Rowing machine vs. exercise bike: which workout is more effective? (2023)

So the question becomes; What is the best equipment investment for those looking to bring the gym experience into their home? Indoor cycling and indoor rowing are two of the hottest fitness trends right now, but not everyone can afford to have one of each piece of equipment. And do you even need both?

In this article, I'm excited to start researching smart exercise bikes and smart rowing machines. We review the benefits and experiences each can offer, then let you decide which option will have the biggest impact on you, your home, and your fitness goals.

Before we dive into the nuances and comparison of rowing and spinning from home, let's first talk about what it means to own a connected fitness machine.

Cardio machines aren't what they used to be, they're not the most feared piece of equipment in the gym. Why? Because today they are interactive, fun and offer users new ways to challenge both their mind and body.

Connected fitness equipmentfun, motivating, effective and the perfect way to recreate the gym or studio experience in your own living room. The arrival of AI technology in the fitness space further increases the value of these devices, allowing them to create fully customized programs tailored to your unique needs and goals.

To say it's an exciting time to be in fitness would be an understatement! Next, let's discuss the benefits and spinning and rowing from home.

Choosing between smart home gym equipment can be difficult when you're not sure where to start, not to mention that it's a hefty investment you don't want to screw up. I'm going to give you a few things to consider when comparing the following criteria:

• Best for losing weight
• Best for strength training
• Best choice for people with pre-existing injuries (back, neck, knees, etc.)
• most challenging

Both machines offer an effective way to burn calories and lose weight, but is one better than the other?

You can generally burn the same amount of calories with a rowing machine and an exercise bike, and that number depends on your unique body, how hard you work, and for how long.

Duration of exercise is where you might see the biggest impact when it comes to comparing these two popular exercise modalities. In general, you can spin longer than you can row. This is due to the extra work you have to do especially with your upper body when rowing. Most rowing workouts last around 20 minutes and cycling workouts can easily last 30-45 minutes or longer, during which time you would accumulate a higher calorie burn.

If your number one fitness goal is to lose weight then I would recommend an indoor smart bike as it can help you burn the most calories with the least extra effort.

Rowing and cycling are cardio-based workouts that primarily work your heart. However, both are total body workouts, which means they activate and recruit muscles from all over the body, helping to tone and tone them.

Both machines will primarily work your lower body, meaning your hips, glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves. And while cycling also has the ability to engage your core and upper body muscles, rowing does so more efficiently and in a more targeted manner.

Rowing uses both upper and lower body muscles to push and pull, giving you a more holistic, full-body workout, unlike an exercise bike, which can work some extra muscles, but not directly.

So if building and toning muscles are your biggest goals, then rowing is the best choice between the two. It's a true total-body workout experience that gets your body energized from head to toe.

Knee and back problems are incredibly common and can be a deterrent for some, but as long as you choose to exercise gently, non-disruptively, you may still be able to continue working on your fitness.

Rowing and cycling are both low-impact workouts that avoid any intense pressure on your knees and back. However, rowing tends to be a more intense workout that requires using your back to push and pull, which actually serves to strengthen your back. However, if you have a bad back or a history of back problems, then you might find rowing a little too aggressive and irritating. The same goes for knees when rowing, as you need to be able to fully bend your knees while rowing, which can be challenging for those with limited knee mobility and range of motion.

Cycling, on the other hand, tends to be less aggressive on the back and knees. As long as you have enough mobility in your knees to flip them while pedaling, the impact on the knees is very small and can even be therapeutic for those with stiff or "bad" knees.

If you have knee or back problems, cycling is probably the safest option for you.

If you're looking for a challenge, you'll be happy to know that both indoor spin bikes and rowing machines offer you plenty of opportunities to push your body and mind to the limit! Especially when you factor in the programming, equipped with smart exercise machines, and kick-ass instructors who will push you throughout your workout.

It's like when I comparedTraining experience between CITYROW GO and Peloton, it all depends on what you are looking for!

However, most people would agree that rowing is a more challenging workout than cycling. Cycling is quite easy to "invent" and does not require much skill. Anyone able to normally hop on a bike and start pedaling. Rowing tends to have a slightly longer learning curve to get into a good rhythm, and since it engages 86% of your muscles, you'll be challenging your entire body in new ways while perfecting your form and technique.

Rowing winsthe nod for the most demanding workout.

Choosing between a smart rower and a smart bike is a tough decision and definitely not one to take lightly. You want to make sure the choice you make fits both your fitness goals and your fitness style.

Both options will add tremendous value to your life, there is no doubt about that. And the best part is that nowadays, investing in a smart device means you're joining a community and gaining access to a full library of fun, exciting, and effective workouts