Rowing Machine or Treadmill: Which is Better for a Perfect Workout?

Do you want to shed those extra calories? Workout is the best option to get your desired body. But, whether you go to a gym or plan to set up a home gym, the plethora of fitness equipment may confuse you. Like, many people find it hard to decide whether they should choose a home and gym rower machine or a treadmill to achieve their fitness goals. But, there is not a fixed answer to this question because it depends on various factors.

Both treadmills and rowing machines are perfect cardio equipment. So, when you ask which machine is better, the definition of ‘better’ can be different for every person based on their fitness goals. The treadmill is a popular choice among people for home gyms. It offers various health benefits like improved cardiovascular endurance, low stress, and reduced risk of diseases. On the other hand, the rowing machine is a great choice when you need fitness equipment for a full-body workout.

Moreover, in this post, we’ll share the major differences between a treadmill and a rowing machine. If you want to find out which fitness equipment can be more helpful in achieving your fitness and health goals, this post is a must-read for you. So, without any further ado, let’s get started.

Rowing Machine vs. Treadmill

Rowing machines and treadmills are both considered ideal machines for a fantastic workout by the fitness freaks. Here’s a thorough comparison of both fitness equipment for a better understanding.

• Muscle Building

Treadmill and rowing machine both are helpful in muscle building. However, the treadmill only affects the lower body muscles like hip flexors and supporting muscles. On the other hand, rowing machines have excellent muscle-building potential. It helps build muscles in both the upper and lower body. In addition, it is also helpful to build abs, back muscles, core muscles, and arm strength. So, if your primary focus is on muscle building, a rowing machine can be a better choice for you.

• Calorie Burning Potential

Most people hit the gyms only to burn calories. We can’t compare the number of calories burned in a rowing machine workout or treadmill because it depends on the intensity of the exercise and the personal health and metabolism of the individual. Though running outside is the most effective workout to burn calories, this option is not suitable for everyone’s lifestyle. So, running on a top-branded treadmill like the Spirit Fitness treadmill has pure calorie-burning potential. It activates the cardiovascular system to consume energy. The research also shows that treadmills burn more calories than any other workout option.

• Weight Loss

Weight loss is not only about burning calories. There are several other factors involved in the weight loss journey. If you want to get back in shape, invest in a treadmill. According to ACE, a person weighing 150 pounds will burn approximately 158 calories after a 30-minute rowing workout, whereas the same person will burn almost 181 calories in the running on a treadmill for 30-minutes. However, if you have an injury, avoid a high-impact workout and choose a rowing machine for the perfect weight loss workout. Also, if you are not in a hurry to see the result, you can choose a rowing machine for burning fat, building muscles, and improving overall fitness.

• Impact Consideration

The impact of an exercise can be defined as the strain on joints that come from movement and gravity. High impact exercise can result in pain and injury as it puts a lot of strain on the joints. On the other hand, low-impact exercises are a better choice for beginners or people suffering from joint pain as it does not put a strain on joints. Also, it is as effective as the high-impact exercises. When you use the treadmill for running, it is considered high-impact. You can make it low-impact by using it for a walk. But, walking will not help achieve the same results as jogging or running. Rowing machines are completely used for low-impact workouts.

• Cost

When buying fitness equipment like a Star Trac Treadmill or a rowing machine, remember that there are two types of cost. The up-front cost (purchase price) and the other is the ongoing cost (running and maintenance). So, the up-front cost of a treadmill is higher than a rowing machine. You may find some inexpensive machines, but they might not be of good quality. In addition, the treadmill is a complex fitness machine that requires annual service, electricity, and repair work. But, you don’t need to plug in the rowing machines because they are powered by the user. Also, it is a simple machine, so the ongoing cost is very low.

• Space and Storage

Space and storage are other important considerations, especially for a home gym. If you have a large, dedicated space for a gym, you can skip this factor. Otherwise, it can be a crucial factor in deciding which fitness equipment you should buy. A rowing machine is light and easy to move around, and it does not take up much space. You can place it easily against the wall. Usually, it has an approximate footprint of 8’ * 2’ while a treadmill has around a 6’ * 3’ footprint mark. But, the treadmill can be enormous, weighing around 250lbs, which makes it difficult to shift them easily.

Top Benefits of a Treadmill

• Treadmills are easy-to-use.

• It is one of the most widely used aerobic training machines.

• Treadmill exercise has mood-boosting effects.

• It helps reduce stress levels and has calming effects.

Top Benefits of a Rowing Machine

• It is perfect for a time-efficient workout.

• Rowing has a beneficial effect on bone density.

• Rowing is good for all fitness levels as you can adjust the resistance level.

• When you row at a slower pace, it becomes meditative, which boosts mental health.

The Final Word

A treadmill and rowing machine are both known for an effective workout. However, deciding a clear winner or loser is not an easy task. Furthermore, we hope this post helped you understand which fitness equipment would be best for you and your fitness goals. Now, you can make a faster and better choice. So, consider the various factors mentioned in this post while exploring rowing machines and commercial treadmills for sale, and choose a top-branded machine to take your fitness game to the next level.