# Rowing Machine vs. Elliptical: Everything You Need to Know

**By Tuyet Nguyen · Published June 5, 2023 · Updated June 7, 2023**

Both a rowing machine and an elliptical are effective cardio machines that can boost your metabolism and strengthen your body. This guide covers the key differences to help you decide which is the better fit for your home gym.

---

## Weight Loss

Either machine will support weight loss when used regularly alongside a healthy diet. During an hour-long workout at a moderate pace:

- **Elliptical:** Burns around 500 calories
- **Rowing machine:** Burns 500 to 1,000 calories

The rowing machine activates more muscles simultaneously, leading to higher calorie burn and all-over toning, making it the faster option for fat loss.

---

## Muscle Building

Both machines are low-impact and target more muscles than high-impact running on a treadmill.

- **Rowing machine:** Targets the hamstrings, upper back muscles, glutes, and abdominal muscles
- **Elliptical:** Primarily engages the calves, deltoids, and quads

If you want to build muscle across your entire body rather than just your lower half, the rowing machine is the better option. Rowing is also considered a great machine for runners due to the combination of muscles worked.

---

## Price

- **High-quality elliptical:** Approximately $1,500 to $3,000 — includes guided workouts and versatile movement options
- **Newest rowing machine models:** Approximately $1,000 to $2,000 — also feature guided workouts, target multiple muscle groups, and some include off-machine HIIT workouts

For those building a home gym on a budget, the rowing machine offers more value for aerobic and cardiovascular exercise.

---

## Impact

Both machines are low-impact and suitable for people with back problems, arthritis, or those recovering from an injury.

- **Rowing machine:** Performed in a seated position, reducing pressure on the knees and back
- **Elliptical:** Popular among former runners who can no longer handle the impact of running; gentler than running, kettlebell workouts, or CrossFit

Both options can help you avoid joint stiffness and pain while maintaining calorie burn and strength building.

---

## Pros and Cons

### Rowing Machine

**Pros:**
- Burns an impressive number of calories (500–1,000 per hour)
- Full-body workout engaging most major muscle groups, including the abs
- Builds lean muscle mass and shapes muscles, not just burns calories
- Safe for people of all shapes, sizes, and experience levels
- Generally less expensive than a comparable elliptical

**Cons:**
- Not ideal for people with lower back injuries, as fatigue can cause improper posture
- Easy to overtrain, which can lead to injury if form breaks down

### Elliptical

**Pros:**
- Provides cardiovascular, strength, and endurance benefits
- Safe for joints
- Burns a solid amount of calories

**Cons:**
- Motion can feel monotonous and unnatural to some users
- Primarily targets the lower body; neglects upper body development
- Better suited for those focused on leg strength rather than full-body conditioning

---

## Conclusion

While both machines deliver a heart-pumping workout, the rowing machine works your entire body rather than just your lower half. Rowing machines are also generally less expensive and ensure your arms are toned along with the rest of your body.

When shopping for a rowing machine, not all models are equal. Consider your fitness goals before purchasing — some are best for cardio, others for strength training — and look for a machine with varied features to keep workouts engaging.

---

**Related Reading:**
- [Best Home Workout Machines](https://www.avironactive.com/rowing-101/best-home-workout-machine/)
- [Best Workout for Weight Loss](https://www.avironactive.com/rowing-101/best-workout-for-weight-loss/)
- [Calories Burned on a Rowing Machine](https://www.avironactive.com/rowing-101/calories-burned-in-rowing-machine/)
- [Is the Rowing Machine Good for Runners?](https://www.avironactive.com/rowing-101/is-the-rowing-machine-good-for-runners/)
- [5 Rowing Machine Exercises](https://www.avironactive.com/rowing-101/5-rowing-machine-exercises/)
- [Rowing Machine Dos and Don'ts](https://www.avironactive.com/rowing-101/dos-and-donts-rowing-machine/)

**Canonical URL:** https://www.avironactive.com/rowing-101/rowing-machine-vs-elliptical/