Cardio zone in Gym Box — endurance training in your own garden

How to fit out the cardio zone in a container gym? Treadmills, bikes, cross-trainers and ergometers — equipment selection by floor area and training goal.

Cardio in a home gym — does it actually make sense?

Yes, very much so. A cardio zone doesn’t have to mean a hall of 20 treadmills. In a Gym Box, one or two well-chosen pieces of equipment are enough for full-spec endurance training — without leaving the house.

Electric treadmill

The staple. Speed, incline, training programmes. Takes ~160×60 cm of floor. The folding version saves space.

➜ Best for: runners, HIIT interval training, seniors, rehabilitation

Recumbent and spinning bike

Less floor space than a treadmill, quiet operation, low joint loading. Recumbent — comfortable. Spinning — intensive.

➜ Best for: people with knee and back issues, cyclists, strength + cardio combos

Cross-trainer (elliptical)

Full upper- and lower-body range of motion. Quiet motors, low impact.

➜ Best for: full-body training, joint-conscious users

Rowing ergometer

One of the most effective cardio devices. Engages 86% of your muscles. Takes less space than a treadmill.

➜ Best for: CrossFit, functional training, those who like variety

Ski Erg / Air Bike

Intensive interval training, excellent in limited space.

➜ Best for: HIIT, CrossFit, advanced athletes

How much space does cardio kit need?

DeviceDimensionsMin. footprint
Treadmill190×80 cm~2.5 m²
Spinning bike120×55 cm~1.5 m²
Cross-trainer180×65 cm~2 m²
Rowing ergometer240×55 cm~2 m²
Air Bike130×60 cm~1.5 m²

A Gym Box 8×3 comfortably fits 1–2 cardio devices alongside the strength zone. In the 9×3, 6×5 or 7×5 model — a full cardio zone is no problem.

How we select equipment

During the consultation we ask about:

Based on that we recommend specific models and brands — tried-and-tested, durable, fairly priced.

Frequently asked questions

How many cardio machines fit in a Gym Box?
An 8×3 m (24 m²) Gym Box comfortably takes one full-size cardio machine — typically a treadmill, Concept2 rower or Assault Bike. The 9×3 m (27 m²) and 6×5 m (30 m²) sizes accommodate two cardio pieces side by side. The 7×5 m (35 m²) studio Gym Box can host a treadmill, bike and rower simultaneously without compromising the strength zone.
Treadmill, rower or Assault Bike — which is best for a home gym?
Each serves a different goal. Treadmill: best for runners and HIIT, but the largest footprint (~1.6 × 0.7 m) and the noisiest under heavy use. Concept2 rower: full-body, low impact, folds vertically when not in use. Assault Bike: brutal for conditioning, compact (1.2 × 0.6 m), excellent for HIIT and short sessions. Most home users choose two complementary pieces — rower + bike is the most space-efficient combo.
Are the cardio machines included in the Gym Box price?
Yes. Every Gym Box quote includes a complete equipment package selected for your training goals. Premium options (Technogym treadmill, NordicTrack Commercial, Wattbike Atom, Concept2 RowErg) can be specified at trade prices and will be itemised in the proposal. If you already own cardio equipment, we install your kit on delivery and discount accordingly.
Is a treadmill loud enough to disturb neighbours?
The Gym Box's 120 mm insulated walls plus sports flooring absorb most treadmill noise. Decibel levels measured outside the shell during running typically sit at 35–45 dB at 1 m — comparable to background suburban noise. For tight terraced properties or noise-sensitive neighbourhoods we recommend the Concept2 rower or Assault Bike, which are quieter than a treadmill at full intensity.
Can I add cardio later if I start with strength only?
Yes. The Gym Box flooring and power supply are sized to support cardio machines from day one — we plan a dedicated cardio zone in the design phase even if you don't equip it immediately. Adding a treadmill, rower or bike later is a single delivery and 30-minute install.

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