How to choose the right cardio machine for home?
Inbloom Media OÜ · Published 30.10.2026 · Updated 31.10.2026
For weight loss and fast calorie burn choose a treadmill; for gentle, quiet joint-friendly training an exercise bike or elliptical; for a full-body workout a rowing machine. If you are not sure, rent the machine for a month first, with no deposit.
The right machine depends on your goal, your health and your space. The comparison below is approximate; calorie burn depends on body weight and intensity. If you have health concerns, talk to a doctor before you start training.
Comparison
| Treadmill | Exercise bike | Elliptical | Rowing machine | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Especially good for | weight loss, healthy walking, running | gentle joint-friendly training, recovery | smooth full-body training | endurance and strength |
| Load on joints | higher (especially when running) | low | low | low |
| Calories per hour, approx. (70 kg) | walking 250-350, running 500-700 | 300-500 | 350-500 | 350-500 |
| Noise | motor sound | quiet | quiet | low |
| Space | foldable treadmill, medium | most compact | medium | long but narrow |
| Power | mains | batteries | batteries | batteries |
| Learning curve | easy | very easy | needs a little coordination | needs correct technique |
When to choose which
- Treadmill: choose it if you want to walk or run whatever the weather and burn more calories. The Kettler Sprinter 3 is foldable and suitable for walking and running at up to 12 km/h. For beginners and people with joint problems, calm walking is usually the right start.
- Exercise bike: for people who want gentle, quiet training, for example while watching TV. The Kettler Cycle M is quiet, with magnetic resistance and 8 resistance levels.
- Elliptical: works legs and arms evenly and is gentler on joints than running. The Kettler Cross M is quiet, with a 12 kg flywheel and 8 resistance levels.
- Rowing machine: trains most of the body's muscles at once and builds endurance. The Kettler Stroker uses magnetic resistance and has 8 resistance levels.
- Adjustable dumbbells and strength sets: for strength training; dumbbell weight can be set from 2.5 to 24 kg.
Why try it by renting
Buying is a big decision: the machine may turn out to be uncomfortable, noisy or too large for your space. Kodusport.ee rents machines with no deposit (0 € security deposit) for 30-day periods in Tallinn and Harjumaa, we deliver and set up the machine, and maintenance is our job. You can end the rental at any time.
See machines available to rent: treadmill | exercise bike | elliptical | rowing machine | strength set
Source for calorie estimates: Compendium of Physical Activities (2024). Approximate values; they do not replace advice from a doctor or trainer.