You’ve got the fresh gym gear and trainers ready to go. But now that you're kitted out, the real question is; what's your workout of choice?
Aerobic exercise is good for a number of reasons. It strengthens the heart, improves endurance and burns calories, making it an essential part of any fitness routine. But with so many machines available, finding the right one comes down to personal goals, comfort, and what keeps you motivated.
What are you training for?
The best machine depends on what you want to achieve. If burning calories fast is the goal, a treadmill or air bike delivers high-intensity workouts. For building endurance, a rowing machine or elliptical trainer offers a steady cardiovascular challenge. Those who want to protect their joints might prefer a low-impact option like a recumbent bike or stair climber.
How much impact is too much?
Some machines are tougher on the joints than others. Running on a treadmill is great for cardio but can be hard on the knees and ankles. Ellipticals and stationary bikes provide a smoother motion, reducing impact while still delivering an effective workout. For those recovering from injury or looking for a gentler option, a rowing machine or recumbent bike can be a better choice.
Which muscles are you targeting?
Different machines activate different muscle groups. A rowing machine engages the legs, core, and upper body, making it a full-body workout. Treadmills and stair climbers focus on the lower body, especially the glutes, hamstrings and calves. If the goal is a balanced workout, an elliptical or rowing machine works more muscle groups at once.
Is it easy to use and store?
Some machines require more technique than others. Rowing machines take time to master, while treadmills and stationary bikes are more intuitive. For those who want to keep workouts simple, choosing a machine with a quick learning curve makes it easier to stay consistent.
Space is another factor, especially for home workouts. Treadmills and ellipticals need more room, while foldable bikes or compact stair climbers fit better in smaller spaces.
Will it keep you engaged?
Sticking to a workout routine is easier when it’s enjoyable. Machines with built-in workout programs, resistance adjustments, or interactive screens help keep things interesting. Rowing machines and air bikes automatically adjust resistance based on effort, adding variety, while treadmills often have incline settings for an extra challenge.
At the end of the day, the best aerobic machine is the one that feels good to use and fits your goals. If possible, trying different machines before committing can help find the right fit. The more enjoyable the workout, the more likely it is to become part of a long-term routine.
Read on for more.
Echelon Stair Climber Sport
What I like most about this Echelon model is the ability to adjust resistance and incline levels, tailoring my workouts to how intense I want them. The padded handles make longer sessions comfortable, and the Bluetooth-connected console keeps me motivated by tracking every stat; steps, speed, calories burned and more.
As someone who values convenience, its compact, foldable design is handy for smaller spaces, sliding easily under a bed or into a closet. Plus, the added bonus of syncing to Strava and Fitbit makes it easy to track progress across platforms.
With the free 45-day Echelon membership, I can join on-demand classes for a more interactive experience. If you’re after a low-impact, high-calorie burn in a small footprint, this stepper ticks every box.
Buy now £549.00, Sweatband
Peloton Tread
The Peloton Tread is designed for an immersive cardio experience with its wide running surface and advanced shock-absorbing slat belt, which ensures a smooth run that reduces the impact on joints.
It offers access to live and on-demand classes, allowing users to enjoy a variety of workouts led by top trainers. The interactive touchscreen helps track performance metrics, keeping you motivated with real-time feedback and progress tracking.
Buy now £3345.00, Peloton
Technogym Bike
The purveyor of high-performance gym equipment, Technogym is a fixture in luxury gyms across the capital. Stream interactive live classes directly on its Bike to bring the studio feeling to your home. It mimics a natural riding position and minimises noise levels at 70dB.
Buy now £3620.00, Technogym
Body-Solid R300 Endurance Air Rower
Upon first glance, the Body-Solid R300 isn’t as aesthetically pleasing to the eye as many of the other more sleek models in our guide. But what it lacks in an attractive appearance, it more than makes up for in functionality. As its name suggests, it’s a solid piece of kit. It weighs 45kg so even when you’re going hell for leather on the machine this sturdy selection won’t budge or end up halfway across the room.
But what we really liked about this air rower is just how quickly it responds to your level of intensity. The harder and faster we pulled, the more resistance we were instantly met with. With each stroke, you can also clock your time, heart rate, and calories and pick from eight different exercise programs.
Buy now £988.99, Amazon
Maxi Climber XL-2000 Hydraulic Resistance Vertical Climber
This Maxi Climber takes your home workouts to a whole new level with its upgraded features. The aluminium mainframe and advanced roller mechanism give a smoother, quieter and more durable climbing experience - even during high-intensity sessions.
Then there’s its 12-level bi-directional hydraulic resistance system, allowing you to customise your workouts for targeted, full-body engagement. Whether you’re focusing on building strength or burning calories, this feature offers versatility.
I also love the mobile device holder, which lets you follow expert-designed fitness routines through the free Maxi Climber fitness app, available on iOS and Android.
With built-in rollers for easy movement, an anti-slip mechanism for uneven surfaces and compact, lightweight construction, it’s practical for any space. And with its HIIT-focused design, you’ll maximise calorie burn and afterburn, achieving your fitness goals faster.
Buy now £676.23, Amazon
Echelon Stride 9s Pro Smart Connected Treadmill
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With a powerful 4.0 CHP brushless AC motor, it delivers smooth and consistent performance, supporting speeds from 1 to 25kph; perfect for everything from gentle walks to high-intensity sprints. The 15-level powered incline adds an extra challenge, simulating outdoor terrain and elevating your training sessions.
Comfort and durability go hand in hand with the quad-cushioned DuroFlex deck, designed to reduce impact on joints. The spacious 56cm x 155cm running area ensures a natural stride, while the soft cushion handlebars enhance grip and stability.
Technology takes centre stage with the 22" HD touchscreen display, providing real-time feedback on speed, time, distance and more. Integrated Bluetooth lets you connect heart rate monitors, headphones or speakers, while compatibility with apps like Echelon Fit, Strava and Apple Health ensures seamless tracking. This treadmill brings the gym experience home.
Buy now £2999.00, Sweatband
Wattbike Atom
The Wattbike Atom smart bike gives real-time performance feedback, which makes it a great choice for both beginners and seasoned cyclists.
With its customisable settings and accurate power measurement, it creates a more personalised workout. The compact design and easy-to-use interface make it a great option for home use, and the ability to connect to a variety of fitness apps enhances your training.
Buy now £2495.00, Wattbike
