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What is the best home gym equipment for weight loss? 8 Fat-Torching Machines

The best home gym equipment for weight loss overall is the NordicTrack T Series Treadmill paired with the POWERBLOCK EXP Adjustable Dumbbell Set.

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When it comes to choosing exercise equipment, I have been putting it to the test for years. I also spent over 30 hours researching and writing this piece in order to create the most rigorous, science-backed article.

The treadmill is one of the most widely used pieces of cardio equipment perhaps because it aligns so well with peoples’ running and daily step goals.

The adjustable dumbbells will help keep your whole body toned while maintaining fat-torching muscle. These dumbbells also take up the least space and provide some of the widest variety of exercises than any other strength training equipment.

While burning calories is important, the best home gym equipment is also based on an exercise routine you enjoy and will be most likely to follow through with.

Keep reading to find the best home gym equipment for weight loss based on your unique preferences, needs, and goals.

What is the best home gym equipment for weight loss?

What is the best home gym equipment for weight loss? A Closer Look

Best Treadmill: Best home gym equipment for weight loss

NordicTrack T Series Treadmills

  • Rated 88/100 based on 27,000+ Reviews
  • Best for runners

Calories Burned Per Hour: 720 calories per hour (Range approximated based on a 155lb person running 6 mph; Source: Harvard Health, 2021)

Key Feature: This treadmill can be folded up and pushed against a wall to take up less floor space. It also comes with speakers, a large LCD screen, 0-10% incline and goes up to 10mph. The free trial for iFit simulates running in adventurous terrains with a trainer. This can be a fantastic way to start your home treadmill routine but is an additional cost after the trial.

Best for Runners and people aiming to get their 10,000 steps per day. If running or walking is hard on your knees and you would prefer lower-impact workouts, there are likely better options below.

Storage Options: Can fold up to take up less floor space

Item Weight: 203lbs

Dimensions (LxWxH): 73 x 35.8 x 67.5 inches

Weight Capacity: 300 lbs

Low impact?: No

Muscles Targeted: Primarily glutes, hamstrings, calves, quads, shin muscles, and core. Chest, back, and shoulders are worked at lower levels

Pros

  • While the cushioning makes it less jarring and kinder on the joints, the treadmill allows for much higher impact exercise than many other types of cardio equipment. Research has shown that running (and other higher impact exercises) can strengthen your bones, joints, and protect against osteoporosis (Source: Bone Research Journal).
  • For those with a daily step goal, the treadmill is a convenient option to make sure you get those steps in even when the weather isn’t the best.
  • This treadmill can be folded up for easier storage. This can be an important benefit for runners and walkers living with limited space.
  • This treadmill is protected with a 10-year warranty for the frame, a 2-year warranty on parts, and a 1-year warranty that covers labor
  • The free trial for iFit simulates running in adventurous terrains with a trainer. This can be an excellent way to start your home treadmill routine but is an additional cost after the trial.
  • With one touch, you can adjust the incline and speed. Anywhere from 0-10% for the incline and up to 10mph for the speed.
  • The speakers and auxiliary jack are sweet options for those wanting to get some entertainment in while they run.

Cons

  • It comes in a larger, heavier box than other types of equipment. If you foresee that as being an issue, you may want to pay the extra to have it delivered to the room you want it in.
  • While it is not overly loud as far as many treadmills are concerned, other types of cardio equipment are quieter.

Best Elliptical: Best home gym equipment for weight loss

Sunny Health & Fitness Essentials Series Elliptical 

  • Best low-impact alternative to running
  • Rated 82/100 based on 16,800+ Reviews

Calories Burned Per Hour:  648 calories per hour (Range approximated based on a 155lb person; Source: Harvard Health, 2021)

Key Feature: The SunnyFit App can keep you interested with over 100 guided workouts, workout plans, real location maps aimed to make it feel like you are travelling the world, and metric tracking. You can also compete on the leaderboard.

Best for:  Shutting off your brain and getting some ‘sweat on’ with a low-impact stride session while watching Netflix, reading, or blasting music with the help of the device holder. Use the app and monitor to track your fitness goals over time (calories, speed, distance, pulse, odometer, time)

Storage Options: Transportation wheels for rolling it out of the way.

Item Weight: 60.8lbs

Dimensions (LxWxH): 39.4 x 26.4 x 59.8 inches

Weight Capacity: 220lbs

Low impact?: Yes

Muscles Targeted: glutes, hamstrings, quads, chest, back, biceps, triceps, and core muscles 

Pros

  • For those looking to walk or run but would prefer a lower impact, the elliptical is a smoother alternative to the treadmill that almost mimics the motion of cross-country skiing. This can be important for those looking for something gentle on the joints. Here is a more in-depth comparison between the elliptical vs the treadmill. 
  • The SunnyFit App comes with free exercise videos, a wide range of guided workouts led by engaging trainers, and it can simulate you working out in beautiful locations around the world. For many people, this App can help make the cardio workouts seem to fly by.
  • This elliptical is also relatively quiet. People have found that this elliptical is quiet enough that people living below them do not even notice the sound.
  • The digital monitor and SunnyFit App can also help you reach your fitness goals by tracking your workout metrics for your calories, distance, odometer, pulse, speed, and time. Putting in 30-60 minutes a day might not seem like much, but it can be a nice little boost to see the distance you have covered over a month or year.
  • The elliptical also comes with a ‎3-year warranty for the frame and other parts are covered for 180 days.

Cons

  • This particular model of elliptical is great for shorter people but probably won’t be the best fit for taller people.
  • The weight limit is also pretty low at 220lbs. There are certainly better cardio options for taller people and those weighing more than this is meant to support.
  • The assembly can be pretty tedious but there are YouTube videos that can help you out. At least one less-than-fun assembly can provide many engaging workouts.

Best Recumbent Exercise Bike: Best home gym equipment for weight loss

Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709

  • Best for work, Netflix and longer, relaxing cardio sessions
  • Rated 90/100 based on 19,200 Reviews

Calories Burned Per Hour: 504 calories per hour (Range approximated based on a 155lb person at a moderate intensity; Source: Harvard Health, 2021)

Key Feature: While it can provide a good burn for even the fittest people, the comfortable padded seat and easy to step-through and get-on design make the recumbent bike one of the safest options for people who may have limited mobility. 

Best for: This is one of the smoothest, lower impact, and most comfortable forms of cardio. While you can get more intense rides in, I like it best for less intense but longer cardio sessions while reading in the morning or relaxing to a good show. With the right desk, many people also like riding the recumbent bike while working on a computer.

Storage Options: Transportation wheels make it easier to roll it out of the way.

Item Weight: 59.4lbs

Dimensions (LxWxH): 58 x 24.5 x 38 inches

Weight Capacity: 300lbs

Low impact?: Yes

Muscles Targeted: Glutes, hamstrings, quads, calves, shin muscles, and core muscles (including abdominals, hip flexors, and obliques).

Pros

  • The Marcy ME-709 recumbent bike may not come with all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, but it gets the job done if you are looking for a budget-friendly minimalist bike.
  • While some people say recumbent bikes are not intense enough (maybe because you can’t stand up and do fancy things like some people use spin bikes for), researchers saw no significant difference between the level of activation of muscle groups between recumbent and upright exercise bikes (Source: International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy).
  • You can get a sweat on in comfort with a recumbent bike. Personally, this is my preferred choice for steady-state cardio while watching Netflix and reading. You might not burn as many calories compared to a 30-minute spin class, but I found I burned way more calories over time because I used it way more often and can ride the thing for an hour and a half in a comfortable, yet sweaty way. I even burned through a 300-page non-fiction book on the recumbent bike which I was pretty proud of.
  • Fun Fact: Recumbent exercise bikes can be a great way to lose weight while working from home or at an office. Researchers found that workers’ reading comprehension was not affected while pedalling (Source: Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting).
  • It comes with eight levels of magnetic resistance. The highest level of resistance should be enough to challenge most people.
  • The LCD display shows time, speed, distance, and calories in large, visible numbers. It also acts as an odometer.
  • Most customers find the seat comfortable. The seat can also slide forward or back to accommodate people of many different heights.

Cons

  • Some people found it difficult to slide the seat forward and back.
  • If you are looking for a bike that can be easily moved and stored, you may want to choose a different bike.

Best Upright Stationary Bike: Best home gym equipment for weight loss

Exerpeutic Folding Exercise Bike, 8 Levels of Resistance Stationary Bike

  • Best for tight spaces
  • Rated 92/100 based on 22,000+ Reviews

Calories Burned Per Hour: 504 calories per hour (Range approximated based on a 155lb person at a moderate intensity)

Key Feature: With 8-levels of magnetic resistance and a 300lb weight capacity, this stationary bike will meet the needs of varying fitness levels while taking up very little space. 

Best for: For people tight on space or wanting something that can easily be folded up and stored in a closet after workouts, this might be worth considering for cardio equipment

Storage Options: This bike can be folded into a 22″ x 20″ footprint, and has transportation wheels for easy movement.

Item Weight: 39lbs

Dimensions (LxWxH): 31 x 19 x 46 inches

Weight Capacity: 300lbs

Low impact?: Yes

Muscles Targeted: Glutes, hamstrings, quads, calves, shin muscles, and core muscles (including abdominals, hip flexors, and obliques)

Pros

  • Plenty of customers appreciate the range of resistance on this exercise bike. This may be nice if you want to experiment with other tensions as you get stronger.
  • People have found the heart rate monitor is more accurate than those on other bikes that target a particular intensity and for HIIT. After comparing this monitor to her high-calibre heart rate monitor, she found it was within five beats per minute.
  • Following the advice of his health therapist, an 85-year-old man also uses this bike for rehab after having both knees replaced. He uses it daily and “loves” this bike. 
  • If you have found larger bike seats comfortable in the past, this may be a good choice for you. One person said this is the widest, most comfortable seat she has used. Another person said this seat is even more comfortable than seats on expensive gym bikes.

  • If you have found your thighs rub against wider seats, you may want a bike with a narrower seat. I have found that with a comfortable seat, I am far more likely to stick to my exercise bike training routine.
  • This bike also folds up easily and has a sleek appearance.

Cons

  • Several people found the position of the seat too far back relative to the pedals.
  • Many satisfied buyers praise the excellent customer service they receive with this bike. Others had mechanical issues with the bike and said they had poor customer service.

Best AirBike: Best home gym equipment for weight loss

Assault AirBike Classic

  • Best for seated HIIT
  • Rated 96/100 based on 2,100 Reviews

Calories Burned Per Hour: 625 calories per hour (Range approximated based on a 155lb person at a vigorous intensity)

Key Feature: This bike provides high levels of Air resistance which can give a powerful high-intensity interval workout for the upper and lower body. Even the fittest athletes will consistently be able to push their limits on this bike. Many people have found that this bike keeps them coming back where they have become bored with stationary bikes.

Best for: People looking to work out at high intensities with low impact in the seated position. People who don’t need equipment that folds up for storage.

Storage Options: Has transportation wheel to move out of the way but does not fold up.

Item Weight: 110lbs

Dimensions (LxWxH): 59.95 x 23.34 x 50 inches 

Weight Capacity: 350 lbs

Low impact?: Yes

Muscles Targeted: Glutes, hamstrings, quads, calves, shin muscles, core muscles (including abdominals, hip flexors, and obliques), biceps, triceps, chest, shoulders, and back muscles

Pros

  • This bike provides high levels of Air resistance. Even the fittest people will consistently be able to push their limits on this bike. Many people have found that this bike keeps them coming back where they have become bored with stationary bikes.
  • The computer provides up to 7 programs which may be helpful for keeping you motivated. After a stressful day at work, coming home for a high-intensity interval training session may be a good way to decompress.
  • The Assault AirBike comes with 20 sealed ball bearings. This makes for an especially smooth ride. One customer described it as ‘butter-smooth.’
  • The AirBike is durable and works for people of many shapes and sizes. It supports people up to 350 pounds. The six-way adjustable seat may also be nice if there are others wanting to use this bike.

Cons

  • The monitor does not have a backlight.
  • Some people may find it to be a bit too noisy. There are definitely quieter options

Best Overall Adjustable Dumbbell: Best home gym equipment for weight loss

POWERBLOCK EXP Adjustable Dumbbell Set (Sold In Pairs)

  • Best for keeping/building muscle for faster weight loss
  • Rated 94/100 based on 1,400+ reviews

Calories Burned Per Hour: 432 calories per hour (Range approximated based on a 155lb person at a moderate intensity; Source: Harvard Health, 2021)

Key Feature: These dumbbells could meet the needs of ~99% of lifters and could work well for an entire family of varying strengths and sizes. Replaces 16 dumbbells or 32 dumbbells with expansions. The equivalent of 825lbs of dumbbells or 2,280lbs with expansions). 

Best for: People looking to maintain or build calorie-burning muscle while losing fat. The POWERBLOCK EXP Adjustable Dumbbell Set will meet the strength-training requirements for 99% of people. These dumbbells could meet the strength-training needs of an entire family (and friends); from beginner to advanced athletes or even powerlifters. With these dumbbells, you can lift anywhere from 2.5lbs to up to 90lbs per dumbbell if you get the expansions. 

Storage Options: The dumbbells replace an entire dumbbell rack and take up little space.

Item Weight: Each dumbbell weighs 50lbs but can be expanded up to 70lbs and again up to 90lbs

Dimensions (LxWxH): 12 x 6.5 x 6.5 inches

Weight Capacity: Not applicable

Low impact?: Yes

Muscles Targeted: With dumbbells you get an extreme variety of exercises so you can tone up, build strength, power, and muscular endurance for your entire body.

Pros

  • When losing fat, it is important to continue resistance training so that you don’t lose muscle. Muscle is a key ingredient in staying lean because muscle burns calories 24 hours a day. In one article, I scoured peer-reviewed research and share “7 Science-Based Reasons Why Strength-Training Can Help You Burn Fat.” You might want to check out that section.
  • These dumbbells can be adjusted in seconds up to a maximum weight of 50lbs per dumbbell (100lbs per set) without the expansions. 
  • These dumbbells can be expanded to grow with your strength-training needs. With the Stage 2 Expansion, you can lift up to 70lbs per dumbbell (140lbs in total) and with the Stage 3 Expansion, you can lift up to 90lbs per dumbbell (180lbs in total.)
  • These come with a wide weight range per dumbbell: 2.5 – 50lbs per adjustable dumbbell (70 and 90lbs with the expansions). This allows you to lift heavy in order to tone and strengthen the bigger muscle groups like the chest, glutes, and shoulders while going lighter to strengthen the smaller muscle groups such as the rhomboids and lower traps.
  • These dumbbells can save a huge amount of space by replacing over 60 conventional dumbbells and come in a huge variety of weight increments: 2.5 (adder weight), 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 17.5, 20, 25, 27.5, 30, 35, 37.5, 40, 45, 47.5, 50 lbs. per hand. Can be expanded to include 52.5, 55, 57.5, 60, 62.5, 65, 67.5, 70, and could be further expanded to include 72.5, 75, 77.5, 80, 82.5, 85, 87.5, 90
  • Come with a 5-year Limited Warranty. The PowerBlock Classic Series Warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship. They are built to last with welded steel construction and powder-coated paint, but it is best to avoid dropping them from over 12 inches as that is not covered.
  • Recommended Stand: PowerBlock Large Column Stand

Cons

Best Stepper: Best home gym equipment for weight loss

Bowflex Max Trainer Series 

  • Best for glute toning and HIIT
  • Rated 92/100 based on 2100+ reviews

Calories Burned Per Hour: 612 calories per hour (Range approximated based on a 155lb person at a moderate intensity; Source: Harvard Health, 2021)

Key Feature: The stepping motion can help tone and lift the glutes in ways that other exercises cannot. The stepper can also help you climb stairs or hills with ease and grace while others would be gasping for air.

Best for: While it is fantastic for steady state cardio, it really shines in providing quick, easy-to-access High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). This can be a stellar option for those short on time. Compared to longer, lower intensity workouts, research has proven HIIT can provide similar benefits in a fraction of the time

Storage Options: Comes with transport wheels to easily tilt and roll it out of the way. 

Item Weight: 139lbs

Dimensions (LxWxH): 46.5 x 22.5 x 26.5 inches

Weight Capacity: 300lbs

Low impact?: Yes

Muscles Targeted: Glutes, hamstrings, quads, calves, shin muscles, core muscles, biceps, triceps, chest, shoulders, and back muscles

Best Rowing Machine: Best home gym equipment for weight loss

Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5 Performance Monitor: 

  • Best for toning the back
  • Rated 98/100 based on 11,600+ Reviews

Calories Burned Per Hour: 504 calories per hour (Range approximated based on a 155lb person at a moderate intensity; Source: Harvard Health, 2021)

Key Feature: The rower hit most major muscle groups. Rowing is like a mix of cardio and resistance training which can improve both muscular strength and muscular endurance.

Best for: Those who enjoy the motion of rowing and for those looking to get a good workout for their upper body including their delts, lats, and traps.

Storage Options: Caster wheels make it easy to move for storage. It can easily be separated into two parts so it takes up less space (25 x 33 x 54 inches).

Item Weight: 57lbs

Dimensions (LxWxH): 96 x 24 x 14 inches

Weight Capacity: 500lbs

Low impact?: Yes

Muscles Targeted: Deltoids, lats, traps, glutes, hamstrings, quads, calves, core muscles (including abs), biceps, triceps, chest, shoulders, and back muscles

Pros

  • Plenty of happy customers: When it comes to rowing and cardio in general, this is the first piece of equipment I have seen to receive 4.9/5 stars after being put to the test by over 11,000 people. If rowing is your thing, this might be a worry-free choice. It also comes with an extended 90 Day Return Window
  • This rower can be stored in its more compact form in a minute or less. It is as simple as lifting up the middle section, rolling it out of the way, and then placing the other section with it in a corner or closet.
  • Compared to more expensive water rowers, you might find you enjoy that the Concept 2 can blow a little cool air at you during those sweaty workouts.
  • The Concept 2 can be assembled very quickly – in 20 minutes or less for many people. Like others, you may find there is no need to pay to have someone set this up for you.

Cons

  • Although it only takes a minute, some people find it a bit tedious to separate the rower to store it. Especially, if they are doing it every day.
  • While it is great for those training to row and those who enjoy the motion, it certainly isn’t the top pick of cardio for everyone. Avoid buying it just because people rave about how great rowing is for you.

This is a fantastic choice as far as rowers go, but personally, a rower would be one of my last choices for cardio.

It’s not my favorite motion. Personally, I prefer other cardio options that make it easier to watch a show while working out.  This makes it easier for me to use the equipment more often and for longer periods – thus burning more calories.

What are the benefits of working out from home?

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Having your own home gym equipment can help make sure you stick to your weight loss goals and more importantly your routines that will get you there.

Lucky for us, the benefits of working out from home align well with the science behind sustaining new healthy habits.

When it comes to transforming the benefits of working out from home into actionable habits, let’s turn to best-selling, James Clear’s advice…

You will want to make a plan so that working out from home is:

  • Easy
  • Satisfying
  • Obvious
  • Attractive

Home Gym Benefit #1: Working out from Home is Easy!

With your own home gym equipment, working out can become so much easier to sustain for the long term.

It can be as easy as rolling out of bed, putting on your workout clothes (if you choose to) and jumping right into your workout.

This makes it more so much easier than working out at the gym, because…

There is no long commute to the gym.

There is no need to wear nice-looking clothes or to make yourself look presentable.

There is no packing a gym bag

There is no unnecessary wiping down of equipment.

There is no waiting in line for that machine everyone seems to be using.

There is no misplaced guilt and shame for missing a workout because you don’t have time for all those unnecessary steps required to get to the gym

All of these little annoyances can cause unnecessary friction between you and your weight loss goals.

By getting your own gym equipment and making a workout routine using these strategies, you will be well on your way to consistently work out.

Action Step: If you think working out from home is something you want to do, read through this article, talk to your health care professional, and consider visiting a gym so you can try out different equipment.  These steps can help you make sure you get the best home gym equipment for weight loss for you.

Home Gym Benefit #2: Working out from Home is Satisfying!

Many of us love to watch sports, tv, some addictive series, and/or a movie.

When you work out from home, you have the option to do those things you love.

This will actually make sticking to your routine even easier!

The excitement to do the thing you want to do (watch tv), can mask any feelings of procrastination that can come with working out.

Don’t be surprised if you start to actually crave working out!

It turns out, many ‘couch potatoes’ have lost piles of weight through a technique known as temptation bundling.

Dr. K. L. Milkman et al. (2014) explain that temptation bundling is:

“Bundling instantly gratifying but guilt-inducing “want” experiences (enjoying page-turner audiobooks) with valuable “should” behaviors providing delayed rewards (exercising)” (Source: Management Science).

In a randomized, controlled trial, Dr. K. L. Milkman et al. (2014) found that temptation bundling got people to exercise

“51% and 29% more frequently than control participants” (Source: Management Science).

What would your temptation bundling recipe for crushing your workout routine look like?

My two favourite combinations are walking while listening to audiobooks and lifting weights while watching Netflix.

Action Step: Take 30-60 seconds and brainstorm some temptations you could bundle with at-home exercises.

Home Gym Benefit #3: Working out from Home is Obvious!

By having your own home gym equipment, exercising not only becomes easier and more satisfying – it also becomes the obvious choice.

Perhaps you are talking on the phone – why not jump on the exercise bike or treadmill?

You get home from work and are feeling like blowing off some steam. Why not jump into a workout?

If you don’t feel like cleaning, working, doing taxes, etc – why not work out?

Personally, I have found by inserting my workout into my daily routine working out also becomes more obvious.

For example, you might get home from work, put supper on low heat, and start working out while it cooks or heats up.

Or you might place your workout clothes on your bathroom counter so that as soon as you wake up, you put those clothes on and get to your exercise routine.

Even the act of seeing your workout gear makes it more obvious and less likely that you will forget.

You might also want to consider posting your inspiring goals or images that represent your fitness goals so that you can get that extra boost to exercise.

How will you make exercising at home the obvious choice?

Action Step: Take 1-2 minutes to brainstorm some ways and add them to your plan.

Home Gym Benefit #4: Working out from Home is Attractive!

Once you have your plan to make exercising at home convenient, satisfying, and obvious it will already be way more attractive to do those things to lose weight and sustain your workout routine for the long haul.

Imagine actually craving those home-work outs because you have skillfully:

  • Eliminated all unnecessary and inconvenient obstacles
  • Paired it with the activity you love and
  • Made exercising so obvious you can’t ignore it

Now you can use a little more proactive thinking to make it even more attractive.

What exercises do you hate and which ones do you enjoy?

Don’t simply go with the exercise you think will burn the most calories.

By googling “best exercises to lose weight,” you might see some fitness guru write “Skipping rope is the key to blast calories as fast as possible!”

If you hate skipping or are living with someone underneath you – that might not be the best choice.

Pick the equipment you can see yourself enjoying.

This will make it easier to work out more often and for long enough durations to see those results.

Is there a day in the week when you typically have fewer things to do?

Perhaps there is a time in the day when you feel more energized

Is there a consistent time you could foresee that exercising would help you burn off some stress or anxiety?

Or is there a common time that you watch tv or talk on the phone that you could now pair with working out?

Once you have chosen some times, think about habits you have started and successfully stuck to in the past.

Did you go all in with your new routine?

…Or did you start that habit gradually and ramp it up from there?

Learning from and recalling those past successes can make sticking to your routine easier.

Action Steps:  Once you have decided on those easier times and have chosen how gently or aggressively you will approach your new habit, it is time to schedule your workout time each week.

From there you can bust out your calendar, schedule those reminder notifications, put up those sticky notes, and whatever else you can think of to make it easy to remember your exercise plan.

If you haven’t yet, I am encouraging you to take a few minutes to put this plan into action. If you can’t do it now, you might want to make a note to help make sure you schedule it later.

A few more considerations

You have your plan to make exercising at home convenient, satisfying, obvious, and easy. Now to choose which home exercise equipment is best for you based on your space, goals, needs, and living situation.

Storage

How important will it be to easily move your home gym equipment?

If you are extremely tight on space, you might want to consider a compact and foldable piece of cardio equipment.

Maybe you will just want to roll it out of the way and place it in a corner when not in use.

Consider Your Goals

When thinking about choosing the best home gym equipment for weight loss, it is essential to consider any other goals you might have.

If you plan to run a race or hit that 10,000 daily step goal? The treadmill might be your best bet.

Are you simply wanting to exercise more while working from home or when watching tv? A recumbent exercise bike could be a fantastic choice.

Looking to do a cycling trip? An upright exercise bike might be the choice for you…you may want to also check out this post on how to lose weight using exercise bikes.

“I want to no longer be gassed when walking up the stairs!” You have lots of options! You might want to do some high-intensity interval training on either an air bike, elliptical, treadmill, rower, stepper, or exercise bike.

If you love to row and would like to compete, you may want to get a rower

Whatever piece of cardio equipment you choose, you may also want to consider adding some resistance training to help ensure the weight you lose is fat instead of muscle! This will help you develop or maintain toned muscles.

Check out my post, “Which Exercise Or Activity Is Best For Fat Loss?” to learn more about the science of weight loss and how to create a balanced approach to dropping fat and toning up.

Consider Your Needs: Low Impact vs High Impact Equipment

Running and other high-impact exercises can help strengthen your bones and joints, but if you experience pain when using a piece of equipment or if it makes you avoid exercising, there are likely better choices for you.

Please also see a licensed medical professional if you are experiencing pain before starting a new workout or nutrition plan.

Do you find it hurts to run, walk, or jump? Maybe you just prefer less jarring forms of cardio?

The best home gym equipment for weight loss might be one of the following low-impact options:

  • Elliptical (I go into more depth on the benefits of the elliptical in this post)
  • Recumbent exercise bike 
  • Upright Stationary Bike
  • Air Bike
  • Dumbbells
  • Stepper
  • Rowing Machine

Quiet vs Loud Home Gym Equipment

If you have roommates, family members, thin walls, or people living below you, you will also want to choose a piece of equipment that is quiet enough so it won’t bother your neighbours.

For quieter options, the best home gym equipment for weight loss might be one of the following:

  • Recumbent exercise bike
  • Upright Stationary Bike
  • Dumbbells
  • Elliptical
  • Air Bike (louder than others, but likely fine unless noise passes through your floors easily)
  • Rowing Machine
  • Stepper

I found out very soon that skipping ropes and indoor rebounders would not work for me. Until I discovered a dark, dingey room in the basement of my old apartment. 

With each of the above options, there will be quieter and louder versions. Treadmills tend to be louder.

Frequently asked questions: People also ask

Which gym equipment is best for losing weight?

The best gym equipment for losing weight will be the treadmill and dumbbells for a large percentage of people.

This question largely comes down to personal preferences, needs, and goals.

The treadmill is one of the more popular options because many people enjoy or have set goals related to running or walking a particular number of steps per day.

Dumbbells are outstanding because they can help you build all major muscles in a balanced way. When there is a lineup for machines, you can also often find available dumbbells that fit into your workout plan.

Research has shown that muscle is essential for losing weight by keeping your metabolism going while oxidizing fat (Kirk et al., 2009) and for improving body composition which leads to getting toned (Pierson et al., 2001; Lox et al., 1996). Sources: Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise; Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation; and International Journal of Behavioral Medicine.

If you are looking to get your own home gym equipment, I would suggest trying out the equipment First at a commercial gym.

This can help you determine the best home gym equipment for weight loss based on your personal preference, goals, and needs.

What machine at the gym is best for losing belly fat?

Peer-reviewed research has backed the following public health message:

 ‘keep your waist circumference to less than half your height” (Source: Nutrition Research Reviews).

The best machine for losing belly fat at the gym is your body.

While you can’t choose to burn belly fat first, you can turn your body into a fat-burning machine with the following tools:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FszNUIIGS9A
Registered Dietician, Nora Norback, breaks down how a food diary can double fat loss based on the results from a research study with 1700 participants

When it comes to cardio, you will want to find the equipment you will be more likely to use more often and for longer periods.

This will help you burn more calories which will eventually lead to melting that belly fat.

Some exercise equipment can feel easier than others while exerting yourself at certain intensities. For example, many people find the elliptical feels easier than running at the same intensity.

You may also want to experiment with exercise equipment at the gym while monitoring the calorie tracker, time, distance, and intensity level.

This can help you get an estimation of the cardio equipment that could be the best option for you when it comes to burning calories in ways that feel more enjoyable.

What at-home workout is the best weight loss?

When it comes to working out at home, the best exercise for weight loss is prepping your meals based on a delicious and nutritious meal plan.

When it comes to losing fat, it takes many people mere minutes to consume the same amount of calories they just spent hours sweating away.

Creating a meal based on the foods and drinks that leave you feeling satiated is one of the best ways to combat binge-eating.

From there, you will want to focus on maintaining your fat-burning muscle through resistance training with either dumbbells or with bodyweight exercises. Check out this post for some ideas on using dumbbells for home workouts.

The best cardio equipment for weight loss is the one you find most enjoyable, comfortable, and aligned with your goals and needs.

See the sections in this post called “What are the benefits of working out from home?” and “A few more considerations” to help you decide on the best home gym equipment for weight loss for you.

Summary – The best home gym equipment for weight loss

The best home gym equipment for weight loss for a wide range of people is the NordicTrack T Series Treadmills paired with the POWERBLOCK EXP Adjustable Dumbbell Set (Sold In Pairs).

The treadmill is fantastic for hitting that daily step goal and for training for a race. The adjustable dumbbells are a space-saving option that can keep your whole body toned while maintaining fat-torching muscle.

I hope this article helped you choose the best home gym equipment for weight loss based on your unique goals and preferences!

Sources

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  1. Chen, X., Zhu, X., Wei, A. et al. Nrf2 epigenetic derepression induced by running exercise protects against osteoporosis. Bone Res 9, 15 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41413-020-00128-8

  1. Cho, J., Freivalds, A., Rovniak, L., Sung, K., & Hatzell, J. (2014). Using a Desk-Compatible Recumbent Bike in an Office Workstation. Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 58(1), 1662–1666. https://doi.org/10.1177/1541931214581347

  1. Harvard Health Publishing: “Calories burned in 30 minutes for people of three different weights”

  1. Kirk EP, Donnelly JE, Smith BK, Honas J, Lecheminant JD, Bailey BW, Jacobsen DJ, Washburn RA. Minimal resistance training improves daily energy expenditure and fat oxidation. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2009 May;41(5):1122-9. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e318193c64e. PMID: 19346974; PMCID: PMC2862249.

  1. Lopes AD, Alouche SR, Hakansson N, Cohen M. Electromyography during pedaling on upright and recumbent ergometer. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2014 Feb;9(1):76-81. PMID: 24567858; PMCID: PMC3924611.

  1. Lox, C.L., McAuley, E. & Tucker, R.S. Aerobic and resistance exercise training effects on body composition, muscular strength, and cardiovascular fitness in an hiv—1 population. Int. J. Behav. Med. 3, 55–69 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327558ijbm0301_5

  1. Milkman KL, Minson JA, Volpp KG. Holding the Hunger Games Hostage at the Gym: An Evaluation of Temptation Bundling. Manage Sci. 2014 Feb;60(2):283-299. doi: 10.1287/mnsc.2013.1784. PMID: 25843979; PMCID: PMC4381662.

  1. Pierson, Lee M. MS*†; Herbert, William G. PhD‡; Norton, H. James PhD*; Kiebzak, Gary M. PhD*; Griffith, Parks MS*; Fedor, John M. MD*; Ramp, Warren K. PhD*; Cook, Joseph W. MD*. Effects of Combined Aerobic and Resistance Training Versus Aerobic Training Alone in Cardiac Rehabilitation. Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation: March 2001 – Volume 21 – Issue 2 – p 101-110.
  2. Clear, J. (2018). How To Start New Habits That Actually Stick. James Clear, November, 13, 2018.

Chad Alexander, NASM-CPT, BSc, MEd, BEd

Chad Alexander is the founder of Fitness Minimalists. He is a certified personal trainer with specializations in fitness nutrition and strategic intervention. His mission with this site is to educate and empower people to level up their health and fitness with only the most essential equipment and habits so they can live longer, fuller, and more confident lives

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