Is an Exercise Bike or Rowing Machine Best for Me?
If a low-impact cardio machine is what you’re looking for, it’s true that indoor bikes and rowers can both be suitable options. The best choice for you? Well, it all comes down to your goals.
The rowing machine provides a full-body workout that engages multiple muscle groups. However, it requires a technique and coordination to avoid injury and that can be less intuitive for some users compared to using an exercise bike. Rowers also take up more space and can be noisy.
On the other hand, stationary bikes can provide a great cardio workout, are more adjustable (seat heat, handlebars, etc.) and are easy to use. But biking primarily focuses on lower body muscles, and may not challenge the upper body or coordination as effectively as a rowing machine.
Both indoor bikes and rowers can work well as low-impact cardio options in your home gym – but they don’t exactly challenge your body in the same way. What’s the best option for you? It comes down to your goals and your fitness level.
In general, says Samuel, the rower will be the more advanced cardio option. According to him, the rower delivers a more “well-rounded” workout. It also directly challenges your midback muscles, lower back muscles, and glutes.
“These are all key postural muscles,” Samuel told us, “so you’re getting extra benefits out of the rower.”
The downside: Rowing also requires more technique, so there’s a higher learning curve to dominating on the rower.
The stationary bike, meanwhile, will requires less technique and coordination, and is easier to learn. It won’t tap into all the postural muscles that the rower does, but it’ll hammer quads, glutes and hamstrings well, especially if you really push your limits. One added benefit: Most stationary bikes are far quieter than your rower, making the bike a terrific choice for a relaxed Zone 2 cardio session paired with Netflix.