Rowing Vs. Running: Comparison For The Best Form Of Workout
Recently, some people have questioned whether running is the best form of cardio. Sure, running is efficient and gets the job done quickly, but it might not be as effective as rowing, giving you a full-body workout while challenging your mind.
Here we’ll be looking at how these two exercises compare in terms of both effectiveness and efficiency. We’ll also talk about how they affect your body and brain differently to show you what makes rowing the better option for a healthy lifestyle.
Brief On Both Aspects
According to a Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research study, rowing burns roughly 350 calories in 30 minutes. In the same amount of time, running only burns about 240 calories.
Rowing is also a full-body workout. You use your arms, legs, and back muscles to move the handle back and forth as you exhale and inhale. It also builds your core, especially if you choose to alternate between different positions on the machine. These positions include seated, kneeling, and standing.
On the other hand, Running isn’t as effective because it focuses on just one area of the body: your legs. Sure, running works your upper body a bit since you use your arms to accelerate and decelerate. But it doesn’t work your lower body and core as much as rowing does.
What Best Describes Running?
Running is a repetitive motion that can put more stress on joints than other forms of exercise like rowing. People often experience knee pain when they run because they’re constantly moving in the same direction — forward.
In addition to the increased stress on joints, running is a forced action — you have to force yourself to move in that direction against gravity. Running may be more rewarding if you’re trying to get in shape fast, but rowing is better if you’re looking for something more effective — and less stressful on your joints.
Detail on Rowing
On the other hand, Rowing allows you to move naturally from left to right because the machine does all of the work — making it easier for your muscles and joints. Rowing also works your upper body quite a bit, depending on which movements and positions you choose. Compared to running, rowing is more efficient. You don’t expend as much energy or breathe as hard the whole time you’re working out — so it’s easier on your body.
Rowing also works your core because you have to stabilize yourself while moving the handle back and forth against the water or air resistance. This makes it a more effective workout for your abs, hips, glutes, and lower back than running.
Running might be hindering your progress if you’re trying to get in shape fast since it’s such an intense form of exercise — but rowing will help you get there quicker because it gives you one less thing to worry about.
Health Benefits Related To Running
- Increase Endurance
Running is one of the best exercises to increase your endurance and help your body recover more quickly. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, runners can expect increased endurance for six weeks after a training session.
- Increase Flexibility and Balance
Running provides excellent flexibility and balance because it works all of your muscles — not just a few areas in isolation like with many other exercises, like squats or push-ups. This makes running a better workout overall for building core strength and improving your balance.
Health Benefits Associated With Rowing
- Improve Your Cardiovascular Health
Rowing is a low-impact activity that helps burn calories and lose weight by improving cardiovascular health. According to Hydrow Rower results, rowing activates more of your muscle fibers than other types of exercise — helping you get a more efficient workout for your muscles and joints.
- Improve Your Mood
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, people who engage in aerobic exercise like running or stepping outside have higher levels of mood enhancement than people who do not exercise regularly. So rowing is an aerobic exercise, but it also gives you a full-body workout — making it an even better way to improve your mood and mental health.5.