Rowing Machine vs. Treadmill: Which Is Better for You?

When it comes to home fitness, choosing the right equipment can be challenging. Two popular options that often make it to the top of fitness enthusiasts' lists are the rowing machine and the treadmill. Both offer effective ways to improve your cardiovascular health, burn calories, and get in shape, but which one is better suited for you? This blog will explore the key benefits of each, so you can make an informed decision based on your personal fitness goals.

Why the Right Exercise Equipment Matters?

In today’s fast-paced world, investing in home fitness equipment has become more than just a convenience; it's a necessity for many. According to recent data from Statista, sales of home fitness equipment surged by 84% in 2020, and the trend has continued with more people prioritizing health from the comfort of their homes. Choosing the right piece of equipment can significantly impact your workout consistency, fitness results, and overall well-being.

So, which is better for you, the rowing machine or the treadmill? Let’s break down the benefits and see how they compare.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Rowing Machine?

1. Full-Body Workout

One of the most significant advantages of a rowing machine is that it provides a full-body workout. Unlike the treadmill, which primarily focuses on the lower body, rowing machines engage about 86% of your muscles in a single stroke. This includes your legs, arms, back, and core. If you're looking for an efficient workout that targets multiple muscle groups at once, the rowing machine is an excellent choice.

2. Low-Impact Exercise

Rowing machines are known for being gentle on the joints, making them a great option for people with joint pain, arthritis, or those recovering from injuries. The smooth, gliding motion reduces the risk of impact-related injuries, unlike running on a treadmill, which can sometimes lead to joint stress, especially if proper form isn’t maintained.

3. Cardiovascular Benefits

While a treadmill is excellent for boosting cardiovascular health, a rowing machine can offer comparable benefits. Rowing is a form of aerobic exercise that strengthens your heart and lungs, improving endurance over time. The rowing machine can get your heart pumping just as much as a treadmill while providing the added benefit of resistance training.

4. Efficient Calorie Burning

Rowing burns a substantial amount of calories in a short period. According to Harvard Health, a person weighing around 155 pounds can burn approximately 260 calories in 30 minutes of moderate-intensity rowing. Increasing the intensity can lead to even higher calorie burns, making rowing an effective tool for weight loss.

5. Mental Health Benefit

Like most forms of exercise, rowing offers mental health benefits such as reducing stress, improving focus, and boosting mood through the release of endorphins. The rhythmic motion of rowing can be meditative and help clear the mind, making it not just a physical workout but a mental one as well.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Treadmill?

1. Convenience and Simplicity

Treadmills are among the most popular home fitness machines because they are easy to use and convenient. Whether you prefer walking, jogging, or sprinting, a treadmill can adjust to various fitness levels and goals. You can start at your own pace and increase intensity as you progress.

2. Burns Calories Fast

Treadmills are excellent for burning calories, especially when running at higher speeds or increasing the incline. For example, a 155-pound person can burn approximately 372 calories in 30 minutes of running at a 6 mph pace. Treadmills also offer the option of interval training, which involves alternating between high and low-intensity bursts, proven to be highly effective for fat loss.

3. Improves Cardiovascular Health

Running on a treadmill is a great way to improve cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart and improving lung capacity. Regular use of a treadmill can lower your risk of heart disease, hypertension, and even help control blood sugar levels. Walking or running on a treadmill also promotes endurance and stamina over time.

4. Adjustable Incline for Better Results

One of the standout features of most treadmills is the incline function, which allows you to simulate uphill running or walking. This feature boosts calorie burn and strengthens the legs, particularly the calves, hamstrings, and glutes. An incline treadmill workout can also enhance cardiovascular health while being gentler on the knees than flat running.

5. Track Progress Easily

Treadmills usually come with digital monitors that track key fitness metrics such as heart rate, calories burned, distance, and speed. This feature makes it easier to measure progress, set goals, and stay motivated. Many modern treadmills also come with pre-programmed workouts to suit different fitness needs.

Rowing Machine vs. Treadmill: Which Burns More Calories?

When it comes to calorie burning, both the rowing machine and treadmill are highly effective, but it depends on the intensity of your workout. While running on a treadmill at a moderate to high intensity can burn more calories in the short term, rowing can offer comparable results with the added benefit of working your entire body.

According to the American Council on Exercise, you can burn between 400 to 800 calories per hour on either machine, depending on your weight and workout intensity. Therefore, the choice between a treadmill and a rowing machine for calorie burning largely comes down to your personal preference and fitness goals.

Rowing Machine vs. Treadmill: Which Is Better for Weight Loss?

If weight loss is your primary goal, both machines can help you achieve it. However, the rowing machine might give you an edge due to its full-body workout and resistance training aspects. Tousains 3 in 1 rowing machine in particular, helps you burn more calories with the ab coaster mode, which also targets building abdominal muscles. This combination helps you build muscle while burning fat, leading to longer-lasting results. 

A treadmill, on the other hand, focuses on cardiovascular endurance and fat burning. It's an excellent choice if you enjoy running or walking and want a simple, effective way to lose weight. For those who prefer low-impact workouts, the rowing machine might be the better option. 

Treadmill vs. Rowing Machine: Which Should You Choose?

Choose a Rowing Machine If:

• You want a full-body workout that strengthens your upper and lower body simultaneously.
• You're looking for a low-impact exercise that’s gentle on your joints.
• You enjoy resistance-based training and want to build muscle while improving cardiovascular health.

Choose a Treadmill If:

• You enjoy walking, jogging, or running and want to focus on building cardiovascular endurance.
• You prefer the option of interval training or walking on an incline for variety.
• You're looking for a convenient and easy-to-use machine that fits into your home workout routine.

After comparing the key benefits and drawbacks of both machines, you should have a clearer idea of which one aligns better with your fitness goals. Now, the next question is: where should you buy your ideal equipment, and how can you find a reliable fitness equipment supplier? 

Conclusion: Why the Tousains Home Rowing Machine and Home Running Treadmill Stand Out  

Whether you choose a rowing machine or a treadmill ultimately depends on your fitness goals. While with Tousains home workout equipment, you can enjoy a more unique and versatile fitness experience. The 2 in 1 incline treadmill offers 3 levels of automatic incline, with speeds ranging from 0.60 to 7.61 mph, perfect for both walking and running. Additionally, the Tousains 3 in 1 rowing machine combines the benefits of a traditional rowing machine, ab coaster, and more, helping you burn fat efficiently across multiple workout modes.

To explore more about how the Tousains home rowing machine can enhance your fitness journey, visit Tousains today!