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Embarking on a weight loss journey? A good place to start is with a well devised nutrition and training program. Cardio machines can be an excellent tool to get you moving more in an effort to facilitate weight loss, and there’s no shortage of profiles to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a top treadmill, quality rowing machine, enthralling exercise bike, or another type...
The post The 8 Best Cardio Machines for Weight Loss of 2023 appeared first on BarBend.
Embarking on a weight loss journey? A good place to start is with a well devised nutrition and training program. Cardio machines can be an excellent tool to get you moving more in an effort to facilitate weight loss, and there’s no shortage of profiles to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a top treadmill, quality rowing machine, enthralling exercise bike, or another type of machine, each offers specific perks and features that can make burning calories a calm and cool endeavor.
With such a wide array of options to choose from, though, it helps to know just what to look for when deciding on a cardio machine for weight loss. Additionally, these machines are likely to be one of the most expensive purchases you make in your fitness journey. To help you make the right decision from the start, we’ve gathered our notes and research findings to curate this well-rounded guide for you. No matter how you take your cardio workouts, odds are we’ve been hands-on with a profile that fits the bill.
The 8 Best Cardio Machines for Weight Loss of 2023
How We Tested
The BarBend team is composed of many individuals with a wide range of experience in the fitness industry. Our roster of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, dedicated fitness enthusiasts, and more, have tested over 100 cardio machines — from treadmills, to exercise bikes, ellipticals, and more — over the years, including many featured in this roundup.
Each machine was chosen for its in-training performance and effectiveness in facilitating a worthwhile weight loss journey. Factors like affordability, app integration, equipment size, and others were also taken into consideration to help you make the most informed decision possible when it comes to adding one of these quality machines to your personal training space.
Best Treadmill for Weight Loss: Sole F80
Sole F80 Treadmill
Sole F80 Treadmill
The Sole F80 treadmill is full of modern touches. It can withstand long runs, offers an incline range up to 15 percent and speed range up to 12 mph, and has a cushioned deck that makes running 40 percent less impactful on your joints than the outdoors.
Shop SOLE
Specs
Pros
Cons
Studies have shown that, when compared to working out on a rowing machine or elliptical, running on a treadmill can be one of the most effective ways to maximize your fat-burning potential in training. (4) For these fitness goals, we’re big fans of the F80 profile from Sole. We appreciate the value strewn across this sub-$2,000 treadmill, including the max speed of 12 miles per hour. This top end setting can facilitate all-out sprints, allowing you to really up the intensity for a better caloric burn in training. A 60-inch running deck also shines in these instances, as the extended surface can be better for longer strides when trying to reach that top speed.
The 2.36-inch rollers baked into this treadmill are also noteworthy, as they create a more efficient operation that can withstand extensive use. Rollers are what turn your running belt when the treadmill is on, and their size directly influences how hard they have to work in order to achieve a full belt revolution. Larger rollers work more efficiently and develop less strain over long training sessions, which can help preserve your treadmill.
Additionally, the Sole F80 earns its place within this round-up thanks to its convenient foldable profile. Folding treadmills can be ideal for athletes tight on space, or those that may not want to step around a full piece of fitness equipment every time they enter a room. When folded, the F80 takes up just 11.61 square feet. This equates to roughly 10 square feet of flooring regained when not in its down, in-use positioning. When in operation, the Sole F80 takes up 21.77 square feet of space.
When you purchase the F80 treadmill, you also get access to the brand’s Sole+ workout library. This free app includes over 3,000 video fitness classes catering to athletes of all experience levels. We do appreciate the inclusion of this service, but admittedly, the library is not the largest we’ve had the pleasure of using over the years. For example, the iFit platform (which we’ll cover more in-depth here shortly) offers over 17,000 fitness classes and challenges, with new programs being added on a regular basis.
Read our full Sole F80 review.
Best Rowing Machine for Weight Loss: LIT Method Strength Machine
Lit Method Strength Machine
Lit Method Strength Machine
This rower from Lit Method is so much more than your typical rowing machine. It combines the cardio benefits of a rowing machine with the strength benefits of resistance band training to give you a full-body workout. If you like instructor-led workouts they have a membership which you receive three months of for free with purchase.
Shop Lit Method
Specs
Pros
Cons
Rowing can also be a worthwhile, low-impact discipline for your weight loss journey, and this impressive rig from LIT combines all the perks of the activity with an added dose of resistance training. The LIT Method Strength Machine comes equipped with two tubed resistance bands that allow you to take your training off the rowing machine itself, giving your sessions another layer of calorie-burning potential. The bands hook into the rig itself, so be sure to anchor your setup appropriately before stretching to peak resistance levels — our tester found that the rowing machine can move if you really stretch the bands to their maximum range.
Looking at the rowing mechanism itself, the LIT Method Strength Machine employs a water resistance system that can be adjusted between 10 and 40 pounds. We like this setup as it gives each stroke a more natural, on-water sensation. Plus, the adjustability of the water can allow you to fine-tune the resistance for more or less intensity — a unique quality amongst water-powered rowing machines. It does take a little while for the water to move into the specific chambers when changing resistances, though, so we recommend doing this prior to a workout rather than on the fly.
The LIT Method Strength Machine can also be a convenient cardio machine thanks to its vertical storage capabilities. You’ll need just four square feet of floor space to house this impressive machine when not in use, and the seven-foot length should be able to fit vertically in most rooms.
Unfortunately, though, this rowing machine does not come equipped with the built-in display console, so the only way to stream your favorite workouts and programs during training is through a separate tablet or other device. The LIT Method Strength Machine does include a convenient tablet holder, but some athletes have stated that the placement isn’t the most ideal.
Read our full LIT Method Strength Machine review.
Best Exercise Bike for Weight Loss: NordicTrack Commercial S22i
NordicTrack Commercial S22i
NordicTrack Commercial S22i
The NordicTrack Commercial S22i is high-tech and high quality, featuring both advancements like a 22” touchscreen display, and solid specs like 24 levels of quiet magnetic resistance.
Shop NordicTrack
Specs
Pros
Cons
Cycling indoors can be a great way to target your weight loss goals, with studies indicating that the activity may improve aerobic capacity, blood pressure, lipid profile, and body composition. (3) This luxury-filled bike from NordicTrack is prime for any athlete thanks to its impressive build quality and slew of available settings. This is one of the few exercise bikes we’ve tested that offers both incline and decline adjustments, and we appreciate the 24 available resistance levels that can give every workout a unique sense of intensity.
We also enjoyed the massive 22-inch display console that provides crystal clear visuals and metrics in training. Plus, the console can swivel 360 degrees, creating the perfect viewing arrangement to follow along with iFit’s library of on-bike and off-bike fitness classes.
Speaking of iFit, the Commercial S22i also allows you to take full advantage of the tech-heavy AutoAdjust feature within the service. When taking in a trainer-led fitness class, the bike will automatically adjust the resistance, incline, and decline in tandem with your instructor’s callouts. We preferred this method of changing the settings in testing, as the incline and decline toggles proved to be less smooth when adjusted manually.
Finally, with all the perks and features built into this impressive rig, it should come as no surprise that this is one of the more expensive exercise bikes on the market. Sure, you can find other, more affordable bikes out there, but if you’re looking to make a true investment in your weight loss journey, we think the bells and whistles justify the heavier cost.
Read our full NordicTrack Commercial S22i review.
Best Recumbent Bike for Weight Loss: Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike
Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike
Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike
The Schwinn 230 has a solid build, a comfortable ride, and a host of user-friendly features. Not only that but an affordable price for the quality with 16 levels of resistance to select from while you follow along to workouts from popular streaming apps like Explore the World and Zwift.
Shop Schwinn
Specs
Pros
Cons
Okay, so you’re wanting to develop a cardio fitness routine for weight loss, but maybe you’re struggling to find a worthwhile discipline because of lingering injuries or consistent knee pains. Recumbent bikes can be great solutions for these dilemmas, as the reclined cycling position has been shown to decrease the amount of load experienced across the ACL. (8)
With the Schwinn 230, we enjoyed the more comfortable setup displayed across the forward-set pedals, and the contoured, ventilated seat provided more than enough comfort to support us during training. Additionally, the added handles and built-in pulse sensors provided a good sense of stability when really trying to pedal hard toward the end of a workout.
The Schwinn 230 isn’t the most tech-riddled cardio machine in this roundup. The LCD display is pretty basic compared to other consoles across the board. With that said, Schwinn does provide a convenient media shelf, so there’s still an opportunity to stream fitness classes and other programs as you pace through your daily sessions. Other conveniences include a large cup holder at the side, as well as an easy-adjust seat rail slider system that allows you to find that perfect seat placement in no time.
We suggest having a plan in place to house this large piece of equipment. You can’t store the Schwinn 230 vertically, so you’ll need to have 12 square feet readily available at all times if you’d like to opt for this weight loss cardio machine. We also recommend finding a suitable place near an outlet, as the included power cord is somewhat short.
Best Elliptical for Weight Loss: ProForm Carbon E10
ProForm Carbon E10
...
Click here to view the article.
The post The 8 Best Cardio Machines for Weight Loss of 2023 appeared first on BarBend.
Embarking on a weight loss journey? A good place to start is with a well devised nutrition and training program. Cardio machines can be an excellent tool to get you moving more in an effort to facilitate weight loss, and there’s no shortage of profiles to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a top treadmill, quality rowing machine, enthralling exercise bike, or another type of machine, each offers specific perks and features that can make burning calories a calm and cool endeavor.
With such a wide array of options to choose from, though, it helps to know just what to look for when deciding on a cardio machine for weight loss. Additionally, these machines are likely to be one of the most expensive purchases you make in your fitness journey. To help you make the right decision from the start, we’ve gathered our notes and research findings to curate this well-rounded guide for you. No matter how you take your cardio workouts, odds are we’ve been hands-on with a profile that fits the bill.
The 8 Best Cardio Machines for Weight Loss of 2023
- Best Treadmill for Weight Loss: Sole F80
- Best Rowing Machine for Weight Loss: LIT Method Strength Machine
- Best Exercise Bike for Weight Loss: NordicTrack Commercial S22i
- Best Recumbent Bike for Weight Loss: Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike
- Best Elliptical for Weight Loss: ProForm Carbon E10
- Best Smart Cardio Machine for Weight Loss: NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio
- Best Stair Climber for Weight Loss: ProForm Carbon HIIT H10
- Best Online Training Program for Weight Loss: iFit
How We Tested
The BarBend team is composed of many individuals with a wide range of experience in the fitness industry. Our roster of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, dedicated fitness enthusiasts, and more, have tested over 100 cardio machines — from treadmills, to exercise bikes, ellipticals, and more — over the years, including many featured in this roundup.
Each machine was chosen for its in-training performance and effectiveness in facilitating a worthwhile weight loss journey. Factors like affordability, app integration, equipment size, and others were also taken into consideration to help you make the most informed decision possible when it comes to adding one of these quality machines to your personal training space.
Best Treadmill for Weight Loss: Sole F80
Sole F80 Treadmill
Sole F80 Treadmill
The Sole F80 treadmill is full of modern touches. It can withstand long runs, offers an incline range up to 15 percent and speed range up to 12 mph, and has a cushioned deck that makes running 40 percent less impactful on your joints than the outdoors.
Shop SOLE
Specs
- Price: $1,899.99
- Max Incline and Decline: 15% incline, 0% decline
- Max Speed: 12mph
- Weight Capacity: 350lbs
- Roller Size: 2.36?
- Product Dimensions: 82.5? L x 38? W x 66? H
- Running Deck Dimensions: 22? W x 60? L
Pros
- Larger 2.36-inch rollers can be better for longer running sessions, requiring less power to move the running deck.
- When folded for easier storage, this treadmill takes up just 11.61 square feet of space.
- The max speed of 12 miles per hour allows for sprinting workouts.
Cons
- This treadmill does not feature any decline capabilities.
- Sole+ library is lacking when compared to other integrated platforms.
- While the price is approachable, there are still more budget-friendly treadmills on the market.
Studies have shown that, when compared to working out on a rowing machine or elliptical, running on a treadmill can be one of the most effective ways to maximize your fat-burning potential in training. (4) For these fitness goals, we’re big fans of the F80 profile from Sole. We appreciate the value strewn across this sub-$2,000 treadmill, including the max speed of 12 miles per hour. This top end setting can facilitate all-out sprints, allowing you to really up the intensity for a better caloric burn in training. A 60-inch running deck also shines in these instances, as the extended surface can be better for longer strides when trying to reach that top speed.
The 2.36-inch rollers baked into this treadmill are also noteworthy, as they create a more efficient operation that can withstand extensive use. Rollers are what turn your running belt when the treadmill is on, and their size directly influences how hard they have to work in order to achieve a full belt revolution. Larger rollers work more efficiently and develop less strain over long training sessions, which can help preserve your treadmill.
Additionally, the Sole F80 earns its place within this round-up thanks to its convenient foldable profile. Folding treadmills can be ideal for athletes tight on space, or those that may not want to step around a full piece of fitness equipment every time they enter a room. When folded, the F80 takes up just 11.61 square feet. This equates to roughly 10 square feet of flooring regained when not in its down, in-use positioning. When in operation, the Sole F80 takes up 21.77 square feet of space.
When you purchase the F80 treadmill, you also get access to the brand’s Sole+ workout library. This free app includes over 3,000 video fitness classes catering to athletes of all experience levels. We do appreciate the inclusion of this service, but admittedly, the library is not the largest we’ve had the pleasure of using over the years. For example, the iFit platform (which we’ll cover more in-depth here shortly) offers over 17,000 fitness classes and challenges, with new programs being added on a regular basis.
Read our full Sole F80 review.
Best Rowing Machine for Weight Loss: LIT Method Strength Machine
Lit Method Strength Machine
Lit Method Strength Machine
This rower from Lit Method is so much more than your typical rowing machine. It combines the cardio benefits of a rowing machine with the strength benefits of resistance band training to give you a full-body workout. If you like instructor-led workouts they have a membership which you receive three months of for free with purchase.
Shop Lit Method
Specs
- Price: $2,000
- Resistance Type: Water
- Weight Capacity: 450lbs
- Product Dimensions: 7’ L x 1.75’ W x 1.6’ H
Pros
- Water resistance can be set between 10-40 pounds for better training variety.
- Includes resistance bands for off-rower workouts, and available expansion packs can bring even more worthwhile attachments to your setup.
- Rower can be stored vertically when not in use, keeping everything out of the way until it’s time to train.
Cons
- A separate tablet or streaming device is required to view your workouts.
- The lower seat height can be difficult to get into and out of for some.
- Heavier resistance when using the included bands can cause the machine to move during exercise.
Rowing can also be a worthwhile, low-impact discipline for your weight loss journey, and this impressive rig from LIT combines all the perks of the activity with an added dose of resistance training. The LIT Method Strength Machine comes equipped with two tubed resistance bands that allow you to take your training off the rowing machine itself, giving your sessions another layer of calorie-burning potential. The bands hook into the rig itself, so be sure to anchor your setup appropriately before stretching to peak resistance levels — our tester found that the rowing machine can move if you really stretch the bands to their maximum range.
Looking at the rowing mechanism itself, the LIT Method Strength Machine employs a water resistance system that can be adjusted between 10 and 40 pounds. We like this setup as it gives each stroke a more natural, on-water sensation. Plus, the adjustability of the water can allow you to fine-tune the resistance for more or less intensity — a unique quality amongst water-powered rowing machines. It does take a little while for the water to move into the specific chambers when changing resistances, though, so we recommend doing this prior to a workout rather than on the fly.
The LIT Method Strength Machine can also be a convenient cardio machine thanks to its vertical storage capabilities. You’ll need just four square feet of floor space to house this impressive machine when not in use, and the seven-foot length should be able to fit vertically in most rooms.
Unfortunately, though, this rowing machine does not come equipped with the built-in display console, so the only way to stream your favorite workouts and programs during training is through a separate tablet or other device. The LIT Method Strength Machine does include a convenient tablet holder, but some athletes have stated that the placement isn’t the most ideal.
Read our full LIT Method Strength Machine review.
Best Exercise Bike for Weight Loss: NordicTrack Commercial S22i
NordicTrack Commercial S22i
NordicTrack Commercial S22i
The NordicTrack Commercial S22i is high-tech and high quality, featuring both advancements like a 22” touchscreen display, and solid specs like 24 levels of quiet magnetic resistance.
Shop NordicTrack
Specs
- Price: $1,999
- Resistance Type: Silent Magnetic Resistance
- Resistance Levels: 24
- Max Incline and Decline: 20% incline, -10% decline
- Weight Capacity: 350lbs
- Bike Weight: 205 lbs.
- Product Dimensions: 61” L x 22” W x 58” H
Pros
- AutoAdjust technology automatically adjusts your incline, decline, and resistance settings according to your trainer-led iFit fitness classes for seamless progress through your workouts.
- 22-inch HD touchscreen display swivels 360 degrees, allowing you to keep your instructors in view during on-bike and off-bike exercises.
- Our tester notes that assembly is simple and straightforward, taking about one hour to complete in entirety.
Cons
- When riding in manual mode, the incline and resistance adjustments are not as smooth as when operating through the AutoAdjust feature in iFit.
- The impressive tech features and other conveniences make this one of the more expensive exercise bikes on the market.
- You need to be extra mindful of the large 22-inch display when moving this exercise bike.
Cycling indoors can be a great way to target your weight loss goals, with studies indicating that the activity may improve aerobic capacity, blood pressure, lipid profile, and body composition. (3) This luxury-filled bike from NordicTrack is prime for any athlete thanks to its impressive build quality and slew of available settings. This is one of the few exercise bikes we’ve tested that offers both incline and decline adjustments, and we appreciate the 24 available resistance levels that can give every workout a unique sense of intensity.
We also enjoyed the massive 22-inch display console that provides crystal clear visuals and metrics in training. Plus, the console can swivel 360 degrees, creating the perfect viewing arrangement to follow along with iFit’s library of on-bike and off-bike fitness classes.
Speaking of iFit, the Commercial S22i also allows you to take full advantage of the tech-heavy AutoAdjust feature within the service. When taking in a trainer-led fitness class, the bike will automatically adjust the resistance, incline, and decline in tandem with your instructor’s callouts. We preferred this method of changing the settings in testing, as the incline and decline toggles proved to be less smooth when adjusted manually.
Finally, with all the perks and features built into this impressive rig, it should come as no surprise that this is one of the more expensive exercise bikes on the market. Sure, you can find other, more affordable bikes out there, but if you’re looking to make a true investment in your weight loss journey, we think the bells and whistles justify the heavier cost.
Read our full NordicTrack Commercial S22i review.
Best Recumbent Bike for Weight Loss: Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike
Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike
Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike
The Schwinn 230 has a solid build, a comfortable ride, and a host of user-friendly features. Not only that but an affordable price for the quality with 16 levels of resistance to select from while you follow along to workouts from popular streaming apps like Explore the World and Zwift.
Shop Schwinn
Specs
- Price: $599
- Resistance Type: High-Speed, High Inertia Perimeter-Weighted Flywheel System
- Resistance Levels: 16
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Product Dimensions: 64” L x 27” W x 44.5” H
Pros
- Forward facing pedals can be better for athletes looking to train without excessive pressure and strain placed across their knees. (8)
- Included media shelf allows you to easily stream your favorite workouts and programs from a separate device or tablet.
- The ventilated, contoured seat creates a comfortable setup for training.
Cons
- Shorter power cord limits where you can store this machine. You’ll either need quick access to an outlet or an extra extension cord for a proper setup.
- The LCD display is pretty basic, so athletes wanting a more tech-heavy console may want to look elsewhere.
- As with other recumbent bikes, this Schwinn 230 is not the most storage-friendly profile, taking up 12 square feet of space with no vertical storage capabilities.
Okay, so you’re wanting to develop a cardio fitness routine for weight loss, but maybe you’re struggling to find a worthwhile discipline because of lingering injuries or consistent knee pains. Recumbent bikes can be great solutions for these dilemmas, as the reclined cycling position has been shown to decrease the amount of load experienced across the ACL. (8)
With the Schwinn 230, we enjoyed the more comfortable setup displayed across the forward-set pedals, and the contoured, ventilated seat provided more than enough comfort to support us during training. Additionally, the added handles and built-in pulse sensors provided a good sense of stability when really trying to pedal hard toward the end of a workout.
The Schwinn 230 isn’t the most tech-riddled cardio machine in this roundup. The LCD display is pretty basic compared to other consoles across the board. With that said, Schwinn does provide a convenient media shelf, so there’s still an opportunity to stream fitness classes and other programs as you pace through your daily sessions. Other conveniences include a large cup holder at the side, as well as an easy-adjust seat rail slider system that allows you to find that perfect seat placement in no time.
We suggest having a plan in place to house this large piece of equipment. You can’t store the Schwinn 230 vertically, so you’ll need to have 12 square feet readily available at all times if you’d like to opt for this weight loss cardio machine. We also recommend finding a suitable place near an outlet, as the included power cord is somewhat short.
Best Elliptical for Weight Loss: ProForm Carbon E10
ProForm Carbon E10
...
Click here to view the article.
