Cardio Machine reviews from Reddit
Summary
We analyzed 256 Reddit reviews across 28 subreddits and 50 posts to rank the best Cardio Machine brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/Fitness, r/loseit, r/workout, r/fitness30plus, r/Weightlosstechniques. Top-rated brands include Concept2 (4.4/5), Elliptical (4.4/5), Rowing Machine (4.5/5).
Stats
Reviews256
Subreddits28
Posts50
Brands78
Products20
256 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
Concept2
4.4
(33)
"Rowing is a great work out. It will kick your butt for awhile. I felt like I was building muscle when I was using a concept2 as well as getting in cardio."
"Mine takes up very little space and is a killer cardio machine."
"If I could only use one for the rest of my life it would be the rower."
"He loves his concept 2 rower."
"The best machine for me is the rowing machine. It works every part of your arms, legs, and belly."
"Row. Absolutely, 100% row."
"I got a concept 2 rowing machine and I love it."
"I love rowing. You can get comfy seats and there's a higher weight limit."
"If you can find a rowing machine that fits your weight limit, I say go for it."
"I ended up with a Concept2 rower because of high resale value."
#2
Elliptical
4.4
(26)
"Elliptical."
"Elliptical is best."
"I heard the elliptical is the best very low impact on the knees and can burn a shit ton of calories."
"Its easier on joints and gets your arms moving as well."
"The elliptical has been a godsend!"
"The elliptical is perfect for me."
"A+++"
"The elliptical never gives me any issues with my joints whatsoever."
"I highly recommend the elliptical."
"I love the elliptical, easier on joints and it works your full body!"
#3
Rowing Machine
4.5
(24)
"Rowing machine by far"
"What about a rowing machine with wood frame. These can be easily support with planks."
"This thread is reminding me to get a rowing machine."
"I would suggest rowing as it activates around 85% of your muscles."
"Rowing machine."
"Rrrrowing machine."
"Rowing and step climber."
"Technically the rowing machine. Rowing can burn the same amount of calories in 15 minutes as walking does in an hour."
"Rowing really worked for me."
"Rowing and step machine. all I use. gets heart rate up enough to burn calories."
#4
Stationary Bike
4.4
(17)
"Got a stationary bike to rehab it, helped wonderfully."
"Stationary bike!!! No pain for your joints and it burns hella calories really quickly."
"Stationary bikes are the best for people with knee injuries."
"I've been doing to 15 minute stationary bike hiit that was recommended on here."
"The stationary bike is better for sure"
"Spin Bike, or Rowing Machine.."
"I’d personally just go for some flavor of stationary bike."
"I love walking... but what about a stationary bike? easy on the knees."
"A stationary bike, and maybe an elliptical machine because these hurt knees and ankles the least."
"Personally I love my stationary bike."
#5
Treadmill
4.1
(14)
"Treadmill 100%. Even if you aren't running, cranky up the incline and walk uphill while watching TV or whatever. It does wonders."
"Treadmill, it's simple and good."
"For me, it’s the treadmill."
"I'd say the good ol' treadmill."
"I like to use the 12-30-3 method on the treadmill."
"Treadmill can be solid."
"I prefer the treadmill or elliptical for cardio."
"I like bikes because I can just put it in bike mode, but I have a treadmill and mostly use that."
"Low incline treadmill 7-12 minutes daily is great for calves."
"I use the treadmill for HIIT, but the stationary bike is better for sure"
#6
Recumbent Bike
4.4
(10)
"Recumbent stationary bike. You can find one that isn’t too expensive with a high weight limit."
"Getting started I loved the recumbent bike!"
"Being very big, and losing myself, a recumbent bike is the way to go."
"Go with a recumbent stationary bike - way more comfortable than a standard upright bike."
"Recumbent stationary bicycle."
"I just got a recumbent bike off Facebook for $50."
"You might find a recumbent bike is easier on your body right now."
"Recumbent bike or elliptical."
"I fell in love again with the bicycle, recumbent is where I started."
"I'm a fan of recumbant bikes."
#7
StairMaster
4.6
(9)
"Stair master. Very low impact and will have you contemplating your life choices after 15-20 mins."
"For me personally its the stairmaster. No way to cheat, no way to not put in the required effort and its fucking brutal."
"Stair master will burn the most calories and kick your ass the hardest."
"I would personally split my time between the stair master and stationary cycling bike."
"Stairmaster. Without question."
"Stairmaster."
"Stair master, but only if you also want a phatty while you’re also burning fat."
"Stair master for me."
"Of the ones you listed, I would go with the stairmaster. You can get a really good workout if you go hard on it."
#8
Assault Bike
4.3
(6)
"Assault Bike or Echo Bike and a rower."
"Assault bike is brilliant."
"The assault bike is a game changer."
"I’d say go with an assault."
"Assault bike or ski erg are great for kicking your ass."
"AssaultBike if you feel like pushing yourself through a cheese grater every day."
#9
Jump Rope
4.8
(5)
"Jump rope is hands down the best cardio machine to use."
"I know you have said 'machine' but could you try jump rope? It's a great cardio exercise."
"A jump rope."
"A jump rope."
"I would personally say a jump rope if you can handle it."
#10
Echo Bike
4.6
(5)
"If you’re strictly looking for a machine to burn calories, you cant go wrong with the Echo."
"It will provide as much resistance as you can handle."
"Echo bike hands down. Smaller footprint. Better workout in less time."
"Echo bike would be nice."
"Rower. I have both, and found that I use my rower more than my bike."
#11
Airdyne
4.6
(5)
"Airdyne ftw."
"The rower gives the most comprehensive workout, but you have to spend a little time getting the technique down pat."
"If you know of a place with an airdyne bike then that would be a great total body cardio machine."
"Fan bikes are great for cardio and make a white noise / strong fan kind of sound."
"How about an Airdyne?"
#12
BikeErg
5.0
(4)
"I’d go with bike erg... takes less space than a rower, makes less noise than an airbike."
"I'm going bike erg all day"
"I loved the rower for years and then last year I bought a BikeErg, which quickly became my favorite."
"BikeErg, hands down."
#13
Concept 2 Rower
5.0
(4)
"Erg rower (Concept 2) is my favorite."
"I have a concept 2 rower."
"Concept 2 Rower."
"Concept C2 rower."
#14
Rogue
4.3
(4)
"I own the Rogue Echo Bike. That thing kicks my butt."
"Rogue echo bike is a better machine for quick intense workouts than a peloton"
"The Echo or Assault Bikes are probably the best hardcore conditioning"
"Echo Bike is gnarly. Good for intense intervals."
#15
Concept 2
5.0
(3)
"C2 without a doubt."
"We have a C2 Rower that we got back in 2017 and it’s needed no maintenance and is easy to use."
"Rowing machine; specifically Concept 2 (as it’s basically a girder with a fan on the end and will be indestructible)."
#16
Peloton
5.0
(3)
"I love my peloton bike!"
"Peloton is great for its variety, low impact and small footprint."
"I have a peloton bike so I guess technically that's what I would choose. Aside from that, I'd probably do a treadmill."
#17
Stair Climber
4.7
(3)
"Stair climber baby."
"Stair climber…two at a time gets my HR cranking."
"Stair climber if you have access to one."
#18
Biking
4.3
(3)
"I love cycling at the gym. Checks all the boxes for me. Easier on the joints and gets the bpm above 130 for 20 or 30 mins."
"Depends on you. My favourite is cycling, freely and loosely."
"Biking or Elliptical."
#19
Jacob's Ladder
4.3
(3)
"Jacobs ladder. It’s amazing."
"As warm ups go they don't get any better."
"I've found the Jacob's Ladder to be even more low impact than an elliptical."
#20
Bike
4.0
(3)
"I have a bike and it's great if you want to be on it for longer periods of time while watching TV."
"I’d go for a bike. Rowing gives me shinsplints."
"I like bike for warm up since it can be both for warm up, workout and post recovery."
#21
Walking
5.0
(2)
"Hello! I'd advise walking to start."
"I would recommend going with whatever is easiest and most fun for you."
#22
Pool
5.0
(2)
"A pool. Swim, or aquasize, it’s way easier on your joints and you burn some good calories."
"I think a pool is the best."
#23
WaterRower
5.0
(2)
"Rowers seem to favour the tall. And waterrowers make nice swishy ocean noises"
"Do yourself a favor and get something else; whether that's a WaterRower (which I have)"
#24
Peloton Bike
5.0
(2)
"It's been great."
"My Peloton bike."
#25
Bowflex
5.0
(2)
"I have Bowflex Max. It's a little expensive upfront, but a monthly subscription isn't necessary like a peleton. It's a cross between a stair stepper and an elliptical. I absolutely love it."
"The Bowflex Max Trainer kicks my booty… and shapes it too!! I have the M5 but looks like they’ve come out with several newer ones."
#26
Ergometer
4.5
(2)
"If you have the cash, I'd say go for an Ergometer."
"The ergometer is a good choice if you know how to row."
#27
Spin Bike
4.5
(2)
"I absolutely love how I can push myself on it."
"I prefer spin bike."
#28
Exercise Bike
4.5
(2)
"A good quality, potentially second hand exercise bike would be my choice."
"If you already have a bike, you can get a bike trainer."
#29
Cycling
4.0
(2)
"But the obvious choice for you is cycling."
"Ciclying and swimming are always suggested for people with knee problems!"
#30
VersaClimber
4.0
(2)
"Surprised no one has said VersaClimber."
"I would try to use the Versaclimber or something similar to help gain muscle mass."
#31
Stair Master
4.0
(2)
"Stair master for short periods of time but treadmill for extended periods."
"Stair master builds my legs."
#32
ARC Trainer
4.0
(2)
"Arc trainer for me."
"Definitely like the ARC trainer, the foot pads have covers so you can make sure your prosthetic foot doesn’t go flying out like on an elliptical."
#33
Rower
4.0
(2)
"Rower."
"Rowers and can stand up when not using"
#34
Octane
5.0
(1)
"The local YMCA has a machine called the 'Octane XR6000'. It's basically a seated elliptical."
#35
Swimming, Jacob's Ladder, Rowing Machine, stair climber
5.0
(1)
"All of these kick my ass on a regular basis."
#36
Swimming
5.0
(1)
"Walking and swimming."
#37
Serene Life
5.0
(1)
"I have the Serene Life folding treadmill on amazon. It’s going on 4 years old and I use it almost daily for incline walking and just getting steps in."
#38
Walking Pad
5.0
(1)
"I have a walking pad (like a slightly smaller treadmill) that I use *all the time*."
#39
Concept2 Bike
5.0
(1)
"Hands down the most used is the c2. It is so versatile."
#40
LifePro
5.0
(1)
"I think something you can use consistently is the best cardio machine."
#41
Rogue Echo Fan Bike
5.0
(1)
"Rogue Echo fan bike is my absolute favorite."
#42
Magnetic Trainer
5.0
(1)
"I recommend getting a *real* bike and a magnetic trainer."
#43
Schwinn AirBike
5.0
(1)
"I would look to pick up an older model Schwinn AirBike."
#44
Helix Lateral Trainer
5.0
(1)
"My favorite cardio machine is the helix lateral trainer."
#45
Bike Trainer
5.0
(1)
"No contest: a bike trainer."
#46
Bicycle Ergometer
4.0
(1)
"I have both a bicycle ergometer and a rower. I use the bike more, it's a matter of preference and your goals."
#47
Landice Treadmill
4.0
(1)
"Landice Treadmills have a 500lb limit...but they are NOT cheap."
#48
Precor Adaptive Elliptical
4.0
(1)
"I find those even better than swimming since some swim strokes rattle my knees a bit."
#49
Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical
4.0
(1)
"I've had this one for almost 3 years now and have been pretty happy with it."
#50
Stair Machine
4.0
(1)
"STAIR MACHINE. Or spin bike."
#51
Elliptical/Arc Trainer, Airdyne bike, Rower, Zero Runner
4.0
(1)
"My suggestions are elliptical/arc trainer, airdyne bike, rower, or a zero runner by Octane."
#52
Eliptical machine, stair climber
4.0
(1)
"Eliptical machine and stair climber as a not real close second."
#53
Elliptical, Treadmill, Rowing machine
4.0
(1)
"I'd say elliptical or treadmill."
#54
Bells of Steel
4.0
(1)
"Bells of Steel has a "cheap" one, and it's pretty good."
#55
SciFit
4.0
(1)
"Sci Fit arm bike and whatever the weird machine next to is called. Arm bike is my favorite thing about PF."
#56
Stage
4.0
(1)
"Those Stage spin bikes are fairly decent and adjustable for us"
#57
Pro-Form
4.0
(1)
"I have a rowing machine but it’s not a Concept 2. It’s magnetic, Pro-Form $400 at Costco and does just fine for me."
#58
Cross Trainer
4.0
(1)
"A cross trainer and a kettlebell. It’s all I used for a while and did everything I needed."
#59
Bike Erg
4.0
(1)
"Ease of hopping on and getting a workout has to be a bike erg or echo bike."
#60
Concept II
4.0
(1)
"I suggest you consider a Concept II 'ergometer' (rowing machine). They are lightweight and will stand up assembled in about a 2' x 2' space."
#61
Upper Body Ergometer
4.0
(1)
"An upper body ergometer."
#62
Meta Quest 3
4.0
(1)
"VR headsets have a ton of exercise-friendly games and programs."
#63
Step Machine
4.0
(1)
"Outside of that - step machine by far"
#64
Stepper Machine
4.0
(1)
"It's low impact on the knees."
#65
Jakob's Ladder
4.0
(1)
"A joint friendly one I really enjoyed."
#66
Precor Elliptical
4.0
(1)
"Precor makes an excellent elliptical."
#67
Rower and Elliptical
4.0
(1)
"The rower or elliptical I am selling!"
#68
Battle Ropes
4.0
(1)
"Rower, bike, or you can do what I did and get battle ropes."
#69
Portable Mini Exercise Bike
4.0
(1)
"Probably a portable mini exercise bike, it's just the peddles so can be used while in a comfortable chair."
#70
Step
4.0
(1)
"Takes up very little space and very cheap."
#71
Nintendo Switch
4.0
(1)
"I've been doing 30 mins a day of just dance on the switch :D I'm not that good at it but it gets my heart rate up"
#72
Concept2 Rowing Machine
4.0
(1)
"Rowing (on a c2), it hurts knees less than cycling, if you have decent technique."
#73
Rowing
4.0
(1)
"Ergs are a great full-body exercise; rowing is one of few sports where you can actually decrease your ppO2."
#74
Kettlebell
4.0
(1)
"Not exactly what you're talking about, but it'll destroy you for a cardio session."
#75
NordicTrack
1.5
(2)
"NordicTrack products work "fine", *until th"
"THE NORDIC TRACK WILL BREAK. IT IS UNRELIABLE."
#76
Concept 2 Ski Erg
3.0
(1)
"If you really hate life a concept 2 ski erg."
#77
Versa Climber
3.0
(1)
"Versa climbers will sear your lungs and make you wish you were dead."
#78
Sci Fit
3.0
(1)
"Sci fit machine, but most gyms don't have them"
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