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ROWING MACHINES VS. EXERCISE BIKES: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
People wanting to work out and get in shape have many different machines and options to choose from. But how do they know which they should choose and which machines will give them the results they desire?
This article compares two of the most popular machines you can find in home gyms around the world. Let's take a look at rowing machines vs exercise bikes.
What is a Rowing Machine?
A rowing machine is a piece of fitness equipment that simulates the action of rowing a boat. Rowing is an excellent way to exercise the arms, legs, and core muscles, and a rowing machine can be a great addition to any home gym. There are many different types of rowing machines on the market, but they all operate on the same basic principle. The user sits on a seat with a resistance mechanism attached to a handlebar. As the user rows, the resistance mechanism creates resistance, providing a workout for the arms and legs. Rowing machines can be adjusted to provide different resistance levels, making them suitable for beginners and more experienced exercise enthusiasts.
What is an Exercise Bike?
An exercise bike is a piece of cardio equipment you can use to get your heart rate up and break a sweat. It's a great option for a workout because it's low-impact, meaning it's easy on your joints. You can use it at home with very little space required, and there are many different types of bikes to choose from to fit your budget and needs. Typically, you sit on the seat and pedal with your feet, but some bikes also have handlebars that you can use to help work your upper body. You can adjust the resistance on the bike to make your workout as challenging or easy as you want it to be.
The Perks of Using a Rowing Machine
Most people have heard of a rowing machine, but not everyone knows the many benefits that this type of exercise equipment can offer. First of all, rowing is an excellent way to work out your upper and lower body simultaneously. This makes it a very efficient workout for those who are short on time. Rowing is also easy on the joints, thanks to being low-impact. This makes it a great choice for people who are looking for a workout that won’t put undue stress on their bodies, especially their knees or ankles.
Studies and experts have found that rowing can burn up to twice as many calories as running and is a better overall workout.
Besides the workout, rowing machines can be stored easily and fit just about anywhere in your home.
The Perks of Using an Exercise Bike
Exercise bikes are relatively inexpensive and easy to use, making them a great choice for beginners. As mentioned, they're also low-impact. Bike riding is a great way to get your heart rate up and break a sweat without putting too much stress on your body.
Exercise bikes are also very versatile. You can use them for a gentle workout or crank up the resistance to get a more intense workout. You can also use them for interval training when you alternate between high and low-intensity periods. This type of training has been shown to be more effective than steady-state cardio, meaning it can help you burn more calories in a shorter amount of time.
Like rowing machines, exercise bikes are also easy to store and don’t take up a lot of space.
The Downsides of a Rowing Machine
Rowing machines are a mainstay in many gyms, but that doesn’t mean they’re the perfect piece of equipment for everyone. The constant repetitive motion can put a strain on the lower back, and the handle can put pressure on the wrists and hands. Getting started is easy if you are unfamiliar with a rower, but finding your rhythm can take a little time. You'll want to start off slow and light before trying to get your rower across the imaginary finish line.
Some rowing machines can be expensive, and unless you're committed to using them, the investment may not make sense for you.
The Downsides of an Exercise Bike
We all know someone with an exercise bike or treadmill that uses it to hang their laundry and collect dust bunnies. This is mostly because both machines can be quite boring to use. Unlike other forms of exercise, you're stuck in the same spot the entire time, pedaling away without going anywhere. This can make it difficult to stay motivated, especially if you're not particularly interested in biking, to begin with. Additionally, exercise bikes can put a strain on your knees and hips (if you stand up or use too much resistance), which can lead to pain or injury.
How Each Can Help in Weight Loss
Both machines, when used correctly, are great for weight loss. Many studies show that a combination of aerobic training and resistance training is optimal for losing fat. What gives a slight edge for the rower over an exercise bike is that the rower tends to be more of a full-body workout since you use your arms, shoulders, and back more when rowing than when pedaling.
Safety and Injury Concerns for Both
Any piece of gym equipment can be dangerous if not used correctly. It's essential that you practice proper form every time, and if you find yourself getting lazy with your technique, you should cut your workout short rather than risk injuring yourself.
Because an exercise bike sits higher than a rower and can wobble more, there is a higher risk of injury from a bike than a rower.
Muscles Targeted
In an exercise bike, the main muscles targeted include:
- calves
- hamstrings
- quadriceps
- back
- core
- glutes
You can also get a bike with handles or use free weights to include your upper body, arms, biceps, and shoulders.
Muscles targeted with a rowing machine include:
- quadriceps
- hamstrings
- back
- abdominals
- arms
- shoulders
- calves
According to Men's Health, rowing activates nine muscle groups and utilizes 85% of the body's musculature system.
Space Needed
If you are considering an exercise bike, you should plan to use about 7 to 10 square feet. Bikes tend to average about four feet in length and two feet in width.
Similarly, a rowing machine will need about nine feet by four feet. Perhaps the biggest difference is the height needed due to a bike being up higher.
Cost
An exercise bike can cost anywhere between $249 to $2200, with an average of about $700.
Indoor rowing machines cost anywhere from $100 to $2500, with an average of around $360.
The Verdict: Which Machine is Right for You?
Rowing machines and exercise bikes are both great choices for a home gym. They're affordable, easy to use, and take up very little space. They're also low-impact, making them suitable for people with joint issues.
However, we give a slight edge to rowing machines. They're a bit more affordable, have less chance of injury, and provide a more full-body workout than bikes do. They can also be much more fun since you're moving most of your body instead of just staying in one place.
At the end of the day, picking the right machine for your home gym is completely up to you and your needs.
If you'd like to take a look at different rowing machines before you decide, consider Aviron.
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