If you live in a small apartment, you may not have enough storage and workout space to accommodate large pieces of cardio equipment, such as non-folding treadmills, steppers, and elliptical machines. Moreover, if your apartment is not on the first floor getting large workout equipment to your apartment can prove to be a daunting task. Compact cardio machines have gained immense popularity because they offer convenient options especially for apartment dwellers and other people with small storage spaces.

Factors to consider when buying the best Compact Exercise Equipment.

Factors that should be taken into consideration when you’re looking to buy the best cardio equipment for small apartment include your size requirements, quality and cost of the machine, the maximum noise level you can have, whether the cardio equipment provides a full body workout and the other options you’re passing on. Let us explore these factors in detail:

• Full-body workout

You also want to buy a machine that provides a full-body workout. Be sure to check whether the equipment targets all areas of the body without neglecting any. For instance, a pull up bar only works out the upper body while neglecting the legs. On the other hand, the mini-stepper targets the lower body but does not work out your hands. If you want to get the best cardio equipment for your small apartment, you should ensure that this single piece of equipment works out your whole body.

Besides providing numerous cardiovascular benefits, the machine should also be able to perform both anaerobic and aerobic exercises. This simply means that you should be able to do short sprints at a faster rate (anaerobic) and longer but slower exercises (aerobic) to maintain a raised heart rate for longer periods of time. This ensures you continue converting fat into muscle even after you’ve stopped working out and you’ll be able to enjoy the numerous benefits of both aerobic and anaerobic exercises.

• Size

It is particularly essential to consider the amount of space available in your apartment both for using and storing the cardio equipment. For instance, you only have enough room for performing body weight exercises such as pushups; you should also ensure that the cardio equipment you choose can fit in the available workout space.

Moreover, you should look at the available storage options. You may want to go for workout equipment that can fit under a bed or in a closet after use. Since space is an issue in most modern apartments, it’s important to choose equipment that can be easily moved away after use instead of sitting in the way and obstructing movement and other activities.

• Noise level

If you’re living in an apartment you should avoid disturbing your room-mates and even neighbors. Therefore, buying cardio equipment that has very low noise levels while in use is very important because you can exercise at any time without disturbing anyone. For instance, you may want to workout while everyone else is sleeping (for instance, late at night after work or very early in the morning) and it’s important to ensure that you’re not disturbing anyone in their sleep. Buying a quiet cardio machine is a good to ensure that you live with your neighbors or suite-mates in harmony.

• Quality and cost

Some products designed for use in tight spaces such as small apartments can be of low quality and inferior quality. Therefore, it’s important to be keen when buying cardio equipment for a small apartment to ensure that the equipment you buy offers many different workout options. However, this does not mean that your purchase should exceed your budget. Remember, there are many high quality cardio machines that are durable but may cost more.

More Options for Cardio Equipment for Small Spaces

Comparative Analysis

There are numerous cardio machines available on the market and when you choose one, it means you’re leaving out all the rest. There are many popular cardio machines for small apartments. Here, we evaluate each in detail and explain why they are not considered the best especially for small apartments:

• Step Machine

The step machine exercises only the legs and it’s not ideal for anaerobic exercise.

• Treadmill

Besides the fact that the treadmill only exercises the lower body, you should also note that it does not fold up for compact and easy storage. Moreover, the treadmill can be very loud especially for neighbors living bellow you.

• Elliptical

Just like the treadmill, the elliptical mainly works out the legs and it cannot be folded up for storage.

• Pull-up bar, resistance bands, Kettlebell TRX, and dumbbells

Exercises performed using these tools usually entail more weightlifting than cardiovascular exercises. Moreover, they cannot be performed for extended periods of time.

• Stationary Bike

The stationary bike is great for exercising the legs but does not exercise the upper body. Moreover, they cannot be folded for compact storage.

• Rowing Machine

The rowing machine is the best cardio equipment especially for small apartments largely because it can be used to perform both aerobic and anaerobic exercises and it also offers unmatched convenience. However, you can also add some pieces such as resistance bands, a kettlebar and pull-up bar to your mini gym. There are many reasons why the rowing machine ranks as the best cardio equipment for small apartments. These reasons include:

1. Full-body workout and low impact

Unlike other cardio machines that only target specific areas of the body while leaving out other area, rowing machines provide full body workout by targeting all major muscle groups in the body. Moreover, rowing is a low-impact exercise and it does not exert additional stress on hips, knees, ankles, and other joints in the body. Rowers are also great for both anaerobic and aerobic exercise.

2. Quality and cost

Rowing machines are available in a wide price range ranging from just under $100 to more than $1,000 and you can easily find one that fits within your budget, However, it’s essential to keep in mind that rowers with a higher price tag tend to be of higher quality and may provide better features.

Check out our pick of the top 5 low cost rowing machines!

3. Noise level

Although some types of rowers such as water and air resistance rowing machines make nose, hydraulic-piston and magnetic rowers do not make any noise. Therefore, these types of rowing machines are ideal for use even in small apartments where you may not want to disturb your neighbors and roommates. Unlike a treadmill, the back and forth movement along the seat rail does not produce any significant noise.

4. Size and convenience

Besides being fairly lightweight and easy to move, some also feature wheels for easy and convenient portability. Rowing machines are also available in a wide range of sizes and most models can be easily folded for convenient storage in your closet or under the bed.

Conclusion

The rowing machine is the best cardio equipment for small apartment largely because it offers all-round exercise and convenient when it comes to portability and storage. Although other workout machines are also important and beneficial, rowers outshine them when it comes to versatility because it’s the only piece of cardio equipment you need for both aerobic and anaerobic exercises.

Check out our article comparing Elliptical Trainer v’s Rowing Machine HERE!