Staying healthy and working out doesn’t have to mean a crowded gym and a costly monthly membership. Plus, when you are already commuting to work, who wants to make an added gym commute? A home gym with your own treadmill, exercise bike, or cardio machines can make all the difference in staying fit and keeping your performance top notch.
If you’re considering a new piece of fitness equipment, Fortune’s review team has you covered so you can make a smart choice and get maximum value from it. Our testers put the machines through their paces in a hands-on way to test, work up a sweat, and share the honest feedback that results. Here’s how we evaluate fitness machines and use that data to form objective product recommendations.
Our Testing Standards
The machines on our list have been chosen based on our hands-on testing experiences. We work up a sweat using each piece of fitness equipment you’ll find on our lists, working out as if it’s in our own home gym. This allows us to give real feedback and insight into what owning eache machine is like. After all, the best way to feel out fitness equipment is a workout.
Availability and Accessibility
Regardless of where you live, we want to ensure that fitness equipment can be shipped directly to your door. Our team also notes how easy it is to purchase machines online, how long they take to arrive, and the overall assembling process. Brands with user-friendly websites and helpful customer service earn higher marks.
Our Fitness Testing Protocols
Here, we’ll tell you about our fitness equipment protocols, which our team uses to understand and evaluate machines. After we finish our assessments, we rate each product on a scale of 1 to 5 for each of the following factors.
First-Person Trials
We want our readers to have as much real-world insight as possible before purchasing a heavy piece of fitness equipment. Our first-person testing protocols vary a little depending on the product. Generally, though, we look at:
- Workout Experience: We ask our testers to perform a 10-minute workout, during which they evaluate the equipment at a steady pace, then with slight resistance, and lastly with increased cadence. Exercise bikes also withstand a standing climb test. Our testers share feedback on how they felt during the test and whether they would use it again.
- Noise: Our testers note how loud each machine is during testing, especially when increasing speed or resistance. We know that some fitness equipment, such as walking pads, can be used during the workday, and we want to ensure it won’t interrupt your meetings.
- Portability & Foldability: Cardio machines are large and can take up precious space in your home. We test how easy it is to move each piece and note if it comes with wheels. Some machines also fold for easy storage.
- Construction & Durability: Safety is one of our main concerns, so we evaluate each machine for overall stability and construction. Our testers note any wobbling or unease they feel while working out. They also observe the materials and whether they think the machine can withstand multiple hard workouts.
- Ergonomics: We have our testers evaluate how every button, handle, pedal, and belt feels during the workout. They note any discomfort. Pieces of equipment that offer the smoothest rides earn higher scores.
- Programming: Some fitness equipment comes with in-device programming, while others require a separate subscription for workouts and coaching. Our team tests how helpful or encouraging the programming is during a workout.
- Console & Technology: Testers record which machines come with consoles and how easy each display is to navigate. They also connect to Bluetooth when applicable to evaluate compatibility.
Expert Review
While we do have various experts on our team, including a certified nutrition coach, certified personal trainers, and registered dietitians, we like to get an extra set of fitness experts’ eyes on all of our content. We prioritize expert review for all of our fitness content to ensure we’re offering the safest, most accurate equipment advice.
Value
Large, sturdy cardio machines can be an expensive purchase. So, our team tries to find the best value for your money, weighing factors like overall cost, subscription fees, and extra accessories (such as biking shoes). We also pay attention to how often a customer would use the piece of equipment and ask our testers and experts whether they think the machines are built to last.