The Best & Cheapest Cardio Exercise Equipment

Cardiovascular exercise is a type of aerobic activity that increases your heart rate, burns calories, reduces the risk for developing chronic illnesses and can lead to weight loss. Some of the most familiar cardio equipment, which is usually found in gyms, include treadmills, elliptical machines, stair climbers and stationary bicycles. While these machines can help you burn a significant number of calories, they can be prohibitively expensive. A cardio workout does not have to cost a lot of money.

Jump Rope

One of the cheapest types of cardio equipment you can buy is a jump rope. A 160 lb. person can burn 182 calories during 15 minutes of rope jumping. A 200 lb. person can burn 227 calories and a 240 lb. person can burn 272 calories. You can purchase a jump rope for as little as $1 at a dollar store. Splurge on a specially designed speed rope with shatter-resistant handles for about $4 or a heavy cloth rope for about $12. A jump-rope fitness kit with a rope, an exercise DVD and instructions for switching up your routine costs around $15 to $35

Hula Hoop

After a jump rope, a hula hoop is probably the next cheapest fitness device you can buy and still get a phenomenal workout. In a 2011 study sponsored by the American Council on Exercise, 16 female volunteers between the ages of 16 and 59 did a hula-hoop workout. After 30 minutes, the volunteers had burned 210 calories, on average, 7 calories per minute. An ordinary hula hoop costs around $1 at a discount store while a weighted hoop, used for fitness, can start around $21.

Mini Trampoline

The trampoline was introduced into the Olympic games for the first time in 2000, confirming what some experts have known for years, that it can be a great fitness tool. Bouncing on a mini trampoline, called rebounding, is a low-impact cardiovascular activity that can burn a significant number of calories. A 170 lb. man can burn 34 percent more calories jumping on a trampoline compared to jogging. An ordinary mini trampoline starts at around $30 and one with a stabilizer bar designed for fitness costs around $140.

Skates

Rollerblades or roller skates are inexpensive and can provide a calorie-slashing power workout. One hour of rollerblading can burn 913 calories for a 160 lb. person and 1,138 calories for a 200 lb. person. According to the Roller Skating Association, skating provides an aerobic workout beneficial to all of your body's muscles, including the heart. The American Heart Association describes roller skating as a vigorous aerobic activity that can improve heart and lung health. Inexpensive roller and inline skates start at around $30.