So youve decided to get a dedicated cardio machine for your home gym.
But should it be a treadmill, an elliptical, a bike, or a rower?
There are pros and cons to each.
Treadmill
Cost:Around $1,500 for many of the popular models.
There are budget models that come in under $1,000 and fancy ones over $2,000.
Size:A typical footprint is 35"x 77",according to Consumer Reports.
Tall people who run fast will appreciate larger and longer belts.
Most models will let you adjust the incline, and theyll all let you adjust the speed.
(Yes, a treadmill is just as good a workout as an outdoor run.)
Elliptical
Cost:Similar to a treadmill.
Size:The footprint is similar to a treadmill, but the machine is taller.
Who is it for?People who want the motion of running without the bone-jarring impact.
Again, youll need about two feet of space around the bike to use it comfortably.
Who is it for?Cycling is another low-impact exercise, and the intensity level is up to you.
Rower
Cost:$900 for the Concept II model youve seen in a million gyms.
Budget rowers are available for less, and deluxe models with screens can run around $2,000.
The machines lend themselves well to all-out sprinting efforts, too, so overall youll get a great workout.
Who is it for?Rowers are popular with people who like their cardio to come in hard intervals.
Youcanrow at a slow pace, but its not easy, mindless cardio like youd get from an elliptical.
