12 Best Rated Rowing Machines – Start Getting Back in Shape

R egardless of the goal you want to reach, whether it is health improvement or shedding extra weight, physical exercise is what you must take up. If you ever went to a gym, there is one piece of equipment you certainly noticed as trainers recommend it no matter the end goal of the client – the rowing machine.

Muscle building and toning, stamina increase, and improved cardiovascular health are only some of the benefits to reap after a hearty workout session. Its importance in a home gym is incommensurable, so if you plan on repurposing a room to train in it, you need this fitness machine. In the following, we will provide you with the best rowers for home use and for gym venues alike, so stick with us to make an informed decision regarding this complex workout apparatus.

Top Rated 12 Rowing Machines

Photo	Product Name	Resistance Type	Resistance Adjustable Levels	Maximum User Weight	Workout Monitor	Tracked Workout Data	Warranty	Price
Best Overall	1. Concept2 Model D	Air	Fully adjustable	500 lbs.	Performance Monitor 5	Distance, speed, pace, calories, watts	5 years for the frame, 2 years for parts	Check Price
Best with Water	2. WaterRower Natural	Water	Fully adjustable	1,000 lbs.	S4 Performance Monitor	Intensity, stroke rate, heartrate, zone bar, duration, distance	5 years for the frame, 3 years for parts	Check Price
Editor’s Choice	3. Echelon Smart Rower	Magnetic	32	300 lbs.	Lacks monitor. Use your own tablet with the app installed on it	Maximum and average resistance, output, strokes per minute, calories	1 year	Check Price
Best with Screen	4. Xterra Fitness ERG650W	Water	6	350 lbs.	5.5” LCD console	Time, time per 500 meters, calories, strokes, strokes per minute, distance, pulse	Lifetime for frame, 2 years for parts, 1 year for labor	Check Price
	5. Schwinn CrewMaster	Magnetic	10	300 lbs.	Large-size LCD	Strokes, calories, recovery, time, distance, pulse	10 years for frame, 3 years for parts, 1 year for labor	Check Price
Best for Home	6. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515	Magnetic	8	250 lbs.	Large LCD display	Time, count, calories, total count, scan	3 years for frame, 6 months for parts	Check Price
	7. Stamina X Air Rower 1412	Air	Fully adjustable	250 lbs.	LCD display	Speed, time, calories, distance	3 years	Check Price
	8. Fitness Reality 1000 Plus	Magnetic	14	250 lbs.	3.5” LCD display	Calories, time, distance, scan, strokes per minute, total count	1 year	Check Price
	9. Sunny Health & Fitness Obsidian Surge SF-RW5713	Water	Fully adjustable	300 lbs.	R2 Fitness Meter	Strokes, strokes per minute, time, time per 500 meters, total strokes, pulse, calories burned	3 years for the frame, 180 days for parts	Check Price
Budget Pick	10. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1205	Hydraulic	12	220 lbs.	LCD monitor	Time, strokes count, scan, calories	1 year for the frame, 3 months for parts	Check Price
	11. Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050	Hydraulic	12	250 lbs.	Multi-function electric monitor	Speed, distance, duration, stroke rate, calories	1 year for the frame, 3 months for parts	Check Price
	12. Marcy Rowing Machine 8 Resistance	Magnetic	8	250 lbs.	LCD panel	Count, total count, time, calories burned	2 years	Check Price

1. Concept2 Model D

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Seeing how the Model D can withstand a maximum weight of 500 pounds, it can be used by all people, regardless of their body type. This detail also shows how durable the fitness apparatus is, the build resisting heavy loads and intense use as if it were nothing. The air resistance model allows you to customize resistance as you like, the adjustment depending on the intensity at which you want to row.

As it comes with PM 5, it allows users to track important data like distance, calories burned, pace, and speed. The quick-release frame lock mechanism allows an easy folding, this process not requiring the use of any tools. Moreover, due to the fact that the exercise machine can be folded after use, it is perfect even for those who live in small apartments. The seat is padded and the handles have an ergonomic design and a 10-degree bend, ensuring comfortable and convenient operation.

The LED backlight featured by the monitor ensures the data shown on the display is easy to read no matter the lighting conditions in the room. It offers you the possibility to monitor your heart rate as you row to ensure that the workout is not putting too much stress on this important organ. Furthermore, it is backed up by a 2-year warranty for the parts and a 5-year warranty for the frame.

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2. WaterRower Natural

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Suited for gym owners who seek qualitative equipment for their venues and casual users who want to acquire fitness gear for home use alike, the WaterRower Natural is a costly yet worthwhile purchase considering the thorough workout it provides and the long-run durability it guarantees. To understand just how much better this product is as opposed to competitors you need to look at a single stat that says it all – its 1,000-pound weight capacity.

It features an American Ash wood frame with honey oak finish so that it adds a touch of color to any living space. Moreover, the manufacturing material absorbs vibration and sound so that your workouts are smooth and quiet. As it quite accurately mimics the dynamics of rowing due to the water flywheel it features, it makes for an especially desirable option for users who have joint problems.

It comes with the S4 performance monitor to keep track of how your training session goes, and if you want, you can separately acquire the heart rate monitoring kit to keep an eye on your cardio health during exercises. The seat is wide and comfy to ensure a pleasurable experience when using the rower, while the ergonomic grip handlebar enhances safety in use.

It measures 82” by 22” by 28”, and when you store it, just put it in an upright position – this makes it quite space-saving. When it comes to backing, the frame is covered for 5 years, while the manufacturer provides a 3-year warranty for the parts.

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3. Echelon Smart Rower

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Just because you’re not in the gym, it doesn’t mean that you can’t have a professional instructor by your side, motivating your and explaining drills. The Echelon Smart is the rower that brings this sort of workout in your home if you simply install the app as you get daily live instructional videos and on-demand videos performed by world-class trainers to have an even better experience than you would at the gym, all from the comfort of your home. The drills include rower workouts, as well as routines off this specific machine.

As the unit can hold up to 300 pounds max, it’s safe to say that its heavy-duty build makes it suited for gym venues as well. This is a magnetic resistance model that provides a total of 32 different adjustable levels, catering to the needs of beginners and pros alike. The controls to adjust the resistance levels are located on the handle bars so that you have an easy time adapting the workout session to your preference while training.

While it does not feature an actual display like other models do, it is fitted with a tablet holder where you place your personal device. On your tablet, you install the app, and you get to enjoy the videos we previously talked about, as well as monitor your stats. The holder even features a USB charging port so that you can keep the battery of the tablet up and going throughout the whole workout session. The device holder swivels 90 degrees and flips 180 degrees so that you position it as needed depending on whether you do a rower workout or a floor workout.

To ensure that you exercise comfortably and that back pain won’t be an issue, the unit’s seat is designed to promote proper posture. The adjustable foot supports accommodate all users, regardless of the size of their feet. When you are done training, you can save space by folding the rower down to a more compact size. Lastly, we mention the fact that 1-year backing is provided for parts and labor by the manufacturing company.

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4. Xterra Fitness ERG650W

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While this Xterra Fitness product might cost a bit upfront, considering the fact that it provides a smooth and efficient workout for a lifetime even if you use it regularly, it is a smart acquisition to make. It is a water resistance model that features an easy to fill tank and that lets you adjust the difficulty of the training session by providing 6 resistance levels to pick from. For added resistance, the tank is angled at 45 degrees, which makes it quite unique from the design point of view. As it can hold a maximum weight of 350 pounds, it is a fitness apparatus that works for people who are really struggling with extra pounds.

What makes it a standout, however, is the 5.5” LCD console that tracks and displays time, time per 500 meters, calories, strokes, strokes per minute, distance, and if you separately acquire the chest strap, it even shows your pulse in real-time. On the display, it also shows the room temperature, date, and clock. The rower features 15 preset workout programs that come in handy for at-home training and keep you engaged.

To make it easy for you to get on and off the rower, the seat height is raised (15” to be specific). The handle is padded for extra comfort, while the machine is fitted with flex pedals that move with you to prevent injury. The pedals are also equipped with large straps for a secure fit regardless of the size of your feet.

Another design element that adds to its appeal is that the frame folds up so that the unit won’t take up much storage space. Of course, we cannot end without talking about the warranty agreement as, in this case, it exceeds the industry standard. Specifically, the frame is guaranteed to be free of defects for a lifetime, and you are provided a 2-year warranty for parts, and a 1-year warranty for labor.

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5. Schwinn CrewMaster

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The full-body workout the CrewMaster provides at an affordable price makes it a value deal that is difficult to overlook. Considering the fact that the manufacturing company is none other than Schwinn, what most fitness aficionados view as one of the leading brands for fitness equipment, and that it is fitted with steel rails, you can rest assured knowing that you are making a wise purchase quality-wise.

This is a magnetic resistance model that can withstand a maximum weight of 300 pounds and provides the user no less than 10 different difficulty levels, making it possible for beginners and pros alike to follow through with personalized workout sessions.

As expected, it comes with a large-size LCD where it displays the essential metrics of your workout session, specifically strokes, calories burned, recovery, time, distance, and even your pulse so that you can track cardio stats as you exercise. The console can even be adjusted so that it adapts to your height or mere preference.

The nylon transmission of this unit ensures it stays quiet while you work out so that it doesn’t present a distraction. The grip provided by the ergonomic handle enhances safety in use, while the oversized padded vinyl seat ensures comfort throughout the whole training session duration. Another mention-worthy design aspect is that the large pedals suit all feet sizes, and they are equipped with straps to anchor your feet properly to avoid injury.

When you are done with the workout, you can fold the equipment to save storage space. This makes it especially desirable for home use. Needless to say, the product excels even in the warranty department seeing how backing is provided for 10 years for the frame, 3 years for the parts, and 1 year for labor, which exceeds industry standard.

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6. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515

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It can accommodate users who weigh up to 250 pounds, so it is unlikely for you to ever surpass its capacity. It features a magnetic tension system that provides 8 different levels of resistance you can pick between so that it may suit the fitness level you are currently at.

In terms of comfort, it is hard to beat as it features a fully padded seat that makes it a real pleasure to work out. The non-slip grip handlebars ensure you will not feel your hands fatigued even as you row intensely.

For comfort as well as safety, it comes with large anti-slip foot pedals that accommodate even individuals who have larger feet. Of course, there are adjustable straps attached to the foot pedals so that you may customize their size to your feet.

Another great feature is the large LCD screen on which you can view useful and important stats like how much time has passed since you started working out, how many times you rowed, how many calories you burned, and so on. Moreover, it features built-in transportation wheels for easy relocation.

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7. Stamina X Air Rower 1412

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The Stamina X Air provides various intensities based on how hard or slow you work out with it. Thus, you can control the resistance of the machine and choose how intense you want the rowing session to be. It is an averagely sized model that will not take up too much space, measuring 77″ L by 18″ W by 22″ H, and weighing 54 pounds.

You can fold it to 48″ L by 18″ W by 28″ H to save more space when you are done using it. It is equipped with wheels for easy transportation, so you can move it from one room to another without putting in too much effort.

Aside from allowing you to correct your posture and work out all muscle groups, it will also help you relax and relieve tension. The sliding seat is upholstered and padded for you to sit comfortably, and the footplates feature large straps to keep your feet in place during the workout. The footplates are pretty large as well, accommodating people with various shoe sizes. It adapts to many user heights, so it is designed for the entire family.

To help you monitor your progress, a device has been mounted to measure your speed, the time, the distance, and the calories burned. Note that the device is not a heart rate monitor, so you will not be able to rely on it to check your cardiovascular health. Furthermore, the 3-year warranty that covers it will replace or repair it free of charge as long as you use it properly.

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8. Fitness Reality 1000 Plus

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Keep in mind that it can accommodate users who weigh up to 250 pounds, anything that exceeds this weight potentially damaging the workout apparatus. Another element you must take into account is that it is suitable for users from 4’9” to 6’6” tall.

It’s equally useful for beginners as it is for those who have a higher fitness level as it provides 14 resistance levels to pick between and accommodate what you can handle at that moment. However, its greatest highlight is the Bluetooth connectivity that lets you use your smartphone to track results and set goals via the app when it comes to calories burned, distance, and time so that you can reach them faster.

The inseam length is 39” and it features a 21.5” foam handlebar that provides a comfortable grip. Due to the front stabilizer foot pads, you can take up a variety of exercises like front raises, upright rows, curls, and more. The comfy cushioned seat is contoured and measures 13.5” in length and 11” in width to properly accommodate all body types.

It even allows you to fold it for easy storage, measuring only 39.5” by 21.5” by 53.5” when folded. Furthermore, the manufacturer has it covered against defects for 1 year since the moment of purchase.

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9. Sunny Health & Fitness Obsidian Surge SF-RW5713

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The Obsidian Surge is a worthwhile option regardless of the setup you need it for, whether you are looking for top-tier equipment for your gym venue or at-home workout gear that is engaging and challenging. As it uses water, the rowing experience is smooth and steady with each stroke. The flywheel and the 16 hydro fan blades are what give it the internal resistance, as the spin of the blade increases in speed, the resistance and dynamic response heightening to improve your workout experience.

The latest fitness technology is used for it, specifically the R2 Fitness Meter that tracks and displays important workout metrics like total strokes, calories, total time, and more. The R2 even provides you with the possibility to pick from the pre-programmed workouts or personalize your training session so that you make exercising more fun and pursue your goals easier.

For durability and to be able to withstand up to 300 pounds, its build comprises a heavy-duty steel frame. It is fitted with non-marking rubber wheels that make relocation easy, and when you aren’t using it, to save space, you can place it upright against a wall. However, keep in mind that this is a water resistance type, so upright storage could lead to water leaking. For user comfort, it features a large seat that supports the hips properly, making it easy to keep a correct posture while you exercise.

The non-slip foot pedals with nylon Velcro straps are another plus as they keep your feet secure to impede injuries. Moreover, the foot pads pivot, grating your feet and ankles freedom in movement. For added safety, it is fitted with non-slip handlebars that you can grip properly. Lastly, when it comes to backing, the manufacturer covers the frame for 3 years, whereas the other parts and components are guaranteed to be free of defects for 180 days.

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10. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1205

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The SF-RW1205 can support users who weigh a maximum of 220 pounds. It weighs only 20 pounds, so it will be a cinch for you to store it in a different location after you finish the workout session.

It has a durable construction that ensures it is a long-lasting investment. This hydraulic resistance model offers no less than 12 difficulty levels to choose between and customize the workout session as desired.

It is foldable, ensuring that the space it occupies can be freed up after the exercise routine. For your comfort and convenience, it features adjustable footrests, an ergonomically designed fully padded seat, and cushioned non-slip handles.

It comes with the automatic shut-off feature that ensures battery power will not be lost as it will shut off on its own after 4-5 minutes of inactivity. The 31-inch slide rail length makes it very convenient to use even by tall people.

The manufacturer offers a 3-month warranty for the parts and a 1-year warranty for the frame. As long as you use it as instructed in the manual and avoid damage due to improper use, the manufacturer will fix or replace it free of charge if the warranty period is still active.

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11. Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050

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The Glider 1050 comes at a cheap price as opposed to most available products, which makes it a more accessible option for customers. It can be used by people who weigh up to 250 pounds. This hydraulic resistance model offers 12 different resistance levels to manually choose between and customize your workout experience to your fitness level.

The multi-function electric monitor displays the speed you are rowing at, the distance covered, the duration of the workout session, the stroke rate, and the number of calories burned. It is foldable, so you can rest assured knowing that it is perfect even if you have limited free space in your home. The seat and handles are padded with foam to ensure comfort in use. It features a steel frame that is strong and sturdy, guaranteeing it will perfectly withstand intense use.

After 4-5 minutes of inactivity, the monitor will automatically shut off to make sure that the battery does not run out of power too quick. When it comes to warranty, it is covered for 3 months for the parts, and 1 year for the frame. This is not the best warranty out there, but the quality construction ensures that there is no need to worry about issues appearing with it for a long time.

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12. Marcy Rowing Machine 8 Resistance

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Despite the affordable asking price, this Marcy fitness equipment is quite ambitious in terms of performance. It can support up to 250 pounds, which is pretty standard for these units. It provides a total of 8 levels of magnetic resistance to cater to your training needs and fitness level, making for an equally viable option for beginner and advanced users alike.

To adapt the resistance as you need, simply turn the tension knob until your preferred setting is selected. It doesn’t get simpler than this, that’s sure. The equipment is fitted with a multi-angle LCD display that tracks important metrics, including calories burned, total count, and time elapsed. It doesn’t track the distance, however, which is a minus since other models comprise this option as well. There is a redeeming trait to the monitor that makes up for it, though, specifically the fact that it folds backward and forward, which makes storing the rower when you aren’t using it a lot easier.

The machine features a device holder where you can place your tablet to make the time pass more pleasantly and stay engaged while you work out by watching your favorite shows, movies, or music videos. To guarantee that you sit as comfortably as possible, the ergonomic seat features high-density foam padding, which makes long training sessions bearable. Moreover, as the seat measures 13.5” by 10” by 9”, you are assured of the fact that your hips will be positioned properly regardless of how wide they are.

The pedals are large and textured, and they feature straps that secure your feet for added safety. Another mention-worthy trait is that the pedals pivot, adding to the smoothness of the rowing motion. A design aspect that users universally praised with this machine stands in the solid yet comfortable grip provided by the handles that enhances safety.

While the Marcy rower makes for a viable option for professional gym venues, it is better suited for home use due to its design seeing how it can be folded to measure 36” in length by 20” in width by 44.5” in height when you are done using it. Furthermore, the unit weighs only 60 pounds so that taking it in and out of storage isn’t problematic for a single person.

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Fitness Rower 101

The rowing machine simulates the action of watercraft rowing, helping those who use it stay in shape, build muscle mass, lose weight, and even practice for actual rowing events. What stands out the most is that it doesn’t have a large footprint when compared to other fitness equipment. As most models are narrow and foldable, they can be easily stored away when not in use and don’t take up much space even when unfolded either.

The rower also delivers a full-body workout by setting all of the muscles in your body in motion and challenging them by opposing resistance. This is another benefit that won’t come with the vast majority of fitness equipment, making it a must-have for anyone who is passionate about fitness. As you maneuver it, you challenge your arms, legs, back, and lower and upper back muscles into a complex motion. Your entire body participates in a full stroke, and the result is a complete and intense workout that provides resistance and strengthens your muscles.

Types

Another important detail that you have to know about is that there are four different types that you can choose from when it comes to resistance, more precisely air, water, hydraulic, and magnetic models.

• Air resistance rowers produce the resistance by using the air that flows over an internal flywheel.
• Water resistance rowers use water and paddles to produce the resistance, having a more realistic feel when they are used.
• Hydraulic resistance rowers achieve their resistance with the help of pistons that are attached to the handles.
• Magnetic resistance rowers deliver the resistance by varying the distance between the spinning flywheel that is attached to the handle and the strong magnets that they feature.

5 Mistakes You Must Avoid

When using any type of fitness equipment, it is mandatory that you know how you should proceed with your movements and motions to avoid injuries. In the following, we will show you what the 5 common mistakes that people make when using the rower are so that you know to avoid them.

1. Using Only Your Arms

   A vast majority of people who use the machine do it in the idea that they will build strong upper bodies. As they are eager to see results fast, they tend to pull the handles using only the strength in their arms, shoulders, and back. This can lead to serious injuries as strain inevitably occurs. The correct way to proceed when pulling the handles is to use the power that comes from your legs, from the core, and from the arms. About 60% should come from the legs, 20% from the core, and 20% from the arms to stay clear from injury.

2. Hunching Your Back

   If you row while sitting with your back hunched, your spine is inevitably going to be affected as you will put a large amount of pressure on it while keeping it in an unnatural position. What you should do is to sit straight with a stacked posture, engaging the core and relaxing the shoulders while pulling them back and down.

3. Rushing

   Another common mistake that beginners make is that they rush, jerking their bodies forward in an uncontrollable manner. The proper way to row is by following a 1:2 count stroke ratio. More precisely, you should expend a lot of energy at the drive in a quick manner as the arms are pulling and the legs are pushing. During the second half of the stroke, you should relax, calmly recovering to prevent the seat from smashing into its front side.

4. Setting the Damper Too High

   This is a common mistake among newbies, beginner users being tempted to set the damper level too high, which leads to an increased difficulty of the exercise and more rapid exhaustion. If you have just started using the fitness equipment, it is best that you start with a middle setting and move up as time passes and you start to feel more comfortable when rowing.

5. Mixing Up the Movement Order

   What most people are tempted to do is to fire their arms and legs at the same time, putting unnecessary strain on their bodies by mixing up these operations. The proper way to work out with it is to first focus on pushing with the legs, then pivoting backward at the hips, and finally pulling the arms into the chest.

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Rowing Machine Workouts


If you don’t have much experience with this workout apparatus, you might be tempted to think that the rower is limited and that you cannot follow through with as diverse of a training schedule as you would with other equipment. In case you lack inspiration or you simply want a few fresh workout ideas, we will provide you with 3 rower training drills that are proven to have results and keep you engaged.
Tip: Before you start any workout, you must first do a warm-up routine. What this implies is 10 minutes of physical activity to get you in the zone and prevent injury from the extra effort you will be subjected to later on.

1. From the Ground Up

• Row for 100 meters.
• Do 10 reps of bodyweight squats.
• Row for 200 meters.
• Do 10 reps of bodyweight squats.
• Do 20 reps of alternating reverse lunges.
• Do 10 reps of kneeling bicep curl to overhead presses.
• This constitutes 1 round. Do 3 rounds with recovery breaks between them.

2. Burpee Blast

• Set the monitor of the rower to display the calories count.
• Row as hard as you can for 2 minutes and keep the calorie score in mind as this will be your target for the subsequent rows.
• Get off the machine and do 10 burpees.
• Get back on and row until you reach the previous calorie count.
• Get off again and do 9 burpees, and then proceed to row again until the calorie count is reached.
• Continue the descending ladder pattern until you finish the round where you have to do a single burpee.
• Aim to follow through with the routine in less than 30 minutes.

3. The Calorie Count-Up

• Set the rower to 1-minute intervals and make sure that you reach the amount of calories you want to burn before each minute passes.
• During the first minute, row for 5 calories, and take a break until the next minute starts. Then, aim for 6 calories, and rest until the next minute.
• Continue in this manner until you cannot complete the required amount of calories within 1 minute.
• Ideally, you should push yourself to get in at least 15 minutes of workout.

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Rowing Machine Benefits

Full Body Workout

This benefit does not come with a lot of fitness equipment, most of them only exercising your upper or lower body. By providing a full-body workout, it ensures that you will achieve the goals that you have set much faster than you would with other workout apparatuses.

Weight Loss

What makes it very effective for weight loss is the fact that it works out both your upper and your lower body simultaneously as you use it. Therefore, you will lose weight in a harmonious manner, without having to switch between various exercise equipment.

Improved Cardiovascular Health

It helps increase heart function when the tension is set at a low level and the resistance is not high. As you work out with it and maintain a high speed rate, you manage to reach an aerobic state, improving your heart’s health, blood circulation, and lung functions.

Increased Muscular Strength and Endurance

The muscular strength represents the amount of weight that a particular muscle group can lift in a single effort, and the muscular endurance represents the number of lifting repetitions a particular muscle group can perform. By using the rower, you increase your muscular strength and endurance, providing both the necessary resistance and repeated motion that help you have a strong and fit body.

Low Impact Exercise

The fact that it is a low impact exercise is a benefit that cannot be overlooked, especially considering how harsh certain workout routines can be on the joints. With the rower, you will be able to reach your fitness goals easily, all without affecting the health of your joints in any way. This makes it a great option to use even by those who have suffered injuries in the past and who cannot afford to take risks anymore, and for those who have led a sedentary lifestyle for a long time and are completely out of shape.

Stress Reduction

As you exercise, you notice a major difference when it comes to your mood. The positive change is all due to the fact that as you work out, endorphins are stimulated and released, giving you an overall “feel good” sensation. This is especially helpful for those who are faced with anxiety issues, overwhelming stress, and depression.

Convenience

If you procure the rower for home use, you enjoy the added benefit of working out in a much more convenient manner than you would if you were to hit the gym. No more waiting in traffic to reach the gym and standing in line to use the rower as you can follow through with the workout from the comfort of your home.

Versatility

If you’re into leading a healthy and active lifestyle, then you probably already know about high-intensity interval training. It alternates low to medium intensity exercises with high-intensity exercises for results to be visible a lot faster when it comes to losing weight and toning the body. The rower is the perfect fitness equipment to integrate into HIIT routines as it adds versatility to the workout.


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Frequently Asked Questions





How do I properly use it?
• Secure your feet to the plate.
• Bend your knees to reach the handle with your body.
• Grab the handle with your back straight.
• By focusing the force in your quads and glutes, extend your legs and push off the plate.
• With your legs straightened out, lean back to a 45° angle with your spine in a straight position.
• With the core and torso engaged, proceed to pull the handlebar toward your chest.
• Bend your elbows and pull inward until the bar makes contact below your chest.
• Slowly return to the initial position by repeating the movement sequence backward.


Can you lose belly fat on a rowing machine?
Yes, you can lose belly fat and tone your abdomen if you put sufficient effort into your workout sessions. Don’t expect miracles if you only row for 1 hour per week. To achieve the feat of losing belly fat, you have to be serious about your workouts, do 3-4 sessions per week at least, train as hard as you can, and combine your fitness efforts with proper hydration and a healthy diet.


Is it OK to use a rowing machine every day?
Yes, as opposed to strength training equipment from which you should take at least a 1-day break to let your bones and muscles rest, the rower is safe for daily use. Of course, daily training does require that you follow a certain program. So, if you want to work out daily with your new equipment, train for 10-15 minutes per day preferably, and mind the intensity of the sessions as well. For short, pace yourself and listen to your body – if you start to feel exhausted, take a 1-day break.


Is rowing bad for your back?
Only poor technique can end up in back pain, discomfort, or even injury. When performed properly, this exercise prevents strain and alleviates back pain, so if you physically feel unwell, it means that you are doing something wrong. Aside from improper technique, overuse can participate in back pain and injury. Thus, limit the training sessions to your fitness level when it comes to their duration and intensity to impede this occurrence.


Does rowing tone your arms?
As the rowing action actively engages the muscles in your arms, if you train regularly, your flabby arms will become toned. This is not a benefit you reap with stationary bikes and other fitness equipment that doesn’t involve the use of all muscles like the rower does.


Is a rowing machine better than a treadmill?
Hands-down, the rower is better than the treadmill from the fitness point of view seeing how it develops more muscles, specifically the back muscles, legs, and arms. In fact, it provides a full-body workout for muscle gain that is hard to top by most fitness equipment out there.


What muscles does a rowing machine work?
This complex fitness equipment is praised by professionals as it works out all major muscle groups – biceps, triceps, back muscles, core muscles, lats, hamstrings, quads, glutes, and shoulders. Thus, you get a full-body workout by using just one piece of equipment.


On average, how many calories does it help burn during a workout session?
While the estimated burn is approximately 1000 calories per hour, the value varies depending on the intensity of your workout session. This high calorie-burning value makes it an ideal partner for weight loss, the only other exercise machine that equals it is the treadmill.


Does my height count when I pick a product?
Yes, if you do not make sure that the rail length suits your height, allowing you to comfortably move when you are working out, you will be faced with the unpleasant surprise of not having the capability to perform exercise routines properly.


Can it be integrated into strength training?
Yes, as it works out all the important muscle groups in your body, it is one of the best fitness equipment to integrate into a strength workout routine. Using it intensively results in quick muscle growth, an ideal scenario for those who want to bulk up.





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Conclusion


Regular workouts on a rower lead to a chain of beneficial effects, including health improvement, fitness improvement, a slimmer figure, and a toned body that is ready for bikini season. The workout you perform with it is perfect regardless if you are a first-timer who is a bit out of shape or a pro with a perfect fitness level. Options are abundant when it comes to rowing machines, which is a plus as you can find the model that suits your space, expectations, as well as budget, all with ease. Here, we have provided you with the best models available yet, and before we end, we want to go over a few of these top-tier models once more to help you make up your mind.

Best Rowing Machine for Sale: Concept2 Model D
Widely regarded as the best manufacturer on the market, Concept2 really surpassed expectations when it released the Model D rower. This air resistance model is fully adjustable in terms of exercise difficulty and intensity, so you can grow in fitness level with it and it will still challenge you. As it is built with welded steel, durability is a given, which is also indicated by the 500-pound weight capacity it accommodates. What makes it stand out from competitors, however, is the Performance Monitor 5 that tracks and displays workout stats like distance, pace, speed, and calories to keep you tuned to how your training progress is going. Best of all, it is designed with user comfort in mind, the padded seat and handles assuring a pleasant experience as you exercise.

Editor’s Choice: Echelon Smart Rower
This is not your typical rower, what drew our attention to it being the fact that, as the name suggests, it is a smart solution to stay active and fit. Instead of being equipped with a monitor like most models are, it simply features a device holder where you place your tablet. On the tablet, you install the Echelon app, and you get access to live and on-demand workout routines where professional instructors explain the exercises and keep you engaged with the routine so that you reach your goals quickly and train correctly. It is a magnetic resistance model that provides 32 levels to pick from, so you won’t ever get bored or feel like the workout isn’t enough to challenge you. Moreover, it supports weights of up to 300 pounds, which makes it an option even for individuals who are on the heavy side.

Best Rowing Machine for Home: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515
What recommends the SF-RW5515 for home use is the fact that it isn’t expensive and it is designed to be durable without weighing too much or taking up an absurd amount of space. It weighs 59 pounds, so relocation and taking it in and out of storage is a one-person job. It measures 82” in length by 19 in width, so the amount of floor space it occupies isn’t that large. Despite being lightweight and reasonable in size, it can accommodate users who weigh up to 250 pounds, which suffices for most users. Moreover, it tracks stats like time, strokes, and calories burned to help you keep an eye on your progress when you work out so that you stay engaged with the routine.

Best Rowing Machine with Water: WaterRower Natural
Water resistance rowing machines set themselves apart from other types through the natural dynamics provided. Among these models, the Natural from WaterRower is the best, by far, making for a viable choice even for people who suffer from joint injuries due to the smooth, natural motion during training. It boasts a durable build (it can accommodate a maximum weight of 1,000 pounds) and is fitted with the S4 performance monitor that tracks intensity, stroke rate, heartrate, zone bar, duration, and distance. The material used in its manufacturing, American Ash wood, has the capability of absorbing sound and vibration, which provides the added benefit of a smooth and silent workout. It even excels in the warranty department, the 5-year guarantee for the frame and 3-year assurance for the parts showing that the manufacturer trusts the product’s quality.

Best Rowing Machine with Screen: Xterra Fitness Water Rower ERG650W
While most of the entries in our top feature performance screens and monitors where you can keep track of your workout stats, none compare to the ERG650W as it features a wider range of parameters, including time, time per 500 meters, calories, distance, strokes, strokes per minute, and pulse. The screen even lets you select between the 15 preset training programs the unit integrates to make your workout sessions more fun and motivating. Of course, this isn’t the only department in which the product excels, the water resistance model featuring quite a distinctive design granted by the 45-degree tilt of the water tank that provides a much more authentic rowing experience.

Budget Pick: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1205
The cheap asking price this model comes at recommends it for anyone who seeks a rower but doesn’t have the cash to splurge on pro-grade models with the Concept2 series products. However, just because it’s not expensive it doesn’t mean that it is less qualitative than its opponents. On the contrary, this hydraulic resistance model provides 12 training difficulty settings to pick from so that you grow in fitness level with it. As you work out, it tracks important metrics like calories burned and strokes count to keep you aware of your progress. Moreover, the sturdy steel build makes it able to withstand weights of up to 220 pounds, so you can opt for it even if you are on the heavy side.