Choosing the right cardio machine is about more than just burning calories. It’s about finding something you enjoy (or at least don’t hate), that fits your body’s needs and that you can stick with consistently.
Whether you want a high-intensity calorie burn or need something easier on the joints, the key is to challenge yourself and make cardio a part of your routine that doesn’t feel like a chore.
As a pro-level athlete, I do cardio at least five days a week, even in my bodybuilding off-season, because fitness isn’t just about lifting weights for me. It’s about being able to move without getting out of breath and to feel good. If you’ve ever bulked up in the gym, you’ll know that a high-protein, low-calorie diet and cardio are the final steps to revealing all that hard-earned muscle underneath. But even if losing weight isn’t the goal, cardio is essential for heart health, endurance and just feeling fitter in everyday life.
Why do cardio?
Cardio is the calorie and fat burner. Weight training builds muscle, but if you want to lean out and see the definition under your body fat, cardio is your best friend. And even if aesthetics aren’t your main concern, keeping your cardiovascular system strong means better energy, improved stamina, and the ability to keep up with life without getting winded.
Some people skip cardio in the name of gains, but I’ve never been one of them. Even when I’m in a muscle-building phase, I still clock in my sessions first thing in the morning because I don’t like feeling sluggish or out of breath. The trick? Choosing the right machine - one that keeps you engaged, fits your goals and doesn’t wreck your joints in the process.
There are plenty of ways to get your heart rate up in and outside the gym, but these are the ones that make the biggest impact for me.
Stairmaster
If there’s one machine that consistently shreds through calories while making you question your life choices, it’s the Stairmaster. It’s super effective and perfect for anyone who wants a high-intensity burn in a short amount of time.
I make it more bearable by putting on a playlist, covering the timer with a towel, and tracking my progress by song length. The key to getting the most out of it is not leaning on the rails for support. So stand up straight, engage your core and let your legs do the work. Don’t try any fancy side steps, or leg raises while on this machine; it’s not for targeting or building glutes and is designed for cardio only.
I typically go hard for 30 minutes at levels 12 to 16 if I’m in a rush, or take it steadier at level 10 to 12 for a full hour but everyone’s intensity levels vary and machine models differ in difficulty settings. It can wear away the knees and ankles stomping away if you’re not careful, so I swear by thick-soled trainers like Brooks Glycerin Max. The extra cushioning has really helped my joints, which is a must if you’re using this machine regularly.
Spin bike
A spin bike is one of the best options if you want a cardio session without impacting your joints. If I’m in a class at Psycle or 1Rebel, I get swept up in the energy, but if I’m riding by myself, I like using a follow-along video. Peloton and similar brands have live classes that make it way more fun than just pedalling at a steady pace. If you’ve ever zoned out on a stationary bike and barely broken a sweat, this will help with motivation and intensity.
Vertical climber
This cardio machine is an underrated form of cardio that is starting to gain in popularity. The first time I did a climbing class at BXR, I was shocked at how quickly I was burning calories; it was on par with my usual stairmaster sessions, but without the same knee stress. The movement is full-body, which means more engagement, more sweat, and more payoff in less time. If you’re bored of traditional cardio, this one is worth trying either at home or at a class.
Treadmill
The treadmill is the classic all-rounder and there are so many handy models that you can use in the comfort of your home now. Whether you’re jogging while watching Netflix, walking at an incline to torch calories with minimal impact, or sprinting in short bursts for a high-intensity sweat session, it’s one of the most versatile machines in the gym. If you’re tight on space, home-friendly treadmills are also useful options. There are models that fit under your desk while working, compact versions you can store away easily and folding options for further space saving.
If you’re running at high speeds, the impact can add up, so I always recommend cushioned trainers for this too; the New Balance Fuel Cell are my go-to for sprints. They stop my feet from feeling like they’re being pounded into the treadmill, which makes a huge difference for joint health and scuffing the skin at the bottom of my feet in the long run. It might be worth investing in some anti-blister socks while you are at it too.
Cross-trainer
Not every cardio session needs to be an all-out grind. The cross-trainer, or elliptical, is perfect for low-impact days when I still want to move but don’t want to put too much pressure on my legs. It’s smooth, easy on the joints and lets you switch between upper and lower body focus, depending on how you set the resistance. Great for active recovery, or for keeping things fresh when other machines start to feel repetitive.
Wattbike
The Wattbike is a love-hate situation. When I’m doing circuit rounds at the gym, this is the machine that pushes me to my limits. It’s brutal and it makes me break out in a major sweat super quickly. The resistance can be cranked up to high levels, making it one of the best calorie burners out there. One small perk is that some models blow back cool air as you pedal, which helps when you're drowning in sweat. I like how it gives you the option to shift effort between your arms and legs, so if one set of muscles starts to fail, you can push harder with the other.
How we tested
Over years of training, I have tried cardio machines in gyms across the world, testing everything from high-end club staples to boutique studio exclusives. I also regularly try the latest UK launches, seeing how they hold up for serious training. And let’s not forget home workouts; my tiny London flat is stocked with compact, practical options that I can easily pull out while catching up on emails or watching TV.
So whether you need something for a hardcore gym session or a more casual calorie burn, here’s what I’ve found to be the best cardio machines for weight loss; covering everything from high-intensity calorie burners to joint-friendly options.
Read on for more
Best folding exercise bikes: Save space and stay fit at home
Best at home treadmills to stay fit no matter the weather
Best vertical climber machines to get your steps in and improve your cardio
Best compact running machines: Top treadmills for small spaces
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
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 £2395.00, Wattbike
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
New Image Maxi Climber
The Maxi Climber is perfect for anyone looking to bring a rock-climbing-inspired workout into their home. It uses your body weight for resistance, giving you a low-impact, joint-friendly workout that still delivers maximum results. The vertical design ensures every session works your legs, arms, abs and glutes without needing heavy equipment or weights.
Its built-in calorie and step counter is a great motivator, tracking progress as you go, while the five adjustable height settings ensure it fits comfortably for any body type. I especially appreciate how lightweight and compact it is; it folds up easily for storage under a bed or in a cupboard, which is ideal for small spaces. Whether you're doing a quick HIIT session or a full-body burn, this machine helps you tone in no time.
Buy now £114.99, Amazon
Life Span Treadmill Desk TR5000-DT5 Classic
Designed with durability and performance in mind, the Life Span Treadmill Desk features a whisper-quiet motor and a shock-absorbing deck, making it ideal for long hours of walking without disturbing your workspace.
With a spacious walking surface, it allows for comfortable strides, while the sturdy desk attachment provides a stable workstation. The integrated digital console lets you track steps, distance and calories burned, while the automatic pause feature ensures safety when you step off.
Built for intensive use, the cardio equipment has a powerful motor, a high-weight capacity and a low-maintenance belt that can handle consistent daily walking. If you're after an ultra-reliable under-desk treadmill that prioritises comfort, longevity and smooth operation, this is a top-tier investment for active professionals.
Buy now £1754.00, Decathlon
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 £2950.00, Technogym
Nordic Track E8.9b Elliptical Cross Trainer
The Elliptical Cross Trainer is an excellent choice for a low-impact, full-body workout. Featuring an adjustable stride, incline and a variety of pre-set programmes, it offers versatility for all fitness levels.
The machine also includes a large display for tracking progress, and built-in speakers, while allowing access to interactive workouts. Its smooth motion and adjustable features make it a top option for both beginners and seasoned athletes looking for a cardio workout.
Buy now £4595.00, Best Gym Equipment
Home Fitness Code Space Saving Walking Machine
Another option for those with a more compact living space, Home Fitness Code’s Space Saving Motorised Treadmill Walking Machine with LCD Display comes in three colours to suit any interior. Designed in black, grey or pink, you can fall in love with walking all over again all thanks to this lightweight, compact and easy-to-assemble piece of kit.
But perhaps the best thing about this machine, (along with the price and compact nature), is the fact you can walk or jog on this treadmill. Its speed ranges between 1 to 10 km/h meaning you can get a sweat on without leaving your house if you wanted to — although we wouldn’t advise doing so while working. It also has an LCD display, so you can monitor your time, speed, distance and calories burned.
The treadmill measures a flat-friendly 122 cm x 49 cm x 14 cm, meaning it can be slipped out once your WFH day is done.
Buy now £159.99, Home Fitness Code
Peloton Bike
A Peloton bike is a surefire way to get your blood pumping. It can work all aspects of the body including legs, arms, abs and even lower back, all while helping you boost your cardio fitness and burn fat.
The bike is a low-impact workout and so, is ideal for those recovering from possible injuries. With Peloton, you can stream live classes to give you that extra level of motivation.
See our selection of the best exercise bikes here
Buy now £1599.00, Peloton
Wattbike Proton
Built using the expertise of sports scientists and fitness experts, Wattbike's Proton smart bike is all about versatility. For multi-user households, it can be adjusted without tools, no matter your height and is integrated with all major apps from Strava to Zwift.
I would also say it's fantastic for Hyrox, Triathlon and marathon training to keep cardio fitness high without the impact of running.
Buy now £1795.00, Wattbike
