What is the best piece of equipment for Cardio?

holmes7694 · 07-22-2009, 10:01 AM

I need to add some cardio equipment to my home gym. What is the best thing (i.e. elliptical, stair stepper, tread mill, exercise bike, or whatever) and why. Let's try to keep this thing at $1,500 or less.

WilyCoder · 07-22-2009, 10:04 AM

Are you planning to do HIIT?

barracudal · 07-22-2009, 10:07 AM

stair stepper is the best IMO, though I like ellipticals too. Most nice treadmills are more than $1500 new from what I've seen. a lot of people don't like ellipticals because of the no-impact element. it all depends on what your goals are though.

holmes7694 · 07-22-2009, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WilyCoder

Are you planning to do HIIT?

I just need to add cardio to my workouts so maybe I can uncover my 6 pack.

animalfan · 07-22-2009, 10:20 AM

i highly recommend a concept2 rower. it's the only cardio machine i haven't gotten bored with. mine was $940 shipped.

here's their site:
http://www.concept2.com/us/default.asp

Andrew_WOT · 07-22-2009, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by holmes7694

I just need to add cardio to my workouts so maybe I can uncover my 6 pack.

Check this one out
http://www.shapefit.com/fitness-advice-5.html
http://ellipticaltrainerz.com/

I tend to believe the elliptical is better due to the load on upper and lower body and a variety of programs to chose from (aerobic, forward, backward, hill, easy resistance, heart rate target, etc.)
I use Lifefitness X5i.

Skidmarx · 07-22-2009, 10:52 AM

Walking...running...sprinting...swimming...jumping rope.

those along with dieting will uncover your abs

smokeater · 07-22-2009, 11:06 AM

For that price I think a Concept 2 Rowing Machine is your best bet. It will last you forever and you can get a great cardio workout.

You won't get a high quality treadmill or elliptical for $1500. Hard to get a good stair climber for that money too. You can get a good bike but a lot of people don't like bikes because of the low intensity.

Bamma · 07-22-2009, 01:43 PM

Shoes

lemieux66c · 07-22-2009, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bamma

Shoes

I agree.

ybarrama · 07-22-2009, 03:18 PM

Elliptical would be handy since it's easy on your joints. Then you can run outside when it's nice. It's better for you than running on a treadmill.

F126 · 07-22-2009, 03:29 PM

shoes and a park or somethin to run around.

Cowmustard · 07-22-2009, 03:40 PM

Jump rope, heavy bag, and maybe some gloves. Does wonders for me.

Peace

Curbside_Quiche · 07-22-2009, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skidmarx

Walking...running...sprinting...swimming...jumping rope.

plus a punching bag & a mountain bike

jgood · 07-22-2009, 04:56 PM

Well if you can't go out year round ... a treadmill is a pretty good buy although some of the cheaper models can cause problems (check for stability). Elipitcals are good and can put some resistance into a workout and are probably what I would get if I wasn't training for something where I needed to actually run. Bikes are decent but only in combination with other types of cardio.

yitmy · 07-22-2009, 05:22 PM

Agree- running shoes or athletic shoes are the best.

You can do wind sprints(HIIT), running, speed walking all either on the road or at a track. I really like the bikes that have steering wheels you can move and see virtual environments when you ride with other riders which is so much fun you may do even more than you wanted initially. But with that comes cost, and upkeep. So best investment is a pair of athletic shoes and enjoying the outdoors. Note if you live in the snow belt---I am certain you can get an excellent workout shoveling your driveway! One caveat...wear boots!

Vince Goodrum · 07-22-2009, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by holmes7694

I need to add some cardio equipment to my home gym. What is the best thing (i.e. elliptical, stair stepper, tread mill, exercise bike, or whatever) and why. Let's try to keep this thing at $1,500 or less.

I would say an elliptical because its a full body cardio workout, easy on the joints, and burns a lot more calories than a bike or treadmill

RHINO240 · 07-22-2009, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vince Goodrum

I would say an elliptical because its a full body cardio workout, easy on the joints, and burns a lot more calories than a bike or treadmill

Agreed

iownyouto · 07-22-2009, 07:31 PM

good thread... Im on the same boat but I'm planning on spending about 800-1000 on a decent hybrid bike and a good pair of running shoes... bad weather=gym treadmill/eliptical

ironwill2008 · 07-22-2009, 10:18 PM

The "best" piece of cardio equipment is the one you enjoy using enough that you'll actually use it regularly.

The whole idea of cardio exercise is to get your heart rate elevated to a certain point, and then maintaining that level for a certain period of time. Your heart doesn't know, or care, if it's being done via a stationary bike, running stadium stairs, doing very high-rep, low-weight clean and presses, or hitting a heavy bag.

Sidney7890 · 07-22-2009, 11:46 PM

What about an incline trainer X3?

yitmy · 07-23-2009, 07:13 AM

Yes I agree. It must be something you enjoy! On that note you can try circuit training to increase your heart rate while you lift. I believe Golds gym had a book about that in the 70s.

BRUTUSPLAC · 07-23-2009, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by holmes7694

I need to add some cardio equipment to my home gym. What is the best thing (i.e. elliptical, stair stepper, tread mill, exercise bike, or whatever) and why. Let's try to keep this thing at $1,500 or less.

Jump rope , 100Lb heavy bag . 3-8 lb dumbells, real sneakers,
12 lb sledge hammer, a big tire, 100 ft of rope, polar heart rate monitor,

a small cardio parachute, i can name lots of stuff,

TREADMILLS , E-trainers, and most stationary bikes are too boring for me,

thats from my experience,

kelt_22 · 07-23-2009, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vince Goodrum

I would say an elliptical because its a full body cardio workout, easy on the joints, and burns a lot more calories than a bike or treadmill

you are red for a reason. you got two out of three wrong there.

kelt_22 · 07-23-2009, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ironwill2008

The "best" piece of cardio equipment is the one you enjoy using enough that you'll actually use it regularly.

The whole idea of cardio exercise is to get your heart rate elevated to a certain point, and then maintaining that level for a certain period of time. Your heart doesn't know, or care, if it's being done via a stationary bike, running stadium stairs, doing very high-rep, low-weight clean and presses, or hitting a heavy bag.

this. take it from someone who sell the stuff. buy the one you like the most. abike used every day is better than a treadmill collecting dust.

Surf-N-turF_old · 07-23-2009, 11:38 PM

Beware of home cardio equipment. It can easily become money down the drain for many people because it can be quite boring. If you're not certain which to buy, was there a particular machine you gravitated to if you previously had a gym membership?

Craigslist is a good place to look. We have a $2,000.00 treadmill we picked up at an estate sale for $500.00 (it was like brand new, older gentleman that didn't run on it, just used it to walk on occassionally).

Good luck.

Essexlad · 07-24-2009, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ironwill2008

The "best" piece of cardio equipment is the one you enjoy using enough that you'll actually use it regularly.

The whole idea of cardio exercise is to get your heart rate elevated to a certain point, and then maintaining that level for a certain period of time. Your heart doesn't know, or care, if it's being done via a stationary bike, running stadium stairs, doing very high-rep, low-weight clean and presses, or hitting a heavy bag.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kelt_22

this. take it from someone who sell the stuff. buy the one you like the most. abike used every day is better than a treadmill collecting dust.

^ These.

I have access to a treadmill, stationary bike, heavy bag, mountain bike etc. All I use is the heavy bag, and do barbell complexs. My girlfriend uses the treadmill, and the stationary bike just sits there. Depends too much on preferences and goals to have a single 'best piece'.

I also don't buy one thing can make you burn more calories than another. You get out what you put in.

crippler · 07-28-2009, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by holmes7694

I need to add some cardio equipment to my home gym. What is the best thing (i.e. elliptical, stair stepper, tread mill, exercise bike, or whatever) and why. Let's try to keep this thing at $1,500 or less.

We are a dealer of a few different brands such as Cap Barbell, Troy, York, Stamina, Body Solid, Valor, Yukon and Fitness Quest. From our own personal experience an elliptical does the trick best. Years ago we would have suggested a stair stepper but after awhile your knees start taking a toll. An Elliptical has the ability of increasing resistance without the wear and tear on your knees. Fitness Quest makes an Eclipse elliptical that we use ourselves shipped to your door for $500. If interested let us know.
Regards,
CvSporting Goods