Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Transform your workouts with the best exercise equipment to lose weight

Learn about the treadmill, elliptical, and more

Man on a treadmill in front of windows
William Choquette / Pexels

Are you looking to lose weight or improve your cardio through regular exercise? This article provides details of the best exercise equipment to lose weight, from treadmills to cable machines, ellipticals, and so on — you will find everything you need here. 

Aside from carrying excess weight, lack of exercise can lead to many issues, including heart conditions, diabetes, stiff joints, poor sleep habits, and stress. However, regular exercise can positively affect your overall health and help you manage your weight effectively. 

Recommended Videos

One way to ensure you get excellent results faster from your fitness routine is by using the right equipment, so keep reading as we will discuss some of the best.

How to exercise for weight loss

Man using elliptical.
ShotPot / Pexels

When exercising to lose weight, the most important thing to take care of is your diet. You should change your eating habits as needed and include more proteins, vegetables, and fruits. Remember to increase your fluid intake as well. If you have taken care of this, then you can be sure that your exercise may yield good results. 

To lose one pound of weight by exercising alone, you need to burn about 3,500 calories. This number can be overwhelming — hence, why people focus on diet as well — and it will take consistency and an average of 350 minutes of workout per week. Some exercises that can help you achieve this include running, cycling, stair climbing, rowing, strength training, and walking.

6 best pieces of equipment for losing weight

Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill

NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill
NordicTrack / NordicTrack

This treadmill is excellent for anyone who wants to lose weight conveniently. It has a maximum speed of 12 mph and a 20 by 60-inch deck size. The cushioned deck is designed to absorb impact and provide balance and comfort. 

Pros Cons
Comes with a 14-inch touchscreen display

Decline setting is available

Has a smart adjust feature

Deck size is spacious enough for long strides

AI coach as a personal fitness assistant

The display can’t be used for entertainment purposes

Specifications

Weight capacity 350 pounds
Dimensions 80″D x 38″W x 65″H 

Elliptical: NordicTrack AirGlide 14i Elliptical 

NordicTrack AirGlide 14i Elliptical
NordicTrack / NordicTrack

The AirGlide was released in the summer of 2023, and it is an improvement on the previous 14.9 version. It has an adjustable stride length and offers both incline and decline settings. This elliptical comes with a 14-inch display screen for iFIT interaction and expert instructions. 

Pros Cons
Automatic trainer control with iFIT

Large cushioned pedals

30 days iFit trial

It comes with Bluetooth speakers 

iFIT trial requires your credit card 

Specifications

Weight capacity 300 pounds
Dimensions 69″ L x 25″ W x 71″ H

Stairclimber: CLMBR Full-Body Fitness Machine

CLMBR Full-Body Fitness Machine
CLMBR / CLMBR

This stairmaster is great for a full-body vertical climbing experience. It offers full-body and low-impact workout technology, with foot pedals to get your legs moving and hand bars to engage your arms. It also has a small footprint and is Bluetooth. 

Pros Cons
Immersive technology

Full-body workout

Caster transport wheels

Ergonomic adjustable dumbbells 

Membership is required for classes

Specifications

Weight capacity 350 pounds
Dimensions 35″L x 32″W x 88″H

Rowing machine: Concept2 RowErg

Concept2 RowErg
Concept 2 / Concept 2

The RowErg is built with durable, commercial-grade materials. It has a sturdy aluminum frame and steel rear legs. It comes with five pre-programmed workouts: 2000, 3000, and 5000-meter rows, a 30-minute meter row, and a 500-meter row with a minute rest interval that is on repeat until you decide to stop. 

Pros Cons
The angled handlebar allows for a natural grip

Good resale value 

The PM5 monitor tracks a wide range of data

Can be stored upright or broken into two

It can be noisy

Specifications

Weight capacity 500 pounds 
Dimensions 96” L x 24” W; 14” or 20” seat H

Exercise bike: Nordic S22i Studio Bike

Nordic S22i Studio Bike
NordicTrack / NordicTrack

This S22i studio bike from Nordic is the best exercise bike for anyone looking to lose weight and improve their health. It has 24 digital resistance levels, a fully rotational touchscreen, and both incline and decline settings. 

Pros Cons
  • Adjustable seat
  • Large 22” HD touchscreen
  • Dual-sided pedals
  • Comes with two to three lb dumbbells 
  • Comparable with iFIT
  • The sound is unpleasant

Specifications

Weight capacity 350 pounds
Dimensions 61” L x 22” W x 58” H

Cable machine: Titan Fitness Functional Trainer 

Titan Fitness Functional Trainer 
Titan / Titan

With dozens of adjustable positions, smart guide rods, swiveling pulleys, and six accessory hooks, this Titan cable machine stands out as the most durable and efficient for effective cable exercises that could result in weight loss. 

Pros Cons
Handle height is adjustable 

It is durable

Low starting point of 20 pounds working weight

Multi-grip pull-up bar

Only comes with a one-year warranty 

Specifications

Weight capacity 672 pounds
Dimensions  82” H x 64” W x 44” D

How often should you use exercise equipment to lose weight?

Man using a rowing machine.
Andres Ayrton / Pexels

The frequency of your exercise should depend on your goal since you are aiming for weight loss. Exercising two to four days a week with equipment is ideal and gives you enough time to recover. You should exercise 30 minutes per day to see results, but if you want faster results, you can increase the duration according to your capacity.

How much weight can you lose from exercise?

Man and woman on stationary bikes
Julia Larson / Pexels

Weight loss must be done in moderation to achieve a more permanent and healthy result. It is recommended that you aim to lose one to two pounds per week. Losing weight too fast is unhealthy, and you may not be able to sustain your routine or will gain some weight back.

Tips for making the weight loss process easier

Comparing healthy and unhealthy food.
Andres Ayrton / Pexels

Work on your diet 

Diet is the most integral part of weight loss, so you should adjust your diet according to your goals, practice portion control, track your intake if desired, minimize liquid calories, drink more water, and eat nutrient-dense foods. Avoid processed foods, baked goods, white bread, bagels, fatty, red, or processed meat, and foods with added sugars, oils, and butter.  

Practice consistency 

You won’t get the results you need if you abandon your routine whenever you don’t feel like exercising. So, try to stick to the plan every week and show up for your exercise sessions even when it’s not convenient. Consistency is the only way to lose weight and maintain it. 

Stay positive 

Weight loss is a challenging journey, and in the beginning, you may not see fast results. But don’t give up; Rome wasn’t built in a day. Instead, trust the process and stick to the program.

Frequently asked questions

man on treadmill
Lightfield Studios / Shutterstock

What are the benefits of cardio?

Cardio offers tremendous benefits, including better sleep, weight loss, improved lung capacity, enhanced cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, and boosted mood and mental health. 

What exercise burns the most belly fat?

Exercises like cycling, running, rowing, biking, walking, and high-intensity interval training can help you burn calories throughout your body, which will contribute to reduced belly fat. 

Should I buy a treadmill?

If you enjoy walking or running, you should buy a treadmill. It makes your workout more convenient, as you don’t need to visit the gym or run on the street. You can just do it at home at any time of the day.

Christine VanDoren
Christine is a certified personal trainer and nutritionist with an undergraduate degree from Missouri State University. Her…
12 fantastic reasons to add jumping jacks to your workout routine
Jumping jacks or star jumps are a versatile aerobic bodyweight exercise with plenty of benefits
Shirtless man doing jumping jacks

Each branch of the armed forces uses a simple bodyweight exercise to keep everyone in peak physical condition — they clearly understand the benefits of jumping jacks! While exercises like squats, pushups, and pullups have their own benefits, jumping jacks can take a workout to a whole different level.

It might be a decade or more since you last did a round of jumping jacks, but this childhood favorite calisthenic exercise is not just child’s play — jumping jacks have plenty of health and fitness benefits for adults. When I started doing jumping jacks again after a few years, I loved the feeling of the increase in circulation, the endorphins, and just getting my muscles moving in a childlike way, so I kept going until I was out of breath.

Read more
Train like a pro: Jack Nunn’s tips for using rowing to boost your fitness
The rowing machine is a low-impact cardiovascular workout that engages multiple muscle groups
National team rower Jack Nunn

Rowing on the gym machine or the glossy water is an excellent low-impact cardiovascular workout that engages and strengthens multiple muscle groups in your arms, legs, core, and back. Ergometers or rowing machines simulate the resistance and the movement of rowing on water, and they remain one of the most popular workout machines at almost every gym you go to for good reason. 

As well as providing benefits like torching calories and enhancing strength, flexibility, and endurance, I also love the feeling of stretching and working my shoulders and back. The next time you try rowing on the water, you’ll notice a boost in your rowing abilities. Plus, it’s an interesting change from the treadmill, elliptical, or exercise bike. Research shows that rowing five days a week for six weeks reduces total body fat percentage, fat mass, and cholesterol and increases back strength and trunk flexion.
Intro to Jack Nunn and the rowing machine

Read more
How many minutes of daily exercise lowers heart disease risk? Here’s the science
This study brings good news for busy people limited on time.
Man doing skull crushers exercise with dumbbells close up on bench

The three main risk factors for heart disease are high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and smoking. According to the CDC, around half, or 47%, of the people in the United States have at least one of these three risk factors. Other medical conditions and lifestyle choices can also increase the risk, including an unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol use, and physical inactivity. On the other hand, previous research reveals how certain lifestyle factors, such as consuming a healthier diet and getting sufficient exercise, can lower your risk and improve your heart health. 

In a recent study, researchers wanted to explore how many minutes of daily exercise lowers heart disease risk. Let’s delve into the research.
The study

Read more