Which is the Best: Rowing Machine or Treadmill?

Which is the Best: Rowing Machine or Treadmill? Rowing machines claim victory as the best home cardio equipment in 2025, engaging 86% of muscles for full-body strength and burning 294-504 calories in 30 minutes with 70% less joint impact than treadmills—ideal for balanced fitness amid a $1.13 billion rowing market surge.

Why Cardio Machines Transform Home Workouts

Cardio machines like rowers and treadmills slash heart disease risk by 36% through regular use, boosting VO2 max by 10-15% in eight weeks. Rowing activates 86% of muscles for efficient toning; treadmills target lower body for endurance. Global cardio market hits $9.46 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 4.6%, with home setups driving 40% growth post-2025.

Shared Gains:

• Calorie Torching: 300-600 calories per 30-minute session aids 1-2 pounds weekly loss.
• Endurance Edge: Improves aerobic capacity, reducing stress via 20% cortisol drop.
• Accessibility: Lowers injury barriers for all ages.

For aerobic insights, review Harvard Health’s exercise types.

Rowing Machine vs Treadmill: Benefits Breakdown

Rowing excels in full-body engagement and low-impact protection; treadmills shine for speed variety and longer runs. Rowing burns more at low intensities due to muscle recruitment; treadmills edge high-speed burns.

Rowing builds balanced endurance; treadmills enhance leg power but risk overuse injuries. “Rowing’s total-body pull trumps treadmill’s run for holistic gains,” notes Garage Gym Reviews.

Types of Rowing Machines for Home Use

Air rowers scale intensity like wind; water mimics serene strokes; magnetic ensures quiet adjustments. Air leads with 15-20 year durability; magnetic claims 25% market for apartments.

Types of Treadmills for Varied Workouts

Manual treadmills save power; motorized offer inclines up to 15%; folding suits storage. Motorized dominates 80% market for auto-adjusts.

Top Models: Rowing Machines and Treadmills Compared

2025 picks from Wirecutter and Garage Gym Reviews balance performance and value.

Best Rowing: Concept2 RowErg

Concept2 RowErg ($900) air model supports 500 pounds with PM5 tracking. Folds to 25 inches; 4.6/5 rating for authentic pulls.

Pros:

• Olympic precision
• Free app rankings
• 5-year frame warranty

Cons:

• 60dB noise
• Basic display

Best Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial 1750

NordicTrack 1750 ($1,800) features 16-inch rotating screen, 12 mph speed, 12% incline. 400-pound capacity; cushions joints. 4.7/5.

Pros:

• iFit classes ($39/month)
• Quiet 4.25 HP motor
• Folds easily

Cons:

• Subscription for full use
• 80-inch length

Value Rowing: Hydrow Wave

Hydrow Wave ($1,695) electromagnetic with 22-inch screen; 350 pounds. Immersive videos boost adherence 30%.

Pros:

• <50dB quiet
• Auto-resistance
• Vertical store

Cons:

• $44/month fee

Value Treadmill: BowFlex T9

BowFlex T9 ($1,500) with 15% incline, 12 mph. 350 pounds; wheeled controls.

Pros:

• Jrny app ($20/month)
• Stable deck
• Lifetime frame warranty

Cons:

• No decline
• Small LCD

See Wirecutter’s treadmill tests for more.

Key Factors for Choosing Rowing or Treadmill

Prioritize impact tolerance: Rowing for joints, treadmills for runners. Space: Rowers need 8×2 feet; treadmills 8×3. Budget: $500-$1,000 for entry; over $1,500 for smart.

Decision Guide:

1. Full-Body/Strength: Rowing (86% muscles).
2. Endurance/Running: Treadmill (longer sessions).
3. Low-Impact: Rowing reduces 70% strain.

Durability: 10-20 years for top frames. “Match machine to goals—rowing for efficiency,” per Hydrow experts.

FAQ

Which burns more calories: rowing or treadmill?

Rowing edges at moderate paces (504/hour) via full-body; treadmills lead vigorous runs (409/30 min).

Is rowing better for weight loss than treadmill?

Yes—86% muscle activation sustains higher post-burn; pair with diet for 5-16% fat loss in four weeks.

Which has lower injury risk?

Rowing, with low-impact and core focus cutting knee issues by 70% vs treadmill running.

Space needs for each?

Rowing: 8×2 feet, upright storage; treadmill: 8×3 feet, folding options.

Subscriptions required?

Rowing (Concept2): Free; treadmill (NordicTrack): $39/month for classes.

Final Thoughts

Rowing machines lead in 2025’s cardio boom, delivering versatile, joint-sparing power over treadmills’ run focus. Align with priorities—full-body for rowing, speed for treadmills—for lasting habits. Hone form at USRowing’s guides.

About Author

Mariar Fernandez

Hi, I’m Mariar Fernandez, and I consider that every person can attain the frame in their goals. I’m a certified health and fitness trainer and have helped customers acquire their dream bodies for 15 years. Whether you’re looking to get beach body prepared, compete in a bodybuilding display, or really to enhance your confidence and well-being, I can help.

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