Are Rowing Machines Good Exercise (A Comprehensive Guide)

Are Rowing Machines Good Exercise

The rowing machine, also known as an indoor rower or ergometer, is famous for its full-body workout results. But are they really worth an investment? If so, then what makes them stand out from other cardio equipment?

In this guide, we will show you the pros and cons of the rowing machine. To help you make the decision without regret, we also compare this machine with 2 other common cardio equipment: treadmill and elliptical. At the end of this article, we will provide the answer to some questions you may be concerned about, including those related to weight loss and knee health.

Are you ready? Let’s dive into the magic world of rowing machines!

Rowing Machine Benefits and Disadvantages

In broad terms, the benefits of rowing machines often outweigh their drawbacks. Let's take a closer look at both aspects.

Benefits of Rowing Machines

Low-Impact Exercise: Unlike high-impact exercise like running, rowing offers a joint-friendly workout. You can engage in cardiovascular exercise while sitting on a rowing machine without putting a lot of strain on your knees or other joints. Because of this, it's a great option for people who have joint problems or are healing from injuries. This is what makes it an excellent choice for those with joint issues or recovering from injuries.

Full-Body Workout: Yes, rowing is a full-body workout that engages approximately 90% of your body muscles. As you row, your arms, shoulders, back, core, and legs work simultaneously. If your schedule is busy and you are seeking ways to work your muscles, a rowing machine can be an efficient option.

Fat-Burning Efficiency: According to Harvard Health, a 155-pound individual can burn about 369 calories in a 30-minute vigorous rowing session. While calorie burn may vary based on weight and workout intensity, this demonstrates that rowing has a significant potential for weight loss.

rowing machine with ab coaster mode

Muscle Strengthening and Toning: Unlike typical cardio machines, rowing machines provide both aerobic and anaerobic exercise. The Tousains 3 in 1 rowing machine firmly proves this by combining a traditional rowing with an ab coaster and a cable crossover. Just choose the working mode you like!

Improve Cardiovascular Health: Rowing promotes better blood circulation and lung function by engaging in controlled breathing and sustained aerobic activity. This can help lower blood pressure, strengthen the heart, and enhance overall cardiovascular health.

Disadvantages of Rowing Machines

Learning Curve: A proper rowing form is essential to maximize benefits and prevent injuries, especially lower back strain. If you are a beginner, you will take time to master the correct technique. But how? Ask for help from trainers if you are at the public gym or look for instructional videos online if you work at home.

Size and Noise: Rowing machines are often bulky and may take up significant space compared with more compact home fitness equipment. Some types can also produce noise during workouts. However, there are foldable and quiet rowing machines on the market. They are suitable for smaller spaces and apartments.

Are rowing machines good exercise? The answer is absolutely yes! But can rowing machines gain a notch above other aerobic equipment? Let’s dive into the next part!

Rowing Machines vs. Other Cardio Equipment

In addition to rowing machines, there are two main aerobic exercise equipment: treadmill and elliptical. In this part, we will compare the rowing machine with these two machines and help you decide which will be better for you.

Rowing Machines vs. Ellipticals

Calories Burned: A 155-pound person using an elliptical for 30 minutes can burn around 324 calories, compared to 369 calories when rowing vigorously. However, results may vary based on intensity and body weight.

Impact Level: Both machines offer low-impact workouts, making them ideal for individuals with joint issues. While ellipticals focus more on lower-body motion, ellipticals may aid in knee pain recovery and rehabilitation.

Muscle Engagement: Rowing machines engage more muscle groups, providing a comprehensive full-body workout, whereas ellipticals mainly target the lower body with some upper-body engagement.

Rowing Machines vs. Treadmills

Calorie Burn & Impact Level: Running at 6 mph on a treadmill for 30 minutes burns approximately 360 calories for a 155-pound person, similar to rowing. However, running places greater stress on joints, whereas rowing is low-impact.

Muscle Engagement: Treadmills primarily target the lower body, while rowing machines engage both upper and lower body muscles.

(please note that this is a brief comparison, for a comprehensive one, please check the article about rowing machine vs treadmill)

Tousains 3 in 1 rowing machine is crafted with many modes

Whether you want a high-calorie burning exercise or a low-impact workout, a rowing machine could meet all your needs. Beyond that, some rowing machines can be used as weight training equipment. For instance, the Tousains 3 in 1 rowing machine allows you to flatten your stomach and work your back and arms.

Common Questions About Rowing Machine Exercise

Is a rowing machine good exercise for beginners?

Yes, thanks to their full-body engagement and adjustable resistance levels, rowing machines are great for beginners. As your fitness levels increase, you can gradually increase the resistance from a lower starting point.

Is a rowing machine good for weight loss?

Absolutely. Rowing burns a significant number of calories, supports fat loss, and improves metabolism. By incorporating rowing into your routine and coupling it with a balanced diet, you can achieve and sustain weight loss.

Are rowing machines good exercise for knees?

Rowing is a low-impact exercise, making it ideal for individuals with knee issues. Unlike running, which can place strain on the knees, rowing’s gliding motion minimizes stress on joints while strengthening muscles around the knee.

Can you lose belly fat on a rowing machine?

Rowing engages the core muscles, including the abdominals, but spot reduction (targeting fat loss in specific areas) isn’t possible. However, as part of a comprehensive workout routine, rowing can contribute to overall body fat loss, including the belly area. If you want to target your belly fat, choose no further than Tousains 3 in 1 rowing machine, which provides the function of an ab coaster and enables you to flatten your stomach more effectively.

Is a rowing machine good for your back?

Rowing strengthens back muscles with a proper form. So, pay attention to your posture. When done properly, rowing helps improve posture and reduce back pain over time.

Conclusion

Rowing machines offer a robust combination of cardio, strength, and low-impact exercise, making them an effective workout choice for almost all fitness levels. Whether you're aiming to lose weight, improve cardiovascular health, or simply diversify your fitness routine, a rowing machine can be an excellent addition to your regimen.

Ready to transform your fitness journey? Check 3 in 1 rowing machine from Tousains and discover the benefits brought by rowing. Remember, consistency is key to achieving your fitness goal.

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