Best Home Gym Equipment for Beginners: Treadmill vs Walking Pad vs Exercise Bike vs Others
Feeling overwhelmed by home gym options? You’re not alone. With home workouts more accessible than ever, beginners are turning to smart, space-saving machines that fit real life—not just fitness ads. Whether you're aiming to get healthier, move more during the day, or build a consistent workout habit, this guide is here to help you choose the right machine — without the guesswork.
So, what do beginner users care about most? Across fitness forums like Reddit and beginner communities, four themes came up again and again:
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Compact enough for small homes or apartments
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Quiet enough for shared spaces
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Gentle on joints
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Easy to get started with
We’ll break down the top four beginner-friendly cardio machines: Treadmill, Walking Pad, Exercise Bike, and Elliptical — and help you match the best one to your lifestyle.
A Quick Comparison: Home Gym Equipment for Beginners
|
Equipment |
Best For |
Space Needed |
Noise Level |
Joint Impact |
Brand Highlight |
|
Treadmill |
Calorie burn, runners |
Large |
Medium |
Low-Medium |
Lichico Treadmill |
|
Walking Pad |
WFH movement, gentle walking |
Very compact |
Low |
Very low |
Lichico Walking Pad |
|
Exercise Bike |
Joint relief, low-impact rides |
Medium |
Low |
Medium - High |
Yosuda, Schwinn |
|
Elliptical |
Full-body, low-impact cardio |
Medium to large |
Medium |
Medium |
Sole, NordicTrack |
Let's break it down a bit more to help you decide which one is the best for different types of beginners.
1. Treadmill: High Intensity, Familiar Motion
Treadmills are a go-to for a reason: they mimic natural movement and support both beginners and seasoned runners. The Lichico Treadmill adds thoughtful features like quiet operation, foldable design, and incline training — great for those who want real workouts at home.
Pros:
- Burns calories quickly with walking, jogging, or running
- Adjustable incline for more challenge
- Foldable & beginner-friendly
Cons:
- Slightly more impact on joints than walking pads
- Louder than bikes or a walking pad
Tips: Many beginners start with walking-only sessions and increase speed gradually. The Lichico treadmill makes this transition smooth and safe.
2. Walking Pad: Perfect for Multitasking Beginners
If your goal is simply to move more, especially while working from home, go for a walking pad. The Lichico Walking Pad, for example, is a game-changer. It's whisper-quiet, folds flat under furniture, and helps users stay active without disrupting their day.
Pros:
- Silent and compact — ideal for small homes or apartments
- Very gentle on joints
- Perfect for walking while working, watching TV, or making calls
Cons:
Most other walking pads are NOT built for intense training (but the Lichico Walking Pad can also be adjusted as a basic treadmill to meet different calorie-burning goals).
Tips: Users love how walking pads help them reach 10,000 steps without even stepping outside. It’s consistency without the pressure.
3. Exercise Bike: Low-Impact, Seated Comfort
Exercise bikes are great for building stamina at your own pace. Whether upright or recumbent, they’re ideal for beginners who need joint protection or prefer a seated position.
Pros:
- Low-impact and safe for all fitness levels
- Seated comfort for longer rides
- Quiet and distraction-free
Cons:
- Mostly targets the lower body
- It can get repetitive without virtual classes
Tips: Many appreciate the multi-tasking ability of exercise bikes (e.g., watching shows) and their gentleness on joints.
4. Elliptical: Full-Body, Low-Impact Option
Ellipticals combine upper and lower body cardio in one smooth motion, great for those who want more intensity without high impact.
Pros:
- Works arms and legs together
- Zero pounding on knees or ankles
- Burns calories steadily
Cons:
- Larger footprint
- May feel awkward at first for total beginners
Tips: Some find ellipticals challenging initially, but many value the total-body workout without joint pounding.
Still Not Sure? Let’s Match Your Goals
If you’re still not sure which works the best for you, match your fitness goal with the machine that fits your lifestyle:
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Want to stay active while working or watching TV?
Walking Pad is perfect for gentle, consistent movement throughout the day — ideal for multitaskers or anyone with limited space. -
Looking to build a workout habit with more structure and progression?
The treadmill offers adjustable speed and incline settings, great for walking, jogging, or starting a beginner cardio routine. -
Need something joint-friendly and easy to use while seated?
An Exercise Bike provides a comfortable, low-impact cardio workout that’s perfect for longer sessions, recovery, or easing into fitness. -
Want a full-body workout without stressing your joints?
The Elliptical engages both upper and lower body muscles with smooth, low-impact motion — a great all-in-one machine for total-body conditioning.
Final Takeaway
The best home gym equipment for beginners isn’t the fanciest or most powerful. It’s the one you’ll use. If you’re worried about space, noise, or staying motivated, choose a machine that fits naturally into your daily life. Small, consistent steps beat intense workouts you’ll quit after a week. Start where you are, use what you have, and grow from there.
FAQ: Beginner Questions, Answered
Q: Is the Lichico walking pad good for beginners?
A: Absolutely! It’s perfect for low-intensity daily movement and building long-term exercise habits without stressing your joints.Q: How does a treadmill compare to a walking pad for weight loss?
A: Treadmills enable higher-intensity workouts, burning calories faster, while walking pads promote consistency and fit easily into daily routines.Q: Which machine is best for small spaces?
A: Both the Lichico walking pad and Lichico Treadmill are unbeatable for portability and storage, ideal for apartments or multi-use rooms.
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