How to Choose Between a Rowing Machine and an Elliptical Trainer

Are you trying to decide between a rowing machine and an elliptical trainer for your home fitness routine? Perhaps you love both training machines but don’t know which one is best for your exercise goals. 

This article covers all you need to know about both trainers, their pros and cons, and which one is best for you. We will compare both machines based on intensity, ease of use, muscle workout, and other metrics. Read on to discover how both machines compare and contrast.

Intensity and Impact

According to the certified specialists of hand conditioning, the rowing and elliptical machines both have low workout intensities. However, rowing is a taxing exercise, so it is a great option if you want to sweat. 

Another study by an Eastern Washington University shows that people underestimate the intensity of the elliptical machine because it doesn’t speed up their heart rate too much. However, it makes them work harder than they can perceive. This fact makes elliptical machines better for those who want to lose weight with little effort. The most important thing is to know how long you need to work out with elliptical machine to be healthy for your body.

It is thought that the optimal duration per week is 150 minutes to prevent weight gain and to stay fit. It means average around 30 minutes per day 5 days per week. It is proved also that elliptical machines provide less joint stress that other cardio activities and that is why is very recommended for adults and beginners.

Burning Calories

A prominent Harvard Health Publication conducted a study to compare the number of calories people burn when exercising for 30 minutes. According to their findings, people burn more calories with the elliptical trainer with moderate intensity.

However, there is no fixed number of calories, as a person will burn calories based on your weight. Fatter persons will burn more weight than slimmer persons, but you must burn lots of weight regardless.

Muscle Workout 

Although the rowing machine and elliptical machines aren’t strength trainers, they can strengthen your muscles and train your upper and lower body.

The elliptical trainer focuses on training your triceps and chest as you move the handles back and forth. The rowing machine doesn’t do this.

A rowing machine works on your core and enhancing stability as you perform strokes while keeping your torso straight.

Training diversity

Elliptical machines offer more training diversity than rowing machines for several reasons.

Elliptical trainers can move forward and backward, thereby enhancing and engaging different muscles. With elliptical machines, you can choose what part of your body you want to work out. When you hold on to the handles, you train the upper part of your body, and when you let go, you train the lower part. 

Ease of Use

It is easier to use an elliptical machine than a rowing trainer because it is easy to navigate without issues coming up. To use the elliptical machine, step on the pedals and move your feet at whatever pace you like. You can also move your hands on the handles.

The rowing machine is more dangerous and needs more practice to use it comfortably.

Final Thoughts

The rowing machine and elliptical trainer both offer similar training options like heart rate and interval training programs. However, these machines have their unique functions, depending on what you want.

If you are looking to lose weight, the elliptical trainer is a better option as it has lower perceived workout intensity than the rowing machine. It also helps you burn more calories with less effort.