Environment
Motivational pictures, quotes, a TV for streaming online classes, extra lights, speakers, or a full-length mirror can make the space more appealing and encourage regular use.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Exercise Equipment
Before investing in equipment, consider the following:
Gradual Buildup
Start with a few essential pieces and gradually add more as needed.
Testing Equipment
Whenever possible, try out equipment in a store to assess its feel and quality.
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Versatility
Opt for equipment that can be used in a variety of ways to add options and maintain interest.
Size
Ensure the workout area offers enough room to move around comfortably without overcrowding.
Essential Home Gym Equipment
Dumbbells/Kettlebells
These versatile tools allow for a wide range of exercises targeting various muscle groups. Adjustable dumbbells or kettlebells can save space and money.
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands provide similar strength gains to traditional weights at a lower cost and with greater portability.
Stability Ball/Ab Wheel
These tools are effective for targeting core muscles, which are essential for stability and overall fitness.
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Miscellaneous Items
Other useful items include an exercise mat, bench, gliding discs, jump rope, and medicine balls.
Larger Exercise Equipment
Treadmills
Treadmills are a popular choice for cardio workouts, simulating running or walking indoors.
Indoor Cycling Bikes
Indoor cycling bikes offer a low-impact cardio option, suitable for various fitness levels.
Ellipticals
Ellipticals provide a low-impact, full-body workout, engaging both upper and lower body muscles.
Rowers
Rowers offer a comprehensive workout, engaging multiple muscle groups and providing both cardio and strength training benefits.
Climbers
Climbers, such as stair steppers, provide an intense lower body workout, simulating stair climbing.
Punching Bag
A punching bag offers a high-intensity cardio workout and can be a fun way to relieve stress.
Weightlifting System or Barbell Set
These are essential for strength training, allowing for a wide range of exercises to build muscle mass.
Top 5 Cardio Machines for Weight Loss
1. Treadmill
The treadmill is a common and effective cardio machine found in many home gyms. It offers a full-body workout, with calorie burn depending on the user's weight and workout intensity. On average, one can burn between 500 to 1,000 calories per hour on a treadmill.
Key Features of the NordicTrack X22i:
- Robust Design: A durable machine with a fantastic range of incline and decline options.
- Quiet Motor: Operates quietly despite reaching high speeds.
- Incline and Decline: Replicates hill work with incline options from -5% to 40%, allowing for downhill running practice.
- Workouts: Offers 40 pre-programmed options and over 16,000 on-demand classes via an iFit subscription.
- Display: Features a large 22” HD touchscreen for immersive training.
Pros:* Effective for enhancing energy expenditure.
- Safer, more convenient, and private compared to outdoor running.
- Offers outdoor simulation features and entertainment options.
Cons:* Can be high-impact, not ideal for those with joint issues.
- Takes up a significant amount of space.
- Requires an iFit subscription for full access to workouts.
2. Walking Treadmill
A walking treadmill is a versatile way to burn calories. It can be used under a desk or table, allowing one to get some gentle steps in while working on other things.
Key Features of the Mobvoi Home Treadmill:
- Space-Saving Design: Compact and foldable, fitting easily under a work desk or table.
- Affordable: Budget-friendly option.
- Versatile: Can be used for gentle steps while working or lifted for a gentle run.
Pros:* Versatile for burning calories during work or leisure.
- Sturdy design and quiet motor.
- Great value for the price.
Cons:* Low maximum speed, not suitable for intense running.
- Narrow tread belt.
3. Exercise Bike
An exercise bike is a low-impact way to workout. It is a versatile machine where the rider generally doesn’t need to support their own weight. They can provide a very intense workout, or can be used at much lower intensities for people recovering from injuries or just getting started on their fitness journey.
Key Features of the Yosuda Indoor Stationary Cycling Bike:
- Sturdy and Smooth Ride: Well-constructed stationery bike.
- Comfortable Seat: Boasts the best-cushioned bike seat.
- Affordable: Budget-conscious entry into the market.
Pros:* Comfortable and quiet.
- Impressive build quality for the price.
- Suitable for simple spin sessions without interactive screens.
Cons:* Basic metric tracking.
- No full-screen console.
Key Features of the Peloton Bike:
- Design: Luxurious and stylish matte-black finish.
- Workouts: Fun and well-designed with a huge variety, from short and sharp to long and steady, and plenty of "off the bike" workouts too.
- Magnetic Resistance: Smooth and quiet.
Pros:* Beautiful and robust design.
- Fantastic workouts.
Cons:* Expensive.
- App cost is equivalent to a gym membership.
- Tablet functionality could be improved.
4. Rowing Machine
A rowing machine offers a full-body workout, engaging multiple muscle groups and providing both cardio and strength training benefits.
Key Features of the Concept2 RowErg:
- Design: Sturdy and robust.
- Display: Backlit LCD screen provides lots of data.
Pros:* Great value for money.
- Reliable and durable.
- Great full-body low-impact workouts.
Cons:* Little interactivity/connectivity.
- Uninspired design.
Key Features of the Aviron Strong Series Rower:
- Design: Sturdy and robust.
- Features: Comes with an array of features designed to keep you hooked on working out, from addictive games and fun weight loss workouts to rowing challenges, including racing against other users.
- Seat: High seat and widely adjustable footplates.
Pros:* Sturdy and robust.
- Can be stored upright.
- Plenty of motivational features.
Cons:* Large and heavy.
- On the expensive side.
- Most features are subscription-only.
5. Stepper Machine
Exercising on a stepper machine forces the user to move their lower body on a strict incline during their cardio workout.
Pros:* Adjustable resistance.
- Provides handles on the side to help support and stabilize the user.
- A fantastic option for losing weight (as long as it is safe to do so) is to increase the speed of the stair climber.
Cons:* If you hate walking up the stairs, these aren’t going to be a great home gym purchase.
- People with certain knee or back issues could find them uncomfortable.
Gym Machines for Strength Building
Gym machines are a staple for building lean muscle and burning fat. They can help you maintain proper form, gradually increase resistance and improve your range of motion.
1. Cable Machine
The cable machine is a versatile tool that provides you with a multitude of options," says Cara Dobbertin, a physical therapist based out of Colorado and a team member at Practitionr, a content site to help medical practitioners navigate their careers or private practice. You can target every major muscle group using the cable machine.
2. Hamstring Curl Machine
The average American has weak hamstrings, which can lead to hamstring injuries. The hamstrings are a smaller muscle group than the quads, so they often don't get as much attention when training.
3. High-Row Machine
The high-row is one of the gym machines that can help train the back and improve posture. Especially with the rise of remote and computer work, many individuals slouch or sit in imbalanced positions at their desks all day.
4. Landmine
Landmines are actually an ideal gym machine for beginners because they allow you to perform compound exercises - an exercise that uses multiple muscle groups - with an easily customizable amount of weight.
5. Assisted Chin-Up Machine
You can use this gym equipment for either assisted chin-ups or assisted pull-ups. The difference between the two exercises lies in the grip.
6. Seated Cable Row
The seated cable row is a compound exercise that works the back, shoulders and arms. Boosting these muscles helps prevent common shoulder injuries like rotator cuff tears.
7. Smith Machine
Since the Smith machine offers stability and assists with balance, Dasgupta says it can be a good option for those who are beginners or those new to weightlifting, recovering from injuries or who have limited mobility.
8. Leg Press
The standard leg press is one of the most common gym machines for good reason: It's simple but effective, says Jenny Harkins, a certified group fitness instructor and the proprietor of five fitness facilities in the Chicago area.
9. Leg Extension Machine
The leg extension machine is an isolation machine used primarily to target the quads, one of the body's largest muscle groups, located on the front of the legs.
Smart Home Gym Equipment
Tonal 2
The Tonal 2 takes our top spot of smart home gym equipment because it’s designed to do it all-and it truly does.
Tempo Move
The Tempo Move is both small-space friendly and budget-friendly. It’s hard not to love the Tempo Move.
Shred App
The Shred App uses AI-powered programs for users with many different fitness goals.
Speediance Gym Monster
This is a smart home gym designed for beginners.
Alter Screen
The Alter Screen is a high-tech solution for fitness enthusiasts who want interactive, coach-led workouts at home.
MAXPRO SmartConnect Portable Cable Machine
The MaxPRO SmartConnect Portable Cable Machine is a lightweight and portable full body machine, which offers up to 300 pounds of resistance.
Oura Ring Gen 4
Our top pick for the best smart fitness tracker is also our pick for the best fitness tracker ring-the Oura Ring.
Aviron Strong Go Rower
The Aviron Strong Go Rower is one of the best rowing machines out there.
Peloton Bike
The Peloton bike has always been one of the best exercise bikes in our book.
No Equipment? No Problem!
Bodyweight exercises such as push-ups, crunches, squats, burpees, lunges and leg lifts can provide a blood-pumping cardio and strength workout.