Let’s be honest: the best form of cardio is just lifting weights faster, right? But unfortunately, that heart of yours needs a little more than just watching your muscles grow. Enter: cardio machines.
Whether you're building the ultimate home gym or looking to get that conditioning edge, finding the right cardio machine can feel like a feat. Don't worry, we've got your back (and legs, and lungs) covered.
Here’s the lowdown on the different types of cardio machines, their pros and cons, and how to pick the right one for your setup. Let’s make that heart work for you!
Why Cardio Matters (Yes, Even for Lifters)
Cardio helps you stay healthy, recover faster between sets, and improves your endurance—whether you're running from a mountain lion or just making sure you don’t collapse after a killer squat session. You need a good conditioning routine to keep your heart and lungs in check, and a cardio machine in your home gym makes that a whole lot easier.
The Main Cardio Machines: What’s What?
There are a ton of cardio machines available to choose from. If you’re totally new to the scene, here are the rulers of the cardio kingdom.
1. Rowers
Rowers, like the Blitz Rower, offer a full-body workout that can be as brutal as a high-rep deadlift session. The catch? You gotta use them. They sit in a corner like an idle boss unless you actually hop on.
Pros:
- Full-body workout
- Low impact on joints
- Space-saving options available
Cons:
- Can feel monotonous
- Requires coordination (not as simple as it looks!)
Best for: People who love a full-body sweat and want low-impact conditioning.
2. Treadmills
Treadmills are the classic choice for cardio, but let’s spice it up by talking manual treadmills like the Blitz Manual Treadmill, The Residential Manual Treadmill and The Dreadmill. These bad boys are self-powered—meaning you're the motor, not electricity. They're excellent for high-intensity workouts like sprints or weighted sled pushes.
Pros of Treadmills:
- No electricity required
- Great for sprints, sled pushes, and cardio intervals
- Low maintenance (no motor means fewer issues)
Cons of Treadmills:
- High intensity isn’t for everyone
- Can take up a lot of space
Best for: Anyone who loves to sprint, push heavy things, or hates electricity bills. Note that the Residential Manual Treadmill is designed for walking and gentle jogs—its compact, space-friendly design isn’t sufficient for sprinting.
3. Bikes
Stationary bikes like the Indoor Cycling Bike and fan bikes are known for offering killer workouts with minimal impact on your knees. Fan bikes like the Blitz Air Bike, Residential Air Bike, and the Blitz Max, in particular, are notorious for giving your legs and lungs a run for their money.
Pros of Exercise Bikes:
- Low impact on joints
- Excellent for interval training
- Space-saving and generally affordable
Cons of Exercise Bikes:
- Can turn into a coat rack if not used
- Fan bikes get noisy—no sneaking in quiet workouts (our belt-driven fan bikes are quieter than brands with chains)
Best for: People who want to do low-impact, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) without beating up their knees.
4. Ski Trainers
Now we’re getting niche. Ski trainers, like the Blitz Ski Trainer, simulate Nordic skiing (minus the snow), working your upper body, core, and lungs in a unique way. If you're tired of rowing or biking, this could be your answer.
Pros of Ski Trainers:
- Hits the upper body hard
- Low impact
- Burns calories fast
Cons of Ski Trainers:
- Can feel a bit niche
- Upper-body dominant, which might be a downside if you want a leg workout
Best for: Anyone looking to change up their cardio routine and focus more on upper-body endurance.
- Step Machines
Let’s talk about the step machine, also known as the stair stepper—basically, your glutes' best friend. If you’ve ever had the pleasure (or pain) of walking up a few flights of stairs, you know the kind of burn this machine can deliver. It's an underrated piece of cardio equipment that not only builds endurance but also strengthens your lower body in the process.
A step machine primarily targets the legs, glutes, and core. Each step mimics the action of climbing stairs, forcing your quads, hamstrings, calves, and glutes to fire. But it doesn’t stop there—your core is engaged to keep you upright and balanced, making it a full-body burner without requiring a ton of space.
Pros of the Stepper:
- Low Impact, High Burn: While it torches calories, the Blitz stepper is surprisingly low impact, meaning less stress on your knees and joints compared to running.
- Great for Glutes: The stair climber is especially effective at targeting the glutes and hamstrings, making it a solid choice if you're working towards a stronger, rounder posterior.
- Compact: Unlike treadmills or large bikes, steppers often take up less floor space, making them a good option for tighter home gyms.
Cons of the Stepper:
- Monotony Warning: While it's great for sculpting those legs, the repetitive motion of stepping can feel a bit monotonous for some, especially during long workouts.
- Not Full Body: Unlike rowers or fan bikes, which incorporate the upper body, a stepper is more focused on the lower half. If you're after a full-body cardio machine, this might not be the best fit.
Best For: If your goals include building endurance, strengthening your legs, and giving your glutes some extra love, a stepper could be your new best friend. It’s a solid option if you enjoy low-impact workouts that pack a punch for your lower body. Plus, if you're a fan of working out to music or watching a show, the steady rhythm of the stepper allows you to focus on something else while getting your workout in.
Which Cardio Machine Should You Pick?
Choosing the right cardio machine isn’t just about grabbing the first one you see on sale or going with what your favorite influencer uses. It’s about picking the one that best fits your goals, your space, your budget, and your personal preferences.
Let’s dive into some key considerations to help you figure out which machine will actually get used (instead of collecting dust in the corner).
What Are Your Goals?
Think about what you're hoping to achieve with your cardio machine:
Fat loss and overall endurance:
Machines that engage your whole body, like rowers or fan bikes, tend to burn the most calories. They keep your heart rate up by incorporating both upper and lower body movements. If burning fat or improving cardiovascular fitness is your main goal, a machine that provides a full-body workout is the way to go.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT):
If you're someone who loves short bursts of intense exercise followed by rest periods, machines like manual treadmills or fan bikes are fantastic. These machines are perfect for sprints, explosive efforts, and quick recovery. They're also great for saving time while maximizing effort.
Low-impact workouts for recovery:
If you’re nursing an injury or have sensitive joints, machines like stationary bikes, rowers, or ski trainers are perfect. They provide a solid cardiovascular workout without the joint impact that comes with running or high-impact movements. Low-impact machines are great for people looking to stay fit while minimizing the risk of injury.
Of course, if you’re nursing an injury or underlying condition, always chat with your healthcare provider before spending the big bucks on a new machine.
Building lower body endurance:
A stepper is a fantastic machine for building lower body endurance and strength. By mimicking the motion of climbing stairs, steppers give you a challenging workout without the need for running. They’re especially useful if you want to focus on your legs and glutes while still getting a cardio session in.
How Much Space is Available?
Cardio machines can range from compact, foldable designs to big, bulky beasts. Before purchasing, take a hard look at the space you’ve got in your home gym:
Limited space:
If you’re working with a small home gym or maybe even just a corner of your living room, space-saving machines are key. Rowers, vertical ski trainers, steppers, and foldable treadmills are excellent options. They can be tucked away when not in use and won't dominate your living space. Bonus points for machines that can be stored upright or folded flat.
Plenty of room to spare:
If you’ve got a dedicated gym space or a large basement, you’ve got more flexibility. Treadmills (especially non-folding ones), large fan bikes, and more robust rowing machines can fit right in without making the room feel cramped. Just remember, the larger machines tend to weigh more and may be harder to move around if you decide to reconfigure your gym later.
What About Your Budget?
Cardio machines can vary wildly in price, from budget-friendly to luxury-level equipment. Think about your budget not just in terms of what you can afford but also in terms of how much value you'll get out of the machine:
On a budget:
Stationary bikes and economical rowers can give you a solid cardio workout without breaking the bank. They’re also generally more compact, which is great if space is limited. If you’re not sure how committed you’ll be to using a machine, start with something affordable and work your way up as you build consistency.
Mid-range to high-end:
If you’re serious about your home gym setup and want a machine that will last for years, it’s worth investing in a more durable, higher-end machine. Manual treadmills, air bikes with heavy-duty frames, or rowers with advanced features like built-in monitors may cost more, but they’re designed to handle intense, regular use and give you more variety in your workouts.
Don’t Forget Your Interest and Enjoyment
Here’s the deal: the best cardio machine for you is the one you’ll actually want to use. It’s easy to get caught up in what’s trendy or what’s considered "the best," but if you don’t enjoy using it, it’s likely to end up as an expensive coat rack.
Rowers:
These offer a full-body, low-impact workout that can be surprisingly intense. However, they do require a bit of coordination, and if you’re not into repetitive movements, a rower might not hold your interest for long.
Treadmills:
Love running or walking? A treadmill is a no-brainer. For sprinters, a manual treadmill provides a unique challenge that requires no electricity, but it’s also more physically demanding. If you live in a cold area, putting in the miles without the risk of falling into a snowbank is ah-mazing. If running isn’t your thing, however, a treadmill might feel more like a chore.
Bikes:
If you prefer something low-impact, stationary and fan bikes are great for steady-state cardio or HIIT. They’re easier on the joints and can offer a killer workout. But some people find cycling indoors boring after a while, so if that’s a concern, you might want to consider other machines (or put on Netflix… ready to rewatch The Office for the 32nd time?)
Ski Trainers:
These are a bit niche and might not be on your radar, but they can provide an upper-body-focused cardio workout. If you're someone who enjoys trying new things and focusing on upper body endurance, a ski trainer could add some excitement to your routine. A lot of cardio machines are marketed as a cross-training tool for the winter months, but if you live for the slopes, this could get you through the summer months.
Steppers:
If climbing stairs sounds like your kind of challenge, a stepper can give you a serious leg workout while still offering cardiovascular benefits. Steppers are great for targeting the lower body, particularly if you want to focus on building strength in your legs and glutes while still working up a sweat.
Ultimately, ask yourself: “Am I going to enjoy using this regularly?” If the answer is no, it’s better to pick a machine that you’re genuinely excited about—even if it’s not considered the “best” option.
Not Ready to Invest? Other Cardio Options
If you’re not quite ready to drop cash on a cardio machine (or you just don’t have the space yet), there are still plenty of ways to get your heart rate up in your home gym. Try these ideas:
- Jump rope: A killer cardio tool that’ll leave you sweating in minutes and takes up zero space.
- Bodyweight circuits: Add exercises like burpees, jumping jacks, and mountain climbers between sets.
- Sled pushes: If you’ve got a power rack, load up a sled and push it to exhaustion. Your quads will be screaming, and your heart will be racing.
FAQs About Choosing a Cardio Machine
Q: Do I need a cardio machine in my home gym?
A: Not necessarily! You can do plenty of conditioning with bodyweight exercises, sleds, or even kettlebells. But having a cardio machine like the Blitz Rower or Blitz Bike can make it easier to stick to a routine.
Q: Which cardio machine burns the most calories?
A: Fan bikes and rowers tend to burn a ton of calories since they engage your entire body. Machines like the Blitz Max will have you drenched in sweat in no time.
Q: Are manual treadmills better for home gyms?
A: Manual treadmills, like the Blitz Manual Treadmill, are a solid choice for home gyms because they don’t require electricity and can handle heavy sprints, making them versatile for conditioning.
Conclusion: Get Sweaty, Stay Healthy
Cardio doesn’t have to be a drag. Whether you opt for the rowing power of the Blitz Rower, the intensity of a Blitz Bike, or the pure manual toughness of the Dreadmill, the right cardio machine is out there. Consider your goals, space, budget, and what you’ll actually enjoy using—because the best cardio machine is the one you actually hop on.
Now, go keep that heart happy so you can keep lifting longer and stronger!
