For those of you that are tired of the same-old, same-old exercise equipment like the treadmill, elliptical, stationary bike, or the stair climber, you need to think about the indoor rowing machine.
It is more than that dusty piece of exercise equipment that nobody uses anymore. If you want one piece of exercise equipment that will provide you with a full-body workout, then the rowing machine is exactly what you are looking for.
A lot of people who work out are starting to use this piece of exercise equipment for this reason and many more.
The Benefits of Rowing Machines
I am going to share with you the many benefits that come with using this type of exercise equipment as well as review some rowing machines for those of you that are interested in purchasing one.
Everybody Can Exercise With It
No matter whether you are old or young or whether or not your body is in good shape or not, you will not have problems using a rowing machine. It is a low-impact piece of exercise equipment that does not result in joint pain from using it.
Despite your size or what physical limitations you have, you can probably use a rowing machine to exercise on. This piece of exercise equipment is ideal for a person that is recovering from an injury, because it does not put a lot of strain on the body, but it will provide them with a great workout.
It is a Big Calorie Burner
When you get on a rowing machine and start moving, you burn a lot of calories. A person that weighs 160 pounds will 250 calories after only ½ an hour of rowing.
That is just as much or even more calories than this person would burn on an elliptical or a stair climber.
You Get a Two-In-One Workout
The reason that you burn so many calories when you use a rowing machine is that you use cardio endurance and strength when you exercise on it. The top part of your body is being pulled and the lower part of your body is being pushed which means that your legs and torso are being strengthened.
The full movement itself requires the increased cardio output from your heart and lungs. Your muscles are being pushed and you will have to catch your breath. Using this exercise equipment requires you to do a lot of things at one time.
Rowing Requires You to Use Your Full Body
When you exercise on an indoor rowing machine, you get a total body workout. All of your upper body from your back to your biceps are used. You will also use all of your lower body like your calves and your glutes.
Your core will also get a workout as well because all of your torso from your abs to your erector spine are used when you exercise with a rowing machine. Your whole body will get a total workout to help your whole body get totally in shape.
Your Mind Will Get a Workout As Well
It is well-known that exercise will boost your mood and decrease your anxiety. Using a rowing machine is very relaxing due to the fact that is rhythmic in nature. It reminds people of the calming waves of the ocean with its push and pull motion and it relaxes the mind.
If you listen to music that is full of energy that makes you feel good when you are using this machine or watching a show that has beautiful way is a great thing to do while you row, row, row yourself.
It Has a Marvelous Range of Motion
The push-and-pull that is done by the lower and upper body when using a rowing machine is truly one-of-a-kind as no other cardio machine has it. It also moves your muscles in a full range of motion.
These machines have a sliding seat on the rower and pedals that can be adjusted so that you can use it, no matter what your height is. The range of motion provided by a rowing machine is perfect for the health of your joints and you will be more flexible as well.
You Can Keep Track of Your Progress
Just like you track your speed when you run or walk, you can do so with a rowing machine as well. You can track you how far you go, how fast you go, and how many calories you have burned while using a rowing machine. As you get used to using your rower, you can enjoy setting exercise goals for you to meet.
The majority of indoor rowing machines will allow you to change its resistance levels and make your workout easier or harder. You can adjust the settings of your rower, and take pride in your accomplishments that you achieve the more that you use your rower.
You Can Have a Really Good Time Rowing
Rowing is also a really fun way to get a workout. Even though you are not on a boat rowing the day away, rowing back and forth on a rowing seat is kind of fun. It is also fun to focus on your form, using your legs to push off with power.
You will also enjoy pulling the handle to your core to increase your speed while you lean back, and then control your body while you bring the handle back towards the rower.
How To Choose The Best Rowing Machine For You
Before we share the best rowing machines available right now, let’s first state some factors you’ll need to consider during your search.
Your Available Space
This might sound obvious, but many people purchasing a rowing machine without considering the room they need to store one. An average unit is around the size of a sofa, so bear this in mind when selecting the room to keep the machine in. Consider measuring your available space first and selecting a rowing machine based off of this size.
You should also bear in mind that you’ll need some additional space for your arms, and the last thing you want is to have little room for exercising. If you have limited room for a rowing machine, you may still purchase one, if you opt for a portable design that you can conveniently fold away after each use.
Create a Budget and Stick To It
This point is harder said than done, since most of the best rowing machines are priced higher. However, you don’t want to fork out hundreds of dollars on a machine that you will barely use. Is this an essential piece of equipment for your home, or are you happy to exercise at the gym, too?
Also, don’t opt for the cheapest unit you can find, since the price can be a reflection of the machine’s quality and materials used within its design. For a low-end machine, you’ll require a maximum of $400. Mid-range models cost between $400 and $700, while the best units can cost over $700. Consider your financial circumstances and if you can adhere to these price ranges.
If you plan on sharing your rowing machine with others, it might be worth considering the different resistances and weights it offers to challenge everyone. Keep in mind that some units have height restrictions, so you m However if it’s only you who’ll be using the unit, you probably won’t need as much diversity in weights and resistance which can limit your choices and reduce the cost.
The Quality and Comfort
These are important components to look into since you don’t want to purchase a low-quality rowing machine that isn’t comfortable to use. Instead, opt for a unit that is made from high-quality materials and is built to last so you don’t need to make repairs. For example, does it sturdily remain on the ground when you’re moving quicker or does it vibrate against the floor, causing a lot of sound? This is particularly important if you live in residential accommodation.
The Top 10 Best Rowing Machines You Can Buy Right Now
Once you have a clear indication of the rowing machine you wish to purchase, you’re ready to look at the best units available right now. Below, we’ve discovered a variety of models from different brands, for a range of budgets, and unique designs, so there’s something for everyone to choose from.
Table of Contents
- The Benefits of Rowing Machines
- How To Choose The Best Rowing Machine For You
- The Top 10 Best Rowing Machines You Can Buy Right Now
- 10. Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine
- 9. WaterRower Club Rowing Machine
- 8. Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower
- 7. LifeSpan RW1000 Indoor Rowing Machine
- 6. Stamina X Air Rower
- 5. Proform 440R Rower
- 4. Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machine
- 3. Sunny Health and Fitness Rowing Machine
- 2. Stamina ATS Air Rower
- 1. Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine
- Which Rowing Machine Should You Buy?
10. Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine
This rowing machine is an effective and total body workout that is low-impact as well. It has a Flywheel design that lowers the noise level while making the ride on it as smooth as possible.
The Performance Monitor 5 that it comes with gives you accurate and comparable data for every row that you take. This rower also has a monitor arm that can be adjusted as well as a seat that is fourteen inches tall.
It also has a nickel-plated chain, footrests that can be adjusted, and a comfortable and efficient handle. You can separate it into two pieces to make it easy to store and the caster wheels make it easy to take it with you wherever you go.
The required foot size is nine times four feet, a five-hundred pound weight limit, and the frame has a five-year warranty.
Pros
- It is durable and well made.
- It is very comfortable.
- It can be used by pretty much anyone
Cons
- The seat is a bit hard.
- It is a bit noisy for air-resistance technology.
9. WaterRower Club Rowing Machine
This rowing machine is crafted by hand and it has a “water flywheel” that makes you feel like you are actually rowing in a boat. The flywheel is in a water tank that is closed off on all sides and it will give you a smooth that does not make any noise.
You are also in control of the amount of resistance. It comes with a Series 4 performance monitor that tracks how hard you work out, what your heart rate is, and it also keeps track of how many strokes you complete.
The solid ash construction absorbs sound and vibrations. Therefore, it is ideal for places that have a lot of people in them. To save space, you can also store it upright.
Pros
- It is easy to put together.
- You burn a lot of calories even with a short workout.
- The sound of rushing water is very calming.
Cons
- It is hard to assemble.
- The tank starts to leak after owning it for a few months
8. Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower
This rower has a resistance DMC (Drum Magnetic Control) system and an electronic tension control. It also has a very big PU molded saddle and you can fold it up to store it.
The heart rate monitor lets you keep track of your heart rate during your workout. The beam also has an Anodized Aluminum Profile and rectangular tubing support. It can also hold up to 275 pounds.
Pros
- You can get a total workout without leaving your home.
- It is very quiet.
- It has a lot of settings, so you can tailor your workout just the way you want it to be.
Cons
- The heart rate monitor quit working after a few times of using it.
- It is hard to transport.
7. LifeSpan RW1000 Indoor Rowing Machine
This rowing machine has a quiet and smooth eddy current drive system that has a 16.5-pound flywheel. It also folds up for you to store it easily and it has a solid steel frame. The three LCD console provides distance, calories, time, and how many strokes that you burn per minute.
It can hold up to 300 pounds and it comes with a five-year frame warranty, a two-year parts warranty, and a one-year labor warranty.
Pros
- It is easy to put together and use.
- The monitor is informative and motivating.
- t is a very smooth machine.
Cons
- It is not sturdy and it may topple over on you.
- It is so light that it lifts up on you while you are using it.
6. Stamina X Air Rower
This rower has a durable rowing chain and air resistance. It also has a steel frame construction, a molded seat, a padded rowing handle, and pivoted footplates.
Since it has wheels and foldable, it is very easy to store. You do have to assemble it.
Pros
- It is stable and easy-to-use.
- The fan will keep you cool while you exercise.
- It is comfortable and durable.
Cons
- The flywheel is slow to retract and makes a loud grinding noise.
- It fell apart after a few uses.
5. Proform 440R Rower
This rowing machine has dual action strength training, pivoting pedals that have nylon foot straps that can be adjusted and are bigger than the usual size of other pedals on the market. It is also made to save space.
It also has a soft touch handle that is designed to be comfortable and efficient and a really big aluminum seat rail. The other benefits of this rowing machine are you can do cardio and strength training with it, it has a large LCD monitor, and eight resistance levels.
Pros
- The assembly directions are written clearly.
- It is easy to put together.
- It is comfortable.
Cons
- The rowing cord came totally frayed.
- The bungee system is jerky and not smooth.
4. Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machine
This rower provides an effective full-body and low-impact workout. The flywheel design keeps the noise level to a minimum while maximizing a smooth feel. It comes with a Performance Monitor 5 that is accurate and comparable for every row and it has a monitor arm that can be adjusted.
The height of the seat goes up to twenty inches the chain is nickel-plated, it has adjustable footholds, and an ergonomic handle. It can hold up to five-hundred pounds and the frame comes with a five-year warranty.
Pros
- It is easy to put together.
- It keeps track of your workouts.
- It is easy to store.
Cons
- It does not provide much resistance.
- They often do not come with the necessary parts like the monitor and the screws.
3. Sunny Health and Fitness Rowing Machine
This rowing machine has twelve levels of resistance and a comfortable, smooth running seat. The foot plates to provide you with additional comfort and it also has foot straps that you can adjust.
It’s electronic monitor will show you the time, your count and total count, and how many calories that you burned during your workout. The handlebars have a non-slip grip and it targets many muscle groups at the same time as the back, abs, and glutes.
It weighs twenty pounds and can hold up to 220 pounds.
Pros
- It is made of strong steel.
- It is cost-effective.
- It is easy to put together.
Cons
- It is hard to get off of it without help.
- It is not very steady or well made.
2. Stamina ATS Air Rower
This rowing machine has wind-resistance and a performance monitor with a lot of functions. The monitor will show you the speed, distance, time, and how many calories that you have burned. It also folds up for easy storage and its wheels make it easy to use.
The floor protectors stop it from moving while it is in use. The frame has a three-year warranty and the parts have a 90-day warranty. It has textured grips to make for easier rowing an angled seat for easy seat return, and a nylon rowing strap for enhanced durability.
Pros
- It is easy to put together.
- Anyone of any age can use it.
- You can get a low-impact workout from it.
Cons
- The digital reader does not work.
- It has no resistance.
1. Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine
This rowing machine has a gas-shock resistance and the monitor will show you the time of day, your stroke count, and how many calories you’ve burned. The strong frame is made out of steel and it folds up so you can store it easily.
Pros
- It is easy to put together.
- It provides a smooth and quiet ride.
- It provides a great workout.
Cons
- The foot pedals do not stay in place.
- The foot straps break easily.
- The monitor does not work.
Which Rowing Machine Should You Buy?
All of these rowing machines are great and have wonderful features. The one that I would recommend over all the rest is the Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machine.
Not only do you get a full-body workout, but it is low impact also. I also love that it is easy to put together and store and it keeps track of your workouts. You can also adjust the footholds and it comes with a five-year warranty and it is made to hold up to 500 pounds.
I think you will love it just as much as I do because of all the great features that it has. For these reasons, I highly recommend that you buy this rowing machine and try it out for yourself in your home.