Rowing Machine vs Elliptical

I t’s good that you have decided to do something to take the pressure over your cardiovascular system, and yes, a gym machine that can increase your pulse is the right pick in this case. Yet, if you’ve rounded it down to these two options we are going to discuss, it can be tricky to pick one over the other as they both are extremely efficient. As many instructors or sports reviewers have put it, the best rowing machine will give you a complex workout in a relaxing way, while the best elliptical trainer will get you energized, sweaty, and burning a lot of calories. They are both modern apparatuses that come with monitoring functions, and the differences between them are not that striking, especially when it comes to the results. Nevertheless, the design and functions may be the ones that tip the balance, so let’s take a moment to look at them.

Fit Woman Exercising with Rowing Machine

Rowing Machines – Features, Operating Mode, Pros, and Cons

A rower is the indoor version of a boat used during rowing competitions, and it allows you to do the same movements you would do if you found yourself paddling on a river. The effects of this practice on health have already been proven by extended research, which showed that training on an ergometer increases the size of the muscles and reduces the risk of developing lifestyle-related diseases, especially in seniors.

The apparatus consists of a set of rails and a seat the users use to slide across the base. It also includes a handle that helps the users maintain balance and engage their upper body. It is similar to a Pilates reformer in the sense that the movement is done on the horizontal and not on the vertical.

Regarding the features of a rowing machine, it is characterized by the followings:

• Large and heavy frame – this type of workout requires the execution of ample movements, and the apparatus is large, so you will need to have a lot of space at your disposal to be able to exercise correctly. Some models do fold down, but you will not find this option at the more high-end models, which are designed to put comfort and performance in the first place.
• Resistance mechanism – the rower allows you to pick among a lot of variants when it comes to the resistance the machine will oppose. You have the very common magnetic resistance that is found in most indoor bikes, and the air resistance type on which air bikes are based. But you can also go for more sophisticated systems that are based on water and which will give you the sensation that you are pushing a boat on a lake.
• Parameter monitoring – most machines are provided with monitors that can track your stride rate and number, distance, time, and even your heart rate.
• Instructional video access – more expensive models come with large LCDs that allow you to watch classes or videos of beautiful landscapes.
• Horizontal movements – one of the aspects that distinguish a rower from an elliptical is the horizontal movement.

Why it is worth buying a rowing machine:

• It is gentle on the joints and can be used by seniors or individuals who are recovering after an injury
• It engages most muscle groups in a fun, fluid movement
• It can induce a meditative state that can help you fight stress

Why it isn’t worth buying one:

• It is large, so if you can’t clear a lot of space, you may not feel comfortable while using it
• The premium instructional videos often require a subscription, which is not cheap

Gym People Using Cross Trainer

Elliptical Trainers – Features, Operating Mode, Pros, and Cons

An elliptical trainer provides excellent cardio training, and according to this study published in the International Journal of Research in Exercise Physiology, it can even replace treadmill workouts, as it provides similar results while putting less pressure on the joints. This study also showed that an elliptical engages the gluteal muscles more than regular walking, so it can be used to speed up results in this area. Although the shape is different and it is more similar to an indoor bike, it has a few things in common with the rower:

• Resistance level – ellipticals also offer various resistance levels, but in most cases, the mechanism is magnetic. Water-resistance is available for rowers only, and this kind of makes sense, doesn’t it?
• Performance monitors – the more expensive models come with large consoles that allow you to follow instructional videos and make your training more interactive.

The differences between the two machine types are:

• Vertical movements – the elliptical requires you to work out on the vertical, so it is not as gentle on your knees and hips as a rowing machine, but it also doesn’t put the same pressure as running on a treadmill.
• Ramp incline – the elliptical provides a second difficulty adjustment mechanism, which is the ramp’s angle. By increasing the angle, you can make your exercises more intense.

Why it is worth buying an elliptical trainer:

• It is often cheaper than a rower and, depending on the model, it can be more compact
• You can vary the intensity of your workouts a lot
• The exercises are more engaging, and it works your entire body, with slightly better calorie burn results than the rower

Why it isn’t worth buying one:

• As the movement is done vertically, they are not a good choice for individuals who have suffered an injury
• The movements are quite unnatural, so it takes a while to get accustomed to them

Important Aspects to Consider: When to Choose One over the Other?

Both machines provide low-impact exercises, which means that you shouldn’t expect to burn a lot of calories in a half of hour or training, however, they put less pressure on your joints and muscles and, as this study has shown, they can be a better option during recovery programs than a treadmill.

These being said, there are situations in which choosing a rowing machine is a better idea. For instance, if your joints are really weak or hurt a lot, the fact that it allows you to exercise on the horizontal can be of real help. Moreover, if you are trying to find your inner peace through physical exercise, this is an excellent option, as it imitates rowing on the water, and if you choose the right instructional video, you can truly create a mental image of the landscape. New studies have even proven that the experience can be complete if you are using VR technology. On the other hand, remember that rowing devices require a lot of space, and you may not be able to experience the expected meditation state in a cramped room.

If you are looking to burn more calories, the elliptical may be a better option as it is more engaging, and some models allow you to adjust the resistance in two ways. It is also more compact and can provide stress relief as well. However, it is not as gentle on the joints as a rower, so you should try to avoid it in case you are trying to get back in shape and regain muscle strength after an injury.

The Bottom Line

Experts recommend doing low-impact exercises even if you are training just to stay in shape. In the long run, high-intensity interval training, if employed exclusively, can weaken your joints and leave you in pain. This doesn’t mean to leave it completely out of your routine, just to combine it with milder exercises. Now that you know the particularities of both cross trainers and rowing apparatuses, it is easier to decide on the right option for you. So, just get one and get moving!