Top 10 Cardio Equipment You Need in Your Home Gym
Last Updated on 17/03/2023
Are you trying to start a fitness journey? You are in the right spot! We have listed the top 10 pieces of cardio equipment you must have for your home gym. Perfect for a beginner or a gym warrior. Equip yourself and get that heart rate going!
Introduction
Running or going to the gym isn’t the only way to get a good cardio workout. You can do plenty of exercises at home, from simple bodyweight moves to special equipment. Cardio can give you a range of benefits, like better heart and muscle health, more energy, and maybe even weight loss.
You need the right cardio gear to get fit and stay healthy while training at home.
This guide brings you the 10 best cardio pieces for your home gym. We have got steppers, exercise bikes, rowers, and ellipticals. Each offers something different – HIIT workouts, endurance exercises, and more. So think about what works for you before you buy anything. Plus, this guide explains the different types of cardio machines so you can choose the one that fits your goals.
Create your home gym with these 10 top cardio pieces for the ultimate health kick!
Why Investing In a Cardio Equipment Can Be a Good Idea
Investing in the right kind of cardio equipment for your home gym is a great way to get fit without paying for a costly gym. Cardio exercise boosts your cardiovascular system and body mass, plus helps with fat loss. Working on quality cardio equipment also keeps your muscles in shape.
But, with so many options, it can be hard to choose the right one for you. Good machines have adjustable tension and settings, plus fitness tracking technology to show progress.
Pros and cons of investing in cardio equipment:
- Pros: Reaching goals is easier and more fun on quality machines than with manual or regular exercise.
- Cons: Some require setup time and cost upfront, depending on the type.
To make the best decision, research models online or in stores!
Treadmills
Treadmills are great for home workouts. You can find one to suit your space, goals, and budget.
- A folding treadmill is excellent for those with limited floor space.
- High-end treadmills have extra features like speakers, LCDs, and accessories.
- Incline treadmills simulate hills and speeds, making your workouts more difficult.
- If space is an issue, opt for an under-desk treadmill.
Don’t forget the accessories! Get a water bottle holder, sweatproof headphones, and a running belt. Treadmills save time by avoiding the need to drive to the gym, perfect for fitness at home.
Ellipticals
Ellipticals are a great choice for at-home cardio workouts. They are low-impact yet still provide effective cardio. Compact models are great for small spaces. High-end ellipticals offer more features and durability. Mid-range and higher models have incline and resistance settings.
For something extra, some ellipticals come with heart rate monitors and calorie counters. Plus, dedicated apps can track performance over time. Folding ellipticals are great for those on a budget or with limited space. Commercial-grade models require more maintenance but offer better durability and more features.
No matter what type of machine, adding an elliptical to your home gym brings you closer to achieving fitness goals!
Stationary bikes
When pondering cardio equipment for a home gym, stationary bikes are ideal for getting your heart rate up and obtaining a good workout. An indoor exercise bike is often popular for cardio training since it can be used by people of all levels, from newbies to experienced, and be adjusted to make low-impact exercises of any intensity.
But with so many types of exercise bikes on the market – spin bikes, recumbent bikes, upright bikes, and even Peloton-compatible bikes – which one should you select?
For picking an exercise bike for your home gym, consider your own fitness needs. Spin bikes are good for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) since they need more strength and balance than other stationary models. Recumbent bikes provide back support with their wider seat cushion, making cycling more comfortable for beginners and those who reach high mileage targets on the road. Upright stationary cycles offer standard cycling motions at a seated position with multiple resistance levels for different levels of difficulty. For tech-savvy riders, Peloton-compatible exercise bikes are an ideal choice since you can participate in streaming classes from home or race against cyclists around the world in real time!
No matter which type of bike you get, aim to invest in quality to guard your health and fitness goals – both short-term and long-term!
Rowing machines
A rowing machine is a must-have in any successful home gym. It offers a full-body, low-impact workout. Plus, it strengthens the back, core and arms, while also giving good aerobic exercise.
There are many types of rowing machines. So, choosing one can be tough. A foldable indoor rower is great for saving space. On the other hand, water rowers simulate rowing on open water, and are ideal for experienced rowers.
For those who prefer more features, a rowing machine with an onboard monitor is a great choice. It measures distance and stroke rate, as well as calories burned. Plus, you can add custom accessories, like ergometers to track performance.
So, you can find the right machine for your individual needs and build an effective home gym.
Stair steppers
Stair steppers are a must-have for any home gym. They provide a low-impact workout for your aerobic capacity and muscle tone. Plus, they can help you develop core and leg strength.
Compact models are perfect for limited space. They fold up for easy storage. You can adjust the speed, incline, and resistance to customize the intensity.
Accessories make workouts more enjoyable. Think grip handles, heart rate monitors, music players, digital displays, and timers. Mats or platforms can minimize noise.
Foldable stair steppers are great if you are always on the go. Handrails provide added stability, helping people reach their fitness goals in comfort and safety!
Ropes
Ropes can be a great addition to your home gym! They are inexpensive and don’t take up much space. They offer cardio exercises to increase heart rate and burn calories. Different shapes and sizes are available, so research which type suits your fitness level and goals.
For beginners, a basic jump rope is a good start. It is perfect for developing coordination, stamina, agility, and coordination. Speed ropes help with fat-burning and hand-eye coordination. Experienced users may want to try battle ropes, due to the heavy weight. Advanced users may invest in adjustable jump ropes or weighted digital speed ropes, as they offer variable levels of difficulty.
Adding ropes to your next workout can help you reach your fitness goals!
Heart rate monitors
A heart rate monitor is essential for any home gym. From fitness trackers to chest strap monitors to smartwatch monitors, there’s one for every type of user. Knowing your effort during exercise can make a huge difference in reaching your health goals.
Wearable heart rate monitors are now popular. These come in various forms, such as wristwatches, GPS watches and trackers. These measure vitals or skin temperature. The device shows the current heart rate, helping to stay safe while exercising.
Heart rate monitor watches are now popular fitness equipment. These give the benefits of a wearable tracker and a GPS navigator. Easily track your location and check vital stats and goals during exercise.
Knowing about heart rate monitors is key for optimal physical fitness and performance!
Floor protection
Creating a safe and durable home gym? Invest in workout accessories, like an exercise mat. Place this floor protection mat under any gym equipment you already have or plan to buy, such as treadmills and stationary bikes. Exercise mats protect surfaces from scratches and dents due to machine movement. Plus, they come with an anti-slip finish for improved grip and safety.
Choose the best material, size and colour to suit your needs. Some people need mats specifically for treadmills or other machines with certain dimensions. Or, get waterproof mats for sweaty users. Don’t forget jump rope mats too!
An exercise mat is great for not just cardio, but also yoga and Pilates. Protect yourself and your floor from slips and scratches with this key element before fitness activities at home!
Workout DVDs
Workout DVDs are great for fitness. They save time and provide motivation. Look for DVDs that have HIIT, yoga and Pilates. HIIT increases heart rate and burns calories. Yoga and Pilates help tone and relax. Outdoor DVDs may have walked or run in scenic environments.
Exercise DVDs are a great resource to keep around!
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Cardio Equipment
To get the most from your home gym, add some cardio equipment! Consider these pro tips before spending money:
- Choose the machine for your needs. Treadmill for speed and mileage? Elliptical for toning?
- Warm up for 5-10 minutes first. Maximize performance and avoid injury.
- Keep it clean. Wipe down after each use and check parts for damage.
- Mix it up. Vary exercises and machines to prevent boredom and use all muscle groups.
Follow these tips for efficient workouts and better results!
The Bottom Line: Is Cardio Equipment Worth the Investment?
When it comes to buying cardio gear for your home gym, there are lots to think about. Cardio exercise is an essential part of a full fitness routine. It can help your health by boosting cardiovascular endurance and burning calories.
Still, there are costs to consider. You will need to pay upfront, as well as ongoing maintenance costs. Plus, you need somewhere to store the equipment when not in use. If these are too hard to handle, then outdoor workouts may be better.
At the end of the day, having access to cardio gear at home can be great – if you are motivated and have the means. But if outdoor running trails, yoga or swimming suit your budget better, that could be a better way to reach your fitness goals!
Additional Resources on Cardio Equipment
Are you trying to put together an ultimate home gym? If so, it is essential to get the right cardio equipment. Consider what meets your needs and fits into the space. For more help making a decision, do some research.
The internet is a great source of info. Check out American Council on Exercise (ACE), ACEFitness, Heart-Healthy Living, Wikipedia Health Benefits of Exercise, The Best Cardio Equipment for Your Home Gym – Tips from Professionals from WebMD, and Cardio Equipment Reviews from Runner’s World.
Books can also offer a broader perspective. Try Beginner’s Guide to Indoor Rowing by Amanda Painter Diver (2020) or The Men’s Health Gym Bible (2nd edition) by Myatt Murphy (2017). Or, go for something specialized like How To Build A Home Gym On A Budget by Kevern Andrews (2020) available at Amazon. With so many resources, you should have no trouble finding the right machine for your home gym!
Need more ideas? Don’t forget to check our wellness, hobby and outdoor recreation articles too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best cardio equipment for a home gym?
A: The best cardio equipment for a home gym is a treadmill, stationary bike, rowing machine, elliptical machine, stair climber, jump rope, resistance bands, an exercise mat, heart rate monitor, and kettlebells.
Q: What cardio equipment is the most affordable?
A: Jump ropes, resistance bands, and exercise mats are the most affordable cardio equipment for a home gym.
Q: What cardio equipment burns the most calories?
A: Treadmills, rowing-, elliptical machines, and stair climbers are the best for burning the most calories.
