The best big-ticket home gym equipment ($300-1,000+)

This gift territory might be for a "the whole family chips in" situation. At-home cardio is a beautiful gift, but most reliable cardio machines start creeping near the $1,000 mark. Still, I know of solid budget options before we get there. For cardio without a treadmill-sized commitment (or price), a stationary bike is a great gift that can be found for under $300. Similarly, walking pads are a popular option, especially if your gift recipient works from home.

I recommend the Merach W50 TrekPad for $329. 99, primarily for its incline range (up to 12%). If your budget allows, a Peloton is quite the gift. The new Cross-Training line launched in the fall of 2025, so it’s still pretty new: The Cross-Training Bike has the same size of screen and the same main features as the original Bike, but adds a swivel mount to the screen, a more comfortable seat, and upgraded internals: better quality audio, a faster processor, and better wifi and Bluetooth connections. It’s normally $1,695.

but frequently goes on sale. The Cross-Training Bike+ has similarly upgraded internals compared to the regular Bike+. It adds a movement-tracking camera for AI-based form coaching in strength workouts, and can take voice commands. It also has a fan and a phone tray. (It has a swivel mount, too, but that’s not new for the Bike+.

) It’s normally $2,695, but similarly goes on sale fairly regularly. The Cross-Training Tread (aka treadmill), like the Cross-Training Bike, adds a swivel mount and upgraded internals. It’s normally $3,295. For more hybrid athletes or strength-focused gift recipients, all-in-one functional trainers are a smart option—especially smart home gym systems. Think compact, wall-mounted or freestanding units with digital resistance and guided programming built-in.