Cardio exercise is an ideal way to lose weight and build endurance. To exercise on special simulators, it is not at all necessary to visit gyms, because the appropriate equipment can be placed at home. Modern equipment is suitable for users of any level of training. They will normalize the functioning of the cardiovascular system, tighten the body, strengthen the immune system and help burn off excess calories. Therefore, our editors present to our readers a rating of the best cardio equipment for home with high efficiency indicators and decent functionality.
Types of cardio equipment
Cardio machines provide aerobic exercise. They form a fairly large group and include several types of projectiles. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, differs in design and, accordingly, cost.
Types of cardio equipment:
- Treadmills . Large exercise machines for full running and walking training are suitable for people of all ages. They can withstand the heavy weight of the user’s body, but at the same time they themselves cause inconvenience in placement due to their size and weight. There are many positive qualities here: use regardless of the level of training, imitation of natural running, the ability to change the speed and angle of inclination (in some models), the work of the whole body. The negative points are: high cost, slightly noisy operation, dimensions.
- Elliptical trainers . Otherwise they are called orbitreks. Such projectiles simulate skiing or climbing stairs. In this case, the muscles of the lower and upper body are trained. The advantages of elliptical-type products are: favorable prices, minimal stress on the joints, minimal noise, excellent workout of the legs and buttocks. The only downside is that the range of motion differs from real walking or running.
- Exercise bikes . Cycling simulators take up less space compared to the previous two varieties. They involve training in a sitting position. Among the positive aspects here it is worth noting: no load on the joints, ease of operation, choice of load complexity, minimum noise. The disadvantages are the work of only the lower body and the rapid adaptation of muscles to monotonous load.
- Steppers . Functional and compact exercise machines are ideal for working out calves and thighs. Additionally, they use the rest of the leg muscles. Steppers are good due to the absence of contraindications, light weight, minimal size, ability to fight cellulite, adjustable load level and favorable price. Negative features include the undesirability of use by obese people (weighing more than 100 kg), as well as the risk of injury if the movements are performed incorrectly and hastily.
- Rowing machines . Medium-sized machines imitate the movements of a rower. All the muscles of the body work here, but most of all the emphasis is on the legs. The advantages of the projectiles are as follows: effectiveness for the upper body, gentle effect on ligaments and joints, improved posture, almost zero risk of injury, approved for people with problem knees and children. The disadvantages are the high cost and undesirability of classes for those with ailments associated with the spine.
Medical recommendations for cardio training
Any exercise on simulators is a physical activity. Cardio equipment is no exception. Even the healthiest person needs to listen to his body during training. Training should be stopped if your health worsens:
- Pain in the heart or chest area.
- Lack of air.
- Severe shortness of breath.
- Dizziness.
- Nausea.
- Headache.
- Weakness.
If you suffer from hypertension, you should definitely consult a doctor before training. Training is strictly contraindicated if:
- Severe degree of cardiovascular failure.
- Attacks of cardiac asthma.
- Thrombophlebitis.
- Tachycardia and frequent attacks of angina.
- Diabetes.
- Oncological diseases.
- Infectious diseases.
Most of the cardio equipment is accessible and seems easy to use. Without following the basic rules, you may not achieve the desired result and, in addition, harm your health. Therefore, it is very important to follow them when performing exercises. The basic and main rule of training is a properly selected program and load. The load on cardio equipment is selected depending on the person’s age, weight, and height. These indicators change, and with them the load on the human body changes. After all, the greater the load, the better the result - a wrong statement. Training quickly is another training mistake. Increasing the load and reducing the training time will not give a positive result. After all, cardio training is training with a high number of repetitions. It is important to remember that the fat burning process begins only after 15 minutes from the start of an intense workout.
The best cardio equipment for home
Even though you can get some cardio exercise by simply walking or running, the benefits of cardio equipment are invaluable. They are very popular not only because of their placement in gyms, but also due to their capabilities and effect on users.
Our leader rating is based on reviews from real customers. Such models are suitable for use by all categories of people, regardless of their age and gender. Practicing them at home is a pleasure, and positive results will not take long to arrive.
| Place | Model | Price | All prices |
| 1 | DFC SC-S032 | From RUB 4,886 | View all prices |
| 2 | SVENSSON BODY LABS CrossLine BCM | From 26,490 rub. | View all prices |
| 3 | DFC T2002 | From 19,990 rub. | View all prices |
| 4 | DFC Challenge E8018 | From RUB 23,990 | View all prices |
| 5 | Carbon Fitness E704 | From RUB 20,790 | View all prices |
| 6 | DFC R71061 | From RUB 20,379 | View all prices |
| 7 | DFC E8602T | From 26,990 rub. | View all prices |
| 8 | DFC SC-5901 | From 6,070 rub. | View all prices |
| 9 | Oxygen Pro Trac II | From RUB 30,290 | View all prices |
| 10 | DFC Slim T-SL | From RUB 17,850 | View all prices |
DFC SC-S032
An inexpensive cardio machine is a rotary ministepper. It provides additional expanders to increase the effectiveness of exercise.
Losing weight with this cardio machine is possible regardless of age and initial physical fitness. It works autonomously and can withstand human body weight up to 110 kg. The display shows information about step frequency and energy consumption. You can buy a cardio machine at an average price of 4 thousand rubles.
Pros:
- pleasant appearance;
- addition in the form of expanders for working the upper body;
- minimum sizes;
- ease of operation;
- correspondence between price and quality.
The only negative is the frequent marriage.
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Is it possible to combine cardio and strength training?
There are two opinions on this matter. The first opinion is that they cannot be combined, and it is useless. This is explained by the fact that you cannot give all your best when combining two workouts. And the result will be zero. The second point of view is that it is possible and necessary. By combining two types of training – cardio and strength training – results can be achieved much faster. To combine the two types of training, you can also use the following option. Carry out cardio exercises as a warm-up before strength training. And also perform it as an independent exercise after strength training for 20-30 minutes. When combining cardio and strength training, you need to adhere to several rules. The first rule is don't overdo it. There is no need to bring the body to overtraining, increasing the limits of the body's capabilities. The second rule is proper nutrition. You need to eat after training.
SVENSSON BODY LABS CrossLine BCM
The ideal model of an upright exercise bike for weight loss has curved handles on which cardiac sensors are placed. The pedals have fixing straps for ease of use.
A functional product gives a signal when the permissible load is exceeded. It works autonomously and can support a person’s weight up to 120 kg. There are built-in programs for distance and time, as well as fitness assessment.
The cardio machine accurately measures your heart rate, but it is not recommended to take your hands off the sensors during training, since the system takes a lot of time to calculate due to a break.
Advantages:
- floor unevenness compensators;
- smooth ride;
- absence of noise;
- steering wheel height adjustment;
- wheels for moving.
Buyers call the hard seat a disadvantage
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For home use
If you decide to take your body seriously, then you should take a closer look and choose the ideal exercise machine for your training. What exercise machines are the most effective for losing weight? It must be said that in a fitness club you can change exercise equipment every day, but if you buy such equipment for your home, you need to stop at only one.
The pace of modern life does not leave a person the opportunity to visit gyms. A lot of time is wasted getting to and from work; the whole daylight hours are spent in the office, at the desk - a person returns home, mentally and physically squeezed like a lemon. Lucky are those who live close to the gym.
In such a situation, you should think about buying a home exercise machine. You can work out on it every day, and you don’t have to waste time getting to the gym.
A weight loss machine must meet many requirements:
- affordable price;
- suitable size;
- ease of use;
- availability of a computer with training programs, etc.
Before purchasing a simulator, you need to familiarize yourself with the following information:
- At home, classes should be 3-4 times a week for 45 minutes, increasing the time with each workout;
- after one or two sessions there will be no effect;
- training should be systematic and long-term, then the first result will be noticeable within 1 month;
- for middle-aged and older people, dehydration is possible: to prevent this from happening, you need to drink water during exercise;
- Be sure to monitor your breathing during classes: it should be deep;
- Having set yourself the goal of losing weight, give up strength training equipment: pay attention to cardio equipment;
- Excessive loads from the first day of classes will not bring anything good: the pace needs to be increased gradually;
- Before starting training, you should definitely consult a doctor, especially for older people.
DFC T2002
A mechanical treadmill often receives positive reviews due to the manufacturer’s approach. DFC produces products with a minimalist design, and this trainer is no exception. It is made in gray and black, there are no unnecessary details, and there are only three buttons on the control panel.
The home cardio machine features a foldable design. At the same time, it is very stable. The projectile weighs about 30 kg, and can withstand the user’s body weight of no more than 110 kg.
Advantages:
- small sizes;
- several load levels;
- correct heart rate readings;
- rollers for transportation;
- one year warranty.
The disadvantage is that it is not possible to change the angle of inclination.
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DFC Challenge E8018
The orbitrek with long handles looks interesting due to the combination of red and black colors in the design. The design is compact and stable.
The elliptical trainer provides a stride length of 30 cm. It has a block loading system. The flywheel weighs exactly 7 kg. The projectile operates autonomously. You can buy a cardio machine for about 20 thousand rubles.
Pros:
- load capacity;
- information screen;
- stepper elements;
- durability;
- high-quality assembly.
downside - the lack of built-in training programs.
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Carbon Fitness E704
An elliptical cardio machine with four handles (a pair of moving handles and a pair with cardio sensors) takes up little space. It can easily be placed in a compact apartment and used without any problems.
The model is equipped with a 5 kg flywheel. The step length here reaches 31 cm. The manufacturer has also provided 23 built-in work programs. The price of the product is 21 thousand rubles. average.
Advantages:
- reliability;
- Possibility of use by obese people;
- strong parts;
- no squeaks;
- optimal flywheel weight.
The disadvantage is considered to be insufficient step length.
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DFC R71061
The rowing machine is suitable for men and women for weight loss, as well as for working out various muscle groups. It has a “+” shape due to the handles that effectively work on the upper body.
The water rowing machine has 12 load levels. It can withstand up to 100 kg of human body weight, and it weighs 25 kg. The design here is foldable, so there are no problems with storage.
Advantages:
- high-quality hydraulic elements;
- compactness;
- durable parts;
- user warnings for operation;
- long working life.
The disadvantage is the insufficient workload for professionals.
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DFC E8602T
The ellipse with an innovative design has 4 handles, due to which it often receives positive reviews. The structure is stable due to floor unevenness compensators. In addition, it will not slip thanks to the rubber pads.
The cardio machine works autonomously. It has a 30cm stride length and a 5kg flywheel. The design can support a person weighing no more than 130 kg.
Pros:
- correct heart rate measurements;
- fitness assessment;
- front flywheel location;
- excellent equipment;
- levers for working the arm muscles.
The only negative is that without instructions it is difficult to understand the wires.
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DFC SC-5901
The cardio stepper machine resembles an ellipsoid in appearance. There are two curved handles that you can lean on while exercising. At their ends there are cardiac sensors that measure the pulse almost instantly after touching.
The slimming option can support 130 kg of user weight. The display shows information about calories burned, as well as your walking frequency.
The step counter does not count a step unless the platform reaches the highest point.
Advantages:
- power;
- successful design;
- sufficient load even for professionals;
- compactness;
- There are many training modes.
The disadvantage is the need for regular lubrication of parts.
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Oxygen Pro Trac II
Reviews about this model often come due to its simplicity, efficiency and appearance. All users, without exception, like it because it fits into the interior of any room. In addition, the design does not take up much space.
The upright exercise bike is suitable for people weighing up to 150 kg. There is a built-in program - fitness assessment. The load system in this case is magnetic. You can buy a cardio machine for an average of 30 thousand rubles.
Advantages:
- transport rollers;
- silence when working;
- autonomous work;
- the material covering the handles is pleasant to the touch;
- interesting programs.
The only drawback is the lack of a bottle in the set (it does have a cup holder).
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DFC Slim T-SL
A good cardio machine in the form of an electric treadmill has a folding design. In addition to the moving canvas, there is a solid handle on which the control panel is located.
The running cardio machine can support up to 90 kg of human weight. The maximum running speed reaches 8 km per hour.
Pros:
- informative display;
- folding design;
- good engine;
- one year warranty;
- Possibility of connecting a wireless heart rate sensor.
The downside is the lack of a tilt angle adjuster.
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