Which Is The Best Exercise: Cycling vs. Rowing 

Very pleased to announce the release of my new eBook, 'Row Your Fat Off!'. If you have just began using the rowing machine or recently purchased a machine for yourself, THIS is the ultimate guide to get you started in the right direction towards your fat loss goals! You can check it out from the link in the description box above! THANK YOU for all of your support!!

I've been a fitness professional for 35 years and rowing for me makes all the difference This guy knows his stuff

Great vid. I’ve been rowing for 5 months lost over 40 pounds. I’m addicted. Thanks for the info

Most ppl here talk about the exercise--that's fine. But someone should say that your voice and presentation style are excellent. You know how to speak convincingly and clearly. Thanks!

Really grateful for your videos man, it's nice to be able to get some fitness advice without plugs for advertising throughout the video

Hi Austin, I am 73 years old & love my York Rower, just going gently in these early days but love the fact that you have to concentrate ! Thanks to your video regarding some lower back discomfort ( sit forward on your hips ) I have no problems now. Thank you for your expertise.

This was a great video! With gyms back open I've been hitting the machines. I enjoyed the rowing machine more so than the stationary bike. The rower feels great for me and is a welcome break from my crazy weekly run mileage.

After seeing your vid I went out and bought a concept 2 and started rowing 2 weeks ago and I love it. A great exercise and the fat is disappearing. Thanks.

Dude, I just really appreciate your videos. I recently bought one a concept 2 pm5. Best decision ever. I admit there‘s a lot of input about technique and form outdoor. It takes a lot of work.

It's rowing for me and I base that on this fact; when I was a kid I sang row row row your boat before I sang A Bicycle Built for Two. So rowing wins by a head.

Im a avid cyclist, but use my Comcept2 during the winter months. Best to use both Rowing and Cycling. Thanks for the video.

Both are OK but everyone knows eating cookies is best.

Watching your vids always makes me want to row even though I've never tried it!

I live in a place with a very cold winter so personally I do both. Cycling all summer and rowing all winter. I’ve see huge gains in my cycling performance since I started this routine.

I just started rowing 5k meters two weeks ago three to four times a week and I already feel the difference. This is coming from a guy who has hip flexor issues. 👍🏾

Great vid. Rowed for 3 years at uni. Stopped rowing for the past 3 months and have focused on cycling. Did my frist 12km row again the other day and it was impossible to hold my old splits, despite an increase it fitness. My breathing and heart rate was fine, but id lost so much power. From my experience, i can maintain a higher heart rate and Power output for a much longer period of time on the bike, but the workout on the rower was so much harder yet rewarding, both physically mentally. I also recover so much more quickly from cycling. Id say if you want to get the most fit and gain real strength, rowing is the only way! Rowing fitness definitely translates to the bike, but a fit cyclist will not be a fit rower. Just found your channel and i love your content.

Happy New Year, friends!

The crotch issue for stationary bicycles is resolved with recumbent type stationary bicycles. These also are easier to adjust distance to the pedals by adjusting position in the seat.

I do 3 sets of 15 min on bicycle mixed with 3 sets of 5 min rowing. I never sweat so much in my life!

I started rowing last year after trying alternatives to running on treadmills. I'm one of those borderline "runners" who has a couple ultras and marathons, and several other OK runs...but I hate the treadmill. Hit one of the two rowing machines at the gym (pre-covid) and couldn't get enough of it, amazing exercise! Lower back, torso, arms, shoulders, legs...was like "beast mode" unlocked! I'm waiting for my Pro 6 Fitness R9 magnetic/air rower to show up, so excited to start rowing again!

Just wanna say, thank you for making your videos under 10 min! Informative and concise, makes learning a lot easier!

Went on the Big A & bought a tablet holder that clamps on my model E. Bluetooth the tablet to a radio, and watch RU-vid or movies this way!

Thanks for this!! My family just got a rower and this made me super excited for it!!

This video was right on time. I was going back and forth about which one I should purchase and you made my decision that much easier. Thank you! The rower it is

Exactly answered my question, plus I watched the 3 don't video about form. Thanks.

Rowing definitely builds mental strength. Like really.

Thank you for taking the time and trouble to give such considered and useful advice.

The very first time a used a Concept Rowing machine was back about 1990. When I used it the trainer said I had perfect form right off the bat. I have always wanted to buy one, but have never been able to afford one. Great machinge.

Rowing is the more all round excise over cycling, both for cardio and muscular excercise

You don't have to choose. You can do both!

I would also add rowing is a great full body warmup before weightlifting. Especially for the shoulders.

Cannot even. wait to hop on the rower again at the gym.....did my share of spin classes.....love this video....

I very much enjoy your videos. The information you give is useful and well instructed. I have worked on improving my rowing technique and have watched several of your videos to help me with that.

i am an avid cyclist but started having mid back and shoulder pain from the static cycling position. so i turned to rowing to strengthen those areas and it worked like a charm! i do 30 min sessions twice a week at 2min/500 pace. but the arms do struggle with it and its a walk in the park for the legs. hoping arm strength shall come soon. ( weedy cyclist arms lol)

Thanks for this content Austin! From a newbie. I rowed 8 minutes this morning using the new techniques I picked up from you yesterday. 😊 I’ve had my rower for a few weeks now and I love it. I am an MSer and I’ve had a hard time getting cardio in in recent years because of balance issues. Thanks for sharing your expertise.

This was super well worded! I do both often! I teach a spin class 2-3x per week and I row at my house or at crossfit!

here in 2020, but bro, honestly I don't get why you only have that much of subs, I think your contents, channel deserves x100 subs, 파이팅!

Very easy to put together. I love how smooth it is. Great equipment for the price. Definitely recommend. I love how you can save room.

I coach track and field and worked with world record athlete..I still work out myself I always say to my clients the best eexercise is the one you will do.. but one thing I'll say about rowing.. it takes a lot of discipline to maintain you're stroke rate and your power output at the same time . And core strength is a must otherwise your blow out your back.. the mental focus is intense but I like it..I'm 60 and will still do 30000 meter workouts once a week...I've learned alot from his channel

I’ve tried rowing but it’s not really my thing. I fell in love with spin my first class, though. I go 3-4 times a week now and genuinely look forward to it! My new passion :)

Great video. My gym finally just got a few rowing machines. Can’t wait to do a workout.

I'm an avid cyclist both indoors and out. I've also rowed a bit. The calories burned depends on the effort put into the exercise. One can do that with either. I get a great workout in cycle class, partly due to the continuous coaching by the instructor and inspiring environment. I don't see much multitasking on any exercise in my gym--that would be a waste of time. I think most people really focus and put in the effort. The cyclists I know are for the most part focused athletes that will try their best to crush the competition on a ride. I appreciate your enthusiasm for rowing. I have a two good friends who rowed for college teams, and they agree with you.

I tried a rowing machine at my friend's gym a few weeks ago. I loved it! And it looks like I had the technique down pretty good... not bad for a beginner. If I ever get a piece of equipment for my home, it will be a rower, for sure! Thanks for the video.

Dude, happy new year. Painless rowing!

Cycling is best done out on the road. Rowing is my new go to warm up and cardio exercise for the gym.

Hi Austin, that was an excellent comparison. I use a variety of machines: bike, Concept 2, elliptical and treadmill; you can use the E10.1 Nordic Track elliptical as either a XC ski machine or a stair climber. I found fell running in the Peak District the most intense cardio exercise; you have to haul your own weight up steep hills -- and keep your balance in the gravel, mud and wet tussocks. Best wishes and a happy new year, John

I love cycling. It's one of my favorites along with rowing. If you cycle consistently, your butt only hurts first time or 2 and then not anymore (at least for me). On days I cycle, I then focus on upper body weights, and throw in a row session as well 👍🏻 I'd be down to see any other comparison video of cardozo exercise machines with rowing. 😊

I ride outside. I can't imagine riding and doing cardio on an indoor machine, unless it was a specific class with more engagement. When your climbing, handling your bike, and all things that come with outdoor riding you activate a lot more of your body. Plus...It's fun!

I dropped 30 pounds and developed my cardio capacity with a recumbent bike. Now I'm ready to mix it up! These videos are great for learning how to row properly! I do HIIT on the bike so I'm one of those pro-focus at all times people.

Great rowing form 2:06 in this video - SO important for comfort, benefits and safety! - me, a HS and college rower 🙂

I do both-yes both can be boring but there are great HIIT videos for spin and row that are great workouts for when you can't get outside to ride or row.

Thanks, I've been wanting to introduce more resistance workouts in my routine. Rowing it is! Time to feel like a viking

Thanks for sharing, great presentation

Excellent video, just what I needed to decide between the two. Thanks

I started rowing three months ago and iv lost so much weight and my posture has improved. It's hard work but worth it!

I’ve been thinking about a row machine ! Now to decide on which one within my budget

Very helpful and informative video!

Great info! 👍

Thanks for this informative video!

I would wear a sauna jacket with both the rawler and cycle and I sweat more than running at 4.8 speed for 30 min.. I loved it BTW, properly hidrated is key.. coconut water etc..

Did my first two rowing workouts after mcl strain. Great way to stay in shape with knee recovery. I can cycle too, but agree it’s not as great of a workout.

Dude amazing channel!!!

Great video! Thank you!

For me, indoor cycling is for staying in shape during winter or bad weather. I use rollers for indoor cycling, so I need to be more focused than I do when rowing. Fortunately, with RU-vid I can find scenic cycling videos and structured training workouts. All that said, I do find rowing to be more fun. I have friends who hate rowing. I look forward to it every time.

Thank you for a great explanation it really helps

Hi Austin Enjoy your videos, they’ve really helped me. I was a competitive swimmer and realized early on that competitive success depended as much on natural talent and who shows up rather as who works the hardest. It’s become obvious to me I don’t have a lot of natural rowing talent but I really enjoy the feel of the workout. I still swim a lot and see people swimming who are pretty slow but clearly working hard, looks like a lot harder than me, and they have to go longer to do the same distance as me, are they getting a better workout? You mention in this video a “con” of the rowing machine is the need for good form. In terms of exercise is this actually a con or just a measure of efficiency? My question is do you think a guy with bad form can get a good workout and burn as many or maybe even more calories as someone with good form, who can log a lot of distance, in the same amount of time? Or takes twice as much time to row the same distance as you?

Thank you for this.

I use an airbike with crosstrainer handle bars which gives me full body motion and let me tell you...I sweat a LOT and burn a lot of calories! I would never use a regular exercise bike where you're staying in this fixed static position.

I take it you are making a distinction between stationary bike cycling and a spinning class, which is super high-intensity, a calorie scorcher, and also it would be impossible to look at a phone during it. And it takes every muscle in your body as you are out of the saddle most of the time.

Rowing for sure (at least for me), thank you!

Rowing for life!!! :D I also love a good spinning class, however I disagree that cycling has no injury risks! To make it physiologically useful exercise you need a certain intensity, and when the resistance on the bike is increased many people find it hurts their knees since they are unable to utilize the quads and hamstrings.

When i row, i race with another boat on the screen. I set the speed and distance, then i race with the boat. It is quite exciting and motivating. Every time i go, i either increase the speed or distance.

I have both and have refined down to alternate sets of 20 minutes on each several times throughout the day.

I’d argue that cycling isn’t so great on your back either when you tend to lean forward to much while not working your muscles due to sitting all the time.

When I"m achy and tired, I use the recumbent bike but I set the resistance up to 14 (my gym goes to 18 or 19) for 15 or 20 minutes. I always get sweaty doing that and keep my momentum up. Plus I can take that time to get connected to the wifi and get my playlist ready

I appreciate this!

Thanks for sharing!!!

I think both machines are great. The rower of course gives the best upper body workout, but the bike is of course the best for training muscles i need for bikepacking and stuff. I really hate having to push myself up some of the hills around here, which often keeps me not riding my bike at all. Using an exercise bike, i am no longer dictated by terrain, and can keep exercising at an intensity and duration that works for me. Keeping this up throughout the coming winter should make those hills much easier next season.

Thanks. I have been using a Concept for the last 16 years and love it, but have been thinking about getting a bike as my wife likes to cycle. Your vid confirms why I prefer to row and will therefore probably upgrade my rower. I like cycling too, but NOT indoors! May have to buy a bike too to save the marriage!

Never thought about buying a rowing machine I used to love doing that at college gym class I'm sold I'm getting one now

Honestly this is why I like CrossFit so much. We get to row and cycle along with everything else; just super fun!

I trained power lifting / crossfit for 6 years along with cycling (stationary). My doctor said me, that I should defintely stop power, anaerobic exercises (I am strong myopic and there is risk of retinal detachment) and I just bought the magnetic rower for home use. I just want to train also the upper muscles, not only legs (that are pretty well developed because of bicycle training). If I can burn more calories - it is pretty nice, since I still have some fat to burn. Thank you for your vids! They are well done, instructive and quite motivational! And thank you for your English - it is so clear, that I can understand it as well as my native Polish! Greetings and be healthy!

One aspect of rowing not mentioned is breathing; really pumps a lot of oxygen into frontal lobes. Plus much easier to set up a Tabata HIIT (8 rounds of 20 seconds full out 10 second rest)usually do after a steady 2K row. I do stationary bike because I enjoy cycling and want to keep the legs in shape in bad weather.

Very helpful video. Thanks. This is motivating me to start using the rowing machine at the health club. By the way, the seats on the bikes are the reason I stopped going to spin class. They really hurt your butt. I have no idea why the manufacturers insist on making seats like that.

Great video!!

Great video thank you !!

What I recently discovered is that after doing a few weeks of really intense spin classes (2 - 3 times a week) is that the energy system I use for cycling has increased my stamina with rowing. So I can now reach 1000M in just on 5 minutes @ 90 - 100W. Not bad for an old chooky!

I ride my bike at the gym every single day : 21 miles and I’ve lost 14lbs . I still have 27lbs to go but I’m pleased with what I have already lost

Your "stuff" falling asleep 😴...I love it lol

Both! Lost 3 pounds in a week! 3 days a week rowing 500 cals (or 50 minutes) and 2-3 days spinning 50 minutes (516 cals). ☺️👍

This was a good video. I'm doing a spinning class today for fun with a friend. Personally don't like doing it. But my friend wants to haha. I prefer rowing, stairmaster and weight training with it.

As a young boy I used to row, now as old man, I am using my bicycle to get where I need to. I must say boat is more beautiful. But I must admit that bicycle is more convenient for daily commute to work! That is unless you live in Venice!

I just got my stamina air today. I know it's no concept 2 but I hope it helps me lose this belly fat!! Great video

Recently got a water tower. Much nicer than a Concept II. It is smoother at the catch and actually sounds like you are in a rowing shell.

As a very old man ;), I prefer to do both plus a nordic trak ski machine on non consecutive alternating days with some weights on the other days. Trying to avoid over use repetitive motion injuries

Long time rower just getting back into the C2 model C thanks for convincing me not to do cycling it's nowhere near rowing anyway. And yeah even rowing can hurt the tush. I have the pad with the cutouts which helps...

If you are at the gym, you can do both or switch off from session to session. Rowing is my favorite, but the bike and elliptical are also fun. (Can't run so treadmill is only for walking.)

Just started rowing and i keep feeling like im on a Roman slave ship towing away to nowhere😂

I'm running right now. Started off at 264 pounds, lost 30 pounds in 2 months, (diet in addition to the running). Even though I'm losing weight, I'm not sure how well I'm doing on maintaining/building muscle in the process, so I'm focusing on fat loss, not just losing a bunch of water weight and a bit of muscle, I want to become in better shape. I'm hoping rowing will help with this. My main issue is that it focuses on the back, and I'm worrying I'll develop my back muscles, but not my chest muscles, as well- I want to develop everything in balance. Is there anything else I can do that will achieve for my chest, legs, what row achieves for the back?

Good Video. Good advice.