Best Cardio Machine for Home Gym 2023
When it comes to building a home gym, one of the toughest decisions to make is which cardio machine to purchase. This is likely to be one of your largest priced single items so it’s well worth some re-search before making a purchase. Cardio exercise not only help with weight loss by helping to create a kcal deficit, but they also improve muscular endurance, cardiovascular and mental health. In this article, I will be reviewing the 5 best cardio machines (in my opinion) that are ideal for a home gym: the Concept 2 Rower, Concept 2 Bike, Assault Bike, TrueForm Runner, and Ski Erg.
Concept 2 Rower
The Concept 2 Rower is a great option for those looking for a full-body workout. Currently I have not seen any ithe rowers on the market that match it’s durability so I recommend sticking with concept 2 for this one. The machine uses a flywheel and damper system to simulate the feeling of rowing on water. Pros of this machine include its full-body workout, low-impact design, and ability to track progress with the Concept 2 Performance Monitor. Cons include the large footprint for a small space and can be challenging for beginners to do longer sessions. The retail price for the Concept 2 Rower is around $990 / £990
Concept 2 Bike
The Concept 2 Bike is a great option for those looking for a low-impact workout that targets the lower body. The machine uses a flywheel and resistance system to simulate the feeling of cycling. Pros of this machine include its low-impact design, ability to track progress with the Concept 2 Performance Monitor, its compact design, better for an active recovery day and zone 2 training that the other options on this list. Cons include the high cost and not great if you’re looking for a total body workout. The retail price for the Concept 2 Bike is around $1,160 / £1,160
Check out my in depth review comparing Concept 2 Rower Vs C2 Bike
Assault Bike
The Assault Bike also referred to as an Air Bike is a great option for those looking for a high-intensity workout that targets the lower body. The machine uses a fan-based resistance system to simulate the feeling of cycling. Pros of this machine include its great for high-intensity workouts and it is relatively cheap compared to the others on this list. Cons include the loud noise and high cost. The Air Bike retail price is around $750-1000 / £750-1000 depending on the make.
Curved Treadmill
The curved treadmill is a great option for those looking for a low-impact workout that mimics the feeling of running. The machine uses a curved non-motorized design to simulate the feeling of running. Pros of this machine include its low-impact design can be easier on your knee joints, ability to adjust the resistance, and its natural feeling of running. Cons include the large footprint and high cost. The retail price for these varies massively depending which company you look at but I suggest looking at: Wolverson, Assault Fitness or Bulldog Gear for $3-4k / £3-4k models or the original Trueform Runner for around $7k / £7k.
Ski Erg - Concept 2
The Ski Erg is a great option for those looking for a full-body workout that mimics the feeling of cross-country skiing. The machine uses a flywheel and resistance system to simulate the feeling of skiing. Pros of this machine include its full-body workout and its compact design using only a small floor space. Cons include high demand on upper body not great if your elbow or shoulders require a rest day, difficult to do long zone 2 training session. I recommend sticking with the Concept 2 brands for this item and the retail price for the Ski Erg is around $1050 / £1050
In conclusion, the best cardio machine for a home gym will depend on your personal preferences, goals, and budget. The Concept 2 Rower, Concept 2 Bike, Assault Bike, TrueForm Runner, and Ski Erg are all great options that offer different benefits, so it's worth considering which one best suits your needs. The prices of the machines are high but you will be investing in a long-term equipment that will provide you with a great workout.