Health What is the most useful workout equipment? Which exercise machine is most effective? “The amount of muscular activation (85 percent) in rowing is higher than other activities using machines like the treadmill or elliptical, making it the most effective machine in the gym.” Related Posts:Can you have an elliptical in an apartment?Is the elliptical worth it?How effective is elliptical for weight loss?Why the elliptical is bad for you?