HIIT machine: HIIT workout Equipment for Cardio

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A lot of cardio equipment can help you achieve your HIIT workout goals. But you need a HIIT machine and other HIIT workout equipment that can help you achieve your fitness goals.

HIIT is neither the name of new fitness equipment nor a mere exercise. It’s rather a tool, technique and workout regime by which you accomplish a certain fitness goal by giving 100% effort.

In A Hurry?
The Test Winner After 72 Hours Of Intensive Budget-based Research:
The Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5 stood out as the best HIIT Workout Equipment by far, in terms of value for money, how similar it is to the Peloton and its overall quality – which set it apart from the rest.

As the name suggests, with High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) the intensity by which you workout should be high and focused. Faster than normal.

And it must follow a specific time and interval to start, stop and restart in order to increase strength and endurance. Mostly a full-body workout.

HIIT machines – 10 Best Reviewed

1. Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5

2. Assault AirBike Classic, Black

3. Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine

4. Schwinn Airdyne Bike

5. Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709

6. Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine

7. ProForm Cardio HIIT Elliptical Trainer

8. StairMaster HIIT Bike with Console

9. Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Bluetooth Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine

10. Bowflex Max Trainer M7

11. Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine

12. Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer

13. Woodway Desmo S Treadmill

HIIT workout equipment Comparison

1. Concept 2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5

Concept2 Model D for HIIT workouts

Offering a low-impact exercise, the Concept2 Model D Indoor Rower is on the top of our HIIT equipment list. Hey, it’s not by mistake.

We’re talking about HIIT here, isn’t? Why is this rowing machine low impact? Don’t get confused, my friend. Let me explain.

It’s a machine that performs low impact exercises. Meaning you don’t have to exert so much effort to get your desired results. And also this cardio machine doesn’t require a lot from you to perform.

However, rowing machines have an enviable track record. It is one of the most effective cardio workout equipment. Consistently fulfilling its promise for a full-body workout. And that is what HIIT is all about.

Quick, full-body, and planned interval training.

Concept 2 simply delivers on its HIIT – full body workout potential by using all the major muscle groups during the stroke. It’s effective. No two ways about that. Period.

Widely used by elite athletes for competitive training. This is a versatile rowing machine that is fit for purpose. You can find it in various fitness facilities and home gyms as it does in boathouses around the world.

The Model D measures your progress with reliable, comparable data on every stroke you take. With workout options including time, distance and intervals with Games included.

It comes with an easy on your eyes backlit LCD display, a Wireless Bluetooth and ANT+ compatibility for heart rate or app monitoring. Mainly equipping you with the tools to join an Online Challenge on the go.

Proudly made in Vermont, America, the Concept2 has an Air-resistance flywheel which controls the airflow with an easy change of the damper.

I recommend you get an exercise mat for this rowing machine – it’s well worth it. It doesn’t cost that much to protect your floor. You can check this one I got for myself on Amazon for a few bucks.

ProsConcept2 Model D for HIIT workouts

  • Affordable
  • Minimal noise
  • Easy to fold up
  • Easy to Assemble
  • Sturdy and solid
  • Easy to Move and Store
  • Join an Online Challenge
  • Connects with popular fitness apps
  • Limited 2-year and 5-year warranty

Cons

  • A little pricey – you get what you pay for.

Check Price on Amazon

 

2. Assault AirBike Classic, Black

Assault AirBike HIIT equipment

What sets the Assault Airbike apart from its peers is the unlimited Resistance geared towards upper and lower body extremities. And it is powered by a 25-inch diameter steel fan that delivers maximum Air Resistance.

The Assault Airbike is a HIIT monster that helps build up your aerobic base. The main purpose of this particular piece of equipment is for an all-out exertion HIIT type circuit training.

Referred to as “the bad boy”, the AirBike classic is very popular and fit for commercial use. A lot of raving fans can vouch for its HIIT workout reputation.

Found in gyms and fitness studios around the world (Military, firefighters, police departments,   universities, NFL sidelines, hotels, rehab clinics, etc), you can be assured of a complete Cross-Fit Workout out of this beast.

The Assault Classic offers seven on-board programs designed on its console. Designed specifically to give you the best cardio exercises.

You can either build your own workout based on calories, distance, time or heart rate. There are a great Tabata interval session and a lot more.

Again this HIIT machine offers an “All you can eat” kind of challenge. It is suitable for tweaking the resistance to fit your unique needs providing a virtually unlimited workout regime.

NB: The Assault air bike does not come with a heart rate monitor but is equipped with a heart rate sensor, so it is compatible with Polar chest straps.

ProsAssault AirBike for HIIT worlouts

  • Affordable
  • Easy to Assemble
  • Sturdy and solid
  • Commercially used
  • Easy to Move and Store
  • Join an Online Challenge
  • Maximum user weight: 350 pounds

Cons

  • Quite noisy
  • Minor issues with the seat

Check Price on Amazon

 

3. Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine

Fitness Reality 1000

It’s not by mistake that rowers give the best HIIT workouts. The Sunny Magnetic rowing machine comes with 8 levels of adjustable tension.

Its large LCD console measures your Time, Count, Calories, Total Count and a scan mode which displays and tracks your progress to help you achieve your planned fitness goals.

The SF-RW5515 is a perfect HIIT machine that offers a full-body exercise and targets all major muscle groups.

Again, in your regular workout routine, you can do some body-weight drills like push-ups and planks and integrate a 30 to 60 rowing intervals in between sets.

Pros

  • AffordableFitness Reality 1000 Plus
  • Easy to fold up
  • Sturdy and stable
  • Fully padded seat
  • Great for a beginner
  • Larger anti-slip foot pedals
  • Built-on transportation wheels
  • Maximum user weight: 220 lbs

Cons

  • The monitor can be better
  • Makes knocking sound when it spins

Check Price on Amazon

 

4. Schwinn Airdyne Pro Bike

Schwinn Airdyne Pro Bike

This beauty is called ‘Satan’s Tricycle’ for a reason. The harder you work the greater the resistance. It comes with built-in HIIT programs.

If you’re looking for a full-body, low impact cardio machine combined with High-Intensity Intervals, the Schwinn Airdyne Pro fits the bill perfectly.

You may be older (the ’40s to ’80s) and looks much healthier because you’re health-conscious but out of shape. And wants to shed some pounds and increase endurance for these next stages of your life; the Schwinn Pro is for you. This bike rocks.

If you can’t trust any bike for your home gym, the Schwinn Pro might be what you need and can be used for both heart-rate training as well as HIIT.

This is the real work that will burn calories during AND AFTER the workout.

If you are looking for a well-built machine that is very low impact but will rock your heart rate quickly, this is it, according to one user.

The Schwinn Airdyne Pro is a solid bike built for HIIT.

If you find the standard seat uncomfortable, you can find different kinds of padded seat cover like this perfect cushion that I found on Amazon slip right over the one that comes with the Airdyne.

One more thing. You can use it on a carpeted floor. Or otherwise, you can get a mat to make it easier to move from place to place.

There are affordable mats that help protect your floors and carpets from the damaging effects of heavy exercise equipment, I can recommend this heavy-duty mat I found on Amazon for you.

Schwinn Airdyne HIIT Bike

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Easy to Assemble
  • Sturdy and solid
  • Easy to Move and Store
  • Maximum user weight: 350 pounds

Cons

  • Uncomfortable seat
  • A bit of noise just like having a fan turned on

Check Price on Amazon

5. Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709

Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike

Yes! A recumbent bike can give you an ultimate high-intensity Interval Training (HIT), provided you do it right.

With 8 pre-set levels of smooth magnetic adjustable resistance, the Macy ME-709 is ideal for gym freaks and fitness starters alike.

Save on gym memberships with this exercise bike. Probably the cheapest piece of equipment on our HIIT workout equipment list.

With the ME-709, you have a 3.5″ LCD display screen which acts as an odometer with panel display that shows time, speed, distance, and calories burned in extra-large numbers for great readability.

Whether you want to boost your cardiovascular endurance or shed pounds, the Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike is the perfect workout equipment to add to your home gym!

Use the ME-709 as your HIIT machine to Shed weight and gain muscles by engaging in a full-body workout in your own home!

If you’re looking for an affordable bike to get the job done, I recommend this bike for your personal HIIT workouts.

Includes a manufacturer’s 2-year limited warranty.

Pros

  • QuiteMarcy Recumbent HIIT Bike
  • Super affordable
  • Easy to Assemble
  • Sturdy and solid
  • Easy to Move and Store
  • Portable Transport wheels
  • Maximum user weight: 300 pounds
  • 2 year limited warranty

Cons

  • You get what you pay for
  • Loud clicking noise over time

Check Price on Amazon

 

6. Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine

Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine

“This machine has 20 resistance settings, and even the lowest one I wouldn’t call simple. I cranked it up to level 3, and I was sweating profusely (170lb man), so while I wish the lower settings were a little easier, you know that can never outgrow this machine!”, retorted one user.

The Schwinn 430 comes with a dual-track two LCD screens which allow you to monitor up to 13 different display feedback as you workout.

The 20 levels of resistance aligned with a high-speed high inertia perimeter weighted flywheel which makes every workout easy, smooth and quiet.

On top of this, the Schwinn 430 comes with the USB port, MP3 port, speakers and a fan. There is also an attached water bottle holder and place to rest a book/magazine/tablet/phone, which may hide the display though.

You can charge your phone/tablet and play music with your device through the in-built speakers as well.

It’s a good “bang for your buck”. With 22 programs, 2 user settings and goal tracking – this elliptical will keep you motivated, challenged give you a great full-body workout.

The Schwinn 430 comes with a 10 years Frame warranty, 2 years – Mechanical parts, a year on electronics and 3 months on Labor.

NB: It stipulated by the manufacturer, (Labor support does not include the installation of replacement parts involved in the initial product assembly and preventative maintenance services.)

Pros

  • QuiteSchwinn 430 Elliptical
  • Affordable
  • Easy to Assemble
  • Sturdy and solid
  • Charging USB port
  • Maximum user weight: 300 pounds

Cons

  • May wobble if you workout too hard
  • Start making squeaking noise over time

Check Price on Amazon

 

7. ProForm Cardio HIIT Elliptical Trainer

ProForm Cardio HIIT machine

An Elliptical Trainer Stepper Machine, and Cardio all in one piece of equipment. What exactly are your fitness goals?

Apart from the fact that the Proform elliptical will burn fats during and after your workout session, it was purposely built for your HIIT workouts.

One of the few versatile HIIT machines with a commercial grade steel construction that will give you a full-body workout that doesn’t take a lot of space.

Coming in with a footprint of 66.7 H x 29.25 W x 52 D Inch, this machine will feel comfortable to most users. Notwithstanding, a few shorter users have had a cause for complaint.

The ProForm Cardio Trainer is protected with a lifetime frame warranty, 3-year parts warranty, and 1-year labor warranty.

NB: When you try to use the panel on this trainer, you’ll be required to put in a credit card in order to “activate” the system for that purpose.

Pros

  • AffordableProForm Cardio HIIT Elliptical
  • Easy to Assemble
  • Sturdy and solid
  • Water bottle holder
  • Portable Transport wheels
  • Maximum user weight: 350 pounds

Cons

  • May wobble over time
  • Making squeaking noise over time

Check Price on Amazon

 

8. StairMaster HIIT Bike with Console

StairMaster HIIT Bike

Believed to be tested to withstand 1400 lbs of force, the StairMaster HIIT Bike is your ultimate HIIT machine.

With its robust design, this bike features a dual-action wind resistance that provides a total body cardio workout that doesn’t take a lot of space.

This HIIT machine’s console has an easy to read backlit display, Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, and programmable time, distance, calories, time interval, and calorie interval programs to choose from.

Unlike other fan bikes, the HIIT Bike frame is not bolted together in key locations, it’s welded.

With its ability to withstand more than 1,400 lbs of force, this machine will feel comfortable to almost every user. Perfect for people 4’11” to 6’8″ (150 to 203 cm) tall. Nobody is left out.

This StairMaster HIIT Bike will push you past your breaking point and keep you working long after you can go no more.

Pros

  • Easy to Assemble StairMaster HIIT machine
  • Sturdy and solid
  • Easy to Move and Store
  • Maximum user weight: 350 pounds
  • Full commercial warranty

Cons

  • Pricey – you get what you pay for.

Check Price on Amazon

9. Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Bluetooth Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine

Magnetic Rowing Machine

I can’t stress much on the enviable reputation of rowing machines when it comes to HIIT machines and workouts. I hope you try it out for yourself.

The fitness Reality 1000 Plus is a low impact, Full body workout equipment that focuses on most muscles groups to help you sculpt your body.

This rowing machine targets both upper body and lower body parts such as the forearms, biceps, triceps, shoulders, legs, thighs and many more additional exercises.

The only Bluetooth rower on the market today. Set a 3 workout goal (time, distance and calories burned) via the app. You get a free My Cloud Fitness app which available on both iOS and Android for tracking your results.

The fitness Reality 1000 Plus comes with a Large 3. 5” LCD which displays distance, time, total count, calories burned, Stokes/min and scan.

There are a lot of issues with the seats of exercise equipment but you get a comfortable large contoured cushion seat (13. 5” L x 11”w). Also covering a user height of 4’9”~6’6” and a Slide rail length/inseam of 39”.

At a folded footprint of 39. 5” Lx21. 5” Wx53. 5” H. This Bluetooth Magnetic Rower folds perfectly for storage. A great rower for your HIIT sprint progressions.

Pros

Magnetic Rowing HIIT Machine
  • Quiet
  • Affordable
  • Easy to fold up
  • Easy to Assemble
  • Sturdy and solid
  • Easy to Move and Store
  • Join an Online Challenge
  • Connects with My Cloud Fitness app

Cons

  • Cannot count on the app

 

Check Price on Amazon

10. Bowflex Max Trainer M7

Bowflex M7

It seemed to have saved the best for the last. Let’s see what the Bowflex Max Trainer M7 has got for us.

Bowflex is well-known for its full-body workout machines. And the Bowflex M7 does not disappoint. Another versatile HIIT machine that combines the low impact of a stair stepper and the agility of an elliptical trainer.

Coming in at a small footprint of about 49-inches Long, 30.5-inches wide and 65.5-inches High – the M7 is believed to be a fraction of the size of most ellipticals, home gyms, and treadmills.

The M7 is equipped with 11 workout programs and 20 levels of computer-controlled resistance to help you adjust your intensity. Its performance targeted programming learns and adapts to each user’s fitness level over time to set new targets as you progress.

Again like most of the HIIT machines on this list, the M7 comes with an oversized, high contrast, dual backlit LCD/LED display which syncs with the Free Max Trainer app (Available for Apple iOS and Android devices) to set, monitor and track your fitness goals.

Another Bluetooth compatible elliptical, the Bowflex M7 can stream video content from professional trainers that will instruct, motivate and help you be more successful.

Warranty description of 3 years frame, 3 years mechanical parts, 3 years electronics, 90 days labor. Fairly appreciable security.

ProsBowflex Max M7

  • Fairly quiet
  • Easy to Assemble
  • Sturdy and solid
  • Bluetooth 4.0 compatible
  • Join an Online Challenge
  • Connects with Free Max Trainer app

Cons

  • Pricey – you get what you pay for.

Check Price on Amazon

HIIT machine, What is it, and how to use it

What is HIIT?

High-Intensity Interval Training, or HIIT, is a training technique that involves a full-body workout for a period of time in repetitive mode and interval followed by short recovery periods. This allows your body to continue to burn calories well after your workout is over. One of the quickest ways to build strength throughout your workout.

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is one of the top training trends in the fitness industry today.

One of the biggest benefits of HIIT is the “after-burn effect”. This is the process where you burn calories during and after the workout. Apparently, you continue to burn calories well after your workout is over.

How often should you do your HIIT workouts?

Ideally, you can shoot for about 1-3 HIIT workouts in a week with other fitness routines (push-ups, weightlifting, etc..) Find your ideal HIIT machine or a versatile HIIT equipment that works for your specific HIIT sprint progressions. Mine is the HIIT rowing machine.

Examples of HIIT workouts are Cross training, CrossFit, Tabata, etc… Great for novice to intermediate cardio/core workouts enthusiast.

Characteristics of a HIIT workout

  1. It is a full-body workout
  2. It increases strength and endurance
  3. It is suitable for all manner of people
  4. It is performed in a short burst of time
  5. It requires a sturdy and robust HIIT equipment

How to choose the Best HIIT machine: Buyer’s Guide for HIIT equipment

1) Price

The affordability of a HIIT machine varies between $200 and $2000 on the higher end. Especially when one requires specific functionalities to perform specific HIIT workouts.

Most of the HIIT equipment listed in this post is between $500 and $1000 which is relatively affordable and fit for purpose.

Many have had reasons to complain about the prices of fitness equipment for several reasons such as quality, construction or use of a machine.

However, the vast majority of people turn to have issues with the price when manufacturers are not very clear on what and how a piece of equipment functions. And above all the lack of customer service and engagement when a defect, malfunction or breakage is reported.

Inadequacy and lack of proper information is the number reason why users question the price of a piece of equipment. However, you normally get what you pay for in terms of quality at the end.

2) Build/Construction

a) Sturdy and Solid

On the construction of fitness equipment suitable for HIIT workouts, a user tends to consider the sturdiness and robustness of the machine.

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a fast-paced exercise routine, Therefore, the HIIT machine; rower, treadmill, exercise bike, elliptical, etc… must be in good shape and ready to withstand vigorous twist and turns.

b) Quietness

Hearing a knocking, squeaking or clicking noise in a piece of equipment is not far from normal. There are no perfect machines. In fact, you’ll need to pay several 1000’s to acquire such a machine if it exists.

However, this shouldn’t stand between the user and the performance of the core function of the machine. Otherwise, there’s a flaw.

A little click or knock here and there on your machine should be expected, especially over time due to a number of varied reasons. Provided it doesn’t hinder your performance or disturb the peace of others.

3) Attachment

HIIT workout equipment mostly comes with various in-built LCD displays that monitor and tracks your progress.

There are a few machines with onboard programs designed on their console.

Some LCD display screen acts as an odometer and measures Time, Count, Calories, Total Count and a scan mode which displays and tracks your progress to help you achieve your planned fitness goals.

Not forgetting those with Bluetooth and fitness apps to follow pre-recorded classes, stream online classes or join an online challenge.

4) Warranty

Due to the high intensity and build of most HIIT-ready equipment, manufacturers offer a variety of warranties to buyers.

Warranties ranging from years on Frame, Mechanical parts, Electronics and Labor. Some even offer a full commercial warranty.

5) Attachments/Add-ons

Although you don’t need an exercise mat for your HIIT workout, it’s really a good idea to get one. Besides adding extra protection to your floors from the rower itself, it also ensures that your machine won’t start moving during your workout.

It provides a barrier between sweat dripping onto your carpet or floor. And considering it doesn’t cost that much to get a mat for this purpose, I recommend you get one – it’s well worth it. You can check this heavy-duty mat I got for myself on Amazon.

Recommendation – A Word From Cardio Zero

Buying the best HIIT Machine is not an easy decision to make. And yet, if you think that adding a spin bike to your home gym or office will keep you:

  • in shape
  • motivated and
  • in your budget,

then it can be a great asset that will keep you fit, healthy and happy for a very long time.

NB: If using the seat of any of these bikes makes you uncomfortable, I would recommend a soft gel seat cover to eliminate soreness and bring comfort.

Again, you may need a cushioned mat that will protect your equipment investment from dust, excess vibration, dampen noise, and will help extend the life of your equipment, while protecting your
floors from damage.

HIIT Machine: Try before You Buy

Like I always advise; before you buy any cardio or exercise equipment, visit a few fitness stores/shops that specialize in fitness equipment. Do well and try several models available.

It will even be better if you could wear your workout gear and use each machine for 10 minutes so you get a feel for it.

While testing things out, pay attention to its resistance, pedal style, warranty, and quality.

Is it easy to use?

Is it easy to get on and off the spin bike?

Does it make a clicking or clunking noise as you use?

Make sure the motion is smooth and that nothing impedes your movement. Measure it to make sure you have enough space at home.

Conclusion

High-Intensity Interval Training, or HIIT, looks simple enough, but it will really push you through to give 100% as the intensity rises and the rest shortens. This will make sure that you’ve worked to the fullest extent and you really feel the burn!

If you have not tried any HIIT equipment before, get to your local fitness retailer or nearest fitness equipment store and give it a try.

Better yet, pay for a day pass at your local gym or any health club around. You need to gather the courage and put one of these fold-up bikes through a strenuous workout. And let’s see if you notice a difference.

  1. Were you right or wrong after all?
  2. Did it do what the seller says it will do?
  3. Did it meet your expectations after you read this review?
  4. Do you think this new equipment can have a place in your heart and home?

Again, before beginning any exercise or nutrition program, consult your physician, doctor or other professional. This is especially important for individuals over the age of 35 or persons with pre-existing health problems. Cardiozero.com assumes no responsibility for personal injury or property damage sustained using our advice.

If you experience dizziness, nausea, chest pain, or any other abnormal symptoms, stop the workout at once and consult a physician or doctor immediately.

We believe that after this vigorous test and questioning, you can then stop and consider everything you want in a specific model before you invest.

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