Rowing Machine vs. StairMaster: Which is Better to Build Muscle?

Key Takeaways

• Rowing machines give you a full-body workout, engaging both upper and lower body muscles.
• The StairMaster focuses on lower body muscles like quads, hamstrings, and glutes.
• Rowing machines offer low-impact exercise, making them great for those with joint issues.
• The StairMaster may not work as many muscles as rowing machines.
• Both machines have unique benefits, so your choice should depend on your fitness goals and preferences.

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

Choosing between a rowing machine and StairMaster depends on your muscle group focus.

Rowing machines give you a full-body workout, hitting your legs, core, and arms, making them great for overall muscle development. They’re low-impact and work for both HIIT and steady cardio. StairMasters, on the other hand, target your lower body but don’t work your upper body.

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 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.

Protect your joints and build muscle with the low-impact motion of a rowing machine.

Muscle-Building Benefits

Rowing machines are the real deal for building muscle. They work your legs, core, and arms all at once, making them great for total body strength and cardio. StairMasters focus on the lower body, so it doesn’t offer the full-body workout that rowing machines do.

Full-Body Focus

For full-body workouts, rowing machines are the clear winner. When you row, about 65–75% of the effort comes from your legs, and 25–35% from your upper body. Plus, they give your heart a solid boost. While StairMasters are good for lower body workouts, they don’t engage your upper body like rowing machines do.

Lower-Body Focus

StairMasters are all about the lower body, targeting muscles like your quads, hamstrings, and glutes. Rowing machines work your lower body while also engaging your upper body and core, offering a more complete workout. If you want to build your lower body but don’t want to ignore the rest, a rowing machine provides that perfect balance.

Impact on Joint Health

Rowing Machines: They offer low-impact workouts, perfect if you have joint issues. The smooth, seated rowing motion is gentle on your knees and hips, ideal if you’re concerned about joint pain. The SOLE SR550 makes your workout comfortable: it’s got a higher seat that’s easy to get on and off, and the pedals adjust to fit your heels perfectly.

StairMasters: Can be tough on your joints due to the constant stepping, which might strain your knees and ankles over time.

Calories Burned

Rowing Machines:

• Burn 180 to 252 calories in 30 minutes, depending on weight and intensity.
• Great for losing weight and improving heart health.
• Easy on your joints.

StairMasters:

• Burn 210 to 294 in 30 minutes, depending on weight and intensity.
• Repetitive stepping can be hard on your joints.
• May not be the best for long-term use.

Most rowing machines easily fold up for simple storage.

Cost & Space

Cost:

Rowing Machines:

• More budget-friendly, with basic models starting around $200.
• The SOLE SR550 Rowing Machine, priced at $1,499.99, offers advanced features like air and magnetic resistance, a 10.1” touchscreen, and seamless SOLE+ App integration.

StairMasters:

• More expensive, typically ranging from $2,000 to $11,000.
• The higher upfront cost makes it a significant investment compared to most rowing machines.

Space:

Rowing Machines:

• Most models are space-saving. For example, the SOLE SR550 features a convenient folding design.
• Easy to move and store, making them ideal for smaller workout areas.

StairMasters:

• Compact base fits in smaller workout areas, but they require enough ceiling height.
• Models like the 4G need at least 8 feet, while the 8G model benefits from 10 feet to ensure proper headroom.

Picking Your Perfect Workout Buddy

For building muscle, a rowing machine gives you the best full-body workout: it’s easy on your joints, works with different workout styles, and doesn’t take up much space. Plus, it's more affordable.

StairMasters are good for focusing on your lower body, but they’re harder on your joints and more expensive. If you want a solid, all-around fitness option, a rowing machine is the way to go.

Level Up Your Muscle-Building Game

Want to build muscle with a total-body workout? The SOLE SR550 Rowing Machine has got you covered. With super smooth air and magnetic resistance, it feels like you’re rowing on water. Plus, when you’re done, you can easily fold it up and roll it away!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which Machine Is Better for Building Upper Body Muscles?
A rowing machine is better for building your upper body. It engages your arms, shoulders, and back muscles, offering a comprehensive full-body workout.

Are Rowing Machines or Stairmasters Easier on the Joints?
Rowing machines are easier on the joints due to their smooth, seated motion, which reduces impact on your knees and hips. StairMasters can strain your joints, especially with prolonged use.

How Do the Calorie Burns of Rowing Machines Compare to Stairmasters?
Both machines burn a significant number of calories, but the amount depends on your workout intensity and duration. Rowing machines can burn 180 to 252 calories in 30 minutes, while StairMasters can burn 210 to 294 calories in the same amount of time.

What’s the Best Rowing Machine for a Full-body Workout?
The SOLE SR550 Rowing Machine is an excellent choice for a full-body workout. It offers ultra-smooth resistance, a 10.1” touchscreen, and built-in apps to keep your sessions engaging. It’s also gentle on the joints.

Which Machine is More Space-Efficient?
Rowing machines are typically more space-efficient, especially models like the SOLE SR550, which features a folding design for easy storage. StairMasters, while compact, require sufficient ceiling height and take up more vertical space.