Ever notice how every January, we all talk about getting fit—but then life (and steep gym fees) get in the way? It turns out we’re not alone: A report by Pure Gym suggests 34% of people feel their health would benefit most from ramping up their cardio.
Luckily, the solution doesn’t have to involve schlepping to a crowded gym. If you’re keen to torch calories, save money, and work out on your own schedule, cardio at home machines could be the perfect fit.
We asked fitness expert Gavin Cowper—owner of Exersci—to share the best budget-friendly options. He reckons these devices can deliver impressive calorie burns each month and even rival the results of a standard gym routine, minus the membership costs. Intrigued?
Treadmill (from £100)
It might feel like a significant investment at first, but if you love to jog or power-walk, a treadmill pays dividends.
According to Cowper, spending an hour on the treadmill three times a week can help you burn anywhere from 400 to 600 calories each session.
That means up to 7,200 calories per month and potentially saving around £500 a year on gym memberships. It’s a solid all-rounder for anyone looking to boost stamina and shed a few pounds.
Exercise Bike (from £80)
If you’re after something quieter and gentler on the knees, an exercise bike is the way to go. At a moderate pace, you’ll burn between 420 and 622 calories an hour—and over four weeks, that really adds up.
Cowper estimates that once you’ve covered the initial £80 or so, it’s possible to pocket £520 a year compared to a typical gym membership. Best of all, you can pedal while watching your favourite show or listening to a podcast.
Elliptical Machine (from £60)
Ellipticals are a top choice for anyone who wants a full-body workout without stressing the joints too much. They can help you burn between 540 and 800 calories in just one hour.
Regular use—say, two hours a week—can amount to burning up to 8,000 calories in a month. And because these machines can be found for as low as £60, you could save £540 each year while still breaking a decent sweat.
Rowing Machine (from £82)
Rowing isn’t just about cardio; it also offers a sneaky strength session for your arms, back, and core. Cowper says rowing for an hour three times a week can help you burn 420 to 622 calories per session—leading to about 5,040 to 7,464 calories per month.
Factor in that your rowing machine could cost about £82 and you’re set to save around £518 annually. Not bad for a piece of kit that works multiple muscle groups at once.
Long-term Benefits and Savings
Regularly using cardio equipment at home, for around an hour three times a week, can rack up anywhere from 5,000 to 7,500 calories burned each month—comparable to the calorie expenditure you’d see at the gym.
But the kicker is that, over time, these machines can pay for themselves. When you consider the range of gym fees out there, you could be saving anywhere from £212 to £839 each year, depending on your membership costs.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating regular cardio doesn’t need to be a bank-busting affair. With the right at-home machine, you can improve your fitness, torch calories, and stash the savings you’d otherwise spend on memberships and travel.
Whether you’re a treadmill fanatic, a rowing machine convert, or an elliptical enthusiast, investing in reliable cardio equipment is a savvy move for your health—and your wallet.
So, go forth and get that heart rate up—no gym queue required.