Rowing Machine vs Cross Trainer: Which Is Better for You?

Rowing machine vs cross trainer: which is better for you? Both are superb all-round cardio machines, but a cross trainer tends to have the edge for fast weight loss while a rowing machine is better for building muscle and is far easier to live with at home. This guide breaks down the real differences so you can pick the right machine for your goals and your space.

By the end, you should have a complete understanding of how rowing machines and cross trainers compare, and which one is best suited to your personal requirements.

Rower vs cross trainer: what's the difference?

Rowing machines and cross trainers are two of the most widely used pieces of gym equipment in the world. They're both popular choices for cardio, weight loss and muscle-building exercises thanks to their versatility.

Over the last few years, more home users have been buying rowing machines and cross trainers as they've become cheaper to manufacture. Home cross trainers have evolved a lot, with new features added to improve their slick appeal. Rowing machines have always been popular for home fitness, with their smaller, lighter size and easier storage compared to cross trainers.

Does that mean rowing machines are the superior piece of equipment? Should you buy a cross trainer or a rowing machine for home use? To answer that, we'll break down the main differences so you can make a more informed decision.

In terms of functionality and overall goals, there isn't a huge difference between the two. Both can be used for all-round cardio, weight loss and strength workouts. However, there are some key differences in the way they operate, which we cover in detail below.

Rowing machine vs cross trainer: which is better for weight loss?

If you want to lose weight, focus on working your cardiovascular system to build a good level of cardio fitness. That improved fitness keeps your metabolism active and helps you burn calories during everyday activities. Beyond the scales, regular cardio also reduces stress and improves your overall wellbeing.

A rowing machine delivers solid weight-loss results if you're consistent. Rowing is a form of cardio, so you'll burn through calories quickly once you get going.

A cross trainer is also a great option. You're moving your whole body, which provides brilliant cardio and weight-loss benefits. Overall, you're likely to lose weight slightly faster on a cross trainer than on a rowing machine, but it's a close call. If you're considering a home cross trainer, factor in how much space you have, as rowing machines are usually easier to move and store.

The verdict: It's a fairly even match, but a cross trainer will likely give slightly better results because it uses your whole body and keeps you on your feet for the whole session.

Rowing machine vs cross trainer: which is better for muscle building?

If you're buying either machine for home, building muscle is often a key motivation. Both are common in gyms because they offer quality cardio and a degree of resistance training that can burn fat and tone muscle.

It's important to be realistic: you can't build significant muscle mass from a rowing machine or cross trainer alone, because both are essentially cardio machines. To build muscle, you primarily need anaerobic exercise such as weight lifting, alongside eating enough calories from the right food groups and getting good rest between workouts. If you're unsure about any of this, consult a doctor or nutritionist first.

That said, the rowing machine has the edge here. While both offer a high-quality cardio workout, rowing provides much better resistance training. A rowing machine's resistance can be increased enough to effectively turn it into a resistance exercise, helping to work both the upper and lower muscle groups.

The verdict:

• Rowing machines are better for muscle building than cross trainers.
• However, both are primarily aerobic exercises, so neither is ideal for serious muscle growth.
• You'll get the best results pairing anaerobic exercise, such as weight lifting, with aerobic exercise like rowing.

Rowing machine vs cross trainer: which is better for cardio?

Cardio is important for weight loss and overall health, and both machines offer exceptionally good results. There are many ways to build cardiovascular fitness, but if you're choosing between these two, you'll be well served either way.

Rowing gives you a strong workout almost immediately because it targets more muscle groups, especially in your lower body, than a cross trainer. This is one reason some people use rowing machines during muscle-building programmes. For beginners, it's an ideal way to tone muscle and get into shape.

If you want to lose weight quickly, a cross trainer is one of the best pieces of equipment for sustained, lower-intensity, high-endurance training.

Cardiovascular training isn't the only benefit on offer, either. If you want an efficient way to burn fat throughout the day, a rowing machine helps build muscle and raise your resting metabolic rate, increasing how many calories you burn even at rest.

Rowing machine vs cross trainer: the verdict

• If you're joining a gym mainly to lose weight, a cross trainer is your best bet.
• If you want added muscle-building benefits, the rowing machine is the better option.
• If joint health matters to you, try both to see which feels best. Results vary from person to person, but overall a cross trainer may be a little easier on the joints.
• If you're setting up a home gym, the rowing machine offers the best balance of cardio, muscle building and space. Cross trainers can be bulky and awkward to store.

We hope you found this guide helpful. If you have any questions for our experts, leave a comment below and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

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