Is Rowing Better Than Running?

Picture this: After a long day at work, feeling fatigued yet determined to complete a rewarding workout. As you stand before a treadmill and a rowing machine at the gym, a question pops up: "Which is a better workout, running or rowing?"

The answer, to a large extent, depends on your specific goals, as highlighted by Reda Elmardi, R.D., C.S.C.S (Hereinafter Elmardi). When settling the age-old debate of "rowing vs. running," it is crucial to identify what you truly aim to achieve.

Now, let's closely examine the advantages of each activity and determine which one holds the upper hand in specific aspect.

Ⅰ. Full-Body Workout - Rowing
If you seek a comprehensive full-body workout, rowing might just be the perfect fit! Rowing machines effectively engage both your upper body (including your arms, back, and chest) and lower body (comprising your legs and glutes) simultaneously. Notably, a study revealed that rowing activates nearly 85 percent of your body's musculature. In contrast, running primarily targets the lower body and involves fewer overall muscles, as stated by Elmardi. Furthermore, it's worth noting that extended periods of long-distance running may contribute to muscle protein breakdown, thereby impeding muscle growth.

Ⅱ. Muscle Building - Rowing
"In general, rowing facilitates faster muscle mass development compared to running," Elmardi says. What's more, the MERACH 950, an innovative and compact rowing machine for home, provides an opportunity to engage over 90% of your muscles with each stroke. This state-of-the-art home rowing machine incorporates a dual resistance system, combining 16-level microelectronic and water resistance, thereby enabling you to achieve your desired fitness goals effectively.
Don't miss: MERACH 950 Dual Resistance Rower - the ultimate folding rowing machine for home use.

Ⅲ. Calories Burning - Running
When it comes to calorie burning, running has the upper hand. Harvard Health Publishing states that running is more effective than rowing in burning calories. For instance, an individual weighing 125 pounds can burn approximately 240 calories in one hour while running at a moderate pace of 12 minutes per mile. On the other hand, rowing at a moderate pace burns around 210 calories.

Ⅳ. Joints Impact - Rowing
Rowing is known for being gentle on the joints and providing a means to maintain strength without setbacks. That's precisely why we highly choice rowing machines, such as the compact and folding rowing machine for home use, as our top choice among various fitness equipment options.

Both running and rowing offer unmatched physical and mental benefits. As you embark on your fitness journey, discovering the benefits of weight training can enhance your fitness journey and make it safer and more efficient. As Olympic rower Harry Parker once said, "In rowing, I found a sport that demanded skill but placed a much higher premium on hard work and persistence."

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