Rowing Machine vs Elliptical: Which One Is Better to Build Muscles?

Key Takeaways

• Rowing machines engage multiple muscle groups, making them great for full-body workouts.
• Elliptical machines are low-impact and easier on the joints, ideal for those with joint issues or injuries.
• Rowing machines generally burn more calories per hour compared to ellipticals.
• Ellipticals provide a more consistent cardio workout, while rowing machines combine cardio with strength training.
• Choosing between the two depends on your fitness goals, physical condition, and workout preferences.

Rowing Machine vs Elliptical: Which One Is Better to Build Muscles?

Picking the right fitness machine can really change up your workout. Both rowing machines and ellipticals have their own perks when it comes to building muscle - knowing what each one offers will help you choose the best fit for you.

At SOLE Fitness, we're proud to offer the best treadmills for your home or gym. These machines are crafted to meet the highest standards of quality and performance, ensuring they are ideal for anyone - from fitness novices to seasoned athletes. Featured Product SOLE Ellipticals: Priced from $1,199.99, SOLE ellipticals are known for their ergonomic design, durability, and affordability. They provide a quiet, smooth workout with intuitive consoles, adjustable stride lengths, incline options, and heart rate monitoring, ensuring a comprehensive exercise experience. SOLE SR550 Rowing Machine: Priced at $1,499.99, the SOLE SR550 rowing machine makes exercise more enjoyable with an ultra-smooth air and eddy current resistance motion to create a realistic 'on the water' sensation. With a 10.1-inch touch screen, built-in apps, and screen mirroring capabilities, this rower provides an immersive workout experience.

Experience a total-body workout with a rowing machine.

Rowing Machine Benefits

Rowing machines, or rowers, give you a full-body workout that hits both upper and lower body muscles. The movement is like rowing a boat, so it uses a lot of different muscles.

One of the coolest things about rowing is that it works your whole body. Unlike some machines that mainly focus on your legs, rowing works your arms, shoulders, back, core, and legs. It burns a lot of calories - around 500-700 calories an hour if you’re rowing at a moderate pace.

Elliptical Benefits

Elliptical machines are a gym favorite for a reason: they offer a low-impact workout that’s easy on your joints, making them perfect if you have joint issues or are recovering from an injury. The smooth, steady motion keeps your heart rate up, giving you a great cardio workout.

Ellipticals also let you adjust the resistance, so you can change how tough your workout is. This makes them a good fit for everyone, whether you’re just starting out or are already in great shape.

Rowing Machine vs Elliptical: Muscles Targeted

Rowing machines are great for a full-body workout, hitting a wide range of muscles. With every stroke on a rower, you’re using your legs, back, arms, and core, which makes rowing an awesome way to build and tone muscles all over your body.

Ellipticals mainly focus on your lower body - quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. Some machines have moving handles that also work your arms and shoulders.

Rowing Machine vs Elliptical: Intensity & Calorie Burn

Intensity and calorie burn are important when deciding between a rowing machine and an elliptical. Rowing machines usually offer a higher-intensity workout compared to ellipticals.

Because rowing works multiple muscle groups at the same time, it takes more effort and burns more calories. A moderate rowing session can burn around 500-700 calories per hour, depending on factors like your weight and how hard you’re exercising.

Ellipticals give you a more moderate workout, burning about 300-400 calories per hour but this can change based on things like resistance, workout length, and your personal fitness level.

Which Machine Is Best to Build Muscle?

A rowing machine gives you an intense full-body workout, perfect for building overall muscle and burning calories. On the other hand, an elliptical offers a low-impact cardio option that also builds muscle. Both machines have their strengths, and adding either to your routine can help you reach your fitness goals.

Buff Up Your Fitness Journey with SOLE

Whether you’re into the full-body muscle-building benefits of rowing or the joint-friendly cardio of an elliptical, SOLE has the right machine for you.

SOLE E95 Elliptical: The SOLE E95 is a top pick if you want a smooth, joint-friendly workout. It engages both your upper and lower body with adjustable incline and resistance, giving you an intense workout without stressing your joints.

SOLE SR550 Rowing Machine: Looking for a total-body exercise? The SOLE SR550 is the way to go! Its smooth air and magnetic resistance, plus immersive features, give you the feeling of rowing on water, all from your home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which Machine Is More Effective for Building Muscle?
Both rowing machines and ellipticals can help build muscle, but rowers tend to engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously.

Can I Achieve a Full-Body Workout with an Elliptical?
Yes, certain ellipticals offer upper and lower body engagement, allowing you to work both your arms and legs.

How Does the Calorie Burn Compare Between the Two Machines?
Both machines are great for calorie burning. However, rowing machines usually burn more calories per hour.

Which Machine Is Better for Someone with Joint Issues?
Ellipticals are better for individuals with joint issues because they offer a low-impact workout that reduces stress on the knees, hips, and ankles. All SOLE elliptical machines offer a smooth, joint-friendly motion without compromising on workout intensity.

How Does the SOLE SR550 Rower Boost Muscle Building?
The SOLE SR550 is designed with ultra-smooth air and magnetic resistance, offering a realistic rowing experience that engages all major muscle groups.