Elliptical Machine vs Rowing Machine
Which one fits your Cardio workout plan?
Contents
Rowing Machine burns more per minute than Elliptical Machine — MET 8.5 vs 8. Compare intensity, joint impact, and form for both Cardio options.
Compare the benefits of Elliptical Machine and Rowing Machine and pick the one that fits your Cardio workout.
Elliptical Machine vs Rowing Machine: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Elliptical Machine more often — 1,438 sessions compared to 528 for Rowing Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Elliptical Machine and Rowing Machine differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Elliptical Machine and Rowing Machine Differ
| What differs | Elliptical Machine | Rowing Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | quads, hamstrings, back, glutes, and triceps | back, quads, chest, hamstrings, glutes, calves, and triceps |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,438 sessions | 528 sessions |
How to Do Elliptical Machine
Elliptical Machine Muscles Worked: Cardio
Form
- 1. Face forward and keep your waist and head straight.
- 2. Keep your shoulders back, chest out, and lightly grip the handle.
- 3. Be careful not to let your knees go past your toes.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to bend your waist.
- 2. Please be careful not to lean your body to one side.
For a full Elliptical Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Elliptical Machine exercise guide.
How to Do Rowing Machine
Rowing Machine Muscles Worked: Cardio
Form
- 1. Fix your feet and sit while holding the handle.
- 2. While straightening your legs, lean your body back and pull the handle.
- 3. Pull your elbows to your sides while keeping your abdominal muscles engaged.
Coach's Tips
- Keep your back straight and be careful not to stretch your legs excessively.
For a full Rowing Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Rowing Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Cardio, Elliptical Machine or Rowing Machine?
Planfit users log Elliptical Machine more often — 1,438 sessions against 528 for Rowing Machine. Both train Cardio, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Elliptical Machine and Rowing Machine work the same muscles?
Not quite. Elliptical Machine loads quads, hamstrings, back, glutes, and triceps, and Rowing Machine loads back, quads, chest, hamstrings, glutes, calves, and triceps.
What equipment do Elliptical Machine and Rowing Machine need?
Elliptical Machine needs a machine, and Rowing Machine needs a machine.
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