Is rowing more intense than running?
Daniel Moore
Published Jan 18, 2026
"Running typically burns more calories than rowing because it's a more demanding form of cardio since you're working against gravity," Tuttle says, although that depends on someone's fitness level and how hard they're working. "Truly both are good for calorie burn and overall health," Tuttle says.
Is rowing more effective than running?
"In general, rowing builds muscle mass faster than running," Elmardi says. One study found that rowing utilizes nearly 85 percent of the body's muscles, while running is considered a lower-body exercise, meaning it uses fewer muscles overall, says Elmardi.
Is rowing harder than running?
This finding is not all that surprising—rowing demands more muscular strength than running, so there are other aspects to being a successful rower. Speaking of muscles, elite rowers and runners both have a much higher percentage of slow-twitch fibers than the average person.
How much rowing is equal to running?
Runners use a 400m distance as the basis for track workouts, which is one full lap. In rowing, 500m is an approximate equivalent. Try 500m rowing repeats instead of 400m running repeats: 4 x 500m with 1 minute rest in between. Keep your stroke rate up to work on fast twitch muscles (stroke rate 28–36 spm).
Does rowing burn more fat than running?
So: rowing increases your muscle mass.
And that means you'll burn more fat with rowing than with running. Pro tip: Incorporate strength training to increase muscle mass if you choose running over a rowing machine. Warning: Try not to use free weights when you're running if you're a beginner.
15 related questions foundIs 20 minutes of rowing enough?
Rowing workouts around 20 minutes in length
Studies show that endorphins, the neurochemicals that release during exercise and make you feel good, regularly kick in around the 20-minute mark. A workout around 20 minutes can give you a full-body burn that leaves you feeling good for hours to come.
Is rowing as good as running for cardio?
"Running typically burns more calories than rowing because it's a more demanding form of cardio since you're working against gravity," Tuttle says, although that depends on someone's fitness level and how hard they're working. "Truly both are good for calorie burn and overall health," Tuttle says.
Can rowing reduce belly fat?
Does a rowing machine help lose belly fat? Rowing can help you burn calories, which can lead to weight loss if accompanied by an overall caloric deficit. However, targeted fat loss is not controllable, so burning belly fat specifically will come down to factors like genetics, not the type of exercise you're doing.
Is it easier to run or row 5k?
As you go slower, rowing gets easier faster than running does. Running a 5k in 15 minutes is easier than rowing a 5k in 15 minutes, but doing 5k in 30 minutes is probably easier on the erg than running it.
Is it OK to use a rowing machine every day?
The answer is “yes”, but you should start slow and listen to your body. You should also consider rowing duration. If you are only performing 10-15 minute moderate rowing sessions, then it is more likely you are ok using a rowing machine everyday.
Can you get in shape by just rowing?
Rowing is a calorie-burning cardio workout that can quickly strengthen your body. Rowing machine before and after photos often show improvement across the entire body. But rowing is particularly beneficial for the back, shoulders, abs and arms.
Is a 5k row a good workout?
We love 5k workouts! Reaching 5000 meters is a great goal for a daily workout, since it fulfills the recommendation of 30 minutes (or so) of exercise a day. It's a great distance to work up a sweat that can fit into even your busiest days.
What happens if you row everyday?
But the benefits are many: rowing can improve stamina and overall fitness and strength, including strengthening the heart. It can also boost immune system function, mood, and even provide a calming, meditative effect on the mind due to its repetitive, low-impact movement and sounds.
How long should a rowing session be?
In terms of time, weight loss is best achieved with consistency, so aim for at least 30 minutes per day on a rower, anywhere from 4 to 6 times a week. Make sure you're getting enough rest days, especially if you're just getting started!
Is a rowing machine strength or cardio?
“Rowing has both an aerobic aspect to it and also a strength aspect,” Dempers says. “You can adjust the tension of the machine for a heavier pull and you're still driving through your legs.” Your back also gets a workout as you shift back and forth on your pulls.
What burns more calories rowing or treadmill?
As we mentioned before, you burn more calories per hour on a treadmill than a rower. However, fat loss is a different matter. Using a rowing machine builds much more muscle than a treadmill, and we know this muscle will help you burn more calories throughout the day.
How fast is rowing compared to running?
If you look at world records it appears that rowing is in general about 15 seconds per 500m slower than running. The record for rowing a marathon is 2:25:47, or 1:43.7 split, according to the concept 2 ranking. The record time for running is a 2:03:59, which would be a 1:28.1 split.
Which burns more calories rowing or cycling?
In general, bikes and rowing machines burn equal calories.
However, rowers are frequently used for HIIT workouts and offer the benefit of after-burn, where the body continues an accelerated rate of burning calories long after the workout. Taking this into consideration, HIIT rowing burns more calories than biking.
Can rowing get you ripped?
You'll get a full-body workout
Maybe you think rowing = ripped arms. But according to the American Fitness Professionals Association, rowing is 65 to 75 percent legs and 25 to 35 percent upper bod. It'll shred your upper back, pecs, arms, abs, and obliques. It'll also strengthen those quads, calves, and glutes.
How does rowing change your body?
Among many other things. But the benefits are many: rowing can improve stamina and overall fitness and strength, including strengthening the heart. It can also boost immune system function, mood, and even provide a calming, meditative effect on the mind due to its repetitive, low-impact movement and sounds.
Is rowing slower than running?
The world indoor rowing records on a C2 are typically slower than the world records in running. More precisely, both on 5k and 10k, indoor rowing is 18% slower than running.
How far should I row in 30 minutes?
It feels good to put workout data in perspective. For beginners, it would be exceptional to row over 7000 meters in 30 minutes. It would be more expected that you'll start out closer to the 25th percentile, and move higher up, as your fitness and skills improve.
Can you row twice a day?
In most cases, rowing twice a day is not too much. Many athletes train twice a day and there is no reason for rowers to be any different. The important factors are the overall volume and intensity combined with fitness at any given time. In many cases, training twice a day can be very beneficial.
How long should you row for beginners?
Tips. Row for a minimum of 5 minutes and a maximum of 20 minutes when starting out. Keep a log of what you do each week, it will help with monitoring progress and motivation. Include other forms of exercises such as walking, jogging, tennis, swimming, weight training etc.