Rowing machine vs treadmil, which is better for weight loss.

jonaseva5252

Are you know? Most of the people in the world using rowing machine and treadmill for weight loss. That’s why both exercise machine are so much popular. Now question is, what is the difference between rowing machine and treadmill? A lot of people ask the question which is better for weight loss or exercise?

BrianSharpe

The one that is better is the one that you will use consistently over time. I have both (for fitness) and despite my love of running would rather spend time on my rower than a treadmill but it's really a matter of personal preference.

Dilvish

Rowing is resistance training whereas treadmill is cardiovascular. Rowing would be a better option because it works more muscle groups. Weights or resistance exercise, like rowing, is best for weight loss because it improves muscle mass or builds on it and muscle is more metabolically active so it burns more calories.

Daisy_Girl2019

I love rowing, but my bottom gets sore after 30 mins sitting on it. I do cardio for an hour now, so treadmill works great for me. I know somebody who row consistently and her arms are badass.

cmriverside

For weight loss, eat the right amount of food.

For fitness, do both the treadmill and the rower. I'd prefer doing my walking and running outdoors, though.

Azdak

Dilvish wrote: »

Rowing is resistance training whereas treadmill is cardiovascular. Rowing would be a better option because it works more muscle groups. Weights or resistance exercise, like rowing, is best for weight loss because it improves muscle mass or builds on it and muscle is more metabolically active so it burns more calories.

Everything in this comment is wrong. It is important to understand this.

In answer to the OP question, calories burned during cardio exercise is mainly a function of *intensity*, not *modality*. In other words, HOW you do the exercise has more effect than WHAT you do. Both rowers and treadmills are just machines. By themselves, they have no intrinsic value.

MikePfirrman

I love the rower, but you left out whole new categories that, for most people, might even be better. The new Assault Bikes are amazing. Like the rower -- built like tanks, very little maintenance, and no motors and also work the whole body. I love my AirDyne Pro. Amazing workout.

Running is great, so is rowing, so are the AirBikes. If you're asking which is the best cardio, I'm biased toward the ones that work more of the entire body, like the rower or the AirBikes. It's what you're going to use most. And you can't go cheap. A good air bike will cost $750 to $1000 and the Concept2 is around $900. For price as a consideration, it's hard to get a good treadmill at that price range. You might start around $1200 to $1500 for a decent treadmill. Treadmills have motors that break down. In addition to the lack of using your upper body, that's the drawback of treadmills, IMO. Another option (I know some that love these) is the new C2 SkiErg. Again, no motor, very little maintenance, and they are a fantastic full body workout.

mbaker566

A calorie deficit is the way to lose weight
for fitness, whichever one you will use consistently and enjoy

rheddmobile

I prefer running outside and not using a machine at all, but I have my stationary bike for those times when I am injured or just can’t get outside. For me a bike is better than either a treadmill or rowing machine would be, because both of those hurt my knee when it’s acting up.

The thought of using a treadmill for weight loss makes me shudder - you can’t just do something for a little while and then stop, if you want to maintain a deficit through exercise. And even in maintenance if you stop paying attention and go back to your previous ways you will regain weight. You would have to use it consistently for hours for the rest of your life, and that would get very, very tedious, at least for me. I can’t stand using a treadmill for half an hour!

Kimmotion5783

It depends on what you're trying to do. They all work and do the job to help you lose weight and get in shape, but it depends on what you are trying to accomplish. The rower is good for the core muscles. I use it for the 10-20 minute cardio portion of my workout (alternating days between that, the elliptical and the Stair master). I use the treadmill at the end of my workout as a cool down, and to help get my steps in for that day.

lemurcat2

Dilvish wrote: »

Rowing is resistance training whereas treadmill is cardiovascular.

Rowing is cardio.

Weights or resistance exercise, like rowing, is best for weight loss because it improves muscle mass or builds on it and muscle is more metabolically active so it burns more calories.

No. Weights are important to help prevent muscle loss when losing weight, but it's not going to actually make much of a difference in metabolism.

You can build some muscle doing cardio too (as people do with some kinds of rowing, biking, swimming, and running exercise programs).

With rowing vs. running (which I also prefer to do outside, the treadmill is boring), what matters is how consistent you will be. I can't row for an extended period of time, I find it too boring, so I mostly do other forms of cardio, like running and biking -- they are better for me. I do incorporate some rowing, along with a variety of other things, and weights. But the answer to OP's question is going to be individual.

OP, there is no one best exercise, and I certainly wouldn't limit the choice to two pieces of gym equipment.

lorrpb

The one that burn the most calories will be “best” if calorie burn is your only objective. You can check the mfp database for this.

cwolfman13

jonaseva5252 wrote: »

Are you know? Most of the people in the world using rowing machine and treadmill for weight loss. That’s why both exercise machine are so much popular. Now question is, what is the difference between rowing machine and treadmill? A lot of people ask the question which is better for weight loss or exercise?

Exercise, regardless of modality doesn't default to weight loss. If it did, then people who exercise regularly for their fitness and health would ultimately wither away and die. Weight loss is going to come down to your calories in being less than your calories out. Exercise can increase your calories out, but relative to the calories you burn just being alive and going about your day to day, it's pretty nominal outside of training like an athlete.

Machka9

jonaseva5252 wrote: »

Are you know? Most of the people in the world using rowing machine and treadmill for weight loss. That’s why both exercise machine are so much popular. Now question is, what is the difference between rowing machine and treadmill? A lot of people ask the question which is better for weight loss or exercise?

The one you like the best ... or both!

I walk, cycle, row, run and all sorts.

psychod787

Why not lift and walk. Jmho..

estherdragonbat

Neither. I walk when I can and use a fitness glider when I can't. 108lbs down (chalk some of it up to strength training with dumbbells up to 35lbs each and one summer training for and running a 5K) tells me my methods work for me.