Should I get a rowing machine or treadmill?
Gone are the days when your workout options consisted of running outside or hitting the gym. Thanks to incredible strides in athletic equipment technology, fitness enthusiasts can now enjoy the benefits of many different gym products at home.
That being said, most people don’t have the space or budget to put an entire gym set in their home or apartment. If you’re looking to add a cardio machine to your home workouts, you may have considered a classic treadmill or a rowing machine. They are both popular choices for intense cardio. But which one is best?
Rowing machine
A rowing machine, or erg, is a cardio machine that mimics the action of rowing a boat through the water. Simply sit on the sliding seat and push through your legs to fully extend. Then pull the bar into your chest, just at your breast bone. You should aim to pull the bar in front of you until it touches your stomach. It provides low-impact cardio and works on your lower body, core, arms and back.
The price for a rowing machine ranges from $200-$800.
Rowing machine pros
It gives you a total body workout and is low-impact. So if you have any joint issues or healing injuries, it’s a great way to get in some cardio without causing further damage.
It also accommodates different fitness levels, so you can benefit from it whether you’re a novice or an advanced athlete.
Rowing machines also have various levels of intensity, from speed to power. So there are myriad ways to get an effective workout, whether you’re working on building muscle or working on improving your split time.
Rowing machine cons
Rowing machines are rather large and require a lot of space. They’re also very heavy and can be difficult to maneuver if you need to move them around regularly.
Rowing takes a bit of time to get used to, and if you row incorrectly, you can hurt your back or knees. It’s important to get some instruction or guidance when you first get started to ensure proper form.
It can also be very noisy when you’re using it, which may irritate other people in the house.
The best rowing machines
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine: available on Amazon
This rowing machine has an LCD digital display, an extra-long side rail, adjustable magnetic resistance, transportation wheels and non-slip foot pedals. The LCD display shows how long you’ve been rowing and how many calories you burn. It has eight levels of resistance.
YOSUDA Magnetic Rowing Machine: available on Amazon
The YOSUDA rowing machine is easy to assemble, is very quiet and provides a full-body workout. Since it’s magnetic, it provides a seamless resistance system. It also comes equipped with a large monitor so you can track your distance, rowing time and calorie count. It even has a tablet holder so you can watch a show or workout program.
JKANGFIT Folding Rowing Machine: available on Amazon
This foldable rowing machine is a sturdy and stable option, and it comes equipped with a wide seat. The ergonomic setup offers a well-supported rowing experience. It also has magnetic resistance and near-silent functionality, so you don’t have to worry about the machine being too loud. There are 16 levels of resistance.
Treadmill
Treadmills are a great addition to any at-home gym, and many fitness enthusiasts use them daily. Running or walking on a treadmill can add a lot more value to your workouts. You can set your resistance, incline and speed, so you can customize your workout any way you like. It’s also convenient to have when the weather gets too cold to go outside.
A treadmill is a great way to work your lower body while lightly engaging your core and upper body. Overall, it’s an excellent cardio workout. Prices for treadmills range anywhere from $200-$1,100.
Treadmill pros
They are relatively easy to use in comparison with other workout equipment. And since you can easily control the speed and settings to suit your preference, you can try any number of workout routines.
They also have a predictable surface that is easier on the joints compared to sidewalks or curbs. And if it’s cold or you have issues with seasonal allergies, it’s nice to have the option to run or walk indoors.
Treadmills help you burn a lot of calories too, and work well on hard workout days as well as active rest days.
Treadmill cons
They are rather large and can take up a lot of space. If you don’t have a ton of extra room in your house or apartment, it may be difficult to find a good place for a treadmill.
Treadmills don’t target all your muscle groups. They mainly focus on your legs, particularly your glutes and quads. And the high-impact nature of running or walking can be hard on your joints, particularly your knees.
And because the activity is repetitive, you may get bored quickly.
The best treadmills
Famistar 3.5HP Folding Treadmill: available on Amazon
Famistar is easy to assemble, motor-driven, has strong springs, a quiet motor and folds up easily. You can adjust the incline from 0-15% and it has a safety clip that stops it immediately if it detaches. It also has wheels so you can move it around easier.
Ksports Treadmill Bundle Comprising of Electric Folding Treadmill with Auto/Manual Incline: available on Amazon
This treadmill comes with 12 preset programs, three incline levels and an LCD screen that displays pulse, calories burned, distance, time and speed. It has extra padding on the belt to help protect your knees and includes an ab mat and dumbbells to give you a complete workout.
Fitness Avenue Treadmill: available on Amazon
The Fitness Avenue treadmill is made with alloy steel so it’s very sturdy. It allows you to engage in rigorous working out without worrying about the frame wearing out. It holds up to 220 pounds, has 15 recline levels and 12 pre-programmed workouts. The display tracks speed, time, calories burned, steps you’ve taken and the total distance covered. It also has a heart rate monitor and folds up when it’s not in use. It even holds and charges your tablet.
Should you pick a rowing machine or a treadmill?
When it comes to deciding between a rowing machine or a treadmill, it all comes down to what you’d like to work on. If you have joint pain or sensitive knees, opt for a rowing machine. Rowing machines offer high-intensity workouts without the impact. It also offers a full-body workout and sculpts your muscles better than a treadmill will.
That being said, if you’re a runner or would like to train to improve your outdoor running, then a treadmill is a great idea. Even though it’s harder on your joints, it’s a great way to get in your daily cardio. Courtney Love is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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