Stationary Exercise Bikes vs. Rowing Machines: Which Is the Better Workout?

AI Smart Bike · RENPHO · February 17, 2022

by Jonathon Baggia

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Choosing between a rowing machine vs. a stationary exercise bike is not easy, but this article will help you make the right decision based on your personal needs.

This choice should be made based on your fitness goals, workout space, and other considerations that we’ll outline below.

Although both exercises provide significant health benefits, they excel in different areas. For example, if you want to focus on toning your legs and losing belly fat, it's better to opt for a stationary bike. On the contrary, a rowing machine is a good alternative if you have limited time but still want a full-body workout.

In this article, we'll elaborate on why RENPHO's AI Smart Bike is a better option for most people than a typical rowing machine, or any other exercise bike for that matter, since it provides a full-body workout that's effective, fun, and rewarding.

The Nitty Gritty

First, you need to think about what you want to accomplish with the exercise machine you're thinking about buying.

What do you want to achieve in terms of fitness and the workout style? You’ll want to make sure that the machine is used regularly regardless of which you decide to choose.

Losing Weight

An exercise bike or rowing machine for weight loss are both effective cardio workouts. Additionally, you can customize the intensity of the exercise by adjusting the machine's resistance. However, even if they can help you burn the same number of calories, there is a significant difference.

You need not worry about burning calories and shedding fat with RENPHO's AI Smart Bike, as it handles all the calculations for you while ensuring an effective workout

Stationary Bike

As opposed to rowing, stationary cycling makes it easier to work out for an extended period.

Suppose your primary aim is to burn calories and shed fat. In that case, we recommend using an exercise bike because you can alternate between one-hour or longer aerobic exercises and 20-minute HIIT workouts to burn calories efficiently.

The RENPHO AI Smart Bike is the best choice for customizing your workout routine and exercising more efficiently for faster results. It creates personalized workout regimens for you so that you can challenge yourself without pushing yourself too hard and getting injured.

Rowing Machine

Compared to exercise bikes, rowing machines enlist far more muscle groups, and as a result, they’re ideal for shorter, higher-intensity workouts.

The rowing machine is more challenging to use because of the position, the significant knee bending, and the compound movement required to turn the wheel.

In contrast, the movements on the exercise bike are constant, and the position is comfortable and not as demanding.

Building & Toning Muscles

Although stationary bikes and rowing machines are great machines for improving your cardiovascular endurance, they can also build and tone certain muscle groups, including your quadriceps, calves, lower back and more.

Stationary Bike

The exercise bike primarily targets the leg and thigh muscles. By adjusting the resistance of the bike and your riding position, you can allow one muscle group to take priority over the other.

RENPHO’s AI Smart Bike can tailor your ride to your current cycling fitness level, ensuring that all your major muscle groups are challenged and engaged.

Rowing Machine

Rowing machines workout the arms, shoulders, back and abdominal muscles. Each rowing stroke comprises around 60% lower body, 20% core, and 20% upper body. This makes rowing a more challenging workout.

Foot Print

Your choice of equipment will depend on how much available space you have in your home gym. Find out what's accessible and what might work best by researching your options.

Stationary Bike

Stationary exercise bikes take up less space than other popular options like treadmills and rowing machines, which makes them ideal if you have limited space at home. Most stationary bikes are 1 to 1.5 meters long and 50 centimeters wide.

Rowing Machine

Row machines are larger than stationary bikes. A standard rower is at least 2.5 meters long and 60 centimeters wide. That's why some rowing machines can be folded and stored upright, while others can be folded in half and stored upright.

Building Cardio

The stationary bike and rowing machine are great for boosting the cardiovascular system, but which is better?

Stationary Bike

A stationary bike is an excellent choice for improving your cardiovascular performance. What’s more, it’s great for all kinds of individuals—no matter their age or exercise experience.

The RENPHO AI Smart Bike also makes it easy to create a workout that’s appropriate for your current fitness level.

Rowing Machine

Rowing can be a great cardiovascular exercise for someone who’s looking for a full-body workout; however, it may be too difficult for some newcomers.

This is because the compound movement means there’s more room for error resulting in potential injury.

Injury Prevention and Safety

When it comes to rowing vs. biking, rowing machines are more demanding and as a result, can be considered the “riskier” exercise.

Stationary Bike

The exercise bike is low impact and an excellent alternative to cycling and running, especially for people recovering from lower-body injuries and having balance difficulties.

As opposed to cycling outside, you don't have to wait for the perfect weather conditions or buy lights, a helmet, or luminous gear to stay safe and visible in the dark.

Having a stationary exercise bike is simply a great way to exercise without dealing with the hassle of traffic and other random occurrences.

Rowing Machine

Rowing machines require you to learn how to be efficient with your entire body. It puts a lot of strain on the back muscles if you don't execute it correctly, which could result in an injury.

Ease of Use and Enjoyment

Stationary cycling is a more fundamental activity than rowing. Rowing machines will take some practice to master, but exercise bikes are simpler to operate for beginners and people of all ages.

Stationary Bike

Indoor exercise bikes are even easier than riding a regular bike! Stationary bikes are free-standing and won't tip over which means you’ll never struggle to find your balance.

They're also convenient because you can hop on and work out anytime you want, day or night. Moreover, an exercise bike will allow you to be more creative with your entertainment options.

With the RENPHO AI Smart Bike, your workout will be safer and more enjoyable!

Rowing Machine

Unlike cycling, rowing takes a little longer for you to get into a decent rhythm. It uses 86% of your muscles and pushes your entire body in ways it may not be familiar with

Rowers must always be conscious of maintaining a correct posture to refrain from injury.

Cost, Durability & Maintenance

The cost and flexibility of equipment will play a role in your decision-making process when choosing a workout machine for home use.

Furthermore, all gym equipment must be cleaned and inspected regularly. For this purpose, a stationary bike is more convenient to manage and sanitize than a rower.

Stationary Bike

After each session, you can clean your stationary bike by wiping it down with disinfectant, check it for loose fixtures and re-tighten the pedals if needed. This takes about 5 minutes to do once you've set up a routine. This will ensure that your bike is in great working order and reduce mechanical wear and tear.

Stationary exercise bikes are the most affordable, ranging from $150 to $1,500 for a standard upright and spinning bike.

Rowing Machine

With rowing machines, you must always check that the chain and pivot points are lubricated. You must ensure that the flywheel, air filter and other mechanical are regularly running smoothly.

Rowers are a mid-priced choice, with most models costing between $200 to $2,500.

Connectivity & Smart Features

There are various smart exercise machines available with most of them have a display screen with connectivity to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and other personal devices. Smart features can help you improve your fitness level, increase your workout motivation and challenge you to achieve your fitness objectives.

Stationary Bike

RENPHO's AI Smart Bike offers connectivity that's compatible with Google Fit, Apple Health and other third-party apps. It also comes with a range of app features that adds freedom of choice to your fitness exercises.

Rowing Machine

Typical smart rowing machines feature a small digital display. Some may also include an 8-bit home console that allows you to navigate the digital screen based on the strength of your pulls.

Which Is the Right Choice for You?

Both an exercise bike and a rowing machine are superb choices, but being mindful of your goals, budget and preferences can help you make an even more informed decision.

Generally, the exercise bike is a better fit for more individuals: whether you’re trying to stay in shape, lose weight or tone your muscles up.

However, a rowing machine might be a better choice if you’re limited on time and want a full-body workout.

Why Choose the RENPHO AI Smart Exercise Bike

The RENPHO AI Smart Bike and companion AI Gym app, has all the tools and features you'll need to achieve the perfect full-body workout. With the various riding courses and programs, cycling challenges and daily cycling reports, our AI Smart Bike will provide you with lots of exciting ventures.

Personalized Workouts for All

The RENPHO AI Smart Bike provides fantastic cardio and full-body workout exercises which adapt to your physical ability level. This is the bike for everyone —whether you're a beginner, an athlete or even a senior citizen up to 70 years old.

Performance Monitoring

The Functional Threshold Power (FTP) is a custom-tailored setting based on your performance data that allows the bike to adjust the resistance to match your level, power and goals.

Free App With 70+ Classes

With over 70 different classes and four courses to choose from, the only challenge you'll have is deciding which class is suitable for you. It is constantly updated to incorporate new courses and features freely available on the AI Gym app.

Whether you're a rookie or a professional biker, the AI Gym app makes it simple to optimize the value of your bike!

Next Level Precision

The RENPHO AI Smart Bike uses Smart Motor Dampening Resistance to overcome the limitations of other bikes' technologies. This gives a silent yet smooth riding experience by automatically and intelligently adjusting resistance.

Safety Ensured

RENPHO's AI Smart Bike allows you to simulate real-world cycling in the comfort of your own home. The bike's enclosed wheels will keep your family and pets from grabbing the gears if you leave them unattended.

Ergonomic Comfort

The RENPHO AI Smart Bike gives outstanding comfort. Its bigger seat paddings keep you comfortable even during the long rides, its ergonomic handlebar design lets you ride with a lower or higher grip posture.

Buy the Best Stationary Exercise Bike at RENPHO!

Are you ready for an innovative way of working out? Get fit with RENPHO’s AI Smart Bike. With its various features and components, we’re sure you’ll love to get on the move. Be sure to check out the RENPHO online store to place your order now and start enjoying all the great perks of owning a RENPHO exercise bike.