We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. If you use our links to purchase something, we may earn a commission. Read our disclosures.
REP Fitness has dominated the home gym equipment space for years, but much of their equipment has catered to the strength training and functional fitness community. That will change later in 2024 when they step into the cardio game with five new machines: the REP Runner, the REP Air Bike, the REP Rower, the REP Ski Trainer, and the REP Spin Bike.
Coop Mitchell, GGR’s founder, traveled to Germany for FIBO 2024, where he tested prototypes of REP’s cardio machines and spoke with Adam Brandt from REP Fitness. Coop gained a lot of insight into the company’s decision to enter the highly competitive cardio world.
Can REP compete with the best cardio machines already on the market? In this REP Fitness cardio lineup review, we’ll share our initial thoughts on each new cardio machine from this well-respected brand.
We’ve Tested Hundreds of Cardio Machines
Garage Gym Reviews’ product testers include certified personal trainers, CrossFit Level 1 trainers, certified nutrition coaches, marathoners, and an Olympian. We’ve stepped, pedaled, and rowed on a lot of cardio machines, and we’re a hard group of people to impress because we know the ins and outs of the industry.
The REP cardio models Coop tried were prototypes, but they’re close to what the finished products will look like.
Our product testers are excited to get their hands on these products so we can evaluate them based on our fitness equipment testing methodology, rating them on a scale of 1 to 5 in categories such as:
- Materials and construction
- Durability
- Value
- Portability
- Performance
In the meantime, we wanted to be one of the first to share our thoughts on REP’s foray into the cardio equipment world.
REP Fitness Cardio Machine Lineup
REP Fitness Cardio Machine First Look Video
Which REP Fitness Cardio Machine Should You Buy?
Once REP officially launches their cardio equipment, choosing the right piece for your home gym may be more difficult than selecting rack attachments for your REP Ares or Athena functional trainer.
RELATED: REP Ares Cable Attachment Review
After trying all five machines in REP’s cardio lineup, Coop believes the runner is the star. In addition to walking or running on it like any other treadmill, you can also do sled pushes by turning on the built-in sled functionality. You won’t find this versatility on many of the top treadmills on the market. The REP Runner will be a great choice for athletes who want the option to choose from traditional cardio workouts or sled training to develop more power in their lower body.
That said, which machine you choose depends on your goals and workout preferences. If you want to do full-body conditioning workouts at home, the rower would be a good choice. CrossFitters who want to make their workouts even more insufferable may want to choose REP’s air bike or ski trainer. The REP Spin Bike may be right for you if you want to do some low-impact cardio before or after a powerlifting workout.
REP Runner
Good for: Athletes who want to develop more lower-body power and explosiveness
REP Runner
REP Runner
Product Highlights
- Sled mode feature
- Resistance levels from 1 to 10 for sled mode
- Curved treadmill promotes proper running form
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Curved treadmill that encourages a more natural stride
- Sled mode feature offers more versatility
- Auto-start monitor
Cons
- Larger than many other manual treadmills
Bottom Line
The sled mode feature of the REP Runner allows you to train in ways that no other treadmill offers. You can walk, run, or perform sled training to develop more power and explosiveness in your lower body.
According to Coop, the REP Runner is the highlight of the company’s cardio lineup. The sled mode function makes it stand out from many of the top manual treadmills on the market. “For a home gym, having a treadmill that you can also use for sled drags is legit,” Coop commented.
The closest treadmill we’ve tried that offers a similar function is the NordicTrack X22i. However, it’s not an apples-to-apples comparison because the NordicTrack treadmill is motorized while the REP treadmill is manual. The X22i’s electric motor moves the belt based on the speed you select on the console. On the REP treadmill, the belt moves at different speeds based on how fast you run.
RELATED: Manual vs Electric Treadmill
The REP Runner is a curved manual treadmill, meaning it has a concave belt that allows for a more natural stride. Coop noted that the level of the curve felt more similar to the AssaultRunner than the TrueForm Runner.
The REP Runner has the same fan blade technology as the bikes, the rower, and the ski trainer. On the treadmill, the fan blades power the resistance for the sled mode. There’s a handle on the side similar to an e-brake handle on a car that allows you to engage or disengage the sled mode.
Once you activate the sled mode, you can adjust the position of a horizontal handlebar to push against as you move the “sled.” The handlebar isn’t knurled, but Coop pointed out that knurling probably isn’t necessary, anyway. We don’t yet know the exact diameter of the handlebar, but it appears to be slightly thicker than the average pull-up bar, which is usually 1.25 inches.
Additionally, REP hasn’t yet provided details on how much “weight” you’ll move when using the sled mode. This would be a useful spec to know so you can monitor your progress over time, and we hope this information becomes clearer once REP releases the treadmill to the public.
| Footprint | 81” L x 46” W x 66” H |
| Color | Black |
| Resistance | Variable pitch resistance blades |
REP Air Bike
Good for: CrossFitters or anyone looking for a smooth, quiet fan bike
REP Air Bike
REP Air Bike
Product Highlights
- Multi-level handles
- Handlebar and transport wheels for portability
- Knurled pegs to rest your legs when needed
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Has floor stabilizers to help keep it level
- Offers more options for training at various RPMs and power outputs
- Multi-level handles give you more grip options
Cons
- No "click" sound as you change the resistance level
- Larger footprint than other air bikes
Bottom Line
REP's patented variable pitch resistance gives you more versatility in your training, as you can better control your power output. The sleek black frame should blend seamlessly into any home or commercial gym.
The standout feature of the REP Air Bike—a feature you’ll find on all of REP’s cardio machines—is the variable pitch resistance blades. Unlike other flywheel-driven machines, which have fixed blades, REP’s machines have handles that control the pitch of the blades.
This technology gives you more control over your workout. As Adam Brandt from REP explained when he spoke with Coop, if you want to train at 80 RPMs at a higher or lower power output, REP’s machines allow you to do just that.
The air bike’s console displays the gear, which you can adjust from 1 to 10. A less aggressive pitch allows the blades to spin faster and helps your workout feel easier. A more aggressive one adds more resistance and makes your workout more challenging. The pitch changes as soon as you move an anodized handle located above the console forward or backward.
Another feature Coop liked right away was the air bike’s belt-driven system. We prefer belt drives in the best air bikes because they require less maintenance and are quieter and smoother than chain-driven fan bikes.
REP’s air bike is an almost all-black machine with pops of red on the fan blades and the handle that controls the resistance. At first glance, it doesn’t look much different than similar bikes like the AssaultBike and Titan Fitness Fan Bike.
RELATED: Titan Fitness Fan Bike Review
Like these popular bikes, the REP Air Bike has pegs that you can rest your feet on if you want to do an arms-only workout. The pegs, which feature knurling, also give you a place to rest your feet in between your sprint intervals.
One key difference, however, is that the REP Air Bike has multi-level handles so you have different options for where to place your hands. The Titan and Assault Fitness fan bikes only have one handle on each side. Coop mentioned that he would have liked to see a neutral handle, but this may be a feature REP adds in the future.
The only other drawback Coop noticed off the bat was that there was no “click” sound to indicate when the gear changed. However, Adam said REP is looking to add this feature to the final product before it’s released to the public.
| Footprint | 54″ L x 32″ W x 59″ H |
| Color | Black and red |
| Resistance | Variable pitch resistance blades |
REP Rower
Good for: People who want to emulate the feeling of rowing on open water
REP Rower
REP Rower
Product Highlights
- Weighted fan blade tips
- Fan blades tilt to be more or less aerodynamic
- Long monorail to accommodate various body types
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Allows for more resistance than a traditional air rower
- Transport wheels for portability
- Simulates the feeling of real-life rowing
Cons
- Not a budget-friendly rower
- Has a large footprint
Bottom Line
The REP Rower allows you train at a wider range of resistance levels than other rowers offer. You can change the angles of its patented variable pitch fan blades to increase or decrease the resistance levels, making your workout as easy or challenging as you want.
We’re excited to put the REP Rower through a more vigorous testing process soon and see how it compares to the best rowing machines on the market. However, Coop’s initial impressions of REP’s first rower were positive.
The REP Rower uses REP’s patented adjustable fan blade technology, which functions differently than the flywheel on air resistance rowers. The most popular air resistance rower is the Concept2 RowErg. This rower has a flywheel cage with vents that open or close based on a damper setting. When the cage is fully opened, lots of air moves through the machine, and you have to pull harder to spin the flywheel.
On the REP Rower, however, you can set the gear to any level from 1 to 10 to adjust the pitches of the fan blades. The higher the level, the more aggressive the pitch, and the more resistance you’ll feel with each stroke. You get more manual control over the resistance, and REP also claims that this technology makes their rower feel remarkably close to rowing on water.
The company hasn’t disclosed pricing information yet, but we expect the rower’s price point to be around $1,200 to $1,500. It’s not quite a budget rowing machine, but still hundreds of dollars cheaper than many of the smart rowers we’ve tested.
RELATED: Best Budget Rowing Machines
Another thing to note is that this is a big machine, with dimensions of 99 inches long by 22 inches wide by 50 inches high. You’ll definitely have to consider the size of your home gym if you’re interested in REP’s rower, because it’ll be one of the largest rowers on the market.
| Footprint | 99” L x 22” W x 50” H |
| Color | Black |
| Resistance | Variable pitch resistance blades |
REP Ski Trainer
Good for: Anyone who wants to add more variety to their cardio routine
REP Ski Trainer
REP Ski Trainer
Product Highlights
- Weighted fan blade tips
- Large platform
- Suitable for home or commercial gyms
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Transport wheels for portability
- Wide stand gives you a more stable base
- Offers more customized resistance levels than other ski trainers
Cons
- Large footprint
Bottom Line
The REP Ski Trainer is a unique tool ideal for CrossFitters, competitive skiers, or anyone who wants to switch up their cardio routine. The patented variable pitch resistance blades offer more resistance options than other cardio machines, allowing you to make your workouts as easy or challenging as you want.
According to Coop, a ski machine is the most underrated piece of cardio equipment. It’s not a super popular choice outside of the CrossFit and cross-country skiing communities, but it’s a unique way to switch up your training and prevent boredom.
It’s no surprise, then, that REP is including a ski machine in their new cardio lineup. Intended to compete with the Concept2 SkiErg, the REP Ski Trainer is a beefier machine that allows for more customization of the resistance levels. A lever on the side of the machine controls the resistance by changing the pitch of the fan blades. The more angled the fan blades, the more resistance you’ll feel.
When Coop took the REP Ski Trainer for a spin, he was concerned that the lever would interfere with his arm movements, but it didn’t. However, he did notice how much more difficult the highest level felt compared to using the Concept2 SkiErg at its highest damper.
Coop also commented on the large size of REP’s ski machine compared to the Concept2. This appears to be intentional, as REP designed their machine to feel more stable and comfortable for a wide variety of users. For reference, REP’s ski machine is 57 inches long, 30 inches wide, and 84 inches high. The Concept2 SkiErg is 50 inches long, 23.5 inches wide, and 85 inches high.
When Coop met with Adam Brandt from REP Fitness at FIBO 2024 in Europe, Adam stated that they plan to include the platform with the ski trainer. We don’t yet know how much the REP Ski Trainer will cost, but the inclusion of the base is a nice perk. With the Concept2 SkiErg, you have to buy the floor stand separately.
| Footprint | 57” L x 30” W x 84” H |
| Color | Black |
| Resistance | Variable pitch resistance blades |
REP Spin Bike
Good for: Anyone who wants to do low-impact workouts at home
REP Spin Bike
REP Spin Bike
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Transport wheels for portability
- Weighted fan blade tips help create a real-life cycling experience
- Multiple handles so you can change your grip as needed
- Smaller footprint than other exercise bikes
Cons
- No instructor-led classes
Bottom Line
The REP Spin Bike is ideal for anyone wanting a cardio machine for warm-ups, cool-downs, or low-impact workouts. Featuring REP's patented variable pitch resistance fan blades that are controlled with a handle, it allows for quicker adjustments mid-workout.
If you want to improve your conditioning with a low-impact machine, the REP Spin Bike could be a good choice. According to REP, their patented fan blade technology emulates the feeling of road cycling.
This exercise bike features a sleek, black aesthetic that can blend effortlessly into any gym. It has the same variable pitch resistance technology you’ll find in all of REP’s cardio machines. With a simple pull or push of a handle, you can increase or decrease the intensity of your workout. The console displays the resistance level clearly so you don’t have to make any guesses.
The exercise bike’s dimensions are 56 inches long, 23 inches wide, and 51 inches high. Its footprint falls in the middle of all of the exercise bikes we’ve tested, and we expect it to fit well even in a small home gym.
REP hasn’t disclosed the weight of the exercise bike. However, it does have transport wheels at the front, and since it’s relatively compact, it should be easy to move around.
Details about the materials, weight capacity, and price point are also forthcoming. However, based on Coop’s brief experience using the exercise bike, it appears to have heavy-duty steel, strong welds, and a matte black powder coating.
| Footprint | 56” L x 23” W x 51” H |
| Color | Black |
| Resistance | Variable pitch resistance blades |
What to Look For in REP Fitness Cardio Machines
Since REP will release five unique cardio machines, you’ll need to ask yourself a few questions before deciding which one is right for you. Here’s a quick guide to help get you started:
- Workout preferences: Do you specialize in a particular sport, like running? Or do you just want something to improve your overall fitness?
- Price point: Do you have a strict budget that will limit you to a particular machine?
- Footprint: Do you have enough room in your home gym to fit a long machine like the REP Rower? Or do you have space constraints that will limit you to a smaller item, like the REP Air Bike?
RELATED: REP PR-5000 Power Rack Review
Brand Policies
Whether you’re buying bumper plates, a power rack, or a lat pulldown machine, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with a brand’s policies before making your purchase. This way, you can avoid surprises and headaches if you need to return the product for any reason. Here’s a brief overview of REP’s policies:
RELATED: REP Fitness Discount Code
Warranty
REP hasn’t released warranty information on their cardio machines yet. However, warranties on their other products range from 1 to 10 years. Some items, like their barbells and cable machine frames, have lifetime warranties. The warranties may be voided if the product gets damaged from negligent use, improper maintenance and storage, or mishandling by the user.
Returns
If you’re unsatisfied with your REP Fitness product, you can return it within 30 days of receipt. You must contact the company first for a return shipping label and a return authorization form. The company will deduct the return shipping fee from your refund.
Products must be returned in their original packaging to avoid paying a 15% restocking fee.
Financing
For purchases with cart totals of $650 or more, REP Fitness offers financing through Affirm with 0% to 30% APR. Rates depend on your credit history and eligibility. You can choose 6- or 12-month payment plans.
REP also offers a PayPal Pay-in-Four program for purchases between $30 and $1,500. This program allows you to pay in bi-weekly, interest-free installments with a 25% down payment.
RELATED: REP Fitness PR-4000 Power Rack Review
Final Verdict of REP Fitness’s Cardio Lineup Review
Whether you’re outfitting a home or commercial gym, it’s worth keeping an eye out for the launch of REP Fitness’s cardio machines. We’re already big fans of their strength equipment, including their Colorado barbell, AB-5200 adjustable bench, and adjustable kettlebells. The company is known for their high-quality products, and we’re eager to get our hands on the cardio machines to see how they stack up.
REP hasn’t yet announced many details about their cardio products, including weight capacity, price point, and the exact materials used (we’re hoping it’s 11-gauge steel, which we like for its sturdiness and commercial-quality feel). We’ll update this page as soon as we know more and our product reviewers have the chance to test the products more rigorously.
For now, here are a few things to keep in mind before adding any REP cardio equipment to your home gym ecosystem:
- REP Fitness’s cardio lineup will include an exercise bike, an air bike, a rower, a manual treadmill, and a ski trainer.
- All of the machines feature variable pitch resistance blades, meaning you can increase or decrease the difficulty of your workout by adjusting the angle of the fan blades.
- Some of REP’s cardio products, like the rower and ski trainer, are larger than average. We recommend measuring your gym space more than once to ensure your desired machine will fit.
REP Fitness Cardio Lineup FAQs
What are the best cardio machines from the REP Fitness lineup for a home gym?
Our favorite REP cardio machine is the manual treadmill, but the best machine for you will depend on your needs. REP’s rower, ski machine, and fan bike are excellent choices for CrossFitters or anyone looking for a unique cardio workout. The exercise bike is worth considering if you like low-impact workouts where you have a lot of control over your training intensity.
Does REP Fitness ship to Hawaii?
REP Fitness currently only ships to the lower 48 states.
Where is REP Fitness equipment made?
REP Fitness makes all of their fitness equipment in China, including their squat racks, functional trainers, weight plates, and dumbbells. If you prefer to buy equipment made in the USA, consider an American manufacturer like Rogue Fitness.
Further reading
Protein farts are a dirty little secret of the fitness community...sometimes not so secret. However, is protein powder really the cause? An RD weighs in. Read more
Trying to get in a proper warmup? Doing the right stretches before running sets you up for a better workout. Read more
Ready to blow your typical rowing workout out of the water? Set sail with us as we voyage into creative ways to use a rower! Read more
The American Barbell Gold Standard Bar is a great option for anyone looking to purchase a versatile barbell. The Gold Standard Bar has a flashy gold finish, yet durable zinc coat, as well as being produced in the United States, and meets IWF standards. This barbell should not go overlooked when looking to purchase a barbell for any home or commercial gym. Read more