Go for arun or go to spin class?
What about rowing vs. cycling?
In laymens terms, they both make you suck serious wind (and sweat buckets).
But the similarities dont end there, Harcoff says.
Rowing and cycling both:
So, which one is the better cardio workout?
Rowing
Muscles worked
Rowing is afull-body workoutthat engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously, Harcoff says.
head coach and owner ofAIM Athletic
The primary muscles targeted include:
Pros
Rowing boasts a boatload (pun intended) of benefits.
For starters, its low impact.
Lets be clear: low impact doesnotmean easier.
Rowing is still a rigorous workout.
Cons
Despite its benefits, rowing does have some drawbacks, Harcoff says.
One notable disadvantage is the sports specificity.
Meaning, not everyone has the proper equipment.
This may limit its appeal to [other] athletes, Harcoff says.
Plus, mastering proper rowing technique can be challenging, potentially leading to frustration for beginners, Harcoff says.
head coach and owner ofAIM Athletic
Improper form or overexertion can lead to injury, particularly in the lower back and knees, he says.
And of course, if youre into water sports, rowing is for you.
And rowing on the water is a great to way to get all thebenefits of outdoor workouts.
Im a Former Competitive Rower, and the Hydrow Rower Healed my Complicated Relationship with Indoor Rowing.
For example, peeps with pre-existing knee issues or injuries.
Cycling
Your legs do most of the work when pumping the pedals of a bike.
But thats not all.
Biking offers numerous advantages, Harcoff says.
Cycling will also ramp up your heart rate.
Unlike rowing, biking is pretty accessible.
But for even bigger benefits, biking outdoors is where its at.
Best of all, biking is very versatile.
In other words, its easy to incorporate into your day-to-day life.
This means youre more likely to do it (andstick to it).
you might also get hurt if your bike doesnt fit well.
When these things arent right, youre asking for trouble.
Even when youdohave the right fit, biking can be a bit uncomfortable at times.
Long rides may also cause soreness from prolonged sitting and muscle fatigue, Harcoff says.
Proper rest and recovery are essential.
Its particularly a good option for those seeking a low-impact alternative to high-impact activities like running or jumping.
Think: people with joint issues or anyone recovering from an injury.
Who should not try cycling
Similar to rowing, biking is generally safe for most people.
So, when it comes to rowing vs. cycling, whos the clear cardio winner?
First and foremost, look at your current state of health.
Certain exercises may not be suitable for your specific situation.
Again, if you have balance issues, biking is probably not the best fit for you.
Similarly, people with knee injuries should steer clear of rowing.
You should also factor in your fitness level and goals.
If youre an athlete, you might need to be choosier about your cardio activitiesand with good reason.
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