Rowing Machine vs Elliptical: Which Is Best For Exercise?

In this article we ill take an in depth look and compare the benefits of using a rowing machine vs elliptical machine so you can decide which is right for you.

Rowing Machine vs Elliptical: Which Is Best For Exercise?

Category: Fitness Machine & Workout Tips

 

rowing machine vs elliptical 

 

If you are looking for an exercise machine to help you lose weight, build your endurance, or simply to stay fit you may be wondering whether the best exercise machine to use to reach your goals is a rowing machine or an elliptical machine. This article we ill take an in depth look and compare the benefits of using a rowing machine vs elliptical machine so you can decide which is right for you.

Understanding The Different Types of Rowing Machines

Before we get into a discussion of rowing machine vs elliptical  machine it is best to take a more in depth look at both types of machines to determine which of these machines will provide you with the best possible exercise. So here is a look at the various types of rowing machines.

  • Water Rowing Machine

A water rowing machine is the closest you will ever get to actually have the experience of rowing on water. A  water rowing machine is a water tank with the rowing machine paddles suspended in it. As you row the paddles spin in the water and create resistance every time you pull the handle. How much resistance you get with this machine will depend on how fast and hard you row as well as how full you have the water tank.

  • Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machine

Magnetic resistance rowing machines is one of the quietest of all of the rowing machines. Resistance on this type of rowing machine is created by the use of a magnetic system to create resistance. You simply move the magnetic closer or further away to adjust the amount of resistance you want when rowing. This type of rowing machine doesn’t allow for as good of a workout as either a water rowing machine or an air resistance rowing machine.

  • Air Resistance Rowing Machine

The air resistance rowing machine allows for a natural and smooth stroke. Resistance when rowing comes from wind that is created when a flywheel is attached to fan with blades attached spins as you row. The faster and harder you pull the more resistance you get. The only problem with an Air resistance rowing machine is that the whooshing sound of fan can annoy some people.

  • Hydraulic Rowing Machine

Hydraulic rowing machines are the cheapest options. These rowing machines are not the best for those looking for a serious workout since you can’t pull in a straight line using this machine. Resistance is not too challenging, but these machines tend to be more compact. However, they also are unable to bear to bear heavier user weights.

Recommended:

14 Best Home Gym Rowing Machine Reviews & Buying Guide

 

What Are The Key Features To Look For When Choosing A Rowing Machine?

The next thing you want to look at in the rowing machine vs elliptical machine battle is what are the key features you need to look for when choosing a rowing machine.

These features include:

  • Type of Resistance

You want to look at the type of resistance the rower uses. If you are new to rowing machines or just want to use your machine occasionally then you may want to choose a hydraulic or magnetic machine that doesn’t provide as much resistance. However if you are looking for a great workout then you may want to choose either a water or air rower.

  • Foldable

Rowing machines tend to take up a good deal of space. So one of the features you are going to want to consider is whether or not your rowing machine folds and if it does how much space it will take up both when folded and opened for use.

  • Weight Capacity

Another feature that you are going to want to look, as what is the weight capacity of the rowing machine. If you are overweight and are hoping that a rowing machine will you shed some of those pounds then you want a rower capable of handling your current weight and not break.

  • Price

Unfortunately, whether you like it or not the price of the machine is going to make a big difference. You are going to want a rower that is affordable or else you may want to use the rower at the gym until you can afford the machine that you want.

Recommended:

Top 7 Best Ellipticals under 1000: Fitness Buyer’s Guide

 

What Muscles Do Rowing Machines Work On?

Another thing you are going to want to consider when making the decision of rowing machine vs elliptical  is which muscles the machine will help you to strengthen.

The nice thing about rowers is that rowing machines work on the muscles in both the upper and lower body.

Specific muscles that rowing machines target include:

  • Quads
  • Front of things
  • Calves
  • Gluts
  • Hamstrings
  • Hip flexors
  • Core muscles
  • Deltoids
  • Biceps
  • Triceps
  • Flexor muscles in finger grips

Benefits of rowing machine vs elliptical

 

rowing machine vs elliptical

 

Now let’s explore the merits vis a vis demerits of exercising with a rowing machine vs an elliptical machine.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Rowing Machines

In order to make a wise decision between rowing machines vs. elliptical you need to know what the advantage and disadvantages of rowing machines are.

Here is a look at both the advantages and disadvantages.

Rowing Machines Advantages

  • Rowing machines can increase endurance and flexibility
  • Strengthens your muscles
  • Increases your energy
  • Burns calories
  • Full body workout
  • Low Impact
  • Good cardio workout

Rowing Machines Disadvantages

  • Improper use of a rowing machine can cause lower back injuries
  • Difficult to assemble some of these machines
  • Rowers take up a good deal of space.

Recommended:

14 Best Ellipticals Under 500: Build A Home Gym On A Budget

 

Now that we’ve taken a closer look at the rowing machine, its time to take a closer look at elliptical in the battle of rowing machines vs. elliptical.

The Different Types Of Elliptical Machines

In order to best understand choosing between rowing machines vs elliptical machines you first need to understand the different types of elliptical machines that are available.

  • Elliptical Trainer Machine

A standard elliptical trainer works only the lower body. These machines have foot pedals that you stand on and push to create a circular motion. There are also stationary bars for you to hang onto to help maintain your balance while working out.

  • Elliptical Cross Trainer Machine

An Elliptical Cross Trainer is pretty much like a standard elliptical trainer with the exceptions that the handles on a cross trainer move, which allows you to work out your upper body as well as lower body. When using the moveable handlebars you push or pull the arms in an alternated pattern than your feet is moving.

  • Elliptical Glider Machine

An elliptical glider has stationary handlebars so your upper body does not get the workout. The foot pedals actually glide kind of like skiing.

  • Compact Elliptical Machine

There are various types of compact elliptical machines. Folding elliptical machines are considered to be compact as well as under the desk elliptical machines.

Compact ellipticals are normally lighter and easier to move than regular elliptical machines. In addition, these machines normally aren’t able to bear the users weight that more fixed machines can use. Depending on the style of compact elliptical these machines can be use standing up or sitting down.

  • Under the Desk Elliptical Machine

An under the desk elliptical machine is a type of compact and portable elliptical that does not have any handles. These machines are used sitting down and are perfect for people who want to workout during their working hours by putting the machine under the desk and using it while you answer phone calls or work at your desk.

You can also take it home and use it while reading or watching television. Under desk ellipticals often have a LCD that can be sit on the desktop where you can see it.

Recommended:

5 Best Elliptical Machine Choices For Exercise: Complete Reviews

Key Features To Look For When Choosing An Elliptical Machine

The key features to look for when choosing an elliptical machine are:

  • Look for a heavy flywheel. The heavier flywheel the smoother the ride.
  • See if the elliptical has large pivoting foot pedals. The larger the foot pedals the more support you have when working out.
  • The quietness of the machine – If you want a quiet elliptical machine then you want a machine with magnetic resistance.
  • Look for an elliptical machine with an adjustable stride especially if more than one person will be using the machine.
  • Look for an elliptical that fits the amount of space your have. This may mean that you may have to settle for a compact machine, if you lace the space for a full size machine that can’t be folded.
  • You want a good LCD display that gives you the information you need to make your workout better. You may even consider one with bluetooth technology.
  • Price is always a consideration when buying any piece of exercise equipment. You want to buy the best elliptical machine you can without breaking your budget.
  • Any additional features you feel you need such as a cooling fan.

What Muscles Do Elliptical Machines Work?

 

rowing machine vs elliptical

 

One of the major things you want to consider in the silent battle of rowing machine vs elliptical  machine is the muscles that ellipticals work compared to rowing machines.

  • Both Elliptical machines and rowing machines work your quads, hamstrings, calves, and glutes.
  • Only certain types of elliptical machine work your core, back, and deltoids where all rowing machines work these muscles.
  • Elliptical machines allow you to pedal backwards, which exercise more leg muscles than a rowing machine may work.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Elliptical Machines

In order to decide if an elliptical machine is right for you here is a look at the advantages and disadvantages of these machines.

Elliptical Machine Advantages

  • Provides a low impact workout
  • A Cross trainer elliptical provides a full body workout
  • You can pedal backwards and work out different muscles
  • Can aid weight loss
  • Ellipticals can improve balance and mobility
  • Under the desk ellipticals allows you to work out almost anywhere.

Elliptical Machine Disadvantages

  • Elliptical machine only allows for a limited range of exercise.
  • There is a learning curve when using one of these machines
  • May not develop all the muscles you need

Conclusion:

In the battle of rowing machine vs elliptical  which machine is right for you will be determined by a number of different things including the amount of space you have for your piece of exercise equipment, what you can afford, and your specific needs.

Both machines have their own benefits. Ellipticals are great if you are just looking for a cardio workout or to shed some weight are looking to strengthen your leg muscles.

Rowing machines are great for both cardio and weight loss and have the added benefit of giving you a full body workout regardless of the type of rowing machine you choose. All you need to do is choose which machine best meets your needs.

 

 Recommended:

Best Water Rowing Machine For Home: Top 10 Best Picks by Real Users

 

You can also check out the Apple Fitness Store, Garmin Fitness Tech Store, and the Fitbit Store for more cool and in-demand fitness wearable tech gadgets.

 

 

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