Treadmill vs. Rower for Outdoor Runner?

DX2JX2

Hi, all.

While I should still have another 2 months of running before icy roads or regularly bitter weather becomes an issue in my area, I was debating getting another machine for indoor cardio work during the winter and to serve as a 'backup' source of cardio during the year.

I currently have a Nordictrack Freestrider (basically a fancy elliptical) but the thought of having only that as my main source of cardio during the coldest months isn't really thrilling.

I've been debating between a treadmill or a rowing machine. I've never used a rower before, but am intrigued by the fact that it can provide a similar level of cardio workout as running while also providing more of a full-body workout. I could also use the machine as a good source of cross-training during the warm running seasons since it hits totally different muscles.

As a runner, a treadmill is kind of obvious. It would allow me to continue to develop my running during the winter with the downside that it would get very little use in the warmer months save for the rare extreme weather event that keeps me indoors.

Another advantage to the rower seems to be cost and (potentially) form factor. Since I'd be looking at new mid-to-high-end consumer units, prices for the treadmill would likely be ~$2,000, whereas a rower of similar build quality/reputation looks to cost ~$1,000. The smaller form factor of a rower would also be a big plus as the machine will be set up in the basement and it's generally a royal pain in the rear to get really big equipment into and out of the space.

Which would you pick and are there any machines/features that you would recommend (especially on the rowing side)? Cost isn't really an issue; spending cap would generally be in the neighborhood of $2,000 though I'd obviously prefer to spend less than more.

jjpptt2

Rower if you want more of a well-rounded cardio workout.

Treadmill if you want maximum transference of your winter training to your spring running.

Duck_Puddle

I have both. I prefer the rower and use it even during non-winter time in addition to running. My old lady legs need a break from the pounding sometimes and the rowing is a great workout (better than running even). If $ is not a concern, and you get a rower, don’t bother looking at anything other than concept2.

stanmann571

Probably a rower, since If I'm going to run, I want to do it outside.

MeanderingMammal

Personally I'd say rower. I'm in a milder winter climate so outdoors running isn't an issue for me.

Personally I use a WaterRower, had it for about ten years.

DX2JX2

MeanderingMammal wrote: »

Personally I'd say rower. I'm in a milder winter climate so outdoors running isn't an issue for me.

Personally I use a WaterRower, had it for about ten years.

Thanks! I love the water rowers but they are a bit spendy relative to the other options. If noise isn't an issue for me are there other features/benefits to water rowers that might make them worth the premium (to an air resistance machine)?

DX2JX2

Duck_Puddle wrote: »

I have both. I prefer the rower and use it even during non-winter time in addition to running. My old lady legs need a break from the pounding sometimes and the rowing is a great workout (better than running even). If $ is not a concern, and you get a rower, don’t bother looking at anything other than concept2.

Thanks. Yes, unless I go for a water rower, I think the concept2 model D is at the front of my list right now.

MeanderingMammal

DX2JX2 wrote: »

MeanderingMammal wrote: »

Personally I'd say rower. I'm in a milder winter climate so outdoors running isn't an issue for me.

Personally I use a WaterRower, had it for about ten years.

Thanks! I love the water rowers but they are a bit spendy relative to the other options. If noise isn't an issue for me are there other features/benefits to water rowers that might make them worth the premium (to an air resistance machine)?

A rowing machine is a big investment, so personally I wouldn't go for anything other than a Concept or a WaterRower. They're comparable cost wise, although I'd imagine you'll more likely pick up a second hand Concept.

The quality of the stroke is key, and I don't think anything really compares to them.

BrianSharpe

As someone who owns both I would probably forego the treadmill and just get the rower (at your price point you're getting a C2 which is the gold standard). But that's also partly because I decided a number of years ago to suck it up and embrace winter, just about the only time I won't run outside is right after a freezing rain storm but otherwise I'm good (and it occasionally will get down to -40 here) in fact I'm such a crazy Canuck that I've signed up for yet another winter half-marathon next February.

I've found my rower to be a great x-training tool and recovery tool. Invariably if I'm feeling beat up after a long Sunday run I find doing 10km or so on the rower makes me feel much better.

I would also suggest trying one before jumping in with both feet, perhaps you could get a guest pass or two to a local gym to try one out.

One thing with the C2 ergs is that Concept2 has a a great website / online logbook and they're always running challenges, giving training tips etc. I suspect that there are a lot fewer C2 rowers being used as expensive towel racks than treadmills.

fitoverfortymom

I also run. I'd go for the rower.

AnnPT77

If you get a rower, get a Concept 2. It's extremely well engineered (C2 founders are brothers who are engineers and national team - i.e. Olympic - rowers), has a robust online community, there's a global indoor racing season, and more.

The home machine is the commercial gym model, no double standard. Oil the chain now and then, store it sensibly, and it's good for decades. It's the standard for on-water rowers' off-season training. (I'm an on-water rower.) It's the Crossfit standard, too. If I were buying now, I'd spend a bit more and get the dynamic, but the model D is just fine.

I've rowed a water rower. It's more furniture-looking, and a bit quieter. It's not a bad choice, but I'd go with the recognized leader.

Ryokat

As another runner, I would go for the treadmill. It’s invaluable for when outdoor running isn’t feasible due to weather conditions and when otherwise you’d bail on a run.
Since you already have an elliptical, you can use that for cross training and/or recovery instead of a rower.