Whether your goal is to lose weight, strengthen muscles, improve cardiovascular endurance, or just get in better shape and feel better, there are a plethora of exercises to choose from, both indoors and out.
But what if being outside in the elements just isn’t your thing? Thankfully, that’s where the cardio pieces in a fitness center come into play – and most of these pieces are also available for home use, making them the perfect way to get a good sweat while in your living room or a hotel gym on vacation.
From treadmills and rowers to stationary bikes and ellipticals, the choices can be overwhelming. For tour purposes, let’s focus on two prevalent pieces of cardio equipment: the Stairmaster and the rowing machine. How do you know which is better for helping you accomplish your goals – and which one will ultimately give you a better workout?
The Stairmaster
Climbing stairs has been a staple in the workout realm for decades; not only does climbing stairs help to torch calories and improve overall aerobic endurance, but it also strengthens the muscles of the lower body as well as the core. Essentially combining two workouts into one (and without having to go back down a set of steps when you’ve reached the top), utilizing a Stairmaster can give you the option to tone and strengthen, all without going to a stadium and running the stairs.
Since a Stairmaster typically has stationary handles, a good majority of the work in this exercise comes from the core and the lower body; specifically, you target the quads, glutes, hamstrings, and calves building coordination and balance at the same time. According to Harvard Health, calories burned in a half hour can range anywhere from 180 to 250. Granted, these numbers are entirely variable, and you need to consider factors such as body weight, current fitness level, intensity level while climbing, etc.
The Stairmaster can also be considered a low-impact exercise since one foot always touches the machine during movement. This opens up more variability for those looking to improve heart health and get stronger without the pounding that can be placed on the joints from exercises such as running.
One thing to keep in mind if you are trying out a Stairmaster for the first time – get a certified fitness specialist to guide you on proper form. It’s easy to use the improper technique on a Stairmaster, and that can lead to injury and decreased performance. Once you’ve got the hang of the machine and feel comfortable, you’ll have plenty of workout options available to you – keeping your workouts fresh and challenging!
The Rowing Machine
You might not notice the rowing machine in your local fitness center – typically, there aren’t a ton of them. However, this machine can pack a serious punch. Not only do you get a full-body workout at a low impact, but you can strengthen muscles over the entire body and burn calories simultaneously!
Rowing, to some, is a more pleasurable activity if done outdoors; there’s nothing like soaking up some sunshine on a calm lake day! However, if you’re short on time and equipment for a quick bout on the water, then a rowing machine can most certainly give you the same benefits! One might think that if you are rowing, then it’s only the upper body being used….surprisingly, this exercise works the entire body if done correctly.
Based on information from Harvard Health, rowing vigorously can burn 255 to 375 calories per hour. Again, this will be variable with each individual, pending how hard they are rowing, current health history, exercise status, etc. Even so, this full-body workout can torch some calories and improve heart health all at once!
The low impact capability of the rowing machine makes it accessible for nearly anyone; from beginner exercisers to elite athletes, almost anyone can hop on and reap the benefits. One other bonus of the rowing machine – since you are in a seated position with feet strapped in, people who have visual disabilities have the option to use this machine safely as well.
Bottom Line
When it comes down to it, both the Stairmaster and the rowing machine both give you a big bang for your buck – not only improving cardiovascular endurance but in a low impact form as well!
If you’re looking for a full-body workout, the rowing machine will be your best bet. On the flip side, the Stairmaster will be excellent for lower body and core strengthening. You can always work both devices into your workout routine as well. Just ensure that whatever you use is setting you on the road to reach your goals!
