Cardio Machines for Weight Loss
All home gyms should have at least one option for getting a good cardio workout. In addition to weight or strength training, cardio exercise is an essential part of all workout routines. While some people prefer to run or walk outdoors, there are many reasons why people need or prefer to move their workout inside. From inclement weather to time constraints to inconvenient work schedules, having at-home cardio machines available can make it significantly easier to stick to your cardio workout at home.
Cardio machines are used to raise the heart rate and lose weight. Over time, this strengthens the heart muscle and improves your heart health, with benefits like decreased blood pressure. Marcy is proud to offer the best cardio machines for a home gym and a good cardio workout, including:
- Treadmills
- Exercise bikes
- Ellipticals
- Pedal exercise cycles
- Mini trampolines
- Mini steppers
- Rowing machines
Which type of cardio machine should you get? If you have a good deal of space in your home gym, consider purchasing two or three different types of machines so that you can alternate your workout. Here’s what to think about as you decide:
Cardio Exercises
The first thing you should consider is the type of activity; since the best home cardio equipment for you depends on what you enjoy doing. Do you hate walking on a treadmill? A top of the line treadmill is useless if you never walk on / run on it.
Enjoy riding a bike? Look for a stationary bike that will suit your exercise needs and space. For example, those looking for HIIT Cardio workouts (High Intensity Interval Training - HIIT) may find a rowing machine or revolution training bike more suitable than an elliptical.
Your space
Think about your home gym and how much space you have for cardio equipment. Do you have space for a full elliptical or treadmill? Or, do you need a foldable bike that can be put away when not in use?
Don’t forget to include extra space around the equipment to be sure that there is enough room to get on and off of it and for any movement that occurs during intense exercise. This includes your ceiling height, too; many treadmills and ellipticals raise you off the floor. While this may not be an issue in a typical room, it may be problematic in a basement gym.
Your health
It’s also important to think about your health and ability. Burning fat may be a priority, but are you recovering from a leg injury and would benefit from sitting on a recumbent bike while you workout? Do you have knee issues and prefer the low impact of an elliptical trainer as opposed to a high impact treadmill? Aiming for an upper body workout combined with your lower body workout?
If you are concerned about what exercises would serve your health best, consult your physician before committing to buying any equipment so you know what type of machines to look for.
Your Fitness Goal
Why are you purchasing this piece of fitness equipment? Are you training for a long cycling race? Want to lose fat? Think about which equipment will best address and help you reach your goals.
And, look ahead to what type of exercise you may enjoy best; the moderate intensity of a recumbent bike ride may be much more appealing than the vigorous full body workout of a rowing machine.
Your fitness level
When it comes to cardio equipment, your fitness level and needs will change over time. Try to select something with varying resistances so you can mix up your workout routine over the long term. Items with magnetic resistance will have adjustable resistance knobs. Whereas items like training bikes or water rowers will have resistance that is dependent on the user’s output.
Overtime, increasing your workouts from 20 minutes, to 30 minutes, to 40 minutes, etc will also help improve your heart health. Once you're an expert, working out on an empty stomach for fasted workouts is said to burn calories and body fat - but that is only recommended for those who really know what they are doing.
No matter what your cardio goals are, Marcy has something that can work for you! Cancel your fitness classes and bring your workout to the comfort of your own home. Contact us to learn more about Marcy’s variety of home cardio equipment and get started today!