Best Gym Equipment for Weight Loss: My Top 15 Picks (2024)

I’ve tried 15 of the best fitness equipment for weight loss.

 

Different equipment can significantly affect how quickly you see results and how enjoyable your workouts feel.

 

I’ve spent hours experimenting with everything from treadmills to resistance bands to find out which ones are the most effective.

 

Let’s dive in and explore which ones suit you best.

Benefits of Gym Equipment in Weight Loss

Before we proceed with the list, let’s discuss why equipment selection is crucial for your weight loss goals.

 

Weight loss is all about burning more calories than you consume, creating a calorie deficit.

 

It’s great for health benefits.

 

That means focusing on exercises that increase your heart rate, work multiple muscle groups, and maintain a high workout intensity.

Gym Equipment Allows You To:

  • Target different muscle groups efficiently.

  • Adjust intensity levels for better progression.

  • Vary your routine to prevent workout fatigue and plateaus.

 

Different types of tools can make your weight loss journey smoother and more effective.

 

Now, let’s look at the 15 best workout machines that I’ve tried.

Treadmill

treadmill

The treadmill is my go-to for a good cardio workout.

 

Whether I’m in the mood for a walk, a steady-state run, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT), the treadmill never disappoints.

 

The adjustable incline helps me push my limits, and I love that I can monitor my heart rate and calorie burn in real-time.

 

It’s also great for maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.

 

For beginners, walking or light jogging on a treadmill is a good option to improve cardio fitness and overall endurance.

Stationary Bike

The stationary bike is fantastic if you’re looking for a low-impact option that’s easy on the joints.

 

I like using it for both steady-state and interval training. Adjusting the resistance levels lets you control the workout intensity, making it suitable for all fitness levels.

 

It’s perfect for a lower-body workout when you want to tone your legs and glutes without putting too much stress on your knees.

 

This cardio equipment can also be a great addition to a home gym, offering an effective workout that delivers solid results.

Elliptical Trainer

elliptical machine

The elliptical machine has become one of my favourites because it’s one of the best cardio machines that still delivers a full-body workout.

 

Combining upper body and lower body movement means you’re working more muscle groups than a treadmill or stationary bike alone.

 

It’s ideal if you’re looking for a low-impact workout but still want to achieve a good calorie burn.

 

One thing I appreciate is that I can control the stride length, which helps me customise the workout to match my fitness levels.

Stair Climber

stair climber

I’ll be honest: the stair climber can feel like torture, but it’s incredibly effective for building strength and burning calories.

 

Every step forces you to engage your glutes, quads, and hamstrings, making it a powerful tool for shaping your legs.

 

It’s a machine that genuinely challenges your physical activity levels.

 

The stair climber is an excellent option for those who want to build muscle in their legs while also losing body fat.

Rowing Machine

If you want a machine that works your entire body, go for the rowing machine.

 

I’ve found that just 15 minutes on the rower can feel more intense than 30 minutes on a treadmill.

 

It combines resistance training with aerobic exercise, making it a two-for-one deal.

 

I often use it when I want a full-body workout that targets my arms, back, legs, and core all at once.

 

The rower is one of the best cardio machines for building muscle mass while burning calories.

Air Bike

The air bike uses wind resistance to challenge your body simultaneously.

 

It’s a great way to push your limits, and you can immediately feel the burn.

 

I find it’s perfect for short bursts of all-out effort during a HIIT workout, and the harder you pedal, the more resistance you create.

 

It’s excellent for cardio exercise and conditioning, especially for those looking to improve their fitness levels quickly.

Jump Rope

jump rope

For those days when I want a quick but effective cardio workout, nothing beats a jump rope.

 

It’s portable, easy to use, and one of the best calorie burners.

 

It’s a fun way to switch things up in my routine and incorporate some bodyweight exercises.

 

Even just 10 minutes of jumping rope can burn a significant number of calories and help tone your entire body.

Resistance Bands

Resistance bands are one of my favourite pieces of fitness equipment for both resistance training and stretching.

 

They’re perfect for targeting muscle groups that are hard to reach with weights alone, like the glutes and shoulders.

 

Plus, you can easily adjust the resistance levels to suit your strength.

 

I find them particularly useful when I’m doing a home workout because they’re lightweight and easy to store.

Kettlebells

kettlebells

Kettlebells are a fantastic choice if you want to add variety to your weight training.

 

They allow for dynamic movements that engage your core and stabilise muscles.

 

I use them for swings, goblet squats, and chest presses to build muscle while burning fat.

 

The versatility of kettlebells makes them a great addition to any workout routine aimed at both building muscle and losing weight.

Cross Trainers

Cross trainers is a type of elliptical machine combining cardio and resistance training benefits.

 

I find them great for switching things up and getting a whole-body workout without switching between different exercise machines.

 

They’re also perfect if you want to focus on toning and improving your cardio fitness simultaneously.

Battle Ropes

battle ropes

I turn to battle ropes when I’m in the mood for something different.

 

They’re ideal for quick, intense bursts of activity that engage your shoulders, core, and legs.

 

Plus, they add a fun element to your fitness routine, and the varied movements mean you’re working your entire body.

 

It’s one of the best ways to increase your workout intensity without the need for complicated machines.

Recumbent Bike

Recumbent Bike

The recumbent bike is a great option with extra support for your back.

 

I like using it for long cardio sessions because it’s comfortable.

 

It’s perfect for those who need a low-impact exercise machine that still challenges their lower body.

 

I’ve noticed that it’s particularly good for anyone who finds a traditional upright bike too taxing on their joints.

Cable Machines

cable machines

Finally, cable machines are versatile equipment that I use for various exercises.

 

They’re safer than free weights when I want to work on muscle isolation and allow for a full range of motion.

 

Plus, they’re easier to use for beginners trying to build confidence in weight training.

Additional Tips for Effective Weight Loss Workouts

Choosing the right weight loss machines is just one piece of the puzzle.

 

Here are a few additional tips to maximise your workouts:

 

  • Focus on compound movements

  • Mix cardio and resistance training

  • Use HIIT to your advantage

Finding the Best Home Gym Equipment

If you’re building a home gym, consider investing in versatile and space-saving tools like resistance bands, kettlebells, and a stationary exercise bike.

 

These are some of the best home gym equipment options that don’t take up too much space but still deliver an effective workout.

Final Thoughts

I’ve had great experiences with each machine and tool on this list, and they’ve all contributed to my fitness journey.

 

My favourite is the stair climber because it burns a great amount of calories.

 

On the side, I love outdoor running. Being able to see nature always improves my mental health.

 

Stick with a routine that you enjoy and feel challenged by, and don’t be afraid to try new machines as you progress.

 

Whether you’re looking to lose weight, build muscle, or just maintain overall health, having a mix of cardio machines and resistance training options will set you up for long-term success.

 

So, which piece of equipment will you try first?

 

Get out there, break a sweat, and enjoy the process of becoming the healthiest version of yourself.

Simon Hook is our lead class instructor with over 10+ years of experience. He oversees all of our personal training courses and ensures everything runs smoothly for our students.