Treadmill vs Rowing Machine: Which One is Better to Build Muscles?

Key Takeaways

• Treadmills mainly target lower body muscles, such as the quads, hamstrings, and calves.
• Rowing machines engage both upper and lower body muscles, including the back, shoulders, and legs.
• Both machines improve heart health and endurance, however, rowing machines are more efficient for building muscles.

Treadmill vs Rowing Machine: Which One is Better to Build Muscles?

The rowing machine offers a full-body workout that engages multiple major muscle groups simultaneously. Each stroke on a rowing machine involves a coordinated effort from the legs, core, back, shoulders, and arms, providing both resistance and cardiovascular training.

In contrast, the treadmill primarily focuses on the lower body, specifically the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and glutes, with less overall muscle engagement. While running or walking on a treadmill can improve lower body endurance and cardiovascular fitness, it doesn't provide the same level of resistance needed for significant muscle building, especially in the upper body.

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Treadmill vs Rowing Machine: Muscle Engagement

Treadmill:

• Focuses on the lower body.
• Works your quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and glutes.
• Adjusting incline and speed increases muscle engagement.
• Great for building lower body strength.

Rowing Machine:

• Offers a full-body workout.
• Works your back, shoulders, arms, and legs with every stroke.
• Provides complete muscle engagement.
• Great for balanced muscle development.

Treadmill vs Rowing Machine: Cardio Benefits

Treadmill:

• Provides excellent cardiovascular benefits.
• Great for high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
• Highly effective for burning calories fast.

Rowing Machine:

• Provides excellent cardiovascular benefits.
• Best for steady-state cardio workouts.
• Ideal for building endurance and stamina.
• Offers a continuous, moderate-intensity workout that works multiple muscle groups.

Treadmill vs Rowing Machine: Joint Impact

Treadmill:

• Offers a range of workouts, from low-impact walking to intense running.
• Running can be tough on joints, but modern treadmills have cushioning to reduce impact. SOLE treadmills have top-of-the-line cushioning, so they’re easy on your joints.

Rowing Machine:

• Provides a naturally low-impact workout.
• Easier on the knees, hips, and ankles.
• Smooth, gliding motion protects joints while working your whole body.

Treadmill vs Rowing Machine: Calorie Burn

Treadmill:

• Highly effective for burning calories fast.
• Especially good during high-intensity running sessions.

Rowing Machine:

• Burns a lot of calories by engaging both the upper and lower body.
• The mix of muscle work and cardio leads to high calorie burn over time.

Treadmill vs Rowing Machine: Workout Variety

Treadmill:

• Offers multiple options like walking, jogging, running, and incline training.
• Enables interval training for a dynamic workout.
• Built-in programs add even more variety.

Rowing Machine:

• Provides variety through adjustable resistance and different rowing techniques.
• Guided workouts keep things interesting.
• Versatility helps you stay engaged and get the most out of each session.

Find the Right Muscle-Building Machine for You

Both treadmills and rowing machines offer advantages when it comes to building muscle. Focused on strengthening your lower body? Go for a treadmill. Feeling like a full-body workout? A rower is the perfect pick. Ultimately, the best machine for muscle building depends on your specific goals.

Build Muscles with SOLE Fitness

Whether you’re looking to boost your lower body strength with the SOLE F85 Treadmill or get an upper- and lower-body workout with the SOLE SR550 Rowing Machine, we’ve got you covered. Our top-rated machines are designed to help you hit your fitness goals, whatever they may be.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can a Treadmill Help Build Muscle?
Yes, a treadmill can help build muscle, especially in your lower body. By adjusting the incline and speed, you can target and strengthen muscles like your quads, hamstrings, calves, and glutes. SOLE treadmills, like the F65 and F85, come with customizable incline and speed settings, allowing you to effectively target and build lower body muscles.

Is a Rowing Machine Better for Building Upper Body Muscles?
A rowing machine works both upper and lower body muscles with every stroke, making it great for building upper body strength.

Which Machine Burns More Calories?
Both machines can burn a lot of calories, depending on the workout intensity.

Is a Rowing Machine Suitable for Someone With Joint Issues?
Yes, rowing machines are low-impact, making them gentler on the joints. The smooth, gliding motion reduces stress on the knees, hips, and ankles.