Best Rowing Machine

Rowing is one of the best full-body exercises you can do. Not only does it work your calves, thighs, glutes, lats, and arms, it’s also a good cardio workout when you row at peak intensity for an extended period. Of course, some people also use them to train for actual, real-world rowing, which is why the best rowing machine will be different depending on your needs.

In this article, we’ll be searching for the top-rated rowing machine for home use. Since everyone’s needs are different, we’ll be reviewing a broad spectrum of prices and designs. That said, it’s important to keep in mind that these are home rowing machines.

If you want something on par with the machines you find at the gym, you’ll probably be in for some sticker shock; those machines can cost as much as a used car. We’ll do our best to get close, but let’s remember that we need to keep things reasonable.

Best Rowing Machine

Best Rowing Machines Available Online

1. Marcy Foldable

The Marcy Foldable Turbine Rowing Machine is a well-built budget machine for home use.

Key features:

• Air flywheel resistance
• 300-pound weight capacity
• 8 resistance settings
• LCD display
• Collapsible

If you’re looking for a budget machine, you could do worse than this Marcy rower. Its air flywheel is ideal for providing realistic, responsive resistance at a price that won’t break the bank. All air flywheels are noisy. It’s unavoidable when you’re basically running a human-powered fan. But this machine is louder than necessary. You’ll definitely want to turn the TV up when you’re using it.

The resistance is adjustable with a simple lever, and has eight different settings. That said, it’s not particularly powerful, even at the highest setting. This is a fantastic machine for a cardio workout, but it just doesn’t have enough strength to be useful as a serious weight training machine. That said, the frame is engineered from durable stainless steel, and can really take a beating. It folds in half for easy storage, and has large transport wheels on the frame so you can roll it into the corner of the room or a large closet.

This machine has an LCD display screen that reads out your most essential workout statistics: time, speed, distance, and estimated calories burned. The seat is comfortable molded plastic with minimal padding, and the footrests have a strap-in design so you won’t slip even if you’re dripping sweat all over it.

Pros:

• Durable steel frame
• Easy storage
• Tracks time, speed, distance, and calories burned
• Affordable

Cons:

• Relatively low resistance
• Loud

2. XTERRA Fitness

The XTERRA Fitness ERG200 is a budget rowing machine with magnetic resistance.

Key features:

• Magnetic flywheel resistance
• 250-pound weight capacity
• 8 resistance settings
• LCD display
• Collapsible

The ERG200 is one of the most inexpensive magnetic resistance rowing machines on the market. Since magnetic machines tend to cost more than basic air resistance, it’s worth considering on that basis alone. It runs very quietly; the rollers on the seat are louder than the – virtually silent – flywheel. While the machine itself is lightweight, this comes with a relatively low weight limit of 250 pounds, so heavier individuals should choose a beefier machine.

The resistance adjustment dial is located directly under the seat, and has eight different settings. While it provides slightly more resistance than the Marcy machine, it’s still not very powerful. Like most light-duty rowers, the ERG200 is primarily designed for cardio. To help you track your workout, this machine includes a monitor with an LCD display. This will show your workout time and stroke count, and will also give you an estimate of how many calories you’ve burned.

The seat on this rower is oversized, both in terms of width and in terms of extra padding. The front of the frame folds up to save space, but there are no transport wheels on the frame; you’ll have to carry it or slide it if you want to move it. The foot straps are comfortable and stretchy, but they’re on the large side. Smaller men and most women will definitely experience some looseness.

Pros:

• Quiet operation
• Oversized seat
• Tracks time, stroke count, and calories
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Loose foot straps
• Relatively low resistance

3. Body Trac Glider

The Stamina Body Trac Glider is an entry-level rowing machine that’s suitable for beginners.

Key features:

• Hydraulic cylinder resistance
• 250-pound weight limit
• Independent oars
• 6 resistance settings
• LCD display

The Body Trac is a hydraulic cylinder machine, which means that it uses hydraulic pressure instead of a flywheel to provide resistance. On the one hand, this is, hands down, the most inexpensive resistance system out there. On the other hand, the hydraulic oil heats up as you use the machine, causing it to lose resistance throughout the course of a long workout. One really nice feature is the fact that there are two independent oars instead of one central oar grip. This makes it harder to inadvertently “cheat” by pulling more with one hand than the other.

The resistance adjustment dial is located under the track, directly on the hydraulic piston. There are technically six settings, but it’s really a gradient, so you can set it anywhere that feels right for you. We found that it’s best to set the resistance a little bit high when starting a workout, to compensate for the loss of pressure over time.

The seat itself is serviceable. It’s molded plastic with a thin layer of padding on top. While the foot straps are adjustable, the velcro isn’t very strong and tends to let go if you’re straining against them. The machine folds up for easy storage. While there are no transport wheels, you don’t really need them; this machine weighs only 35 pounds.

Pros:

• Independent oars prevent “cheating”
• Tracks time, total strokes, and calories burned
• Adjustable foot straps
• Very inexpensive

Cons:

• Loose foot straps
• Inconsistent resistance

4. Avari

The Avari Stamina Programmable Magnetic Exercise Rower is a quiet rowing machine with multiple workout settings.

Key features:

• Magnetic flywheel resistance
• 275-pound weight capacity
• Adjustable resistance
• LCD monitor
• Heart rate monitor
• Collapsible

The Stamina is a magnetic flywheel rower that’s a little more technologically advanced than the others we’ve looked at so far. All the settings are controlled through the LCD monitor, which has more features than you can shake a stick – or an oar – at. To begin with, you can adjust the resistance manually using simple up and down arrows. If you’d rather work a specific program, the machine has 12 different workout profiles: 6 for cardio, 1 for strength, 1 for heart rate, and 4 slots for saving custom programmable workouts.

The computer also tracks the time, distance, strokes, and calories burned and displays your heart rate from the wireless chest strap monitor. The resistance itself has a wide range, from a light cardio workout all the way up to strength training. Combine that with the ability to program your own workouts, and you have an excellent machine for cross training.

The frame is made from lightweight aluminum, is collapsible, and has transport wheels for easy storage. Our only complaints are the seat and the foot straps. The seat is hard molded plastic, with no padding to speak of. The foot straps are cheap, with velcro that wears out quickly and let’s go under stress.

Pros:

• Runs very quiet
• 12 workout programs
• Easy storage
• Tracks time, distance, strokes, heart rate, and calories burned

Cons:

• Hard seat
• Cheap foot straps

5. Goplus Magnetic

The Goplus Magnetic Rowing Machine is a great inexpensive cardio rower for beginners.

Key features:

• Magnetic flywheel resistance
• 220-pound weight capacity
• 8 resistance settings
• LCD display
• Collapsible

This is a small, lightweight machine designed for people who don’t have a ton of extra space. The magnetic flywheel is small and is housed in the nose of the machine. It’s adjustable via a large knob at the front of the track and has eight different tension settings. Like a lot of lightweight machines, even the highest setting doesn’t provide a lot of resistance. The 15-degree slope on the rail helps with this, since you’ll be pushing against your own body weight to some extent, but at the end of the day this is a cardio machine, not a strength training machine.

The action is nice and quiet like a magnetic machine should be, and the LCD display tracks your workout time, strokes, distance, strokes per minute, and estimates how many calories you’ve burned. It’s inexpensive compared to most rowing machines, although larger individuals will need to find one that supports more than 220 pounds.

This machine has a very small footprint when collapsed, and transport wheels for rolling it away. Unfortunately, it’s engineered to very loose, Chinese-made tolerances. You may need a rubber mallet or wood block to get the frame together during assembly.

Pros:

• Quiet operation
• LCD monitor displays time, strokes, distance, strokes per minute, and calories burned
• Adjustable foot straps
• Very small when collapsed
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Relatively low resistance
• Flimsy construction

6. First Degree Fitness

The First Degree Fitness Newport AR Water Rower is the least expensive water rower that’s still worth buying.

Key features:

• Water flywheel resistance
• 300-pound weight capacity
• Adjustable resistance
• LCD display
• Collapsible

If you’re actually training for crew – or if you prefer the smoothest, most responsive resistance available – there’s no replacement for a water rower. Unfortunately, most water rowers cost four figures, which is more than most people want to pay for a home exercise rig. The First Degree Newport AR is expensive, but it’s not that expensive, and unlike some budget water rowers, it’s actually worth the money.

The resistance can be adjusted via a two-tank system with a flow dial. Basically, extra water is stored in a reserve tank, separate from the flywheel. When you turn up the tension, water flows into the flywheel tank, increasing the resistance. When you turn it down, water flows back into the reserve tank. At low settings, this machine is ideal for cardio. At higher settings, it can be used for strength training. The frame is engineered from durable steel and collapses for easy storage.

The LCD monitor tracks workout time, your 500-meter split time, strokes per minute, heart rate, and how many calories you’ve burned. Unfortunately, the heart monitor is sold separately, so you’ll need to plunk down more money to get the full functionality out of this machine. The foot straps are disappointingly cheap for such a nice machine. They stay put, but they don’t have any play to them whatsoever, so you’ll need to set them loose if you don’t want to cut off your circulation.

Pros:

• Simulates real rowing
• Tough, durable frame
• Monitor tracks time, 500-meter split time, strokes per minute, heart rate, and calories burned
• Runs very quietly

Cons:

• Cheap foot straps
• Heart rate monitor sold separately

7. Efitment

The EFITMENT Total Motion Rowing Machine is an inexpensive hydraulic piston rower for beginners.

Key features:

• Hydraulic piston resistance
• Independent oars
• 12 resistance settings
• 350-pound weight capacity
• LCD monitor
• Phone/tablet bracket

This machine has hydraulic piston resistance, rather than using a flywheel. That makes it inexpensive, so beginners can get into rowing without spending a whole lot of money. It also limits your workout time and intensity, since the piston loses tension as the hydraulic oil heats up during a workout. The resistance can be set to twelve different settings. We recommend going a little high at the beginning of your workout if you can manage it, since tension will decrease throughout your workout.

The oars themselves are independent arms, rather than a single handle. This makes it hard to inadvertently “cheat” by pulling harder with one arm than the other. The LCD monitor tracks your workout time, stroke count, strokes per minute, and estimates your calories burned. There’s also a bracket on the console that will hold your phone or tablet for entertainment.

The frame is very tough and supports up to 350 pounds. Unfortunately, a lot of the screw fittings are loose and have some play to them even when fully tightened. Assembly is also a challenge since some of the instructions are vague. Then again, this is a budget machine, and they had to make some sacrifices. This machine is lightweight – only 59 pounds – so you’d think it would be easy to store. It’s not collapsible, though, so you won’t be able to put it in a small space like a closet.

Pros:

• Very high weight capacity
• Independent oars keep you from “cheating”
• Monitor displays time, stroke count, strokes per minute, and calories burned
• Lightweight
• Very inexpensive

Cons:

• Loose fittings
• Difficult to assemble
• Not collapsible

8. Efitment Magnetic

The EFITMENT Magnetic Rowing Machine is an inexpensive, lightweight rowing machine for beginners.

Key features:

• Magnetic flywheel resistance
• 8 resistance settings
• 250-pound weight capacity
• LCD monitor

This is a magnetic flywheel machine, which means you’ll get consistent, responsive resistance without making a whole lot of noise. While the resistance can be adjusted using a dial on the console, this machine has a lot in common with other inexpensive flywheel machines; even at the highest settings, it’s just not beefy enough for strength training. That said, you can still get a nice cardio workout.

The monitor displays your workout time, your current stroke count, strokes per minute, and calories burned. The machine runs very quietly, so quiet that the sound of the seat moving back and forth is louder than the actual flywheel. The entire machine only weighs 49 pounds and can be turned upright for easy, compact storage.

The only thing we didn’t like about the EFITMENT Magnetic Rowing Machine was the foot pedal design. They’re molded to be more ergonomic, but the result is that your weight ends up on the arch of your feet instead of the balls. This is far from ideal, and can make your feet sore during a long session, as well as messing with your form. This is still a decent machine, though, especially considering the low price point.

Pros:

• Runs quiet
• Monitor displays time, stroke count, strokes per minute, and calories burned
• Lightweight
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Questionable foot pedal design
• Relatively low resistance

9. First Degree

The First Degree Fitness Indoor Water Rower is a serious, gym-worthy rowing machine for hardcore enthusiasts.

Key features:

• Water flywheel resistance
• Adjustable variable resistance
• 330-pound weight capacity
• LCD screen
• Transport wheels on frame
• Heart rate monitor

This is a full-featured water rower, comparable to one you’d find in a gym. The flywheel provides consistent resistance that increases the harder you pull, and can be adjusted using the variable dial on top of the water tank. It’s relatively quiet, although you’ll inevitably hear a “whooshing” sound as the blades stir up the water. As you pull, it feels just like actual rowing, which makes this an ideal machine for serious crew training.

The LCD monitor tracks your time, your 500-meter split time, total distance, and calories burned. With the included heart rate monitor, it also displays your heart rate. The seat is made from comfortable foam, which provides enough support to maintain good form while still being soft enough to keep your butt from falling asleep. The foot rests are comfortable, and the straps are strong enough to do their job without being overly tight.

The frame is engineered from tough, durable steel, and has an impressive weight capacity of 330 pounds. While it’s not collapsible, it does have transport wheels for rolling around. The only complaint we have about this machine is the price, but you get your money’s worth.

Pros:

• Simulates rowing through water
• Consistent, responsive resistance
• Tracks time, 500-meter split time, distance, calories burned, and heart rate
• Tough, durable frame
• Comfortable seat
• Adjustable foot straps

Cons:

• Expensive

10. Sunny Magnetic

The Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine is an entry-level magnetic rower that’s ideal for cardio workouts.

Key features:

• Magnetic flywheel resistance
• 250-pound weight capacity
• 8 resistance settings
• LCD monitor

This is a home rowing machine with a magnetic flywheel. It runs very quiet; you can barely hear the flywheel at all. There are 8 levels of resistance, selectable using a convenient dial located just beneath the monitor. Like most entry-level flywheel machines, the resistance leaves a lot to be desired. Even at the highest level, it’s better suited for an intense cardio workout than any serious strength training.

The LCD monitor displays your workout time, stroke count, and estimates how many calories you’ve burned in the current session. The foam seat provides enough cushion without giving you too much. The foot pedals are flat, which is what you want in a rowing machine; this allows you to push off the balls of your feet instead of relying on your heels or arches. Unfortunately, the hardware on the straps is cheap and doesn’t hold the straps flat. They can end up twisting, biting into the side of your foot and forcing you to stop your workout to readjust them.

The frame itself is well-engineered and lightweight. While the weight capacity is somewhere in the middle at 250 pounds, it’s sturdy enough that it won’t rock or swing as long as you’re light enough for it to support you. While this machine isn’t collapsible, it can be stood up on its front end, and the transport wheels make it easy to roll away.

Pros:

• Runs quiet
• Comfortable seat
• Easy storage
• LCD monitor displays time, stroke count, and calories burned
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Relatively low resistance
• Cheap foot straps

11. RipRow

The RipRow Standing Rower is a multi-purpose workout machine that’s useful for rowing, BMX training, and overall balance.

Key features:

• Hydraulic piston resistance
• Stand-up design
• Adjustable resistance

Let’s clear the air about this one: the RipRow Standing Rower isn’t a traditional rowing machine. To begin with, you don’t sit down. There’s a seat, but it’s more like a bicycle seat, designed to provide support while you primarily exercise in a standing position. The “oars” are a cross between bicycle handlebars and a traditional rowing machine oar. The base has a nice rubbery surface for plenty of grip, and the bottom is curved, so you’ll constantly have to maintain balance while you use the machine, adding to the intensity of the workout.

The hydraulic pistons are located both in front of the oar handle and behind it, so you’ll get resistance going both forwards and backward. This makes it ideal for strength training since you’ll be working even more muscles than a standard rowing machine. On the other hand, it’s not useful for crew training, since it’s in no way similar to the type of motion you’d be performing on an actual rowing team. The tension is adjustable via a pair of dials on the head of each piston.

There are no monitors or electronics on this machine. It’s purely analog, but given the wide range of motion available, a monitor would have been useless anyway.

Pros:

• Unique design
• Useful for multiple workouts

Cons:

• No monitor
• Not a typical rowing machine

12. Stamina Air

The Stamina 35-1402 ATS Air Rower is a beginners’ rower that’s lightweight and portable.

Key features:

• Air flywheel resistance
• 250-pound weight limit
• LCD monitor
• Collapsible

This is an air flywheel machine with exactly one resistance setting. On the plus side, you can always adjust the resistance yourself by pulling faster (for more) or slower (for less). On the downside, like most inexpensive flywheel rowers, it doesn’t provide enough resistance for strength training. This is strictly a cardio machine. That said, it’s good at what it does. The seat is comfortable and moves smoothly, and the flywheel is quieter than most air resistance models.

The LCD monitor tracks your distance, speed, and strokes pre minute. For some reason, though, Stamina chose to measure distance in miles. Nobody measures rowing distance in miles. Even here in the US, rowers use meters, so this choice is a little baffling. Then again, the foot straps are nicer than the straps on some high-end models. The velcro is very strong and doesn’t let up when you strain against it.

The frame supports up to 250 pounds, but is lightweight – the whole machine only weighs 55 pounds. It collapses easily for storage, and can easily be rolled away on the rubber transport wheels.

Pros:

• Monitor tracks distance, speed, and strokes per minute
• Lightweight, durable frame
• Easy storage
• Quality foot straps
• Relatively quiet for an air rower
• Affordable

Cons:

• No tension adjustment
• Relatively light resistance
• Units are in miles, not meters

13. Sunny Adjustable

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1205 is a barebones rowing machine that’s ideal for small users in small spaces.

Key features:

• Hydraulic cylinder resistance
• 220-pound weight capacity
• 12 resistance settings
• LCD display
• Collapsible

This is the most barebones rower that money can buy. For one thing, there’s no center console. The oar handle is mounted on an upright bar, and the piston runs between that bar and the base. It has twelve resistance settings and is good enough for strength training at the highest tension. Unfortunately, it suffers from the same weakness as all hydraulic piston machines; after about fifteen minutes, the hydraulic oil starts to warm up and you lose resistance.

The LCD monitor is mounted on the center of the oar and has a few basic features. It monitors your session time, stroke count, and calories. It has well-designed, flat foot pedals with strong velcro straps. Unfortunately, the seat leaves a lot to be desired. It’s molded from hard plastic, without any padding. If you want to use it for an extended workout, you’ll need to throw a towel over it.

The frame is extremely lightweight (only 20 pounds), so you can pick the machine up in one hand and store it in your closet. This comes at a price, though; at this weight, the machine isn’t stable for larger users. It’s also relatively short, so anyone over 5’6” isn’t going to get full extension.

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to store
• Minimalist design
• Monitor tracks time, stroke count, and calories
• Very inexpensive

Cons:

• Not stable for larger users
• Hard plastic seat

14. Merax

The Merax Water Rowing Machine is one of the most portable water resistance machines available.

Key features:

• Water flywheel resistance
• 330-pound weight capacity
• 6 resistance levels
• LCD display
• Transport wheels

This machine is reasonably priced for a rower with a water flywheel. Like other water resistance rowing machines, it feels like you’re actually rowing through water. This makes it ideal for training for crew in your own living room. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with using it for everyday exercise, either. According to the manufacturer, there are six resistance levels, but they’re selling themselves short; it’s actually a variable resistance machine, so you can set it however you like.

The LCD monitor tracks your session time, total strokes, distance, calories burned, and your heart rate. Unfortunately, the heart rate monitor is sold separately. You’ll need to buy one if you want to use that feature. The mesh seat is very comfortable, but still provides plenty of support. It glides quietly, so the loudest sound you’ll hear is the “whooshing” of the water in the tank.

This machine has a strong steel frame and will support up to 330 pounds. It’s unusual among water flywheel machines since the tank and flywheel are angled. This makes it easy to store since the footprint is smaller. It rolls easily on the rubber transport wheels.

Pros:

• Realistic rowing experience
• Tough, durable frame
• Monitor tracks time, total strokes, distance, calories, and heart rate

Cons:

• Heart rate monitor sold separately

15. Water Rower Natural

The Water Rower Natural Rowing Machine is a gym-quality water resistance machine for dedicated rowers.

Key features:

• Water flywheel resistance
• 1,000-pound weight capacity
• Variable resistance
• LCD monitor
• Wood frame
• Heart rate monitor included

This is both a machine and a piece of furniture. That’s not a criticism; the frame is crafted from polished wood, and the seats and trim are all made of attractive black leather. The grey water flywheel tank matches well and provides plenty of resistance without making a lot of noise. The adjustment dial is located on the front of the tank, and it offers variable adjustment. Set it at whatever level works best for you.

The seat is comfortable and supportive, and the fixed foot pads are strong enough to push as hard as you like without any issues. The velcro foot straps will hold tight even under stress, and they’re well padded. The LCD monitor tracks your session time, distance, stroke count, per-minute stroke rate, and heart rate. It also tracks how many calories you’ve burned. The wireless heart rate monitor is included.

Don’t be fooled by the fact that the frame is made of wood. It’s quite strong. As a matter of fact, it will support a whopping 1,000 pounds. Suffice it to say, if you can walk, this machine will support your weight. The machine can be stored upright, and the rubber transport wheels make it easy to move out of the way when you need to. The price is a bit steep, but this kind of quality doesn’t come cheap.

Pros:

• Beautiful and functional
• Velcro foot straps
• Very strong
• Monitor tracks time, distance, stroke count, stroke rate, heart rate, and calories burned
• Stores upright

Cons:

• Expensive

16. Concept2 Indoor

The Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machine is a high-end air resistance machine for home use.

Key features:

• Air flywheel resistance
• 500-pound weight capacity
• LCD monitor
• Collapsible

The air flywheel on this machine provides plenty of resistance for an intense workout. Unfortunately, the only way to adjust it is to row faster to increase resistance. There’s no dial or other customization, which is disappointing on a rowing machine as expensive as this one. It’s also loud, although that’s to be expected on any air resistance machine.

The LCD monitor tracks your speed, distance, 500-meter split speed, and how many calories you’ve burned. Although there’s no heart monitor like you find on a lot of high-end machines, the Model E works with RowPro software. Hook it up to your WiFi, and you can row against other people online. Talk about motivation!

The steel frame is extremely tough and will support up to 500 pounds. The seat is comfortable, and the foot straps have soft plastic buckles that are strong enough to hold up to strain but pliable enough not to dig into your feet. The machine is collapsible and features transport wheels for easy storage.

Pros:

• Extremely tough
• LCD monitor tracks speed, distance, 500-meter split speed, and calories burned
• RowPro software lets you row against other people online
• Easy assembly
• Easy storage
• Well-designed foot straps

Cons:

• Resistance is not adjustable
• Loud
• Expensive

17. First Degree Apollo

The First Degree Fitness Apollo Pro II Rowing Machine is a premium water resistance machine for hardcore rowers.

Key features:

• Water flywheel resistance
• 330-pound weight capacity
• Variable resistance adjustment
• LCD screen
• Beautiful wood frame

The Apollo Pro II is a premium machine that comes at a premium price. If you’re a dedicated rowing enthusiast, it’s well worth the price tag. To begin with, it has a water flywheel, which is almost mandatory for a top-end machine due to the realistic resistance. The tension is adjustable with a variable dial.

The LCD monitor tracks your time, 500-meter split time, distance, strokes per minute, calories burned, and heart rate. Although there’s no heart rate monitor included, it will work with almost any Bluetooth or WiFi enabled monitor.

The oar handle is bent ever so slightly for ergonomics, which really makes a difference both in terms of realism and in terms of comfort. The footrests are made of soft rubber, and the seat is both firm and forgiving. The machine stores upright, and has large transport wheels for easy movement.

Pros:

• Realistic rowing action
• Sturdy, attractive design
• Monitor tracks time, 500-meter split time, distance, strokes per minute, calories burned, and heart rate
• Large transport wheels
• Comfortable seat and footrests
• Ergonomic oar

Cons:

• Heart rate monitor sold separately
• Expensive

18. Stamina Exercise

The Stamina Conversion II Recumbent Exercise Bike/Rower is a combination workout machine that’s made for a serious home gym.

Key features:

• Rowing machine and stationary bike in one
• 250-pound weight capacity
• Magnetic flywheel resistance
• 8 resistance settings
• LCD monitor
• Integrated heart rate monitor
• Collapsible

The Conversion II is a unique machine. It’s a combination of a home stationary bike and a rowing machine, which makes it useful for multiple workouts and multiple users. The magnetic flywheel is nice and quiet, but it has limited resistance. This is despite the fact that there are eight resistance settings.

Other than that, there’s nothing to be disappointed in this machine. The LCD monitor tracks your speed, distance, time, calories burned, and heart rate. Better yet, it doesn’t require a third-party heart rate monitor. There’s one built into the oar handle, which can be locked in to double as a handlebar when you’re using the machine as a bike.

The Conversion II has comfortable leather straps on the bike pedals, and versatile velcro straps on the foot pedals that you use for rowing. The leather seat has a high back for extra support, and will also improve your rowing form if you keep your back flat against it. The frame is sturdy enough to support 250 pounds and collapses for convenient storage. It rolls easily on the transport wheels.

Pros:

• Versatile all-around workout machine
• Runs quiet
• Monitors your speed, distance, time, calories burned, and heart rate
• Sturdy steel frame

Cons:

• Limited resistance

19. WaterRower

The WaterRower M1 HiRise Rowing Machine is a top-of-the-line machine for people who row every day.

Key features:

• Water flywheel resistance
• 700-pound weight capacity
• Variable resistance adjustment
• LCD display
• Heavy steel frame
• Heart rate monitor included

The M1 is one of the toughest rowing machines on the market. The water flywheel resistance is challenging and responsive. It has a variable adjustment dial, so you can set it at whatever level is perfect for you.

The LCD monitor tracks your speed, distance, stroke rate, heart rate, and calories burned. The seat is well-cushioned, and the footrests are made of soft rubber. The foot straps, on the other hand, are extremely tough, with big plastic buckles that will stand up to even the strongest rowers.

The steel frame is sturdy enough to support 700 pounds, but the machine itself weighs almost 200 pounds, so it’s not exactly portable. This machine has a steep price tag, but it’s a bargain at almost any price.

Pros:

• Realistic rowing action
• Cushioned footrests with tough straps
• Sturdy steel frame
• Comfortable padded seat
• Monitor tracks speed, distance, stroke rate, heart rate, and calories burned

Cons:

• Heavy
• Expensive

20. First Degree

The First Degree Fitness Full Commercial E-520 Fluid Rower is a commercial-grade rowing machine for people who want a rower that they can hand down to their grandkids.

Key features:

• Water flywheel resistance
• 450-pound weight capacity
• Variable resistance
• LCD monitor

The E-520 is the crème de la crème of rowing machines. It’s marketed for professional gym use, but First Degree Fitness also sells it to members of the public who want some serious fitness equipment. The water flywheel has a variable adjustment dial, and feels just like you’re rowing through water. The seat gliders feature an air-ride design that feels like you’re floating back and forth.

The on-board computer tracks your distance, time, 500-meter split time, strokes per minute, calories burned, and heart rate. You’ll need a separate heart rate monitor for that particular function, though. The seat is well-shaped, and has just enough padding to be comfortable without you sinking into it. The foot rests are flat and rubberized, with durable nylon straps.

The sturdy steel frame supports up to 450 pounds, which should be plenty for most people. That said, you’re not going to be moving this unit anywhere easily – it weighs 150 pounds. Then again, if you’re serious enough about rowing to buy this machine, you’ll want to show it off.

Pros:

• Realistic rowing action
• Smooth-gliding air rollers
• Tough steel frame
• Made for commercial use
• Monitor tracks distance, time, 500-meter split time, strokes per minute, calories burned, and heart rate

Cons:

• Heavy
• Very expensive
• Heart rate monitor sold separately

Using a Rowing Machine

Using a rowing machine is like using any other piece of exercise equipment. You need to have proper form, or you’re not going to exercise the right muscles. You might even hurt yourself!

You wouldn’t bench press free weights without a spotter. You wouldn’t use a stationary bike with your hands. So let’s take a look at how to use this machine properly.

Isolate Your Legs

Rowing machines provide a full-body workout. Rather than start by exercising your entire body at once, the best thing to do is to master each muscle group individually.

To isolate your legs, sit on the rowing machine with your back straight and your arms fully extended, holding the oar. With your weight on the balls of your feet, push out until your legs are fully extended. Keep your arms straight while you’re doing this, and you’ll get a sense for how the workout should feel in your legs.

Practice Arm Isolations

If you were isolating your legs properly, you should have ended up holding the oar, with your back straight and your arms and legs fully extended. The next step is to isolate your arms.

Sit on the machine in the ending position from a leg isolation, and pull the oar towards you, continuing to keep your back straight. Do this several times, making sure that you’re using only your arms and not your back.

Put Both Motions Together

Once you’ve mastered both motions, it’s time to work your arms and legs together. Proper form on a rowing machine involves extending your legs fully while keeping your arms straight, and only pulling your arms in when your legs are extended all the way out. The return motion should work in reverse; relax your arms slowly, then when they’re fully extended, bend your legs and return to the starting position.

All of this should be one fluid motion, and you shouldn’t be using your back at all. Have a friend spot you from time to time, to make sure you’re not accidentally “cheating” with your back, since this can cause injury.

Form Matters More Than Speed

A lot of beginners think that the faster you go, the better workout you’ll get. This couldn’t be further from the truth. While there’s a lower limit for speed – doing one repetition per minute isn’t much of a workout – the most important thing is to use proper form. If you find yourself “cheating”, go back to the basics; isolate your legs, then your arms, and only then start doing full reps again.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Rowing Machine

Types of Resistance

There are four types of resistance in rowing machines: air, water, magnetic and hydraulic. Here’s a quick overview of each of them.

• Air resistance: Air resistance rowers have an internal flywheel that’s shaped like a fan. The air resistance inside the machine pushes back against the fan blades, providing resistance. These rowers are popular at gyms because they automatically respond to your rowing speed; the faster you’re pulling, the more resistance you’ll get. On the other hand, they can be noisy for home use.
• Water resistance: Water resistance rowers are built similarly to air resistance machines, but the internal flywheels are filled with water instead of air. A lot of people like these machines because they most closely replicate the feeling of rowing through water. Like air resistance machines, the resistance increases the faster you row. They’re heavier than air machines, though, and tend to be more expensive.
• Magnetic resistance: These machines have an internal flywheel that spins next to a powerful magnet. The magnet tries to hold the flywheel in place, providing resistance. Some people don’t like these machines because they don’t replicate an actual rowing experience. However, unless you’re training for a crew team, there’s no reason to avoid them. They’re also whisper quiet, which makes them great for home use.
• Hydraulic resistance: These are the cheapest type of rowing machines. They use hydraulic pistons to provide resistance. On the plus side, they’re inexpensive and don’t take up a lot of space. On the other hand, the resistance increases throughout your workout as the oil inside the pistons heats up. These are popular for home use due to their small size, but you’ll rarely find them in a gym.

Flywheels

Some flywheel rowing machines have adjustable settings that allow you to change resistance and drag. How you want to set them depends on what kind of strength you’re trying to build. For fast-twitch muscle growth, you’re going to want to be rowing faster. In this case, low resistance is generally better. For raw strength, it’s best to use the highest resistance you can pull.

Computer

A computer is a totally optional addition to a rowing machine. However, it can be extremely helpful if you’re a serious workout enthusiast. Budget machines generally won’t have any computer at all, since it’s an easy component to eliminate without compromising the integrity of the machine.

Basic rowing machine computers will keep track of distance, time and speed. If you’re training for an actual crew team, this will be more than sufficient. If you’re rowing to burn calories, though, you may prefer a more advanced computer with a heart rate monitor.

Seat & Comfort

The seat is an underappreciated part of rowing machines. Generally, they’re made from leather or faux leather, with padding on the inside. As for choosing the one that’s best for you, it depends entirely on the contours of your personal derriere.

A soft seat can be a good choice for people without a lot of padding on their backside. This will keep you comfortable while you’re rowing. If you’re experiencing friction on your tailbone, you need more padding. A good solution is to throw a towel on the machine before you sit down.

On the other hand, too much padding can be a bad thing. It can cause pins and needles, numbness, and general muscle fatigue. If you have a lot of natural padding on your backside, consider a less padded seat. If worse comes to worst, you can always use a towel to add padding later if you decide you need to.

Bottom Line

So what’s the best rowing machine for home use?

Ultimately, that depends on your personal needs.

If you’re talking about the machine with the most features and the most realistic experience, you’re undoubtedly going to want one of the water rowing machines. Others can come close, particularly air resistance machines. But a well-designed water row machine is going to be the best for serious rowing training.

If you’re talking about getting the best bang for your buck, magnetic and air resistance machines are the way to go. They’re durable and provide consistent resistance, which is why most Amazon rowing machine buyers end up going in that direction.

If you’re looking for the best budget rowing machine, one of the body weight operated models will be your best choice. They’re obviously limited, since you can only use your own weight for resistance, but the resistance is at least consistent, as opposed to a hydraulic piston operated home rowing machine.

Beyond that, you’ll have your choice of machines with complex computers, simple computers, or no computers at all. Which one you need will depend on what kind of benefits you’re looking to get from your rowing regimen.

Finally, there are some extra features – like portability and collapsibility – that are highly situational. This is particularly true if you live in a small apartment or have other space limitations since rowing machines tend to take up a lot of floor space. We’ve brought these things up in our reviews where we felt that they were worth mentioning.

No matter what you end up choosing, we hope we helped you to make the best possible decision.