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If you’ve narrowed your home cardio decision down to these two, you’re asking the right question. A rowing machine and a treadmill aren’t interchangeable — they train differently, store differently, and suit different bodies. Here’s how the Concept2 RowErg and NordicTrack Commercial 1750 actually compare.
Side-by-side
| Concept2 RowErg | NordicTrack Commercial 1750 | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Rowing machine (air resistance) | Treadmill (3.5 CHP motor) |
| Impact on joints | Very low — seated, no ground impact | Low-moderate — cushioned deck, but still impact running |
| Full-body vs lower-body | Full body (legs, back, arms, core) | Primarily lower body and cardio |
| Footprint (in use) | ~9 x 4 ft | ~3 x 7 ft |
| Storage footprint | Splits in two, rolls on casters — very compact | Folds vertically with assist — still a large folded footprint |
| Weight capacity | 500 lb | 300 lb |
| Programming | PM5 monitor, Bluetooth/ANT+, no subscription needed | 14" touchscreen, best with iFIT subscription |
Choose the RowErg if…
- You want the lowest-impact option that still trains your whole body, not just your legs
- Storage space is tight — it splits down and rolls away in a fraction of a treadmill’s folded footprint
- You don’t want an ongoing app subscription to get full value from the machine
Choose the Commercial 1750 if…
- Running or walking is your actual training goal — a rower can’t replace running-specific conditioning
- You want incline training (hill work), which a rower simply can’t offer
- You’re training for a running event and need running-specific volume
Our take
These two aren’t really competing for the same buyer. If your goal is general fitness, joint-friendly conditioning, or you’re short on space, the RowErg wins on almost every axis except one: it doesn’t train running. If running itself is the goal, no rower substitutes for treadmill volume, and the 1750’s motor and incline range make it a genuinely durable choice rather than something you outgrow in a year.
Check RowErg price on Amazon →
Check Commercial 1750 price on Amazon →
Prices and stock on Amazon change frequently — the links above will always show the current price rather than what’s quoted here.