Stationary Rowing Machine and Stationary Bike?

Question

Which muscles in your body do these machines workout the most?

Thanks a bunch

Answer 1

the rowing machine is a total body workout while the bike is just your legs

Answer 2

Both machines will improve general aerobic/cardio conditioning, but the specific muscles that are used depends in part on whether you are using the machines "properly" or not. A stationary bike will obviously work the quads, but could also work the glutes, the core muscles, and the hamstrings depending on your technique.

This is even more true of a rowing machine. It is a common misconception that rowing is mostly an upper body activity. Rowing correctly works the quads, glutes, core muscles, shoulders, lats, and biceps.

If you row with proper technique, about 75% of your total power comes from the quads. To achieve this, you must begin the "drive" portion of the stroke with your body angle leaning forward (pivot from the hips), your arms straight, and your core muscles firm. The drive begins by pushing with your legs while holding your upper body straight. As your knees come down, begin to open up your back, and finally pull through with your arms (working the lats, shoulders, and biceps, mostly). When using the correct technique, rowing uses all of the major muscle groups - probably more so than any other activity.

Note that most of the people you'll see on a rowing machine in a typical health club will *not* be using the correct technique, and it will look very much like an arms/back kind of activity. The most common mistake is to begin pulling with the arms before the legs are extended. Another common error is to cut the drive off early before reaching the "release" position with the legs fully extended, leaning back slightly, and with the handle drawn almost to the body, near the bottom of the rib cage (just under the bra line for women).

Answer 3

stationary bike is mostly cardio but works legs.
a recumbant bike works your lower abs in addition to the legs--especially that difficult pooch area and is much better on your back than a stationary bike.

Rowing machine is mostly for your shoulders and arms. Great on the abs as well, but mostly shoulders.