Choosing the Best Indoor Cardio Equipment for Your Goals

Cardio equipment takes a number of different forms: treadmills, exercise bikes, rowers, climbers, ellipticals and more. Each piece has its strengths, and the best machine or mix of equipment will depend on what you aim to achieve.

No matter whether you’re looking to invest in home cardio equipment or just use the right gym cardio equipment, you need to start by considering your fitness goals to identify the machines that will help get you where you want to go. You then need to factor in preferences and limitations that might apply (space, budget, fitness level, experience) to narrow your equipment selection.

In this guide we’ll break down the different types of cardio machines: what they are, what they’re good for, and how to find your ideal mix.

Key factors to consider when choosing cardio equipment

The process of identifying the most effective cardio equipment for your situation begins with some introspection. The best cardio machine for weight loss, performance or mobility will change depending on your needs and situation.

Key considerations include:

• Fitness goals: What are your reasons for investing in cardio equipment? You might be aiming to lose weight, improve your athletic performance, enhance your heart health or regain mobility.
• Space availability: How much space do you have? While full-sized machines can be more durable and stable, compact or foldable machines can be great for smaller home studios.
• Budget considerations: How much money are you willing to spend? Remember that quality fitness equipment is an investment, not a cost – it’ll last longer and offer a better training experience.
• User experience level: Some machines are more suitable for beginners (treadmills, exercise bikes) while others are better for more advanced users (rowing machines, SkiErgs).
• Joint impact and injury prevention: If you have chronic pain, joint issues or limited mobility, low-impact cardio machines (exercise bikes, ellipticals) can be more comfortable and accessible than high impact machines (treadmills).

Comparison of popular indoor cardio machines

How do different cardio machines compare? Let’s look at strengths and weaknesses of the main contenders for your home gym.

Treadmills

• Pros: High calorie burn, beginner-ready, adjustable speeds and inclines.
• Cons: High impact, can be repetitive/boring.
• Good for: Endurance training, weight loss, fitness novices.
• Not ideal for: People with chronic pain or joint issues.

Exercise bikes (spin, recumbent, upright, air bikes)

• Pros: Low impact, choose-your-own-intensity, space-saving, great equipment variety.
• Cons: Lower calorie burn, potential seat discomfort, limited muscle engagement.
• Good for: Endurance training, weight loss, people with joint issues.
• Not ideal for: Strength training, full-body workouts.

Rowing machines

• Pros: Low impact, full-body workout, combines strength and endurance.
• Cons: More advanced/technique-reliant, less accessible, space-hungry.
• Good for: Burning calories, increasing strength, HIIT training.
• Not ideal for: Beginners, endurance athletes, targeted training.

Cross trainers & elliptical machines

• Pros: Accessible, low impact, full-body workout.
• Cons: Lower intensity, can get repetitive/boring.
• Good for: Calorie burn, fitness beginners, people with joint issues.
• Not ideal for: HIIT training, increasing performance.

Stair climbers & step machines

• Pros: A low impact treadmill-style workout, lower body targeting.
• Cons: Can get repetitive/boring, minimal core/upper body engagement.
• Good for: Lower impact cardio, endurance, leg and glute development.
• Not ideal for: Performance enhancement, people with knee issues.

SkiErg machines

• Pros: Full-body engagement, an accessible rower-style workout, space-saving.
• Cons: Technique-reliant, specialised, more of a complementary machine.
• Good for: Burning calories, HIIT training, engaging all major muscle groups.
• Not ideal for: Beginners, endurance athletes, targeted training.

 

The best cardio machines for specific fitness goals

 

How to get the most out of your cardio workouts

Once you select the equipment that will help you reach your fitness and body goals, you then need to maximise the effectiveness of your cardio workouts. Here’s how:

• Vary the intensity of your workouts with interval training, and by adjusting things like resistance or incline, gradually increasing the challenge as you progress. Keep things fresh by adding new exercises from time-to-time.
• Your pre- and post-workout routines can be as important as the workout itself. Include warm-ups and cool downs like stretching, active rest, meditation, breathing exercises and recovery sessions.
• Focus on posture and technique. If your form is compromised, rest or reduce the intensity.
• Build muscle while you build fitness. Integrate strength training into your cardio workouts with equipment like rowing machines and SkiErgs. This can help to improve performance and prevent injury.
• Bring a long-term approach to fitness. What happens after you hit your short-term goal? Consistency helps make exercise a habit – a key part of your day that you can’t do without.

GymQuip: your home cardio experts

At GymQuip we’ve spent the last three decades helping people reach their fitness goals, by providing all the advice, encouragement and equipment you need to create the ultimate home or commercial gym.

One of Australia’s largest fitness showrooms, at GymQuip we offer the best cardio machines for home gyms, including high-end treadmills, bikes, rowers, cross-trainers, step machines and SkiErgs from the world’s leading fitness brands.

We offer an even larger array of home gym equipment through our online store, which we can deliver to your door anywhere in Australia. And you can be confident of getting the very best deal, because if you find one of our products cheaper elsewhere, we’ll beat that price by 5%!

Not sure what equipment you should choose? Get in touch and our friendly team will be happy to help!