# Rowing Machines vs. Multi-Gyms: What You Need to Know **By Tuyet Nguyen · Published June 5, 2023 · Updated June 7, 2023** If you're seeking a sweaty, stress-busting full-body workout, both machines will help you achieve your fitness goals. While rowing machines and multi-gyms have pros and cons, the best option for you will depend on your body and what you're hoping to attain through exercise. Most people are familiar with rowing machines, typically standard cardio equipment at any public gym. Multi-gyms are a little less common. These were initially designed for body-building but have since become popular among fitness fanatics who like to lift weights. Multi-gyms are made up of cable systems and frames, with an adjustable weight load that can be changed depending on the exercise performed. --- ## Pros and Cons: Multi-Gyms **Pros:** - Serve several functionalities, saving space compared to purchasing a weight bench, dumbbells, and other equipment separately - Allow users to complete exercises that target every part of their body, making them a great option for a total body workout - Movements and activities can be easily switched or changed by tugging a lever or making a quick cable adjustment **Cons:** - Can be large and take up a lot of space, depending on the model - Limited in resistance — once you hit the maximum weight, you've mastered the entire machine - A well-built multi-gym with the latest features and functionalities can cost around $4,000 --- ## Pros and Cons: Rowing Machines **Pros:** - Provide a full-body workout, engaging several muscle groups at any time - Great solution for people wanting to burn calories - Safe for users of all levels - Low-impact form of exercise - Can help users build endurance and strength - High-quality rowing machines offer access to specialized rowing machine workouts that can be done on and off the machine **Cons:** - Can be uncomfortable for people with lower back issues; improper posture can strain the lower back area - Because working out on a rowing machine feels fun and effortless, it's easy to overdo it, which can result in injury --- ## Benefits of Cardiovascular Workouts Cardiovascular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight while reducing one's risk of conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain forms of cancer. By adding weight-bearing aerobic exercise to your routine, you'll also be lowering your risk of developing osteoporosis. Cardiovascular exercise can also improve mood, sleep quality, and brain function. Rowing machines provide a much better cardiovascular workout than multi-gyms, which focus on building strength through weight training. --- ## Muscles Worked **Rowing Machine:** - Lower body: quadriceps, glutes, and calves - Upper body: deltoids and lats - Core: abdominal muscles **Multi-Gym:** - Upper body, abdominal muscles, and lower body can all be worked through various exercises - No option for cardiovascular exercise --- ## Calories Burned / Weight Loss | Machine | Estimated Calories Burned (30 min) | |---|---| | Rowing Machine | ~250–350 calories | | Multi-Gym (resistance training) | ~100–300 calories | Rowing machines are exceptional for weight loss as cardiovascular exercise melts fat. With a multi-gym, the amount of calories burned depends on how hard you choose to work out. --- ## Strength Training **Multi-Gym:** - Exercises include: lat pulldowns, pec flies, low rows, standing calf raises, leg curls, leg extensions, and leg presses - Using a multi-gym three to four times per week can improve overall muscle strength and tone - Helpful for muscle gain, fat loss, and body toning - Not a good option for those seeking cardiovascular exercise **Rowing Machine:** - Very effective in strengthening the upper body, lower body, and core - Short 30-minute workouts provide a full-body exercise, activating almost twice the muscle mass as activities like jogging and cycling - One stroke can work hamstrings, quads, core, arm and back muscles, and glutes --- ## Cardio **Rowing Machine:** - Excellent full-body exercise that burns calories and improves cardiovascular fitness while toning muscles - Low-impact form of cardio, suitable for those with joint problems or recovering from injury - Options include long or short workouts with high-intensity intervals to keep heart rate up **Multi-Gym:** - Not suitable for cardiovascular exercise - Cardio must be performed separately (e.g., jumping jacks or a short run) before or after multi-gym strength training --- ## Impact on Joints / Injuries **Rowing Machine:** - Provides low-impact exercise; not jarring on sensitive joints - With proper posture, users won't experience injuries or stress on joints - A better option for those with joint problems or issues that prevent lifting heavy weights **Multi-Gym:** - Incorrect use can cause inflammation, muscle strains, and even torn ligaments - Not encouraged for people with sensitive joints or those prone to injury --- ## Time Commitment **Rowing Machine:** - Suggested: 30-minute workout, four times per week - Within this 30-minute workout, users get both cardiovascular exercise and strength training **Multi-Gym:** - Suggested to use slightly less frequently to avoid overworking muscles - Not safe to use daily - Requires additional cardio-based workouts on non-resistance training days --- ## Cost | Machine | Estimated Cost | |---|---| | Rowing Machine (newer models with additional features) | ~$1,000–$2,000 | | Multi-Gym | ~$2,000–$4,000 | For those trying to create a home gym on a budget, the rowing machine makes a better addition than a multi-gym. --- ## Conclusion While both machines provide fat-blasting and muscle-toning exercise, the rowing machine is a better option for those looking to improve their endurance and get the most out of shorter workouts. A 30-minute workout goes much further on a rowing machine than a multi-gym, making it ideal for busy people. It is also much safer for individuals who suffer from joint problems. To shop Aviron rowing machines: https://www.avironactive.com/shop/impact-series-rower/ **Tags:** Aviron, Health & Fitness **Canonical URL:** https://www.avironactive.com/rowing-101/rowing-machine-vs-multi-gym/