Which is better: rowing machine or treadmill?

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Rowing machine or treadmill - which is better for you?

Do you want to perform better in your next marathon or do you want to look topless like the cover of a training magazine? That's pretty much the basic question between a treadmill and a rowing machine. Find out here what the differences are and how you can decide.


Which is better: rowing machine or treadmill?

First of all, the rower and treadmill are probably the best pieces of gym equipment. They're both great for preparing you for real sports, and they work not only your muscles, but also your joints. This is important, because if you relieve your joints permanently, this is perfect for a start. But it won't make your joints stronger. Just like the muscles, the joints also grow with their tasks.

But now for the showdown: the rowing machine is a machine that is best known for its intense workout on the upper body . The biceps and back are put under particularly hard strain here and this ensures visible results. The rowing machine also offers an advantage for cardiovascular training , because you can sprint better here. Demanding training in the anaerobic range up to the load limit is easier on the rowing machine (for trained athletes who have mastered the technique perfectly) than on the treadmill. This is because if the treadmill is set too fast, you run with increased risk of injury or your stride span exceeds that of the belt.


Which is better, the rowing machine or the cross trainer?

The rowing machine only trains the legs peripherally, the load is hardly noticeable on the thighs and calves. The distribution to all muscles of the body is better on the treadmill, because you also need your arms and back to gain momentum step by step. At the same time, your thighs really work up a sweat. These are particularly important for losing weight, as these very large muscles account for a large proportion of your energy expenditure. If you want to improve your time in the next half marathon or last longer on the football field, the treadmill is the better choice.

Treadmills have one tangible disadvantage compared to rowing machines for home use - and that is the noise level. If you have neighbors below you, a treadmill is often not a valid alternative for home use. Rowers are quieter and take up less space.

The perfect machines for legs and arms

The question of which machine is better can't really arise like this. Would you rather be able to row better and lift heavier dumbbells or do you want to get faster and achieve better defined muscles? Both machines are perfect for a challenging workout, even for advanced users. And if you can afford to set them both up in terms of price and space, you'll have a fully equipped gym at home. And there's one benefit both machines have in common: they work out your lower back, which often suffers so much with office work.

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Editors fitnessmarkt.de (EA)

Image credit: #164864707 nd3000 AdobeStock

Published on: 23 January 2018

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