Rowing Machine vs Elliptical Machine
Maximizing 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.
Customize Your Cardio Workout: Explore the Benefits of Rowing Machine and Elliptical Machine for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Rowing Machine vs Elliptical Machine : Which is Better?
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.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Rowing Machine and Elliptical Machine differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Rowing Machine and Elliptical Machine Differ
| What differs | Rowing Machine | Elliptical Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | back, quads, chest, hamstrings, glutes, calves, and triceps | quads, hamstrings, back, glutes, and triceps |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 528 sessions | 1,438 sessions |
How to 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 Comment
- Keep your back straight and be careful not to stretch your legs excessively.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Rowing Machine, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Rowing Machine Guide page of our blog!
How to 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 Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to bend your waist.
- 2. Please be careful not to lean your body to one side.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Elliptical Machine, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Elliptical Machine Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Cardio, Rowing Machine or Elliptical 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 Rowing Machine and Elliptical Machine work the same muscles?
Not quite. Rowing Machine loads back, quads, chest, hamstrings, glutes, calves, and triceps, and Elliptical Machine loads quads, hamstrings, back, glutes, and triceps.
What equipment do Rowing Machine and Elliptical Machine need?
Rowing Machine needs a machine, and Elliptical Machine needs a machine.
Get free AI personalized workout plan
Choosing exercises that align with your goals and body type is as important as consistency in your workout regime. Its about smart training that targets your specific fitness aspirations.
It's a straightforward way to customize a workout plan to meet your unique needs and objectives, ensuring every effort contributes to your fitness journey.

