Q: I’ve heard cardio workouts are the best for losing weight and and the best for your heart and lungs. I’m not interested in lifting, but I’d love to drop some pounds. Can you briefly lay out the differences between the different types of cardio I can use in my home gym? All I want to do is lose weight, but I can’t decide which piece to purchase. All these different types of cardio equipment make purchasing the right piece too confusing!
A: I understand your frustration. There certainly are many different cardio pieces to choose between all of which will help you attain your goal of losing some (or a lot) of weight. Let’s briefly review each piece.
Treadmill
This is the most basic piece of cardio and the most popular. Use it to run, jog, or walk – all activities that will burn some major calories.
Pros: easy to use, various exercises possible.
Cons: takes up more space than other options, can be hard on knees of older people.
Average Price for a Residential Unit: $1,400.00 to $2,300.00
Elliptical Crosstrainer
If you like the idea of a treadmill, but want less stress on your joints, the elliptical is the perfect piece for you.
Pros: full body workout, easy on joints
Cons: takes up a lot of space
Average Price for a Residential Unit: $700.00 – $2,500.00
Stationary (Upright) Bike
Love biking? You’ll love the stationary bike!
Pros: less hard on the joints than the treadmill, more affordable than the elliptical or treadmill
Cons: the same as traditional biking. If you hate to ride a bike, you’ll want to stear clear of the stationary bike.
Average Price for a Residential Unit: $500.00 to $1,300.00
Recumbent Bike
Basically the stationary bike but you recline while working out, more expensive than upright versions of the stationary bike.
Pros: even less stress on the knees
Cons: not as good of a workout as some other options.
Average Price for a Residential Unit: $1,200.00 to $1,800.00
Step Mill
You’ve heard the advice to take the stairs instead of the elevator or esclator any chance you get. This machine takes that sound advice to the next level!
Pros: simulates a “non-exercise” activity for a great workout, great lower body workout
Cons: it’s walking up an endless flight of stairs, if you hate taking the steps, this isn’t the machine for you, the most expensive option on this list.
Average Price for a Residential Unit: $2,500.00 – $3,000.00
Rower
This machine simulates the action of rowing a boat across a lake or down a stream.
Pros: get the rowing experience without having to drive to the lake and without having to get wet. Great full body exercise.
Cons: can be tiring on the arms to the point where the exercise ends not when you are too tired but when your arm strength is depleted.
Average Price for a Residential Unit: $500.00 to $1,000.00
There are, of course, other cardio machines but these are the primary ones you’ll be deciding between. All these machines provide a great cardiovascular workout. In the final analysis, your decision ought to be made on personal preference and budget.
Now get out there, get active, and get thin!