Rowing Machine vs VersaClimber: Which Is Better?

Both machines work the whole body and raise your heart rate quickly. The VersaClimber simulates vertical climbing with a continuous arm and leg motion, while a rowing machine uses a seated push-and-pull stroke. Which is better depends on access, space and what you enjoy. Neither is better for everyone.

How they differ

Rowing machine. You sit, push with your legs and pull with your arms and back. Legs and back lead, and your weight is supported by the seat. It is low impact and suits steady work as well as intervals. Because you can control the pace precisely, it also works for long, easy sessions.

VersaClimber. You stand and move your arms and legs in opposition, like climbing a ladder. It works legs, shoulders and core, and the standing position makes it demanding on the grip and shoulders. It is low impact in the sense that nothing lands, but it is a very hard cardio tool for most people, and short sessions are the norm.

	Rowing machine	VersaClimber
Position	Seated	Standing, vertical
Movement	Push with legs, pull with arms	Alternating arm and leg climbing
Main focus	Legs and back, with core	Legs, shoulders, core, grip
Typical session	20 to 60 minutes, steady or intervals	Often shorter, intense efforts
Test scores	2k and 5k benchmarks are well established	Less standardised

Practical differences

• Availability. Rowing machines are in most gyms and are common at home. VersaClimbers are less common, so ask your gym or look for a specialist studio before you plan around one.
• Cost. New home rowing machines run from under £200 to well over £1,000 (checked 30 Oct 2026). See the best rowing machine guide. VersaClimbers are a specialist purchase. VersaClimber’s own site lists its current home model as sold out, with a new generation in development (checked 30 Oct 2026), so check availability and price with a UK supplier.
• Space. Rowers fold or stand on end. See best rowing machine for small spaces.
• Learning curve. Rowing technique takes some practice. VersaClimber coordination is also a skill.
• Joint load. Both avoid landing shock. The VersaClimber loads the shoulders and grip more, while rowing loads the lower back and hips, so technique matters for both.

Which suits you

Choose rowing if you want a flexible, widely available machine for steady work, intervals and test scores. Choose a VersaClimber if you can access one and enjoy short, intense standing efforts. If you are comparing other cardio machines too, our guide to rowing machines vs elliptical trainers covers muscles, calories and space. If you have joint or shoulder problems, speak to a GP or physio first, and stop if pain increases.

Example sessions

Warm up for 5 to 10 minutes first and cool down afterwards.

Session	Work
Rowing	6 rounds of 2 minutes firm and 1 minute easy
VersaClimber	8 rounds of 1 minute firm and 1 minute easy
Combined	Alternate 4 minutes on each, for 3 rounds

Aim for steady quality on the hard efforts rather than burning out in the first round.

How to choose, in short

1. If you want one machine for home and plan to train for months, a rower is more practical.
2. If you want a short, hard session in a studio and enjoy variety, try a VersaClimber class.
3. If you can do both, alternate them across a week so that different muscles take the load.

For aerobic training ideas, see rowing machine workouts for aerobic performance and all you need to know about aerobic capacity. The rowing machines hub has the rest.