Exercising is always one of the best ways to keep yourself healthy both physically and mentally. And everyone can benefit from the advantages of proper exercises, including those with lower back pain.
If you are looking for the best cardio machine for lower back pain, this detailed guide will lead you step-by-step to finding the right product for you.
Here are the best cardio machines for lower back pain you can buy in 2024:
- Best Overall (Recumbent Bikes): Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709
- Best For Senior (Recumbent Bikes): JEEKEE Recumbent Exercise Bike
- Best For Heavy People (Recumbent Bikes): Exerpeutic 400XL
- Best Overall (Rowing Machines): Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515
- Best For Heavy People (Rowing Machines): MaxKare Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine
- Best For Apartment (Rowing Machines): Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower
- Best Overall (Treadmills): T Series 6.5S Treadmill
- Most Durable (Treadmills): ANCHEER Treadmill, 3.25HP Folding Treadmill
| 8 Best Cardio Machines For Lower Back Pain | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709
| |
Best For Senior | JEEKEE Recumbent Exercise Bike
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Best For Heavy People | Exerpeutic 400XL
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Best Overall | Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515
| |
Best For Heavy People | MaxKare Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine
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Best For Apartment | Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower
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Best Overall | T Series 6.5S Treadmill
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Most Durable | ANCHEER Treadmill, 3.25HP Folding Treadmill
| |
Best Overall (Recumbent Bikes): Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709
- Offer ultimate control & perfect fit and support for the feet - weighted pedals with adjustable foot straps
- Superior readability - ultra-functional LCD monitor with extra-large buttons and a sharp panel display
- User-friendly design - well-cushioned seat and easy-to-step-through design
- Wish there were more adjustment holes
Out of many recumbent bikes we’ve tested, this stands out for its best overall scoring.
While there’re lots of notable features to talk about it, the weighted pedals with adjustable foot straps are our most favorite as they offer not just ultimate control but also a perfect fit for our feet and maximum foot support.
The ultra-functional LCD monitor highlights extra-large buttons and a sharp panel display, giving superior readability.
Lots of exercisers also give compliments for its comfy well-cushioned seat and easy-to-step-through design, which helps a lot for bad knees and lower back pain.
It also appears to be heavy-duty and durable thanks to the 14-gauge steel tubing coated with a corrosion-resistant powder finish.
| Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 55.5 x 25 x 37.5 inches |
Max User Weight | 300 lbs. |
Resistance Levels | 8 |
Inseam Length | 27" - 36" |
Highlight Features | Well-cushioned seat and easy-to-step-through design 14-gauge steel tubing coated with a corrosion-resistant powder finish Ultra-functional LCD monitor with extra-large buttons and a sharp panel display Weighted pedals with adjustable foot straps |
If you’re in need of the best overall recumbent bike, look no further.
Best For Senior (Recumbent Bikes): JEEKEE Recumbent Exercise Bike
- Easy to use – a large LCD monitor & big buttons
- Offer low-impact legs exercises & Help take the pressure off your tailbone and spine – ergonomic design
- Ensure giving the best comfort - 9 seat positions, extended space, 53.5” long frame, and a 300-pound weight capacity
- A little choppy when in the higher tension
- Wish the tension dial was located more wisely
Designed with an ergonomic seat and backrest, 8 neodymium magnets, and an easy-to-read LCD monitor, we find the JEEKEE to be best for seniors.
It is particularly built to ensure giving you the best comfort while exercising, with 9 seat positions, extended space, 53.5” long frame, and 300-pound weight capacity. Meanwhile, the dual-belt system and external magnetic flywheel keep your workouts super-silent and smooth.
Aside from tracking your progress through the LCD screen, it gives you an alarm system to send out “beep, beep” sound once you achieve your set. Besides, there’s a tablet holder.
| JEEKEE Recumbent Exercise Bike Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 19.3"W x 53.5"L x 39"H |
Max User Weight | 300 Pounds |
Resistance Levels | 8 |
Inseam Length | 27"-39" |
Highlight Features | Alarm System 8 Levels Magnetic Resistance Ergonomic Design Adjustable Recumbent Bike |
While seniors are the most potential group of people who easily suffers lower back pain or knee injuries while exercising, the JEEKEE Recumbent Exercise Bike is guaranteed to never let that happen.
Best For Heavy People (Recumbent Bikes): Exerpeutic 400XL
- Ideal for heavy guys – a weight capacity of 300 pounds
- Easy to store – built-in wheels and foldable construction
- Comfortable to exercise – thick, well-padded seat and backrest
- Operate quietly and smoothly - precision-balanced flywheel and V-belt drive
- Gear whines a little bit
The Exerpeutic 400XL is an easy and space-saving way to help you lose weight rapidly at home.
Built to be a heavy-duty recumbent bike, it handles a max user weight of 300 pounds, meanwhile, the foldable construction makes it possible to compactly store anywhere without cramping up your house. Plus, it’s maneuverable thanks to the built-in transportation wheels.
This semi-recumbent bike is very easy to get on/off.
Its comfortable seat and backrest combined with adjustable saddle height give you the best comfort during workouts.
It also allows you to exercise with no noise made, thanks to the precision balanced flywheel and V-belt drive.
| Exerpeutic 400XL Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 33.07 x 18.9 x 46.06 inches |
Max User Weight | 300 pounds |
Resistance Levels | 8 |
Inseam Length | 27-34 inches |
Highlight Features | Supports up to 300 pounds Large seat cushion and backrest Height adjustable desks Precision-balanced flywheel and V-belt drive |
Don’t quickly disappoint if you haven’t found out a good recumbent bike that fits your heavy body weight, the Exerpeutic 400XL is a great try.
Best Overall (Rowing Machines): Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515
- Make your workouts fun, customizable, and satisfying - 8 magnetic resistance levels
- Reduce a huge amount of stress on your joints and back – use 80% of the body’s skeletal muscle with no impact on the body
- Comfortable and supportive - fully padded seat and non-slip grip handlebars
- Easy to store – foldable design and integrated transportation wheels
- Wish the chain drive was better
- The LCD display has no backlit
- The handlebar is not quite wide enough
Why keep searching around when your in-home fitness solution is here?
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 features 8 magnetic resistance levels that makes your workouts fun and satisfying.
By using up to 80% of the body’s skeletal muscle with virtually no impact on the body, it reduces a huge amount of stress on your joints and back.
Meanwhile, its fully padded seat and non-slip grip handlebars provide optimal comfort, support, and performance for those long-duration workouts. The slide rail length, besides, can accommodate many heights.
Storage isn’t a big matter with this model as it is foldable with integrated transportation wheels.
| Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 59 Pounds |
Dimension | 82 x 19 x 23 inches |
Max User Weight | 250 pounds |
Resistance Levels | 8 |
Highlight Features | Non-Slip foam grip handlebars, fully padded seat Built-in transportation wheels & foldable design 8 levels of magnetic resistance 44 inches in inseam length & 48 inches in slide rail length |
If you’re looking for the best overall rowing machine at a good price, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 is a shining candidate.
Best For Heavy People (Rowing Machines): MaxKare Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine
- Help you freely customize your training progress - 16 resistance levels
- Work smoothly and silently - magnetic control flywheel
- Easily track your fitness indicators while training – a multi-functional LCD screen
- Low-impact and comfortable - adjustable straps, a large cushion seat, and fully foam-padded handles
- Difficult to squat down to mount the machine - It’s a bit slow
Out of many rowing machines specifically designed for heavy exercisers, what makes this option outstanding is its low-impact design (including footplates with adjustable straps, a large cushion seat, and fully foam-padded handles).
This means it leaves absolutely no stress on your joints, especially the lower back and knees during your workouts.
It also provides you with 16 resistance levels to customize your own training progress while the magnetic control flywheel makes every movement smooth and silent. The added multi-functional LCD screen, on the other hand, helps track your progress optimally.
| MaxKare Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 64 lbs. |
Dimension | 76.4"L x 19.7"W x 16.5" W |
Max User Weight | 243 LBS. |
Resistance Levels | 16 |
Highlight Features | A multi-functional LCD screen Magnetic control flywheel 16 resistance levels Adjustable straps, a large cushion seat, and fully foam-padded handles |
Looking for a powerful rowing machine specific for heavy people? Well, the MaxKare should be the best bet.
Best For Apartment (Rowing Machines): Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower
- Strong and sturdy yet lightweight – made of anodized aluminum with rectangular tubing support
- Make no sound or noise while exercising – feature drum magnetic control system
- Easy storage – foldable construction
- No surface-to-surface friction - a DRM system for and electronic tensions control
- The calories burned function needs to be better
- Not as true of a stroke as an air rower
This is one of the best mid-range magnetic rowers on the market, and this isn’t just a casual statement.
Design-wise, it features a strong and lightweight aluminum framework, and anodized aluminum rowing beam with rectangular tubing support. Compared to others, it offers superior durability.
What we like the most about this magnetic resistance rowing machine is that there’s virtually no sound or noise created. There’s either no surface-to-surface friction, so parts won’t wear out while you don’t disturb your neighbors if you’re living in an apartment block.
And when not in just, you can fold it for easy storage – perfect for small living spaces.
| Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 75 Pounds |
Dimension | 45 x 30 x 11 inches |
Max User Weight | 275 Pounds |
Highlight Features | Anodized Aluminum Profile with rectangular tubing support Sturdy aluminum frame Molded padded seat A DRM system for and electronic tensions control |
Design-wise, no noise created while exercising, and easy storage, the Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower is our top choice for apartments.
Best Overall (Treadmills): T Series 6.5S Treadmill
- Offer interactive personal training function – a 30-day free iFit membership
- User-friendly – an extra-large 5” Backlit iFit Display
- Compact storage – easy-lift assist
- No outputs or Bluetooth capability
- Unable to use headphones with iFit workouts and must use the integrated speakers
By offering interactive personal training functions in your home, the T Series 6.5S Treadmill is completely outstanding and incredible, making it the best overall performer in this category.
| T Series 6.5S Treadmill Specifications | |
|---|---|
Peak Horsepower | 3.5 HP |
Running Belt Size | 20” x 55” |
Walking Speed | 10 MPH |
Highlight Features | Easy Lift Assist 30-Day Free iFit Trial Membership 5” Backlit iFit Display Dual 2” Digitally Amplified Speakers |
By offering interactive personal training functions in your home, the T Series 6.5S Treadmill is completely outstanding and incredible, making it the best overall performer in this category.
Most Durable (Treadmills): ANCHEER Treadmill, 3.25HP Folding Treadmill
- Sturdy, strong, and durable – handle a max loading weight up to 300 pounds
- Optimize your workout data tracking & make your exercising progress more excited - integrated Bluetooth connectivity and a smartphone app connection
- Save you from falling - non-slip anti-static lawn texture running belt
- The smartphone holder could be better
With a weight capacity of 300 pounds, this workout machine brings us a sturdy and durable feel when stepping on and exercising. It is also backed by a manufacturer’s 1-year warranty with friendly customer service to your best satisfaction with the purchase.
Regardless, it has a heart-rate sensor track, 12 pre-set programs with up to 15% automatic incline capability, and integrated Bluetooth connectivity.
The best part is it provides you with a smartphone APP connection, called FitShow which is available on both Android and iOS platforms. This app gives you two big benefits: 1) track your workout data better and 2) make boring exercising more interesting.
Besides, it utilizes a non-slip anti-static lawn texture running belt to save you from falling while exercising.
| ANCHEER Treadmill, 3.25HP Folding Treadmill Specifications | |
|---|---|
Peak Horsepower | 3.25HP |
Running Belt Size | 47.2 x 17 inch |
Walking Speed | 0.5-9.0 mph |
Highlight Features | Max Load-bearing weight: 300 lbs. Non-slip anti-static lawn texture running belt Built-in Bluetooth FitShow app |
If you’re looking for the most durable cardio machine for your lower back pain, this is a worthy investment.
How To Choose The Best Cardio Machine For Lower Back Pain?
Types
Recumbent Bikes
Recumbent bikes are a type of stationary exercise bike that lets the rider adopt a more comfortable reclined position to minimize muscle soreness and fatigue. They have a broader seat provide more support and comfort for the lower back.
When buying a recumbent bike, you should opt for one that offers variable resistance. At first, you can choose a low resistance and exercise for a short period, then increase the resistance level and the exercising time when you have been used to the machine.
Apart from the resistance level, a display will also help you exercise better by showing useful information like the distance you have peddled, the heart rate, and the burned calories.
Rowing Machines
Back pain can result from daily activities like sitting for long hours, and rowing machines help boost your back strength to handle these activities.
Rowing machines provide 4 different types of resistance that you should understand to pick out the suitable one for yourself.
Air: in this type, your rowing intensity determines the resistance level. As a rule of thumb, the higher the intensity, the more resistance. This type of resistance can be a bit loud but the machine is very smooth.
Hydraulic piston: this type of rowing machine is compact and you can put it away easily after use. The resistance level of this type is adjustable and very quiet too. This is also the most affordable type.
Water: these machines makes it feel and sound like you’re actually rowing. Their resistance is also determined by the rowing intensity. This is the most expensive type of all.
Magnetic: This is the quietest system that provides smooth motion and adjustable resistance. The resistance of this type is less than on water and air resistance types, but magnetic systems are very durable.
Another thing to consider when buying a rowing machine is the space available at your place. No matter what type of machine you choose, you need to make sure there’s enough space to set it up.
Treadmills
Though many people are concerned about the risk of back pain from treadmills, these machines are not responsible if you hurt your back when exercising. The reason would more likely be over-exercise or bad techniques.
So, when buying a treadmill, you need to first pick the right size based on your activities and height.
For example, a 22-inch width is recommended for runners while a 20-inch width is for walkers. When it comes to length, 55 inches is minimum for walkers, 55 inches is minimum for runners, and if you’re 6-foot tall, the minimum length is 60 inches.
The motor power of a treadmill is indicated in continuous horsepower (CHP), which you should choose based on your exercise. If you walk, you need at least 2.0 CHP, if you jog, you need at least 2.5 CPH, and if you run, you need at least 3.0 CHP.
For most people, a top speed of 10 mph is enough. But for those training more seriously, you can consider getting 12mph top speed. This decision depends on how you exercise.
Storage and Ease of Use
While some machines are bulky and hard to move, others can be folded up for storage.
Depending on your living arrangement, you should choose the suitable type by measuring the dimensions of a machine to see if it fits your space.
Which Brands Make The Best Cardio Machine For Lower Back Pain?
Marcy
Over the past years, this brand has built a reputation in the fitness product market. Here, you will surely find cardio machines with high quality and competitive prices.
Sunny Health & Fitness
This brand is another specialist in fitness products for both regular consumers and professionals. It offers the finest machines with high quality for you.
ANCHEER
Founded 5 years ago, this health and fitness brand has expanded its business to several countries. With this brand, you will get a machine made by professionals at an affordable price.
FAQs
Should you still exercise with lower back pain?
Yes, you should. Choosing the right workouts, you can recover from the back pain, strengthen your lower back muscle, and improve flexibility.
Does walking strengthen the lower back?
Yes, it does. In fact, walking strengthens the muscles supporting your spine, especially the lumbar, core, and trunk muscles that maintain the movement and stability of your lower back.
How do you get rid of lower back pain fast?
Here are a few ways for quick release from lower back pain:
Apply an ice pack on the area in pain
Use pain-relief cream
Stretch
How should I sleep with lower back pain?
You can sleep on the:
side in the fetal position
stomach with a pillow under the abdomen
back with a pillow under the knees
side with a pillow between the knees
back in a reclined position
How much of my back pain is due to being overweight?
Overweight people have a higher risk of problems in the lower back due to excess weight pressing in the midsection while the pelvis gets pulled forward. This strains the lower back and results in a lot of pain. The more overweight you are, the higher the risk of lower back pain.
Can you lose belly fat on a rowing machine?
Yes, you can, but you will have to exercise much harder than normal to burn your belly fat.
Conclusion
We hope that this post has helped you figure out what to look for in the best cardio machine for lower back pain. It’s important that you follow our guide closely and spend extra time considering options because if you don’t choose the right machine, it can have adverse effects on the back pain.
