Rowing Machines vs Treadmills: Which Is Best for Your Home Workout?

Choosing the right exercise equipment for your home workout can be a daunting task, especially when faced with popular options like rowing machines and treadmills. Both machines offer effective cardiovascular workouts, but they engage your body differently and have unique benefits depending on your fitness goals and space limitations. This guide will help you compare rowing machines vs treadmills so you can make an informed decision for your home gym setup.

Understanding the Basics: Rowing Machines and Treadmills

Before diving into the comparison, it’s important to understand how each machine works.

Rowing Machine: Simulates the motion of rowing a boat. It offers a full-body workout by engaging your legs, core, back, and arms through a pulling motion. Resistance is typically generated by air, water, magnetic, or hydraulic mechanisms.
Treadmill: Mimics walking or running on a flat or inclined surface. It primarily targets the lower body muscles such as calves, quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, while also providing cardiovascular conditioning. Treadmills vary by motor power, belt size, and incline features.

Cardiovascular Benefits and Calorie Burn

Both rowing machines and treadmills are excellent cardio machines, but they differ in intensity and calorie expenditure.

Rowing Machine: Because rowing is a full-body workout, it tends to burn more calories in less time compared to many other cardio exercises. According to fitness experts, a vigorous rowing session can burn approximately 600-800 calories per hour, depending on effort level and resistance setting.
Treadmill: Running or walking on a treadmill is highly effective for cardiovascular health and weight loss. Running at moderate to high speeds typically burns around 500-700 calories per hour. Incline walking can increase calorie burn, but it mainly targets the lower body.

If your goal is maximum calorie burn with total body engagement, rowing machines often have the edge. However, treadmills allow for a range of workouts from gentle walking to intense sprints, offering versatility in cardio training.

Muscle Engagement and Strength Development

Understanding which muscles each machine targets helps you align equipment choice with your fitness goals.

Rowing Machine: Engages both upper and lower body muscles simultaneously. The drive phase activates quadriceps, glutes, and hamstrings, while the pull phase targets the back, shoulders, and arms. Additionally, the core stabilizes your body throughout the stroke, promoting improved posture and core strength.
Treadmill: Primarily works the lower body muscles. While running or walking, the calves, hamstrings, quadriceps, and glutes are actively engaged. There is minimal upper body involvement unless you incorporate arm movements or use treadmill handrails sparingly.

For those seeking a full-body strength and cardio workout, rowing machines provide more comprehensive muscular engagement. Treadmills serve well for building lower body endurance and cardiovascular fitness but offer limited strength training benefits.

Space, Noise, and Maintenance Considerations

When selecting home workout equipment, practical aspects like space, noise, and upkeep are crucial.

Rowing Machine: Most rowers are compact and can be stored upright, making them ideal for smaller spaces. They generally produce a smooth, rhythmic sound, especially water and air resistance models, which some users find soothing. Maintenance involves occasional cleaning and checking resistance mechanisms.
Treadmill: Treadmills vary in size but tend to be bulkier due to the running deck and motor. They require more dedicated floor space and often cannot be stored upright without a folding design. Treadmills produce motor noise and impact sounds, which may be problematic in shared living situations. Regular maintenance includes belt alignment, motor servicing, and lubrication.

If space efficiency and quieter operation are priorities, rowing machines might be more suitable. However, folding treadmills with sound dampening can also fit most home environments.

Which Is Best for Your Home Workout?

Both rowing machines and treadmills offer valuable cardio workouts, but the best choice depends on your individual preferences and goals.

Choose a Rowing Machine If:

You want a low-impact, full-body workout that builds strength and cardiovascular fitness simultaneously.
You have limited space and prefer a machine that stores compactly.
You enjoy rhythmic, smooth movements and prefer quieter workout equipment.

Choose a Treadmill If:

Your primary goal is to improve running or walking endurance and leg strength.
You want the flexibility to adjust speed and incline for varied cardio workouts.
You prefer a familiar, straightforward machine that mimics outdoor running.

Ultimately, both can be excellent additions to your home workout arsenal. Some fitness enthusiasts even combine both machines to diversify cardio training and maximize overall fitness.

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Home Workout Equipment

When investing in home workout equipment, consider your personal fitness goals, available space, budget, and preferences for workout type and intensity. Whether you select a rowing machine or a treadmill, committing to regular use will yield the best results. Remember, the "best" equipment is the one that fits seamlessly into your routine and keeps you motivated to stay active.

By understanding how rowing machines and treadmills compare, you’re better equipped to choose the right cardio machine for your home workout setup in 2025 and beyond.