Best Gym Equipment for Weight Loss and Toning of 2024: Top 9 Picks

By Nancy LangLast update: 2023-07-24

A home gym is a great solution for you to work out at home to lose weight and tone your body. But before you start a home gym, you need to install the right machines based on your needs. Today, we will help you choose the best gym equipment for weight loss and toning.

Here are the best gym equipment for weight loss and toning you can buy in 2024:

  • Best Overall (Rowing Machines): Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Bluetooth Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine
  • Best For Tall People (Rowing Machines): MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine
  • Best For Heavier People (Rowing Machines): Sunny Health & Fitness Water Rowing Machine
  • Best Overall (Fan Bikes): Schwinn Airdyne Bike Series
  • Best For Tall People (Fan Bikes): Sunny Health & Fitness Zephyr Air Bike
  • Most Durable (Fan Bikes): Ativafit Fan Bike
  • Best Overall (Treadmills): NordicTrack T Series Treadmill
  • Best For Beginners (Treadmills): XTERRA Fitness TR150
  • Best For Light People (Treadmills): Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill
9 Best Gym Equipment For Weight Loss And Toning
Best Overall
Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Bluetooth Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine
  • Rowing Machines
Best For Tall People
MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine
  • Rowing Machines
Best For Heavier People
Sunny Health & Fitness Water Rowing Machine
  • Rowing Machines
Best Overall
Schwinn Airdyne Bike Series
  • Fan Bikes
Best For Tall People
Sunny Health & Fitness Zephyr Air Bike
  • Fan Bikes
Most Durable
Ativafit Fan Bike
  • Fan Bikes
Best Overall
NordicTrack T Series Treadmill
  • Treadmills
Best For Beginners
XTERRA Fitness TR150
  • Treadmills
Best For Light People
Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill
  • Treadmills

Best Overall (Rowing Machines): Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Bluetooth Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine

Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Bluetooth Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine
Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Bluetooth Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine
Pros
  • Smart and easy to track your fitness results - Bluetooth connectivity, My Cloud Fitness app, and three-goal settings
  • Multifunctional and optimal in your full-body workout progress - the 39” slide rail length
  • Easy to customize your training program - 14-level dual transmission resistance system
  • Comfortable and safe - extra-wide handlebars & unique front stabilizer foot pads
Cons
  • Not for heavy guys

The 1000 Plus is currently the only option with Bluetooth connectivity and able to give you a full-body workout, all at an affordable price of under $300.

Through the Bluetooth function, it’s able to connect My Cloud Fitness app – which is free and available on both Android and iOS, to optimally track your exercise results. This app provides you with three fitness goal settings: calories burnt, distance, and time.

On the other hand, the 39” slide rail length and patented pending front stabilizer foot pads make the machine multifunctional.

It allows you to do different exercises, like reverse grip curl, side raises, tricep extensions and front raises aside from rowing.

The 14-level dual transmission resistance system and extra-wide handlebars offer a more comfortable, customizable, and challenging workout.

Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Bluetooth Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine Specifications

Weight

63.5 pounds

Dimension

88.5 x 21.5 x 21.5 inches

Max User Weight

250 Pounds

Resistance Levels

14

Stride Length

39”

Highlight Features

Bluetooth connectivity, My Cloud Fitness app, and three-goal settings

The 39” slide rail length

14-level dual transmission resistance system

Extra-wide handlebars & uniquely designed front stabilizer foot pads

Verdict

If you’re looking for a smart, multifunctional, strong yet lightweight and compact rowing machine at a good price, this option is the best overall.

Best For Tall People (Rowing Machines): MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine

MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine
MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine
Pros
  • Ideal for tall exercisers - a 45” inseam length and 49” slide rail length
  • Comfortable and secure - oversized seat cushion, non-slip foam padded handles, and large, textured pedals with secure, adjustable straps
  • Perfect for family use - 16-level resistance system
Cons
  • It would be better if the screen was above the pull bar rather than below it
  • The calorie counter could be better

Built with a 45” inseam length and 49” slide rail length, the MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine is perfect for tall exercisers up to 6’5” height.

It is comfortable! The oversized seat cushion and non-slip foam padded handles are a flawless combo for enhanced comfort and grips during your workouts. It also features large, textured pedals with secure, adjustable straps to keep your feet stable without slipping to the side.

Another thing that makes this option outstanding is its 16-level resistance system, which is ideal for family use.

MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine Specifications

Weight

about 60 pounds

Dimension

76 1/2” long

Max User Weight

243 LBS

Resistance Levels

16

Stride Length

49 inches

Highlight Features

A 45” inseam length and 49” slide rail length

Oversized seat cushion, non-slip foam padded handles, and large, textured pedals with secure, adjustable straps

16-level resistance system

Verdict

Designed to fit exercisers up to 6’5”, the MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine is our top pick for tall people.

Best For Heavier People (Rowing Machines): Sunny Health & Fitness Water Rowing Machine

Sunny Health & Fitness Water Rowing Machine
Sunny Health & Fitness Water Rowing Machine
Pros
  • Strong and durable – a weight capacity of 300 pounds & heavy-duty steel construction
  • Easy to move around – transportation wheels
  • Give a unique workout experience - the 16 Hydro blades, flywheel mechanism, R2 fitness meter, and high-profile, padded seat
Cons
  • A bit costly
  • Require adding/removing water to adjust the machine’s resistance
  • Make squeaky noise sometimes

This Sunny Health & Fitness Water Rowing Machine can handle a max loading weight of up to 300 pounds, making it the shiniest candidate for heavier people.

Although the heavy-duty steel framework makes it a bit heftier than others, there’re two transportation wheels for easier maneuverability and storage.

It also gives you a unique exercise experience, thanks to the features that are only found on higher-end rowing machines.

They are the 16 Hydro blades, smooth and steady flywheel mechanism, accurate R2 fitness meter to track your workout metrics, and high-profile, padded seat with ergonomic construction to not bend your back.

Sunny Health & Fitness Water Rowing Machine Specifications

Weight

91.9 Pounds

Dimension

80 x 22 x 34 inches

Max User Weight

300 Pounds

Stride Length

38”

Highlight Features

Weight capacity of 300 pounds & heavy-duty steel construction

Transportation wheels

The 16 Hydro blades, flywheel mechanism, R2 fitness meter, and high-profile, padded seat

Verdict

Giving you not just a heavier-duty rowing machine but also smooth and steady experience, precise working metric tracking, and more, this option is perfect for heavier people.

Best Overall (Fan Bikes): Schwinn Airdyne Bike Series

Schwinn Airdyne Bike Series
Schwinn Airdyne Bike Series
Pros
  • Affordable (compared to other models in Schwinn Airdyne Bike Series)
  • Offer superior air efficiency - patent-pending fan design
  • Give you step-less challenge levels - progressive wind resistance
  • Quiet - single-stage belt drive
Cons
  • The monitor is a bit too basic
  • The arm bars seem to be set too far away from the seat

For those who wish to try the Schwinn Airdyne Bike Series, we highly recommend starting with the AD2 because of many good reasons.

First up, it’s the cheapest option available, around $600 (others are generally from $900 to $2000) while still featuring the Schwinn’s signature patent-pending fan design for superior air efficiency. The progressive wind resistance gives you step-less challenge levels.

And the single-stage belt drive smoothens the bike’s movement, making it quieter.

Schwinn Airdyne Bike Series Specifications

Dimension

46” L x 25” W x 50” H

Max User Weight

250 lbs.

Inseam Length

32”-36”

Highlight Features

Patent-pending fan design

Progressive wind resistance

Single-stage belt drive

Verdict

Built to be strong, functional, and quiet, Schwinn Airdyne AD2 is persuasively our best overall choice.

Best For Tall People (Fan Bikes): Sunny Health & Fitness Zephyr Air Bike

Sunny Health & Fitness Zephyr Air Bike
Sunny Health & Fitness Zephyr Air Bike
Pros
  • Perfect for tall people - inseam ranges of 21.5” to 33.5”
  • Customizable for your comfort - an ultra-wide padded seat, adjustable pedals, and handlebars
  • Easy to track your fitness metrics – readable, high-quality LCD monitor
Cons
  • When pedaling hard, the bike wobbles on the front stabilizer bar
  • A bit challenging to assemble

The Sunny Health & Fitness Zephyr Air Bike is a more affordable option for those who don’t want to spend $600. It helps with cardio effectively and the inseam ranges of 21.5” to 33.5” is perfect for family use (the max user height could be up to 6’1”).

Along with that, it features an ultra-wide padded seat, adjustable pedals, and handlebars for customized comfort to different users.

The LCD monitor is incredibly high-quality, readable, and functional for the price. It allows you to easily track your calories burnt, the precise distance, RPM, speed, and time while there’s an additional phone holder for extra convenience.

Sunny Health & Fitness Zephyr Air Bike Specifications

Dimension

44 x 24 x 45 inches

Max User Weight

240 lbs.

Resistance Levels

Stepless

Inseam Length

MIN 21. 5 IN / MAX 33. 5 IN

Highlight Features

Inseam ranges of 21.5” to 33.5”

An ultra-wide padded seat, adjustable pedals, and handlebars

Readable, high-quality LCD monitor

Verdict

If you’re a tall exercise and looking for the best fan bike with comfort, we highly recommend the Sunny Health & Fitness Zephyr.

Most Durable (Fan Bikes): Ativafit Fan Bike

Ativafit Fan Bike
Ativafit Fan Bike
Pros
  • Durable and dependable – made of heavy-duty steel material & backed by a lifetime warranty with free replacement parts & a 12-month warranty for return
  • Comfortable - adjustable seat and handlebars
  • Perfect for everyone – step-less resistance level
Cons
  • The instructions are unclear

Unlike some fan bikes at the same price point, the Ativafit doesn’t wobble or feels flimsy, especially when you pedal hard. It is built 100% of heavy-duty steel material for superior durability and sturdiness.

Meanwhile, its unlimited air resistance system extremities your upper and lower workouts, giving faster weight loss results.

With no compromise of your comfort during the use, Ativafit built this machine with adjustable seat and handlebars to fit the closest your situation.

When not in use, it is easily stored and out of the way, thanks to the transportation wheels and compact design.

Ativafit Fan Bike Specifications

Dimension

54” x 20.8” x 39”

Max User Weight

250 Pounds

Resistance Levels

Unlimited

Inseam Length

Min: 28 in / Max: 39 in

Highlight Features

Made of heavy-duty steel material & backed by a lifetime warranty with free replacement parts & a 12-month warranty for return

Adjustable seat and handlebars

Step-less resistance level

Verdict

Many exercisers overweigh exercise equipment’s durability by anything else. For them, the Ativafit Fan Bike is worth trying.

Best Overall (Treadmills): NordicTrack T Series Treadmill

NordicTrack T Series Treadmill
NordicTrack T Series Treadmill
Pros
  • Smart and able to customize/optimize your training program - a 1-month iFit membership
  • Make your exercise experience to the next level - built-in dual 2” speakers and auxiliary music port
  • Compact and easy to lift - Innovative SpaceSaver design
Cons
  • Not for people in a tight budget

The NordicTrack T 6.5 S is a great investment for long-term use because for the price, you’ll not only receive a superbly high-quality, functional treadmill but also a 1-month iFit membership.

This allows you to freely access to iFit app (within one month) and gets personal workout programs provided by different world-class trainers who also control your machine’s speed in real-time, incline and recline for your optimal workout results.

There’re also endless training options on this app, like full-body sculpting and yoga.

The built-in dual 2” speakers and auxiliary music port make your exercise experience with your personal coach to the next level. Regardless, it’s praised for its superior strength yet compact and easy-to-lift design, all thanks to the Innovative SpaceSaver design, smart-response 2.6 CHP motor, and many more.

NordicTrack T Series Treadmill Specifications

Peak Horsepower

2.6 HP

Running Belt Size

22" x 55"

Walking Speed

0-10 MPH

Highlight Features

A 1-month iFit membership

Built-in dual 2” speakers and auxiliary music port

Innovative SpaceSaver design

Verdict

Out of a bunch, the NordicTrack T 6.5 S is the best overall performer that gives us the most satisfying exercise experience.

Best For Beginners (Treadmills): XTERRA Fitness TR150

XTERRA Fitness TR150
XTERRA Fitness TR150
Pros
  • Allow for walking/running more naturally - extra-large walking surface
  • Easily track your fitness metrics - a 5” LCD monitor
  • Customize your training program - three manual incline settings and 12 preset programs
  • Easy storage – foldable construction
Cons
  • Lack of automatic power off
  • Wish there was a bottle holder

If you’re a beginner exerciser and also in a tight budget, we greatly suggest the XTERRA Fitness TR150. Aside from a more affordable price tag, it is built with an extra-large walking surface for easier running/jogging.

The speed is also quite suitable for starters, ranging from 0.5 -10 MPH, which can be easily adjusted by pressing the button on a 5” LCD monitor. It is where you’re able to update other of your fitness metrics, like pulse, calories burnt, time, and incline.

The three manual incline settings and 12 preset programs provide excellent variety for your exercise progress. A big bonus is it’s very easy to fold and store by pulling the knob.

XTERRA Fitness TR150 Specifications

Peak Horsepower

2.25HP

Running Belt Size

50 x 16 inches

Walking Speed

10 Miles per Hour

Highlight Features

Extra-large walking surface

A 5” LCD monitor

Foldable construction

Three manual incline settings and 12 preset programs

Verdict

Highlighting a user-friendly construction and a highly readable monitor, the XTERRA Fitness TR150 will make your very first steps in your weight loss and toning progress a lot easier.

Best For Light People (Treadmills): Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill

Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill
Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill
Pros
  • Powerful and customizable - feature a 2.2 peak HP drive system, 9 training programs, and three manual incline-adjusting options
  • Safe and convenient to use – pause function & handrail controls
Cons
  • The LCD screen is covered if you use the phone holder

Although designed for light people, the Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill doesn’t appear to be flimsy. At least, it doesn’t wobble while you’re exercising, even at high speeds.

The machine features a 2.2 peak HP drive system, giving a speed range of 0.5-9 MPH along with 9 training programs and three manual incline-adjusting options. Just like other treadmills, it is effortlessly folded for easy storage using a soft-drop system.

It has a pause function to safely stop whenever in need while still keeping your running stats and current data. What we like the most is its handrail controls with stop, start, and speed buttons.

Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill Specifications

Peak Horsepower

2.20 peak HP

Running Belt Size

49L x 15.5W

Walking Speed

0. 5 - 9 MPH

Highlight Features

Feature a 2.2 peak HP drive system, 9 training programs, and three manual incline-adjusting options

Pause function & handrail controls

Verdict

If you’re a lightweight exerciser who wants a reasonable treadmill to gym at home, this Sunny Health & Fitness might be what you’re after.

How To Choose The Best Gym Equipment For Weight Loss And Toning?

Types

There are several types of gym equipment, but these are the best options for weight loss and toning. All of the following machines are effective for weight loss but different in workout forms, so the choice depends on your own preference.

Rowing Machine

A rowing machine lets you exercise the whole body in a sitting posture, which helps you use much more energy. It also helps strengthen your arms, legs, core, and increase your heart rate. Therefore, rowing machines have become one of the most favored choices for weight loss.

Fan Bikes

Face bikes are considered the most energy-demanding cardio machine. They are similar to stationary bikes but have two handlebars higher than the seat. They also feature an enormous fan as the front wheel.

These machines require a lot of energy through the movement of your arms and legs, helping you burn more calories.

Treadmills

This type of machine is favored by some professionals and enthusiasts as it encourages users to stay concentrated and move continuously throughout the workout.

The continuous movement also requires high energy expenditure, helping you burn more calories to lose weight.

Space

This factor seems irrelevant to weight loss, but it’s important that your cardio machine fit the space available at your place. Therefore, you need to measure the space where you intend to place the machine and choose one with the fitting dimensions.

Besides, there should also be enough space for you to extend your arms and legs so you can exercise at the highest efficiency.

Safety

If your new cardio machine has barbells and dumbbells, you’d better be careful moving them around and wear capped boots.

It’s important to check if the machine is truly safe to use, which you can likely find out by reading reviews from other users.

Installation

Delivery and assembly should be taken into account as well. While some machines are shipped fully assembled, others need to be assembled a bit.

In most cases, a fully assembled cardio machine won’t fit your door, so expect assembly. You should ask for this information before buying a machine, especially if you are not good at assembling things on your own.

Number Of Users

If there is more than one person exercising on the new machine, you should consider getting a multi-station one to avoid fighting with your spouse or your kids.

However, a multi-station machine is often costly, maybe more than $2,000.

Which Brands Make The Best Gym Equipment For Weight Loss And Toning?

Sunny Health & Fitness

This brand has long been known as a premier importer and distributor of high-quality fitness products. Here, you will find a wide range of cardio machines from leading brands at competitive prices.

Schwinn

Since its foundation in 1895, Schwinn has become the best brand regarding bicycles. Now, the company also makes indoor fitness machines to help you lose weight. Its products deliver comfort, smoothness, and efficiency.

Ativafit

Over the past 30 years, this team has been designed and produced fitness equipment for many renowned names on the market. It offers cardio machines made to help you lose weight that you absolutely love.

NordicTrack

No matter if it’s a treadmill or an exercise bike, you will find what you need here. For those who like smart control, this brand offers machines paired with apps to let you track your progress.

XTERRA

This brand takes pride in its products for sleek and elegant designs. Its cardio machines also come with displays to show important data for you.

FAQs

How long should gym equipment last?

This depends on the type of gym equipment. For example, a treadmill can last between 7 and 12 years while an elliptical bike can last for 20 years.

What machine burns the most fat?

Treadmills burn the most fat with the highest rate of calories burnt during a workout. Especially, running on the treadmill is among the most effective ways to lose weight.

How many days should I workout to tone my body?

This depends on the level of training you’re at. If you’re a beginner, you should exercise 2-3 days a week, an intermediate trainee should work out 3-4 days a week, and an advanced one should exercise 4-5 days a week.

How long does it take to see results from exercise?

It may take you 8 weeks to spot the changes in weight loss and muscle gains.

How much weight can you realistically lose in 6 weeks?

Generally speaking, you may lose about 12 pounds within 6 weeks of exercising.

Conclusion

We hope that this post has helped you figure out what to look for in the best gym equipment for weight loss and toning for your home gym. Once you have chosen the right equipment, get started, and maintain your determination to stay fit.


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