Elliptical vs. Rower Machines – Which is Better?

If you have just decided to begin your weight loss journey – congratulations!

That is one of the most difficult things to do when it comes to transforming your body.

I have been there, so I know how much effort you need to put into getting into that frame of mind after a long time of inactivity and weight gain.

However, the process does not end there.

Unfortunately, it is just the beginning of a possibly long and arduous process, but the outcome is well worth it.

The next step that you should do is get informed, make a plan, and stick to it.

When I say get informed, I mean learning about different types of exercises and different types of equipment that will help you achieve your goals.

That is exactly what we are going to do in this article today.

We are going to discuss two very popular machines that are used in gyms and households around the world, and for good reason.

These are elliptical machines and rowing machines.

I have used both of them and still use them almost daily.

Both have their benefits and disadvantages, so we are going to discuss both the upsides and the downsides.

At the end of the article, I’ll tell you more about my favorite elliptical and my favorite rowing machines, which you should definitely check out if you are looking to buy either one.

Therefore, if you are determined to start burning that stubborn fat, good for you!

However, you will need the proper means to do it!

So, keep reading to learn about the amazing ways in which elliptical and rower machines can help you reach your perfect figure!

 

What are Elliptical and Rower Machines?

Elliptical machines (also known as elliptical trainers) are stationary exercise machines that are used to simulate walking, running, and stair climbing, with little impact on the joints.

Because of this, they are very gentle with your body and reduce the risk of injury.

This feature makes them great for people who have had an injury and do not want to risk another, but athletes in prime shape can also use them to get great results.

When using an elliptical machine, the exercise can be of both high and low intensity, depending on what you want to do.

By controlling the speed and resistance you can choose how intense of a workout you want to get.

Elliptical trainers first appeared on the market in the 1990s.

They generally target both the upper and the lower body.

There are two main types; the first is powered by the motion of the user, while the other uses electricity to adjust the speed and the resistance.

Rower machines (also known as rowing machines) are exercise machines that are used to simulate the action of watercraft rowing.

These machines can be used both for general exercise and weight loss, but also for rowing practice.

Moreover, indoor rowing has become a sport in its own right, recently, where participants compete in this activity.

Indoor rowers mainly affect the cardiovascular system, so they are great for those seeking to do aerobic workouts.

Like elliptical machines, these are low-impact, so they are quite user-friendly.

However, one common injury that may occur when using a rowing machine is a neck injury.

For that reason, proper position and proper use throughout the movement are very important.

Finally, indoor rowers are machines that provide an intense calorie-burning workout, so they are great tools for anyone who is looking to lose fat quickly in an interesting and injury-free way.

 

Elliptical Machines Pros

The benefits that you can get from using elliptical machines are numerous and diverse.

Let’s go through some of the most obvious reasons why you should consider using them.

• Improves Balance and Mobility

Elliptical machines will help you increase your balance and mobility, and make sure that you are doing it gradually to avoid any injuries.

If you have already suffered an injury, they are great because you can easily adjust the intensity of the exercise to suit your current condition.

That is why so many hospitals use them as part of their healing regime.

• Mimics Different Types of Exercises

Some elliptical machines can simulate running, jogging, walking, and stair climbing, so they can provide you with a complete exercise.

On top of that, you can monitor your heart rate, speed, and intensity, and in that way adjust the level to what is comfortable for you.

• Targets Your Whole Body

Because of the mechanics involved in this workout, both your lower and your upper body are targeted during this exercise.

Actually, when you use an elliptical machine, almost all of the muscles in your body are working to stabilize and power your body.

• Uses Minimal Space

If your apartment is too small for large exercise equipment, this machine is perfect for you.

You can place it in a corner of your room and not even know that it is there.

• Increases Aerobic Capacity

By using an elliptical machine for just 25 minutes a day, several times a week, you will significantly increase your overall fitness level, your stamina, and your aerobic capacity.

• Maintenance is Very Easy

An elliptical machine has very few moving parts, which makes it very easy to maintain, and also very difficult to break down.

All you have to do is to lubricate the few moving parts from time to time and you are ready to go.

 

Elliptical Machines Cons

• Little Impact on Muscle Strength

Elliptical machines are very good for a cardiovascular workout; however, since they are low-impact, they will not help you gain a lot of muscle mass and strength.

Moreover, low-impact exercises do not have the bone-strengthening effect that weight-bearing exercises do.

So, in order to make your exercise complete, you will have to incorporate some movements that will help your muscles become stronger.

• It’s not Good for Everyone

Even though elliptical machines are low-impact, they are not equally good for everyone.

Even though they can be very easy on the knees, they can make certain conditions worse.

For that reason, if you are suffering from any ailments, it is a good idea to consult a doctor before you start a workout regime.

• Price Can be a Problem

Elliptical machines are very popular in gyms and around the world, but also for home use.

If you pay a monthly fee at your local gym that has one of these, it will be cheap for you to use it.

However, if you aim to buy one for your home, things can get a bit expensive.

Even though some models can be bought for as little as several hundred dollars, you will have to pay up to several thousand dollars for the more decent models.

If we compare that number just to buying running or walking shoes, this price may feel astronomical.

• Emphasis Is on Lower Body

Even though elliptical machines target the whole body, it is a fact that the upper body works a lot less than the lower body.

By using an elliptical machine, you will lose fat and your lower body muscles will become toned, but you will not experience that same toning in your upper body muscles.

For that reason, you will have to incorporate additional exercises for your upper body if you want to achieve the same success.

 

Rower Machines Pros

• Aids Weight Loss

Rowing is excellent for burning calories very quickly, which makes it a great addition to whatever workout program you are practicing.

By doing it regularly for at least 30 minutes a day, you will experience significant weight loss over an extended period of time.

• Cardiovascular Benefits

By using a rower machine, your heart muscle will increase greatly its capacity, and in that way improve your overall health and stamina.

On top of that, by stimulating your body aerobically, it will provide you energy by using the excess sugars and carbohydrates that you consume during the day.

The best way to achieve your goals is to keep the machine at a low tension level, which will help you to maintain the perfect heart rate in order to induce and maintain an aerobic state.

• Muscle Toning

By practicing rowing, you will be using practically every muscle in your body.

And rower machines, just like elliptical machines, will put very little pressure on your joints.

It will predominantly work your legs, buttocks, and hips.

However, rowers also affect your upper body muscles like your back, arms, and shoulders.

Your abdominal muscles, that is, your core also works with each stroke to provide the balance necessary to perform the movement.

• Stress Reduction

Rower machines are very good because of the convenience they offer.

If you choose to purchase a rower machine for your own home, you can exercise whenever it suits you best, and afterward, fold and move the machine away.

If you do not like working out in the gym, you can play a TV show on your TV to help you stay motivated and take your mind off the strenuous workout.

Aerobic workouts especially help to stimulate the pleasure centers located in your brain that secrete endorphins, which reduce stress and help you feel in a better mood.

• Low Impact Exercise

Rowing is very well known as a low impact exercise that is very easy on your body.

It can also be good for anyone who is having problems with their joints, as a rowing machine will minimize the risk of a new injury.

On top of that, by exercising indoors you limit the effect weather can have and reduce the risk of injury by exercising in icy or snowy weather outside.

 

Rower Machines Cons

• Requires a lot of Space

Due to its construction, the rower machine requires lots of room for the rails, the tank, and the flywheel.

On top of that, you need enough room for your arms and legs so that you do not bump into furniture.

For people who have limited space in their houses or apartments, this can be a drawback, and a reason to pass on this machine.

• Can be Noisy

Because rower machines operate by using a flywheel, it means that they can be quite noisy.

If you are using them in a gym, this won’t be much of a problem.

However, if you are using one of these machines in an apartment building, you may encounter problems.

The noise might become unbearable after some time, both for you and for your neighbors.

• Can Cause Back Pain

Rower machines are low impact and they are very good for your joints, as mentioned before.

However, this is only true if you use proper form.

If your posture is not good, you can cause back injury and back pain because of the specific movement that is required during this exercise.

 

Calorie Burn Comparison

When it comes to the number of calories that you can burn by using these machines, the bottom point is that both of them will help you use a lot.

However, a rower machine still burns a little more calories in one hour compared to an elliptical machine, as a Harvard School of Public Health study shows.

For example, a person who weighs 155 pounds will, on average, burn 520 calories in an hour if they exercise at a moderate intensity.

If, however, they exercise at a more advanced intensity, they might burn as many as 630 calories in an hour.

If they use a rower machine, that number goes as high as 670 calories burned in an hour.

So, the numbers are pretty similar in the end.

However, because a rower machine uses more muscles to complete the movement, your body will continue to burn calories even after your workout session is over because your metabolism will stay elevated for a longer time.

 

How to Get Better Results from Elliptical Machines

Elliptical machines are amazing pieces of equipment when it comes to burning fat quickly.

However, as with anything, it is important to use it properly to get the maximum results.

Therefore, below, you can read some dos and don’ts that you should follow to get the full potential out of your elliptical trainer.

 

Make a Plan and Stick to It!

Not having an organized plan is a big mistake that many people make.

By making a plan that will cause consistent overload on your body, you will get the best results.

If you just go with the flow every day, you risk not doing enough because it can be hard to motivate yourself consistently.

Therefore, write down a plan or download one from the internet, and make sure to follow it!

 

Don’t Have Bad Form!

By not having proper form and maintaining good posture, your workout will feel easy.

It will not be as intense and beneficial as it could have been if you did it right.

Moreover, the risk of injury increases as the quality of form decreases, so that is something to think about.

Don’t use the handrails to prop yourself up, but use them to engage your upper body and make the workout more difficult.

 

Eliminate Distractions!

Even though some elliptical machines have holders for your iPods, iPads, laptops, and so on, you should be careful when using them.

While working out, you should focus mostly on maintaining proper form and putting all of your energy into completing the workout.

Distractions of any form can be a workout killer.

 

Don’t Repeat the Routine!

In the beginning, progress comes very quickly.

So, doing one and the same workout will give you good results in the beginning.

However, as your body becomes stronger and your stamina increases, your body will start getting used to the current regime.

Therefore, it is important to change what you are doing from time to time.

This way, you will constantly keep challenging your body to do more and adapt, which will give you consistent positive results.

 

How to Get Better Results from Rower Machines

As with elliptical machines, maintaining proper form and following some basic rules will get you far on the rower machine.

This machine is a bit more complicated when it comes to the movement that you have to perform, but getting great results is not at all difficult if you follow a set of simple pieces of advice.

 

Remember to Check the Settings!

Many beginners forget this important step.

They just sit on the machine and start pulling before checking the damper setting.

The damper on a rower machine works similarly as gears on your bicycle.

If the damper setting is set on high, it will be very difficult to do a complete workout and maintain proper form.

Therefore, start with an easy setting and progress slowly as you get stronger.

 

Don’t Row Only with Your Arms!

The idea behind a rower machine is to engage your whole body.

Therefore, it is counterproductive only to use your arms when performing the exercise.

And if you do, you will put too much stress on your arms, shoulders, and back, and this might cause serious injury in the long run.

In addition, by engaging your legs as well, you will maximize the number of calories you burn since your legs are large muscles that require a lot of energy.

 

Sit Up Tall!

When working out on a rower machine, it is very important to maintain proper posture.

The driving motion puts a lot of pressure on the back, which can be dangerous and cause injury.

The mistake that some people make is to hunch their back because they either forget about the proper form or their settings are too hard.

Therefore, always keep your back straight, and sit as tall as you can for best results.

 

Don’t Forget to Hydrate!

Rowing is a very demanding aerobic exercise, so chances are that you are going to sweat a lot.

Therefore, remember always to have a bottle somewhere close to you and to hydrate properly.

This means taking small sips every 10 minutes.

If you drink too much water at once, the rocking motion will cause the water in your belly to shift around, which might cause you to feel sick.

 

Best Elliptical We Recommend

AFG Sport Elliptical

The AFG Sport Elliptical machine is a big improvement over the previous model.

It is a mid-range elliptical machine that offers great value for money.

It provides its users with 16 levels of resistance, 20 different setups of incline, various workout programs, and it supports Bluetooth connectivity.

This machine is very durable and offers well-built construction, even though it is not a commercial-grade piece of equipment.

Because of its good design, it is great for heavier users – it supports weights of up to 325 lbs.

However, it is good for more experienced users, as well, as it can provide both a light and an intense aerobic workout.

On top of that, it can be used for interval training, rehab, stamina training, and fat burning.

Finally, it is not the cheapest model on the market, but with the money you invest, you sure get a lot.

The AFG Sport Elliptical is 57 inches high and 76 inches long, and it features a 23-pound flywheel which gives it a lot of stability and smooth motion.

The step-up height is around 10 inches, which is important to note if you do not have a lot of ceiling clearance in your room.

However, the length of the stride cannot be adjusted, so if you are on the short or tall side, this elliptical machine might not be a good fit for you.

However, the AFG Sport has very high-tech features that make it quite desirable.

It is able to track your heart rate using a cordless chest strap and show it on an LED console.

Moreover, it features connectivity to fitness apps like UA record, MyFitnessPal, MapMyFitness, and more.

Therefore, you will easily be able to track your progress.

The first important point about the AFG Sport is that it features a precision drive system that provides a very smooth and quiet experience.

On top of that, it offers a natural range of motion that ensures comfort and eliminates pain in the hips, ankles, or knees.

The electronics on this machine are also quite good, as it contains 20 different setup levels to choose from as well as 43 specialized workout programs.

This will allow anyone to push their limits and achieve results.

The console unit featured is large and well-organized, with big buttons and several LED displays on which you can track your progress and choose different setups.

But what makes it stand out from its competition is definitely the Bluetooth and app connectivity.

Pros

• Heavy-duty 23-pound flywheel;
• A large number of levels and workouts;
• Good LED display;
• Bluetooth and app connectivity;
• Wireless heart rate chest strap;
• Lifetime frame warranty.

Cons

• Non-adjustable stride length;
• The machine is heavy – 201 lbs;
• The price may be steep;
• Customer support is not always responsive.

 

Avari Magnetic Rower

The Avari Magnetic Rower is a rower machine that uses magnetic resistance.

The system is “monitor controlled” by using a magnet that moves further from or closer to the flywheel.

This type of resistance is called adjustable because a user only has to press a button to change it, which is really convenient and easy.

This machine is incredibly quiet, which makes it great for those users who cannot afford to make a lot of noise.

If you have kids, live in an apartment building, or just hate noise, this is the machine for you.

The resistance system of Avari Magnetic Rower is quite strong, so it can meet the needs of even the strongest users.

Unlike water or air rowers, where you have to row fast to feel resistance, on a magnetic rower like this one even rowing slowly will give you the same amount of resistance throughout the move.

The Avari Magnetic Rower has 12 built-in programs that give users a wide range of workout possibilities.

From these 12 programs, you can choose one manual program, one HR program, six cardio programs and three user programs.

The magnetic resistance of rowing can be adjusted during exercise, without having to stop, just by pressing a button.

On an LCD display that features a blue backlight, you can track your progress and various stats such as time, strokes, strokes per minute, calories, distance, heart rate, and more.

You get a wireless chest strap that you can wear to monitor your heart rate and better adjust your workouts.

On top of that, the seat, foot plates, and handles are well-built and designed to provide maximum comfort at all times.

Therefore, no matter how tall you are, you should be able to get a good and comfortable workout from this machine.

What I love the most about this product are its design and sturdiness.

The strong aluminum design means that the machine is not too heavy, so it can be moved around fairly easily, but at the same time, it provides stability and comfort.

The center of gravity is also very low, which adds to the feeling of stability even during a strenuous workout.

The in-touch fitness monitor also makes this product very good for this price range.

The number of levels and workouts is high, so it should appeal to most users, even the most demanding ones.

It is also backlit, which is not something we see often, so it is perfect for night use or in situations where the light is weak.

Finally, the machine is very easy to assemble – you only need about an hour to do it.

And when you are finished with your daily workout, you can just fold it and move it to the side out of your way.

A great feature to have!

Pros

• Easy assembly;
• Good LCD monitor
• The very quiet flywheel that offers good resistance;
• Easy-to-use controls;
• Strong and durable frame;
• Easy to move and fold.

Cons

• The warranty should be longer;
• Low maximum weight capacity – 275 lbs;
• The seat is uncomfortable at times.

Conclusion

In sum, if you have been thinking to start exercising on an elliptical or rower machine at your local gym, or buy one for your home, definitely do so.

As you have seen from the information presented in this article, both machines are very good and very efficient pieces of equipment that everyone should incorporate into their workouts to maximize their results.

If your goal is to lose a lot of weight in a short period, then maybe rower machines are the way to go, since they burn slightly more calories than elliptical machines.

However, the number of calories burnt is still similar, so you will not go wrong whichever machine you choose in the end.

Finally, make sure that you keep in mind the various pieces of advice shared in this article.

Your results from exercise might not be satisfactory if you do not perform the workout properly.

Moreover, if you experience an injury, your progress will stall or even regress.

So stay safe, get rid of that stubborn fat, and achieve your beach figure easily!