# Rowing Machines vs. Treadmills: Which Is a Better Workout?

> Rowing machines provide a full-body workout that engages more muscles than treadmills while being lower impact on joints. They combine cardio and strength training more efficiently, making them suitable for home gyms.

- **Published:** 2024-03-11
- **Updated:** 2024-03-28
- **Author:** Aviron
- **Category:** Health & Fitness

## Cardio Comparison

Rowing machines sculpt muscles while burning fat, combining cardio and strength training. Treadmills primarily support fat loss through running, jogging, or incline walking but require separate strength training.

## Benefits of Cardiovascular Workouts

Two to three hours of moderate to vigorous cardio per week lowers blood pressure, regulates blood sugar, reduces chronic pain and asthma symptoms, regulates weight, and strengthens the immune system. Regular cardio improves sleep, skin, and muscle health.

## Muscles Worked

Treadmills engage quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, glutes, and abs at higher speeds or inclines. Rowing machines work these lower body muscles plus deltoids, pectoralis, upper back, latissimus dorsi, trapezius, biceps, forearms, and core for stability.

## Calories Burnt and Weight Loss

Rowing engages upper and lower body simultaneously, allowing efficient workouts in limited time. It is low-impact, easier on joints, and supports interval training for combined cardio and strength.

## Strength Training

Rowing activates nearly twice the muscle mass as treadmills by engaging the full body above the hips in each stroke. Treadmills focus on lower body and are less ideal for comprehensive strength training.

## Cardio

Rowing is aerobic exercise that aids weight loss, increases stamina, supports immune function, and lowers blood pressure. Treadmills provide fat-burning cardio but are higher impact on joints.

## Impact on Joints and Potential Injuries

Treadmills jar joints and bones, worsening back, neck, or shoulder issues, and pose fall risks. Rowing is lower impact with smooth motion, beneficial for back problems like scoliosis by building core strength. Potential issues include tendonitis or blisters, preventable with gloves.

## Time Efficiency

Rowing requires 15-30 minutes, 3-4 times per week at 80% intensity. Treadmills need 30-40 minutes per session.

## Cost

High-quality rowing machines cost around $2000; high-quality treadmills around $4000.

## Related Products

- [Strong Series Rower](https://www.avironactive.com/shop/strong-series-rower.md)
- [Strong GO Rower](https://www.avironactive.com/shop/strong-go-rower.md)
- [Aviron Treadmill](https://www.avironactive.com/shop/aviron-treadmill.md)

## Related Articles

- [Rowing Machine Workouts](https://www.avironactive.com/rowing-101/rowing-machine-workouts.md): Benefits, tips, and workout ideas.
- [Strength Training with Aviron](https://www.avironactive.com/rowing-101/strength-training-with-aviron.md): How rowing builds muscle.
- [Best Home Workout Machine](https://www.avironactive.com/rowing-101/best-home-workout-machine.md): Comparison of home equipment options.
- [Rowing 101](/rowing-101/): Tips and comparisons for rowing machines.

## Purchase

For purchasing, visit the live store:  
→ https://www.avironactive.com/shop/

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