Rowing Machine vs Exercise Bike: Which Is the Better Cardio?

Rowing machines and exercise bikes are two of the most trending indoor workout machines. But if you could only choose one to purchase, which one should it be?

In this article, we will walk you through the pros, cons, and key differences between rowing machines and exercise bikes to help you make the right choice. At the end of this article, we will introduce two models from Tousains that provide versatile and effective workouts.

How Rowing Machines Provide Cardio Benefits

Full-body engagement

Have you ever learned that rowing helps engage 86% of your muscle groups? Yes, rowing machines don’t just elevate your heart rate. It provides an effective way to tone most of your body’s muscles. The muscles worked by rowing include arms, shoulders, back, legs, and core.

High-calorie burn

How many calories does a rowing machine burn? An article on Harvard Health Publishing reports that a 155-pound person using the rowing machine burns 252 and 369 calories at moderate and vigorous intensity, respectively.

Boost joint health

Rowing is also a low-impact workout. According to the Arthritis Foundation, rowing machines provide an excellent cardiovascular and strength workout for people with arthritis. The Cleveland Clinic also points out that rowing helps improve joint motion and strength.

Improve posture and endurance

The back, shoulders, and core muscles are essential for a good posture. By strengthening these muscles, rowing helps to improve your posture. Many models, including the Tousains 3 in 1 rowing machine, are equipped with various resistance levels, allowing you to build endurance gradually.

How Exercise Bikes Provide Cardio Benefits

Beloved for accessibility and simplicity, exercise bikes are often the go-to option for beginners, seniors, or anyone with joint concerns.

Lower-body engagement

Compared with the full-body engagement of rowing machines, exercise bikes primarily engage core and lower-body muscles, including quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves.

Friendly to beginners

Rowing machines usually require a learning curve. Beginners should take some time to learn proper form and techniques at the very beginning; otherwise, it would lead to injuries, and workout results can be less effective than expected. On the other hand, exercise bikes allow a simple use right after assembly

Good for joint health

Similar to rowing machines, exercise bikes offer a joint-friendly workout. As mentioned in an article by Arthritis Foundation, stationary biking is an ideal low-impact exercise for people with arthritis.

Rowing Machine vs Exercise Bike, Which Is Better for Cardio?

I want to burn as many calories as possible in a short time. Which one should I pick?

Go with the rowing machine. Rowing engages both your upper and lower body, which increases your heart rate and burns more calories per minute compared to a bike. It’s ideal for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and people with limited workout time.

I have bad knees or joint pain. Which machine is safer for me?

Both are joint-friendly and good for people with arthritis. However, the low-profile feature of rowing machines is less friendly for people with limited mobility. 

I’m just getting started with cardio. Which machine is easier to use?

The exercise bike. It’s as simple as sitting down and pedaling. Rowing requires proper form, especially for your back and arms.

I don’t have a lot of space at home. Which machine fits better in small areas?

It depends. Small stationary bicycles (like the Tousains foldable exercise bike) are excellent for small apartments. Nevertheless, many modern rowers, including Tousains 3 in 1 rowing machine can be stored vertically and don’t take up as much room. The key is to measure the space you have and check the dimensions of the small stationary bicycle to make the choice.

I want something that helps me build strength, too—not just cardio.

Go for the rowing machine. With resistance and full-body engagement, rowing works your legs, core, and back. It’s a nice combination of cardio and resistance training. The Tousains 3 in 1 rowing machine, with a unique design, is particularly good for strength building aside from rowing.

Conclusion: Rowing Machine vs Exercise Bike

When it comes to cardio, both the rowing machine and the exercise bike are two of the most popular choices. Rowing machines offer a full-body workout that combines both cardio and strength training. Exercise bikes, on the other hand, provide a beginner-friendly option that is gentle on the joints.

The ultimate choice depends on your preferences and fitness level. No matter which one you choose, Tousains provides the best option for a small apartment. The Tousains 3 in 1 rowing machine is foldable and offers a quiet workout; The Tousains foldable exercise bike is equipped with 8 adjustable resistance levels and 6 height levels, suitable for people of various fitness levels and heights. Visit Tousains website and explore more features of these two machines!