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Elliptical Exerciser or indoor rowing machine?

I'm getting ready to purchase Exercise Equipment for my home, but not sure which piece of equipment is better. I'm 52 and want something low-impact.

Hi Rhonda! Both ellipticals and rowers offer great cardio workouts. Recently I read a summary of a survey conducted by the Sporting Goods Manufacturing Association (SGMA) which said that ellipticals are the #2 purchased piece of Cardio Equipment, just behind treadmills.

Ellipticals appeal to more people, due to the low impact, aerobic workouts. Those machines work your heart without the impact on your legs, unlike other machines such as treadmills. The motion is similar to walking, thus it's quite natural and easy to use. In addition, you can easily change your pace and stride, resistance setting, program, etc. in the middle of a workout, without having to stop. Plus, most ellipticals have Dual Action hand-grip bars that even work and tone the Upper Body.

Rowers are about as close as a machine can come to providing a full-body cardio workout. The quality ones are also relatively inexpensive, but just slightly more than ellipticals. However, their drawbacks seem to be that the exercise motion is unfamiliar for most people and requires training of some sort. Also, because of the considerable amount of exertion (if used for an extended period) users tend to tire quite easily. Plus, people with problem knees or backs sometimes find rowing machines inappropriate due to the strain imposed on such areas of the body.

Whether you're considering an elliptical or a rower, just make sure you consider models that have "hands free" Heart Rate monitoring and control, by use of a chest belt monitor. It'll make your workout easier and safer... I hope that helps and you achieve your fitness goals!

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