Rowing Machine vs Treadmill: Which is the Better Workout?

When it comes to choosing between a rowing machine and a treadmill for your workout routine, it’s essential to understand the benefits and drawbacks of each. Both machines offer unique advantages, and the best choice depends on your fitness goals, physical condition, and personal preferences.

In this article, we’ll compare rowing machines and treadmills in terms of calorie burn, muscle engagement, cardiovascular benefits, and overall impact on your body.

Calorie Burn

One of the primary reasons people choose a particular workout machine is its ability to burn calories. Both rowing machines and treadmills are effective in this regard, but they do so in different ways.

• Rowing Machine: A rowing machine provides a full-body workout, engaging multiple muscle groups simultaneously. This comprehensive engagement results in a high calorie burn. According to Harvard Health, a 155-pound person can burn approximately 369 calories in 30 minutes of vigorous rowing.
• Treadmill: Running on a treadmill primarily targets the lower body but can also provide a significant calorie burn. The same 155-pound person can burn around 288 calories in 12 minutes of running at a 5 mph pace. The intensity and speed of your treadmill workout will directly influence the number of calories burned.

Muscle Engagement

Different workouts target different muscle groups, and understanding which muscles are engaged can help you choose the best machine for your fitness goals.

• Rowing Machine: Rowing is a full-body workout that engages the legs, core, back, and arms. The pushing motion works your quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, while the pulling motion targets your back, shoulders, and biceps. This balanced muscle engagement can lead to improved overall strength and muscle tone.
• Treadmill: Running on a treadmill primarily engages the lower body, including the calves, quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. While the upper body can benefit from maintaining proper posture and arm movement, the primary focus is on the legs. This makes the treadmill an excellent choice for those looking to build lower body strength and endurance.

Cardiovascular Benefits

Both rowing machines and treadmills offer significant cardiovascular benefits, but they do so in different ways.

• Rowing Machine: Rowing is an excellent cardiovascular workout that also incorporates strength training. The continuous, rhythmic motion elevates your heart rate and improves cardiovascular health. Additionally, the full-body nature of rowing means your heart works harder to pump blood to multiple muscle groups, enhancing overall cardiovascular efficiency.
• Treadmill: Running is one of the most effective cardiovascular exercises. It increases heart rate, improves lung capacity, and enhances overall cardiovascular health. Treadmills also allow for various intensity levels, from walking to sprinting, making them suitable for all fitness levels.

Impact on Joints

Consider the impact on your joints when choosing between a rowing machine and a treadmill, especially if you have any existing joint issues.

• Rowing Machine: Rowing is a low-impact exercise, making it gentle on the joints. The seated position and smooth, gliding motion reduce stress on the knees, hips, and ankles. This makes rowing an excellent choice for individuals with joint problems or those recovering from injuries.
• Treadmill: Running on a treadmill is a high-impact exercise, which can place stress on the joints, particularly the knees and ankles. However, modern treadmills often come with cushioned belts that reduce impact. For those concerned about joint health, walking or using a treadmill with an incline can provide a lower-impact workout option.

Also Read: Incline Treadmill Benefits: Why Go Higher?

Conclusion

Choosing between a rowing machine and a treadmill ultimately depends on your fitness goals and personal preferences. If you’re looking for a full-body workout that combines cardiovascular and strength training with low impact on the joints, a rowing machine may be the better choice. On the other hand, if your primary goal is to improve cardiovascular health and build lower body strength, a treadmill might be more suitable.

Both machines offer excellent benefits, and incorporating both into your workout routine can provide a balanced approach to fitness. Remember to consider your individual needs and consult with a fitness professional if you have any concerns or specific goals.