A rowing machine is a popular piece of fitness equipment that provides a low-impact, full-body workout. It is designed to simulate the motion of rowing a boat, providing an effective way to build cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility. With so many different types of rowing machines on the market, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best for your specific needs and budget.
In this article, we will explore some of the best home rowing machines available today, taking into account factors such as performance, comfort, durability, and overall value for money. Whether you’re a competitive rower or a beginner looking to get in shape, this guide will help you find the best rowing machine to meet your fitness goals. Our recommendation for the best rowing machine for home gym is Concept2 Model D.
Top 8 Best Home Rowing Machine Reviews 2023
Contents
1. Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine
The Concept2 Model D is a popular rowing machine that has gained a reputation as one of the best on the market. It is designed to provide a smooth, comfortable rowing experience that mimics the feel of rowing on water. The machine is equipped with advanced features such as a PM5 Performance Monitor, adjustable resistance, and a comfortable ergonomic handle, which make it suitable for users of all fitness levels. The Concept2 Model D is also known for its durability and low maintenance requirements, making it a popular choice for both commercial gyms and home fitness enthusiasts.
One of the key features of the Concept2 Model D is its PM5 Performance Monitor. This advanced monitor provides users with a wide range of data, including distance, speed, pace, calories burned, and watts produced. It also allows users to connect wirelessly to heart rate monitors and other fitness apps, making it easy to track progress and set goals. The Concept2 Model D’s adjustable resistance also provides a challenging workout for users of all fitness levels, allowing them to easily increase or decrease the intensity of their workouts.
Another advantage of the Concept2 Model D is its ergonomic design. The machine features a comfortable, contoured seat and an ergonomic handle that is designed to reduce stress on the wrists and forearms. The footrests are also adjustable, providing a secure and comfortable fit for users of all sizes. This ergonomic design, combined with the smooth, quiet operation of the machine, makes the Concept2 Model D a popular choice for users who want a comfortable and effective rowing workout.
In conclusion, the Concept2 Model D is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality rowing machine. Its advanced features, durability, and ergonomic design make it a popular choice for users of all fitness levels, whether they are training for competition or simply looking to improve their overall health and fitness.
2. Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machine PM5
The Concept2 Model E is a premium rowing machine that offers a high-quality, full-body workout. It is designed to provide users with an effective and efficient way to build cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility, while also being comfortable and easy to use. The machine is equipped with features such as a performance monitor, adjustable footrests, and a comfortable seat, making it a popular choice for home fitness enthusiasts, commercial gyms, and professional athletes.
One of the key features of the Concept2 Model E is its flywheel and damper system, which provides a smooth and customizable resistance. The flywheel is designed to respond to the user’s strength and intensity, providing a challenging workout for users of all fitness levels. The damper system allows users to adjust the resistance to their desired level, simulating the experience of rowing on different types of water.
The Model E also features a PM5 performance monitor, which displays key metrics such as time, distance, stroke rate, and calories burned. The monitor also includes a variety of preset workouts and games, making it easy to vary and customize workouts. Additionally, the monitor features wireless connectivity, allowing users to connect with other Concept2 machines or with fitness apps such as ErgData and Concept2’s online logbook.
The Concept2 Model E is also known for its comfortable and ergonomic design. The machine features adjustable footrests and a comfortable seat, making it easy for users to find a comfortable and secure position. The machine also has a high seat height, making it easy to get on and off, and its frame is made of durable aluminum and steel, providing stability and strength.
In conclusion, the Concept2 Model E is a top-of-the-line rowing machine that provides a challenging and comfortable full-body workout. Its flywheel and damper system, performance monitor, and ergonomic design make it a popular choice for users of all fitness levels, while its durable construction and wireless connectivity make it an excellent investment for home gyms, commercial gyms, and professional athletes.
3. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 is a mid-range rowing machine that provides a low-impact, full-body workout. It is designed to simulate the motion of rowing a boat, providing an effective way to build cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility. The machine is equipped with features such as magnetic resistance, a digital monitor, and comfortable foot pedals, making it a popular choice for both commercial gyms and home fitness enthusiasts.
One of the key features of the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 is its magnetic resistance system. This system provides a smooth, quiet, and adjustable resistance that allows users to easily increase or decrease the intensity of their workouts. The machine also features eight levels of resistance, making it suitable for users of all fitness levels.
The SF-RW5639 also features a digital monitor that displays important data such as time, distance, and calories burned. The monitor also includes a scan function that cycles through these metrics, providing users with real-time feedback on their performance. Additionally, the machine features comfortable foot pedals with adjustable straps, which provide a secure and comfortable fit for users of all sizes.
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 is also known for its compact size and portability. The machine is lightweight and can be easily moved from room to room, making it a great choice for those with limited space. It also features a foldable design, which allows it to be stored in a small space when not in use.
In conclusion, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a mid-range rowing machine that provides a comfortable and effective workout. Its magnetic resistance system, digital monitor, and comfortable foot pedals make it a popular choice for users of all fitness levels, while its compact size and portability make it a great choice for those with limited space.
4. WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine
The WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine is also a high-end fitness equipment that offers a unique and realistic rowing experience. It is designed to simulate the sensation of rowing on water, using a water flywheel to provide smooth and quiet resistance. The machine is crafted from sustainably sourced hardwood, making it not only a powerful piece of equipment but also a beautiful addition to any home gym.
The WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine is built to last, with its solid ash wood construction and durable design. It can accommodate users of all sizes and fitness levels, and its water flywheel system provides a smooth and natural resistance, giving users a realistic rowing experience. The machine also features a comfortable, ergonomic seat and handle, which allows users to row with ease and avoid any strain or discomfort.
One of the unique features of the WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine is its patented WaterFlywheel technology. This technology mimics the natural resistance and sound of rowing on water, providing a calming and soothing experience. It also allows for an incredibly smooth and quiet operation, making it ideal for users who want a peaceful workout environment.
Another advantage of the WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine is its compact size and storage capability. The machine can be easily stored upright when not in use, and it features a convenient transportation wheel for easy movement. Additionally, the machine’s display monitor provides users with key metrics such as time, distance, and calorie burn, making it easy to track progress and set goals.
In conclusion, the WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine is an excellent choice for anyone who is serious about rowing and wants a machine that provides a realistic, smooth, and quiet workout experience. Its beautiful design, sustainable construction, and patented WaterFlywheel technology make it a premium choice for home gyms, commercial gyms, and professional athletes alike.
5. Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower
The Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower provides a high-quality workout experience. It is designed to provide users with a smooth and quiet rowing motion, making it ideal for home gyms, commercial fitness centers, and professional athletes.
One of the key features of the Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower is its magnetic resistance system. The machine uses a combination of magnetic resistance and air resistance to provide a challenging workout experience that can be adjusted to suit the user’s fitness level. The magnetic resistance system also provides a smooth and quiet rowing motion, making it ideal for users who want a peaceful workout environment.
The machine also features a comfortable and ergonomic design. The seat and footrests are adjustable, allowing users to find a comfortable and secure position, while the machine’s handle is designed to reduce strain and discomfort during extended workouts. The machine’s LCD monitor displays key metrics such as time, distance, and calories burned, making it easy for users to track their progress and set goals.
The Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower is also known for its durability and stability. It is built with a solid steel frame, making it strong enough to accommodate users of all sizes and fitness levels. The machine’s transportation wheels also make it easy to move and store when not in use.
In addition, the Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower is also equipped with a variety of advanced features, such as 12 preset workout programs, heart rate sensors, and wireless connectivity. These features allow users to customize their workouts and track their progress with ease, making it an excellent investment for anyone serious about fitness.
In conclusion, the Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality rowing machine. Its magnetic resistance system, ergonomic design, and advanced features make it a top choice for home gyms, commercial fitness centers, and professional athletes. Its durability and stability also make it a smart investment for anyone looking to improve their fitness and overall health.
6. Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Exercise Rower
Stamina Avari rower is a programmable rowing machine that comes with a heart monitor with a chest strap. It offers a smooth and challenging workout experience, while also providing users with a range of advanced features that make it easy to track progress and customize workouts.
One of the key features of the Stamina Avari Rower is its magnetic resistance system. The machine has eight levels of resistance that can be easily adjusted using the LCD display console, allowing users to tailor their workout to their fitness level and personal goals. The machine’s resistance system also operates quietly, making it ideal for users who want a peaceful workout environment.
Another key feature of the Stamina Avari Rower is its LCD display console, which provides users with valuable workout metrics such as time, distance, calories burned, strokes per minute, and more. The machine also includes 12 preset workout programs, allowing users to vary their workouts and challenge themselves in different ways.
The Stamina Avari Rower also has a comfortable and ergonomic design. Its seat and footrests are adjustable to accommodate users of different sizes, while its padded seat and handle provide a comfortable grip and reduce strain on the back and arms during extended workouts.
The machine is also built with durability and stability in mind. Its steel frame is designed to withstand daily use, while its transportation wheels make it easy to move and store when not in use. The machine’s foldable design also makes it ideal for users with limited space.
In conclusion, the Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Exercise Rower offers users a range of advanced features and a comfortable, challenging workout experience. Its magnetic resistance system, LCD display console, and adjustable design make it a popular choice for home gyms and commercial fitness centers alike. Its durability and stability also make it an excellent investment for anyone looking to improve their fitness and overall health.
7. Stamina Elite Wave Water Rower
The Stamina Elite Wave Water Rowing Machine is an excellent option for you that offers a challenging and realistic workout experience. The machine uses water resistance to simulate the feeling of rowing on a real body of water, making it an ideal choice for users who want a more immersive workout experience.
One of the key features of the Stamina Elite Wave Water Rowing Machine is its water resistance system. The machine has a large water tank that provides a smooth and natural rowing motion, allowing users to adjust the resistance level by changing the amount of water in the tank. The machine’s water resistance system also operates quietly, making it ideal for users who want a peaceful workout environment.
Another key feature of the Stamina Elite Wave Water Rowing Machine is its comfortable and ergonomic design. The machine’s seat and footrests are adjustable to accommodate users of different sizes, while its padded seat and handle provide a comfortable grip and reduce strain on the back and arms during extended workouts.
The machine also includes an LCD display console that provides users with valuable workout metrics such as time, distance, strokes per minute, and calories burned. The machine’s display console also includes built-in workout programs, allowing users to vary their workouts and challenge themselves in different ways.
In addition, the Stamina Elite Wave Water Rowing Machine is built with durability and stability in mind. Its steel frame is designed to withstand daily use, while its transportation wheels make it easy to move and store when not in use. The machine’s foldable design also makes it ideal for users with limited space.
In conclusion, the Stamina Elite Wave Water Rowing Machine is also a good rowing machine that offers users a challenging and realistic workout experience. Its water resistance system, comfortable and ergonomic design, and advanced features make it a popular choice for home gyms and commercial fitness centers alike. Its durability and stability also make it an excellent investment for anyone looking to improve their fitness and overall health.
8. WaterRower Club Rowing Machine with S4 Monitor
The WaterRower Club Rowing Machine with S4 Monitor is one of the best water rowing machine that is designed to simulate the feeling of rowing on a real body of water, making it an ideal choice for users who want a more realistic and engaging workout.
One of the key features of the WaterRower Club Rowing Machine is its water resistance system. The machine has a large water tank that provides a smooth and natural rowing motion, allowing users to adjust the resistance level by changing the amount of water in the tank. The machine’s water resistance system also operates quietly, making it ideal for users who want a peaceful workout environment.
Another key feature of the WaterRower Club Rowing Machine is its stylish and durable design. The machine is made from solid ash wood, which not only provides a sleek and attractive look but also ensures long-lasting durability. The machine’s seat and footrests are also adjustable to accommodate users of different sizes, while its padded seat and handle provide a comfortable grip and reduce strain on the back and arms during extended workouts.
The machine also includes an S4 monitor that provides users with valuable workout metrics such as time, distance, strokes per minute, and calories burned. The S4 monitor also includes advanced features such as programmable workouts, allowing users to create custom workout programs and track their progress over time.
In addition, the WaterRower Club Rowing Machine is designed with convenience and ease of use in mind. Its transportation wheels make it easy to move and store when not in use, while its compact design makes it ideal for users with limited space.
In conclusion, the WaterRower Club Rowing Machine with S4 Monitor provides users with a challenging and immersive workout experience. Its water resistance system, stylish and durable design, and advanced features make it a popular choice for home gyms and commercial fitness centers alike. Its convenience and ease of use also make it an excellent investment for anyone looking to improve their fitness and overall health.
Types of Rowing Machines
Despite the relative simplicity of the rowing equipment, there is considerable variation between the different types. Below are the most common types.
1. Hydraulic rowing machines
These are by far the most popular type of indoor rower on the market, mainly because they are cheap and easy to fold in a closet or under a bed. If you have an apartment, they are even more ideal.
As the name implies, these rowing machines are operated by a set of hydraulic pistons on each side that allows the user to pull the handles towards themselves. Although it is classified as a rowing machine, it is not a true representation, as there is little or no leg movement involved.
While these are excellent if you’re in a hurry, they do not provide the full range of motion you’d want in a traditional rowing machine. Nor will it provide you with full synchronization, which means that your legs and arms do not necessarily work in sync.
For that reason, unless cost or space are important considerations, it is better to consider a higher model.
2. Magnetic rowing machine
If you are looking for a best indoor rower that offers a decent amount of resistance but does not want to spend the money needed on a traditional rowing machine, magnetic resistance may be the way to go. These machines work the same as other machines but offer a great advantage: total silence.
Magnetic rowing machine have magnets that are built into the flywheel to generate resistance, instead of air or water like other machines. Since there is no friction involved and minimal parts moving, the magnetic rowing machine provides virtually silent training.
3. Air Rowing Machine
These became important in the 1980’s as a way to provide the benefits of water-based rowing to a home audience. Instead of magnets, air rowers use a set of internal ruffles that rotate in front of each other and create resistance. The faster and harder you pull the wheel, the more resistance is created and the harder the training.
Air rowers offer a type of training very similar to traditional rowers, but they can be considerably noisier than other machines. It has the ability to automatically adjust to your stroke rate, so you can increase and decrease the speed as desired, and with minimal friction, you must also have a long life with minimal wear.
4. Water rower
If you are looking for the best rowing session, regardless of costs, space or noise considerations, there is no substitute for a true rower of water. Instead of air or magnets, a true water resistance is used to generate the training; Ironically, aquatic rowers are some of the most recent innovations in the line of rowing machines.
The water rowers are built with wooden or metal frames, which makes them much more attractive than other options. They are also almost silent since there is practically no friction either; the only sound is the “swooshing” of water. Many people love this silent feature of this water rower machine.
The main cons of a paddle are two the cost and size. Water rowing machine are basically costly than any other rowing machine on the market and also occupy most of the space in a room. So, unless you have space really dedicated to a gym area at home, it might not be a good option.
Benefits of Rowing Machines
Unless you have been on a rowing machine and feel that the exhaustion starts almost immediately, you probably are not aware of the full effects of this machine. Below are some top rowing machine benefits.
1. Full body training
Treadmills, stationary bicycles, Stairmasters, and machines of that type generally only work with the legs; Very few engage their core or their upper body at all.
With a rowing machine, most of the training is within the muscles of the leg, but a considerable amount of energy is also consumed through the arms and shoulders.
2. Muscular and resistance construction
Not only will a rowing machine work your body, but also your cardiovascular system will get in shape, making it the ideal equipment for a good physical condition.
3. Correction of the posture
To exercise with the rowing machine correctly, you must maintain the proper form. In this way, spending time on a rowing machine will help with your general stance outside the machine as well.
4. Low impact
Unlike some fitness machines, rowing will not put unnecessary stress on your joints, making it perfect for older people.
Rowing Machine Buying Guide:
Rowing machines have become increasingly popular among fitness enthusiasts, and it’s not hard to see why. They provide a low-impact, full-body workout that can help improve cardiovascular health, build muscle, and burn calories. However, with so many different rowing machines on the market, it can be challenging to know which one is right for you. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive rowing machine buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
- Resistance Type: The first thing to consider when buying a rowing machine is the type of resistance it uses. There are four main types of resistance: air, water, magnetic, and hydraulic. Each type of resistance has its pros and cons, and the best one for you will depend on your fitness goals, budget, and personal preferences.
Air resistance rowing machines are the most common type and use a flywheel that creates resistance based on the user’s effort. They are known for their smooth, natural rowing motion, but they can be quite noisy. Water resistance rowing machines use a water tank to create resistance, which provides a more realistic rowing experience but can be quite heavy and bulky. Magnetic resistance rowing machines use magnets to create resistance and are known for their quiet operation and precise resistance control. Hydraulic resistance rowing machines use pistons to create resistance and are typically the most affordable option but can be less durable than other types.
- Size and Space: The size and space of a rowing machine are also essential factors to consider when buying one. Before purchasing, you should measure the space where you plan to use and store the machine to ensure that it fits comfortably. If you have limited space, you may want to consider a folding rowing machine that can be easily stored when not in use.
- Comfort: Comfort is another critical factor to consider when buying a rowing machine. Look for a machine that has an adjustable seat, footrests, and handlebars to accommodate users of different sizes and provide a comfortable, ergonomic rowing position. The seat and handlebars should also be padded to reduce strain on your back and arms during extended workouts.
- Durability: Durability is also an essential factor to consider when buying a rowing machine. Look for a machine that is built with high-quality materials and has a sturdy, stable frame that can withstand daily use. Machines with a weight limit that is higher than your weight are also a good indicator of durability.
- Price: Rowing machines can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, so it’s important to consider your budget when making a purchase. While more expensive machines may offer more advanced features and higher durability, they may not be necessary for everyone. Set a budget that fits your needs and look for a machine that offers the best value for your money.
- Display and Tracking: Lastly, consider the display and tracking features of the rowing machine. Look for a machine that has an easy-to-read display that provides you with important workout metrics such as time, distance, strokes per minute, and calories burned. Some machines may also include advanced tracking features, such as built-in workout programs or connectivity to fitness apps, to help you monitor your progress over time.
Final Verdict:
In conclusion, a rowing machine can be a great investment for anyone looking to improve their fitness and overall health. When choosing a rowing machine, consider the resistance type, size and space, comfort, durability, price, and display and tracking features. By taking these factors into account, you can find a machine that suits your needs and helps you achieve your fitness goals.
