Are you confused about which equipment to choose for your everyday cardio exercise? With so many options to choose from, it isn’t uncommon to get confused. However, we are here to sort it out for you.

For years, treadmills have been an integral source to attain cardio workouts; however, rowing machines have taken the limelight. So the question stands, which one of these two is the best?

The one used for years, or this relatively new kid on the block. Let’s find out.

Rowing Machines or Treadmills

Rowing machines and treadmills are excellent sources of cardio workouts; however, choosing one can be difficult considering how each outclasses the other in different aspects. So, how about comparing the benefits of working and deciding what works for you?

1. Treadmills

The essential cardio exercise for years now, treadmills for sure has benefits. We all know that running is the best form of cardio, and that is what treadmills allow you to do.

The treadmill is running machinery, similar to taking a jog or running outside. However, unlike running outside, you don’t have to worry about external factors like weather, area, or the ground you run on with this machine. The only thing matters are wearing the right athletic apparel. 

Treadmills allow users to adjust their running speed according to their liking. So you can do light strolls or some high-intensity run on the tread it provides. While this is its workings, the machine has some significant functionality too.

• Benefits and Drawbacks

With its different functionalities, users can run at the speed of their choice and even walk at times. However, while it is excellent for cardio, the muscle-building factor for treadmills is limited to the lower portion of the body only.

Running on a treadmill allows only the lower portion of your body, like hip flexors or other supporting muscles. However, the upper portion muscles aren’t involved in the exercise.

However, if, along with cardio, your target is to burn calories and to lose some weight, then there is no other perfect machine than this. Running helps in this factor, and if you want to do some calorie-burning along with cardio, this might be the best option for you.

The biggest drawback, though, is that treadmills are huge; this means that they may only be perfect for the gym or if you have a designated area in your home. If you have less space, they may not be a great idea considering they fall on the costlier end too.

Moreover, when on a treadmill so would require some athletic clothing. You don’t need much, so some comfortable pants for men or activewear women legging will do the job.

2. Rowing Machines

While new, rowing machines have taken the gym world by storm. Though many people find it a little boring, many have adapted to this particular form of exercise. 

The rowing machines work similarly to rowing a boat, hence the name. For it to work, you will have to push a bar towards you with your hands and push your legs in the opposite direction simultaneously. Then you repeat the same actions, however, in reverse directions.

It sure has shown its benefits over the years; however, similar to treadmills, this machinery also has some negative aspects.

What are its good and bad points? Let’s find out!

• Benefits and Drawbacks

If you are someone whose main intention with cardio is to build some muscular strength, then a rowing machine is the one for you. While treadmills are great to strengthen the lower muscles of your body, rowing machines work to build overall muscular strength, which is a great benefit.

Moreover, they are cheaper and take lesser space. They are more convenient to use too. Why so? Unlike treadmills, which can cause knee and joint pains in some circumstances, rowing machines have lower chances of injury.

With all these goods, it doesn’t mean this machinery doesn’t have some cons to it. When compared to treadmills, rowing machines have lesser cardio benefits. However, with other equally great benefits, we guess it will compensate for it.

So Which One is better?

Though we broke down the pros and cons of the two types of machinery for you, in the end, it all depends on the one you choose.

Treadmills will work best if your need in exercising is strictly limited to cardio and full calorie-burning exercise. The machine will focus on the lower muscles of the body and will help you adapt to a healthier lifestyle.

Moreover, with rowing machinery, you can focus on a full-body workout and some cardio. It will help you lose weight, activate more muscle strength, and ultimately help to burn your overall calories.

In terms of space and cost, this particular machine is better than a treadmill.

So while we believe this new machinery, better known as rowing machine, is the best option for cardio. It also depends on your exercise tolerance, requirements, and capabilities.

Hence, make sure to analyze the pros and cons and then decide which of the two works best for you.

Why is Cardio Important?

We just discussed the best types of machinery for cardio; however, if you give the slightest thought to gym wares and why exercising is essential, then this is for you.

Cardio is a form of exercise which is essential for all. This form of exercise helps your heartbeat faster, reducing risks of heart diseases, maintaining BP and cholesterol levels, and keeping you in good shape. What else does one need! Hence, adding cardio to your work routine is very important.

Conclusion                     

Now that we have discussed why cardio is crucial and the machinery that can play a significant role in it, we hope you realize what point we are trying to get across.

Exercise and fitness are essential for all human beings, and cardio is essential. Hence, either head to the gym or opt-out of these two types of machinery to have a good workout at home every day.

The more focused you will be on your fitness, the healthier life you will lead.