So when it comes to cardio workouts, there are plenty of options out there—from treadmills and exercise bikes to ellipticals and rowing machines; you sometimes get a headache on which is best for your fitness goals. Though each piece of equipment offers distinct benefits, rowing machines are kind of becoming increasingly popular for their full-body workout potential and low-impact design. But is it right for you? Let’s see…
A rowing machine is a piece of cardio equipment that usually simulates the motion of rowing a boat on water. It works by using a flywheel and a resistance machine—air, water, or magnets—to provide you with a smooth rowing motion. By rowing, you engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, including your legs, back, arms, and core. Unlike other machines that focus on just one area of the body, rowing machines give you a comprehensive, low-impact, full-body workout that will surely boost both your cardiovascular health and strength. So are you aiming for endurance? Fat loss? Or overall fitness? Then rowing machines might just be the right equipment for you.
One of the benefits of using a rowing machine is its ability to target several muscle groups at once. Unlike with treadmills or exercise bikes, these primarily focus on either the lower body or legs. With rowing machines, your legs provide the power to push off, the back muscles engage to pull the handle, and the arms and shoulders are used for control. So if you’re aiming to improve strength and endurance across multiple muscle groups, then rowing machines can truly aid you, giving you also the advantage of no risk of overuse injuries that are common with machines focused on a single area.
One more thing is the low-impact nature of the exercise. Unlike running on a treadmill, where it can be hard on the joints, rowing provides you with a smooth and fluid motion that reduces stress on the knees, hips, and lower back. This makes rowing an excellent option if you have joint concerns or if you want to minimise the risk of injury while still getting a great workout. Moreover, rowing machines are also often quieter than other cardio equipment, which is good if you want it in your own home.
But rowing machines aren’t the only option when it comes to cardio workouts. There are also treadmills, exercise bikes, and ellipticals that offer cardiovascular benefits, each with their own set of strengths. If you’re a runner or walker, treadmills are good as they provide a straightforward way to build endurance and burn calories. Exercise bikes, on the other hand, both upright and recumbent, are ideal for low-impact, leg-focused workouts, which are also great for weight loss. Ellipticals are also a low-impact option that engages both the upper and lower body.
So choosing the right cardio equipment ultimately comes down to your motivation in your training and fitness goals. If you enjoy a total-body workout and want to build both strength and endurance, then rowing machines are the best fit for you. But if you’re more focused on improving cardiovascular health with less impact on the joints, then a treadmill or elliptical might be a better fit for your needs. And for those looking for a low-impact but highly effective workout for your legs, then an exercise bike should do the job.