Cardio Exercise Equipment Buying Guide

Cardio Exercise Equipment Buying Guide

Cardio exercises are a great way to pump your heart faster as a warm-up before your strength-building exercises. By making your heart pump faster, you are ultimately avoiding your chances of getting heart disease. Cardio workouts are without a doubt the most vital aspect of your fitness plan if you want to lose weight, burn calories quicker, tone up, or perhaps sleep better.

Running, jogging, walking, cycling increase your heart rate and are the most common cardio exercises. But, due to unpredictable weather, pandemic, and other outdoor restrictions, activities like running, jogging, or cycling can become a hassle or let you use them as an excuse you skip your fitness practice. 

Furthermore, the effort to keep oneself safe when outside by wearing a mask or other personal protective equipment (PPE) makes it uneasy while performing such strenuous full-body exercises.

Therefore, it is prudent to invest in and rely on indoor cardio workout equipment to increase your consistency. 

We created this cardio machine buying guide to assist beginners in finding the ideal cardio equipment by classifying them based on different types of cardio machines and the crucial aspects to look for when buying such equipment.

Fitness Equipment Buying Guide For Treadmills

The three main features to look for when investing in a treadmill are track size, motor strength, and variable speed. Treadmills range from simple to complex, with high-tech features for greater comfort and durability. It is recommended for a beginner to start with an industry-standard model and gradually progress to a high-end one.

Track Size

It is the track length and width of a treadmill. Buy a treadmill based on your space availability at home and the purpose of usage (running, jogging, or walking). Treadmill lengths vary widely from 55″ for walking to 63″ for running. For an industry-standard treadmill, the track width is typically 20″.

Motor Strength

A standard treadmill should have a motor with a Continuous Duty Rating (CDR) or Continuous Horse Power (CHP). If you merely want to use the treadmill for walking, a 2.0 CHP will do. A motor’s typical lifespan is between 10 and 12 years, although it may live much longer with proper maintenance and care.

Variable Speed

With the control of the motor of the belt system, you can adjust the speed in the treadmill. Set the treadmill incline to 1 or 2 to imitate walking or running outside. In general, walking should be done at 2 to 4 mph, jogging at 4 to 5 mph, and running at or above 5 mph.

Fitness Equipment Buying Guide For Ellipticals

The main parameters of an elliptical machine are the resistance level, stride length, and step-up height.

Resistance Level 

Resistance level on your elliptical lets you choose how much energy you wish to use while cycling. When the pedals’ resistance is set high, more energy is required to move the pedal.

Stride Length 

It is the distance between the pedals when they are farthest apart from each other. A decent stride length allows you to run or walk comfortably on an elliptical machine. Most commercial ellipticals have a stride length of 20″.

Step-up height

Calculate the ceiling height and available floor space in your house to see if an elliptical machine would fit. The step-up height refers to the distance between the elliptical’s pedals and the ground. You’ll need a minimum of step height + your height + standard headroom space to decide whether an elliptical is a wise investment for your location.

Fitness Equipment Buying Guide For Stationary Cycle

A stationary cycle, often known as an exercise bike, is popular cardio equipment in every gym. It is available in both recumbent and upright configurations.

Recumbent Model

A recumbent bike is a stationary cycle in an inclined seated position. We usually advise beginners to start with a recumbent bike and then practice with an upright bike. A recumbent bike is a fantastic cardiovascular workout for beginners since it needs less effort to balance and push the pedals. Working out on a recumbent cycle engages your quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, and calf muscles.

Upright Model

An upright model is a more advanced workout cycle since it works on your quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calf muscles, as well as other abdominal and arm muscles such as the erector spinae muscle, core, triceps, shoulders, and forearms.

Points To Remember

If you are a beginner and are unsure about which equipment to purchase, we recommend that you test it out at a gym or a fitness store before buying it. Stability and sturdiness are critical factors in determining the quality and lifetime of the equipment. Finally, look through the warranty, shipping choices, and installation fees.

Purchasing Cardio Exercise Equipment is more of an investment in one’s health and well-being. So, take your time researching what’s out there and use this article as a cardio machine buying guide to help you comprehend each feature of the various types of cardio equipment. Remember that each sort of cardio equipment provides a distinct feeling and advantage. 

Check the models available on our website