A rowing machine, also known as an ergometer, is one of the most effective machines you can use to lose weight and stay fit regularly. But how does it compare to walking for the same purpose? And
re there other factors that make rowing machines better than walking? Let’s take a look at some of the key differences between these two forms of exercise and see how they stack up against each other in terms of efficiency, accessibility, convenience, cost, and more.
Why is a rower perfect for weight loss?
A rowing machine is a stationary indoor exercise machine that provides a low-impact, fat-burning workout to strengthen and tone muscles.
Using a rower allows you to burn more calories than walking by increasing your heart rate so you can torch more fat and calories with less time spent exercising.
While walking does increase your heart rate, it may not be high enough for an effective calorie burn since you are limited by how fast you can walk and how much oxygen you can consume per minute during physical activity.
By using a rower, resistance increases as feet move faster which allows you to maintain a faster pace while also increasing heart rate so calories are burned at a higher level even if walking becomes too slow or tiring to continue comfortably.
Related: Treadmill Vs. Rowing Machine – Which is Better for Endurance, Power, and Strength?
Why Does My Body Burn More Calories While Using The Rower?
Rowers are often touted as being excellent weight loss machines, but what makes them different from other cardio machines? According to HIIT ROWING founder, Brian Peterson, a rowing machine is primarily a full-body exercise where you can burn more calories in less time than other cardio machines.
This is because a rowing machine targets approximately 80% of all muscle groups in your body compared to walking which mostly focuses on the movement of your legs.
That's what makes a rowing machine better for weight loss than walking.
Related: 9 Things You’ll Likely Experience When Rowing Everyday
Weight loss benefits of rowing machines
Full body workout
Rowing machines provide a full-body workout and require you to engage your core and legs as well as your arms. Many people have a hard time getting in a walk-induced calorie burn, but rowing can burn calories even while sitting down and reading on your sofa.
If you're looking for ways to stay healthy while spending more time at home, adding rowing to your fitness routine can help get you there! As with any exercise regimen, consult with your doctor before beginning a new fitness program or making changes to an existing routine.
When it comes to personal health, what’s most important is that you are healthy, happy, and confident in yourself!
Burns more calories
Because it makes your heart work faster, a rowing machine can burn more calories than walking—on average about 200 more per hour for a 145-pound person.
So if you’re looking to drop pounds and inches, a rowing machine is more effective than walking at helping you meet your goals, especially in combination with dieting and exercise.
It’s important to note that this is when comparing peak calorie expenditure; each activity burns more calories over time—the intensity of rowing means it takes longer to burn as many calories as other workouts do over time.
Low impact on joints
Because rowing is low impact, it’s a great exercise for people with certain joint injuries and conditions. Plus, if you have osteoporosis or brittle bones, rowing is a gentle way to build bone density and strength.
According to a 2012 study published in The Journal of Rheumatology, women between 50 and 80 years old who did low-impact aerobic exercise three times per week significantly lowered their chances of developing osteoporosis compared to those who didn’t do any aerobic exercise at all.
But that doesn’t mean you can slack on building muscles if you want to keep your bones strong—and exercising with your legs instead of your arms will help!
Related: Is Rowing the New Running?
So, is there no point in walking?
On the contrary. Just because the rowing machine is better than walking for weight loss, it does not mean that it isn't effective at all. Walking is great for weight loss too and you can increase intensity too to increase the number of calories you burn.
Have you ever heard your doctor or a personal trainer mentioning 10,000 steps per day? There's a reason behind it. An average person uses approximately 500 calories per 10,000 steps they make.
If a person walks 10,000 steps every day, they will use 3,500 calories over the seven days. This is the exact number of calories that is needed to lose 1lb of weight per week.
So, if you are wanting to lose weight, simply make sure that your walks are long enough and that you read your 10,000 steps a day. To track your steps, you can download an APP on your phone or get a pedometer on Amazon.
Improves mood
Feeling down? Take a walk and your mood will improve. It’s a simple idea, but one that is often overlooked in weight-loss strategies and exercise routines.
The physical benefits of walking have been widely studied and explained, but there are significant mental and emotional benefits as well, research shows that walking a 10-minute stroll can boost your mood for up to two hours!
and if you’re looking for an exercise routine to lose weight, the improved mood is essential, feeling down or stressed makes losing weight feel impossible; staying optimistic keeps you motivated enough to keep going despite possible setbacks, and studies show it may increase fat burning!
Speeds up your metabolism
The key to weight loss is burning more calories than you take in, and walking is one of those activities that effectively speeds up your metabolism.
a study from Harvard found that people who walked for an hour four days a week for 12 weeks lost almost twice as much weight as those who only exercised for two days a week during that same time.
Plus, researchers found that participants burned on average around 200 extra calories each day after they finished their walk, which is great news if you’re trying to lose weight!
Uses aerobic energy system
An anaerobic energy system uses oxygen and fats for energy. This means that it will mostly use your fat stores to fuel your walk. If you perform walking regularly for extended periods, you can lose a significant amount of weight.
Related: Is Rowing the New Running?
The verdict: Rowing machine vs walking for weight loss
Both exercise methods are effective for weight loss but a rowing machine may be more effective as it is more intense, builds lean muscle, and burns more calories.
If you do struggle with joint problems, be sure to use a rowing machine. Although you can also go for walks with joint problems, be sure to wear appropriate footwear.
If you’re considering using a rowing machine at home, make sure that you invest money into a high-quality one. Here is a highly rated rowing machine on Amazon.