Table of Contents
- Which is Best: Rowing Machine or Cross Trainer?
- Why Rowing Machines and Cross Trainers Lead Home Workouts
- Rowing Machine vs Cross Trainer: Core Comparison
- Types of Rowing Machines for Home Use
- Types of Cross Trainers for Versatile Training
- Top Models: Rowing Machines and Cross Trainers in 2025
- Best Rowing: Concept2 RowErg
- Best Cross Trainer: NordicTrack Commercial 14.9
- Value Rowing: Hydrow Wave
- Value Cross Trainer: Sole E25
- Key Factors for Rowing or Cross Trainer Selection
- FAQ
- Which burns more calories: rowing or cross trainer?
- Is rowing better for weight loss than elliptical?
- Lower injury risk?
- Space requirements?
- Subscriptions essential?
- Final Thoughts
- About Author
- Mariar Fernandez
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Which is Best: Rowing Machine or Cross Trainer?
Which is Best: Rowing Machine or Cross Trainer? Rowing machines outperform cross trainers (ellipticals) as the best home cardio choice in 2025, engaging 85-86% of muscles for full-body power versus ellipticals’ 50-60% focus, while burning 600-800 calories per hour—20% more than ellipticals’ 500-700—amid a $19.8 billion home fitness market boom.
Why Rowing Machines and Cross Trainers Lead Home Workouts
Both offer low-impact cardio slashing heart disease risk by 36%, boosting VO2 max 10-15% in eight weeks. Rowing delivers balanced strength; ellipticals provide steady endurance. Home fitness market grows from $18.18 billion in 2024 to $19.8 billion in 2025 at a CAGR of 8.9%, with cardio equipment at $5.95 billion driven by hybrid work trends.
Shared Wins:
- Calorie Efficiency: 300-600 per 30 minutes aids 1-2 pounds weekly loss.
- Joint Protection: 70% less knee strain than running.
- Mental Lift: 20% cortisol reduction for stress relief.
Dive into low-impact benefits via Harvard Health’s cardio guide.
Rowing Machine vs Cross Trainer: Core Comparison
Rowing maximizes full-body activation and intensity; ellipticals emphasize smooth, lower-body flow. Rowing’s pull-push motion burns 20% more calories via higher engagement.
| Aspect | Rowing Machine | Cross Trainer (Elliptical) |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle Engagement | 85-86% (full-body) | 50-60% (lower + some upper) |
| Calorie Burn (60 min, 155 lbs) | 600-800 moderate-vigorous | 500-700 moderate-vigorous |
| Impact Level | Very low | Lowest (gliding motion) |
| Injury Risk | Low (form-dependent back) | Minimal (knee/hip friendly) |
| Session Focus | Power + endurance (20-45 min) | Steady cardio (30-60 min) |
Ellipticals suit rehab; rowing builds functional strength but demands technique. “Rowing’s total recruitment edges ellipticals for efficiency,” per Garage Gym Reviews.
Types of Rowing Machines for Home Use
Air scales intensity dynamically; water simulates waves serenely; magnetic adjusts quietly. Air holds 40% market for 15-20 year durability.
| Type | Resistance Feel | Noise | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air | Effort-based wind | Moderate | HIIT, competitions |
| Water | Natural splash | Low | Meditative sessions |
| Magnetic | Precise levels | Very Low | Beginners, apartments |
Types of Cross Trainers for Versatile Training
Front-drive for upright posture; rear-drive for stride length; center-drive for stability. Rear-drive leads 50% market for natural motion.
| Type | Drive Style | Stride Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front-Drive | Forward pedals | 18-20″ | Intense upper-body push |
| Rear-Drive | Backward glide | 20-22″ | Long, fluid sessions |
| Center-Drive | Balanced core | 16-20″ | Compact stability |
Top Models: Rowing Machines and Cross Trainers in 2025
2025 selections from Garage Gym Reviews, BarBend, and Wirecutter balance tech and value.
Best Rowing: Concept2 RowErg
Concept2 RowErg ($900) air powerhouse with PM5 monitor, 500-pound capacity. Folds compact; 4.6/5 for precision pulls.
Pros:
- Free app rankings
- 5-year warranty
- 85% muscle activation
Cons:
- 60dB noise
- Basic display
Best Cross Trainer: NordicTrack Commercial 14.9
NordicTrack 14.9 ($1,299) rear-drive elliptical with 20″ stride, 22-inch iFit screen. 350 pounds; 4.7/5 for incline variety.
Pros:
- 32 levels + 10% incline
- Quiet operation
- $39/month classes
Cons:
- Assembly 1 hour
- Subscription push
Value Rowing: Hydrow Wave
Hydrow Wave ($1,695) electromagnetic with 22-inch HD for immersive rows. 350 pounds; 4.5/5.
Pros:
- <50dB quiet
- Auto-adjust resistance
- Vertical storage
Cons:
- $44/month fee
Value Cross Trainer: Sole E25
Sole E25 ($900) front-drive with 20″ stride, Bluetooth tracking. 375 pounds; 4.6/5 for smooth glide.
Pros:
- Oversized pedals
- Built-in fan
- Lifetime frame warranty
Cons:
- No incline
- Basic console
Explore Wirecutter’s elliptical reviews for details.
Key Factors for Rowing or Cross Trainer Selection
Target full-body goals: Rowing for 85% engagement; ellipticals for low-effort steady state. Space: Rowers 8×2 feet; ellipticals 6×2. Budget: $500-$1,000 basics; $1,200+ smart.
Choice Guide:
- Strength/Intensity: Rowing (higher burn).
- Recovery/Endurance: Cross trainer (glide ease).
- Joint Focus: Both, but ellipticals minimize hip stress.
Durability: 10-20 years. “Rowing amplifies results in less time,” via Hydrow insights.
FAQ
Which burns more calories: rowing or cross trainer?
Rowing at 600-800/hour via full engagement; ellipticals 500-700, but intensity equalizes.
Is rowing better for weight loss than elliptical?
Yes—20% higher burn + EPOC sustains fat loss; 5-16% body fat drop in four weeks.
Lower injury risk?
Ellipticals edge for knees/hips; rowing low if form correct, reducing back strain 70% with core work.
Space requirements?
Rowing: 8×2 feet, foldable; cross trainer: 6×2 feet, stationary.
Subscriptions essential?
Rowing (Concept2): Free; ellipticals (NordicTrack): $39/month for full programs.
Final Thoughts
Rowing machines dominate 2025’s $19.8 billion home fitness wave with potent full-body efficiency over cross trainers’ gentle strides. Tailor to needs—power for rowing, recovery for ellipticals—for optimal gains. Sharpen technique at Garage Gym Reviews’ cardio hub.
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