Cardio training divides the fitness community, some love it, others hate it. What is indispensable is the high benefit of training with cardio equipment. Improving overall fitness, more energy in everyday life and losing excess pounds, are just a few of the positive consequences of training. Just about every gym has its own cardio area with treadmills, steppers, cross trainers, ergometers, indoor bikes and rowing machines. The training possibilities are therefore almost unlimited. However, many people still want to have their own cardio equipment at home and train independently. Which device is suitable for you and what you should consider when buying? - Find out here!
What you should pay attention to when buying!
Not every cardio machine is suitable for every training goal. So before you start looking for a suitable machine, you should clearly define your goals. First and foremost, all machines aim to improve the cardiovascular system and general fitness. However, the training goal is not the only important factor. There are other aspects you should consider: How much space do you have available? Should it be storable? What performance should it deliver? And how much are you willing to invest? So that you don't lose the overview, we have taken a closer look at the individual devices below!
Treadmill
There are many different treadmills on the market, with different characteristics. Decisive are technical data such as motor power, running surface, size and weight. Find out in advance whether the treadmill is suitable for your home, so that there are no unpleasant surprises during delivery and installation. Important points are also the display and the functions of the treadmill. On the display you can control your training, watch TV or complete your training with other programs. Which display is the right one depends on your needs. Other specials are: Incline and decline while running, whether the treadmill is foldable or whether there are cup holders .
Summary:
- Technical data: Motor power, running surface, size and weight.
- Functions of the display
- Specials: incline and decline, foldable, cup holder etc.
- Cost: New: from 4500 euros. Used: approx. 1500 - 2000 Euro
What to consider when buying a treadmill?
Stepper and Crosstrainer
Since stepper and crosstrainer are very similar and only the motion sequence differs, we summarize both here. First, you should consider whether you'd rather have a cross trainer or a stepper. On a cross trainer, the steps are long and elliptical, while on a stepper you tend to take short upward steps . Once you've made your choice, you'll need to consider the same technical points as with the treadmill: size, weight and display. In addition, there are also: height and resistance. Since the pedals here are not powered by a motor, it is important to be able to set different levels of resistance in order to progress in your workout.
Summary:
- Technical data: Size, height, weight.
- Functions of the display
- Adjustable resistance
- Specials: cup holder, headphone jack, etc.
- Cost: New: from 4000 euros. Used: approx. 1000 - 1500 Euro.
What should be considered when buying a stepper?
What should be considered when buying a cross trainer?
Rowing machine
The rowing machine is available in different versions. The motion sequence is always the same, but there are big differences in resistance. There are usually four different ones to choose from here: Air resistance, water resistance, magnetic resistance and a combination of air and magnetic resistance. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, click the button below to learn more. Of course, the technical data is again a deciding factor: size, weight and display.
Summary:
- Resistance: air, water, magnet or air/magnet combo.
- Technical data: Size, weight, display, load capacity.
- Cost: New: approx. 1100 Euro. Used: approx. 700 Euro.
What to consider when buying a rowing machine?
Bicycle ergometers and indoor bikes
Here too, due to a similar structure, we can summarize the devices. In addition to the technical data already described for the previous devices, there are additional points, especially for the bicycle ergometer: The flywheel mass and the wattage, both are dependent on the training goal and your training progress. In addition, it is important for both devices that the handlebars and seat are adjustable, the display has all the necessary functions and the brakes work well.
Summary:
- Bicycle ergometer: Flywheel mass and wattage.
- Technical data: Size, weight, display, brakes.
- Specials: height-adjustable handlebars and seat, cup holder, etc.
- Cost point:
Indoor bike: new: about 2000 euros. Used: 400 - 700 Euro
Bike ergometer: New: approx. 2500 Euro. Used: 1300 Euro
What to consider when buying an indoor bike?
Conclusion
Many dream of having their own cardio machine for their home. However, before you just go out and buy the first one you see, you should think about some points in advance and consider them when buying. Especially the technical data is very important for all devices, so think carefully about where you want to put the device and whether you need to move it a lot. Once you have found the right device, nothing will stand in the way of your endurance training.
Editorial fitnessmarkt.de (NJ)
Photo credit: #221671859 luckyphoto AdobeStock
Published on: 22 May 2019