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For a machine that offers a full-body workout that you can do at home, a rowing machine is an excellent option. These cardio machines work your heart, upper body, and lower body, but they vary in their construction and resistance generation.
How much space you have should determine whether you opt for a fixed or folding model, and some machines are quieter than others. The primary types of rowing machines are magnetic resistance, water, flywheel, and hydraulic, each of which generates resistance in different ways. The cost of a rowing machine will vary depending on the type of resistance. Another factor in price is the quality and material of components like the seat, handlebars, and track.
This machine can become the center of your physical health, so it’s an investment that should be given some thought. Consider your needs and your home when choosing a rowing machine. Our favorite is the Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine.
Editors’ Favorite
Resistance Mechanism: Air | Resistance Levels: 10 | Max User Height: 6’9” | Power Source: 2 x DD Batteries | Performance Tracking: Yes
The Concept2 RowErg is a feature-packed rowing machine that’s terrific for home indoor workouts. It provides a full-body, low-impact exercise and connects with a wide range of fitness apps to help you stay motivated.
This rowing machine is easy to assemble and rolls smoothly on caster wheels, making it easy to move. It separates into two pieces for easy storage and releases quickly thanks to a framelock mechanism. It offers 10 resistance levels and a backlit LCD screen to monitor your performance. Workout options include time, intervals and distance, and it also supports Bluetooth and ANT+ for heart rate monitoring or apps.
It’s an excellent exercise machine for physical rehabilitation or fitness maintenance. It can accommodate users of heights up to 6 feet 9 inches, and only requires two D batteries for performance tracking, with additional power drawn from the active flywheel.
Great Value
Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic | Resistance Levels: 8 | Max User Height: 6’8” | Power Source: 2 x AA Batteries | Performance Tracking: Yes
The Sunny Health & Fitness Flip & Foldable Rowing Machine is a compact exercise machine that’s terrific for strengthening your core, legs, glutes, arms and shoulders. It has a 48-inch slide rail length for accommodating users up to 6 feet 8 inches tall.
Its ergonomic, cushioned seat is designed for maximum comfort, and it offers eight resistance levels, allowing you to work out at different intensities based on your fitness goals. The compact design helps save floor space, making it suitable for smaller rooms or apartments, and the digital monitor displays time, count and calories. It also operates quietly and has adjustable safety straps that provide a secure grip.
It’s an excellent budget-friendly monitor that offers high-end performance and a space-saving design. Plus, the SunnyFit app lets users explore hundreds of trainer-led workouts and scenic tours without a membership fee.
Easiest to Store
Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic | Resistance Levels: 16 | Max User Height: 6’6” | Power Source: 2 x AA Batteries | Performance Tracking: Yes
The YOSUDA Magnetic/Water Rowing Machine is a top-of-the-line option that can help you reach your fitness goals right at home. The frame is made of high-grade steel for ultra durability and superior loading capacity, and the 53-inch inseam allows for a maximum user height of 6 feet 6 inches.
With 16 levels of resistance, this rowing machine is designed to accommodate your fitness level. The embedded aluminum track provides 80% noise reduction, and the slide rail delivers silky-smooth movement on every pull. The 180-degree adjustable screen displays nine types of performance data, and the bracket supports tablets up to 9.25 inches.
It’s one of the best rowing machines for beginners and intermediate fitness enthusiasts who want a convenient way to stay fit at home. It’s compact, easy to assemble and operates quietly, meaning you can use it without disturbing those around you.
We analyzed various rowing machines and considered essential features such as weight and height capacity, resistance levels and performance tracking. The best rowing machines have a long inseam, an adjustable seat and a bright display that monitors performance metrics, such as calories and time. Plus, we considered customer reviews and included only the most popular models in our recommended list.
A rowing machine is a pretty versatile piece of fitness equipment. It can help you tone and build muscle, lose weight, and increase your overall stamina.
It provides a great cardio workout that increases your heart rate and helps burn calories. On average, you can burn up to 600 calories an hour on a rowing machine, so it’s an ideal option if you’re trying to slim down.
But a rowing machine also provides an excellent upper body workout too. You can work your biceps, pecs, rhomboids, trapezii, and lat muscles, as well as your abs. In addition to strengthening your core, regular rowing machine workouts can also help improve your posture. Don’t forget that working out on a rowing machine involves the lower body too. You’ll work your quads, calves, and glutes along with your upper body, so it’s truly a full-body workout.
Best of all, a rowing machine workout is very low-impact, which means it won’t put too much pressure on your knees and ankles. That makes it an ideal option for anyone with joint issues or recovering from an injury.
There are four main types of rowing machines: hydraulic, air or flywheel, magnetic resistance, and water resistance.
These are similar to air resistance rowing machines, but they employ a water-filled flywheel to increase the resistance. This type offers a workout that’s extremely similar to outdoor rowing.
These have magnetic brakes that provide resistance as you row. These machines offer an extremely smooth motion and an adjustable resistance system, though they aren’t effective in mimicking outdoor rowing.
These generate resistance when you pull a handle, which spins a flywheel with fan blades attached. The wind created provides the resistance, so you only need to pull harder on the handles to generate more resistance. As a result, flywheel machines mimic the experience of outdoor rowing well.
These feature two hydraulic pistons attached to arms that the user pulls. Resistance is generated by the pistons pulling against the air or fluid inside their cylinders. It doesn’t replicate actual rowing very well, but has adjustable resistance and delivers a very effective upper body workout.
The lifespan of a rowing machine depends on the quality of its construction and how often it’s used.
A high-quality machine at the top end of the price range can last ten years or more. A budget-friendly option may only last five or so years.
A rowing machine that sees regular use is more likely to break down, though. If you use it daily, you will likely begin to notice signs of wear and tear more quickly than if you only use it a few times a week.
The most important thing to consider when you’re shopping for a rowing machine is the space that you have available for the equipment. Most machines are fairly large, so it’s important to check that it will fit in your home. Keep in mind that most models take up as much space as a love seat sofa.
Measure the area where you plan to keep the machine, and consider the dimensions of any model that you’re considering to be sure you can accommodate it.
It’s a good idea to check the weight too. A rowing machine can weigh anywhere from 35 to 100 pounds or more, so if you plan to move it regularly, you’ll want a lighter option.
The track that the rowing machine moves along is a key part of its construction because it receives much of the stress during operation. It should be made of durable materials, such as stainless steel or solid wood.
When you’re considering the size of a rowing machine, you should also think about whether a fixed or folding model is the best fit for your home.
A fixed rowing machine doesn’t fold up for storage, so you’ll need enough room to accommodate it as is. Keep in mind that fixed machines are often more durable, though.
A folding rowing machine does just what the name implies: it folds up to require less storage space. For indoor use, many users find a folding machine more convenient.
As with any exercise equipment, be sure that the rowing machine you choose is comfortable to use or you probably won’t stick with your workout routine.
If possible, it’s always a good idea to test out a rowing machine before you purchase it. That way, you can be sure of its comfort.
With a rowing machine, the seat is probably the most important feature when it comes to comfort. A padded style is a must, but make sure that the seat is large and contoured so you can sit comfortably.
The handlebars should be comfortable to grip; you’ll likely want a model with padding there as well. The footrests should be wide enough to fit your feet – models with adjustable footrests are ideal because you can customize the size. Look for a rowing machine with straps that hold your feet in place so they don’t fall off during use.
When it comes to choosing the type of resistance you want in a rowing machine, it helps to consider your fitness goals.
Hydraulic and magnetic resistance rowing machines work best if you want a full-body workout, but aren’t necessarily interested in emulating actual rowing. A magnetic resistance machine is a particularly good option if you’re new to rowing workouts because the workout is so smooth.
Air and water resistance rowing machines provide an effective full-body workout too, but they come closest to replicating actual rowing so they’re the best option if you’re training for a rowing competition.
If multiple people will use the rowing machine, be sure to choose a model with adjustable resistance. That way, each user can customize their workout to match their fitness level.
Unlike treadmills and ellipticals, not all rowing machines are necessarily equipped with a console or monitor to track performance.
To keep track of your progress, it’s a good idea to purchase a rowing machine with a monitor that tracks speed, time, distance, and calories burned.
If you’re an avid athlete, you may also want a monitor that tracks your heart rate, workout intensity, stroke rate, and other advanced categories so you can get the most out of your workout.
Like most fitness equipment, a rowing machine is bound to make some noise during operation.
However, some models are noisier than others.
Magnetic resistance and water resistance rowing machines are typically the quietest, so they’re ideal if you want to watch to TV or listen to music as you work out.
Although hydraulic and air-resistance rowing machines are typically louder, some are constructed with noise-minimizing materials, so they can be fairly quiet too. Check the manufacturer’s product description to see if the model is designed to make less noise.
Rowing machines are available at a variety of price points. Typically, they range from $100 to $1,200. However, there are outliers that may be considered "deluxe" products, like the Hydrow Rowing Machine, which costs over $2,000. (Note that a purchase like this can run as low as $63 a month with Klarna.)
Air and water resistance rowing machines typically cost the most, so you can expect to pay $900 to $1,200.
Hydraulic and magnetic resistance rowing machines are usually less expensive and good options for those just starting out with rowing workouts. For a quality machine, you can expect to pay $200 to $300.
Keep in mind that rowing machines equipped with the most features, such as a monitor and adjustable resistance, and those made of the sturdiest materials, are typically going to cost more. If you want your machine to last as long as possible and offer the most complete workout, it’s best to spend a little more.
When you’re using your rowing machine, wear snug, form-fitting clothes so you don’t get anything caught in the machine.
Many people think that a rowing machine mainly works your arms, but it’s actually your legs that should do the bulk of the work. In fact, it should actually be 60% legs, 20% core, and 20% arms. That means you should focus on your legs when you’re pushing off.
Avoid moving around on the seat when you’re using the rowing machine. That can cause you to twist in the wrong direction. Stay settled in one spot as you move.
With a rowing machine workout, it’s not about working as fast as you can. It’s about the power you use. To keep yourself from working too quickly, try to keep your strokes per minute to 30 or less.
A. Most rowing machines sport rubber feet to keep the machine from scratching your floor. However, if you’re placing the machine on a wooden floor, it’s a good idea to purchase a mat to place under it.
A. A rowing machine usually doesn’t require very much maintenance, but it’s always a good idea to consult your owner’s manual. Dust the machine regularly to keep dirt and debris from getting inside. If your machine has a chain, clean and oil it periodically, too.
A. If you live in an apartment, you’ll want a machine that’s as quiet as possible. A magnetic resistance rower is usually the best option. With the limited space, it’s also a good idea to choose a model that folds for easier storage.
There are three main parts to any workout: warm-up, training, and cool down. For a rowing machine workout, follow our steps and videos for a successful session.
Warm up: first, stretch alongside the machine, specifically your back and leg areas. When you get on the machine, start rowing on low resistance and only use your arms. Slowly add in the legs and turn up the resistance.
Training: Now you can ramp up the resistance and the speed. Some users will do one minute of high resistance, then get on the floor and do crunches or push ups in order to work all the muscles.
Cool down: Turn down the resistance again and be sure to stretch once you have completed your workout.
