Rowing Machine versus Exercise Bike 

The choice of home fitness equipment is at times bewildering. With so much to choose from which type of machine should you choose? This article compares the benefits of a rowing machine against an exercise bike. Both machines are good for cardio-vascular fitness but will work different sets of muscles.

Rowing Machine

A rowing machine is a good choice if:-

• Your budget is limited
• You don't have much space
• You want to work your whole body
• You enjoy the rowing action
• Want to improve your cardiovascular system
• You're very over weight

Advantages:

• You can get into a shape on a budget.
• Takes up little space
• Most models fold away for easy storage
• Works your whole body
• Improve cardio-vascular fitness
• Most models are quieter than treadmills
• Don't require power supply
• Vigorous rowing burns up to 850 calories/ hour
• Low impact form of exercise

Disadvantages:

• Some find rowing dull and won't be motivated
• Budget models can be unreliable  

 

Exercise Bike

An exercise bike is a good option if:-

• You're presently over weight
• You don't have a lot of space
• You live in an apartment (they're quiet)
• You have a limited budget
• You're recovering from an injury/illness
• You want to improve aerobic fitness

Advantages:

• Very easy to use - just sit on it and cycle!
• Places virtually no stress on your joints
• Will tone your legs and bum.
• Requires little space
• You can get a good exercise bike for under $400
• Great for rehabilitation
• Can be stored out of the way when not in use
• Very quiet compared to treadmills and elliptical cross trainers

Disadvantages:

• Some will find cycling indoors dull
• Limited benefits compared to rowers and treadmills.
• Upper body doesn't get a workout

A rowing machine and exercise bike will take up little space and are generally less expensive than treadmills or elliptical trainers. 

However, a rower will give all of your muscle groups a work out whereas an exercise bike will only work your legs. In our view, if you have the space for a rower and enjoy the rowing action a rowing machine is the better option. 

On the other hand, if you like to cycle, have very little space and also have some weights for you upper body, an exercise bike is the one for you. If you decide a rower is best for you please check out our reviews here to find the best model for your needs.

The latest development that has become very popular at gyms are spinning bikes. Classes focus on intensive cardio-vascular workouts, switching between resistance rates and high-low speeds,



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