Best Rowing Machine

Best Rowing Machine

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We aggregate millions of product reviews, scour other websites for their professional opinions - then we test the products ourselves. We do not accept free products from manufacturers, and our only goal is to give you the best recommendations possible. However, if you buy from the links on this page, we may earn a small commission.

Casey Thaler, NASM-CPT, FNS
Latest posts by Casey Thaler, NASM-CPT, FNS (see all)

If you are looking to lose weight, you are going to want to find the best rowing machine. Trust us. Low impact, small enough to fit in your home or apartment, and quick – a rowing workout is comparable to nothing else.

CrossFit has made rowing much more fashionable over the last few years, and as such, there has been a huge surge in online sales. We reviewed the top models, aggregated tens of thousands of online reviews, and chose the best rowing machine. Here are our top picks – no matter what your goals are.

Our Top Pick

Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5

The Concept2 Model D is far and away the most popular rowing machine in the world. If you’ve ever gone to a CrossFit gym – this is the model you’ve rowed on. It is a professional grade machine, one that many of our staff have at home – and by far our pick for best rowing machine.

Other Great Picks

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 Full Motion Rowing Machine Rower w/ 350 lb Weight Capacity and LCD Monitor

This rowing machine has a much better price point than other competitors, and is a great budget option. The LCD monitor and hydraulic resistance make this model feel like a rowing machine that is ten times its cost. Perfect for any exerciser on a budget.

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine with LCD Monitor by SF-RW5515

This rower is incredibly quiet, and it provides a great workout, for an even better price. With over 1,000 glowing online reviews, the durability and comfort of this machine is also frequently lauded. One of the best picks, if you are somewhere in the middle, in terms of how much you want to spend for the best rowing machine.

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1205 12 Adjustable Resistance Rowing Machine Rower w/ Digital Monitor

This model is one of the best options out there for smaller people, and provides some of the best value for the lowest price. While not a perfect choice for taller individuals, or those looking for the rower with the most bells and whistles – it’s a perfect choice for anyone with a small apartment, and a budget to maintain.

Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machine PM5

The Concept2 Model E may be the best investment you ever make, in a piece of exercise equipment. With all the bells and whistles of the Model D – but with the added bonus of an elevated seat – this is the luxury rowing machine you’ve been waiting for. If money is no object – this is our recommendation.

WaterRower Classic Rowing Machine in Black Walnut with S4 Monitor

If you yearn to be out on the water – the WaterRower Classic is the rowing machine built for you. With a built-in water flywheel, each session mimics the feel of being out in the open ocean. While it is certainly on the higher end, cost-wise – this machine is completely worth every penny.

Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower

If you are looking for a smaller rowing machine, this is one of the best picks out there. Quiet, durable, and reliable – it offers everything you could need from an at-home rower. The drum magnetic control system provides adjustable resistance, and the pre-programmed workouts automatically adjust the resistance as you row.

Stamina 35-1215 Orbital Rowing Machine with Free Motion Arms

This rowing machine has one of the most comfortable seats we’ve ever tried. At a great price point, this rower also provides a very smooth ride, with excellent resistance, and a full range of motion.

Stamina 35-1402 ATS Air Rower

We loved the fan on this model, providing resistance, and a slight cooling effect. It is not as quiet as model that do not use wind resistance, but the extra cooling effect more than makes up for it. One of our favorite mid-range models.

Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Bluetooth Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine with Extended Optional Full Body Exercises and Free App

This rowing machine provides very innovative options, as you have the ability to do full body workouts, in addition to the traditional rowing. Being able to work your triceps, biceps, shoulders, thighs and more – is definitely a unique concept for a rowing machine. This model is also very quiet, and folds up very nicely (great if you are short on extra space).

What Is A Rowing Machine?

Mimicking the popular open water rowing events (like those performed in the Olympics) – rowing machines are a fantastic way to spice up your home workouts. While you won’t have the boat (or the open water) – the motion of rowing is largely the same with fitness-based rowing machines.

While treadmills and ellipticals may get most of the press, rowing machines are the unsung heroes of any experienced athletes fitness regimen. Within seconds, you can easily spike your heart rate, without the risk of any injuries or real impact to your body.

How We Tested

We aggregated tens of thousands of actual users reviews, then tested the top rated rowing machines. From there, we were able to determine which models were best – no matter what your fitness goals may be.

How To Use A Rowing Machine

Using a rowing machine may seem intimidating at first, but once your feet are strapped in, the proper mechanics of rowing usually fall into place pretty easily. Simply move your legs forward and back, bending at the knees. Then, incorporate your arms into the motion, by holding on to the attached cable.

As you practice a little bit more, you will quickly find the comfortable pattern of allowing your legs to lead the motion, while your arms follow closely behind. In just a few short minutes, you’ll likely have the proper mechanics of rowing down cold.

What Muscles Does A Rowing Machine Work?

A rowing machine offers a sort of full-body workout, as your legs and arms will both be working hard. On top of this, rowing greatly taxes your cardiovascular system – so you truly hit almost everything at once.

Rowing Machine Workout

There are numerous ways to work out with a rowing machine. You can row for long durations, do sprints, or incorporate intervals of rowing as part of a larger workout.

No matter which option you choose, every workout with a rowing machine will be beneficial for your health. Make sure to properly monitor your heart rate, if you are regularly performing sprints on your rower.

Is A Rowing Machine Cardio?

While a rowing machine will also work nearly every muscle in your legs – it is mostly a cardiovascular workout. You can row as slowly or as quickly as you like, which can make rowing a low-intensity or high-intensity exercise.

How Many Calories Can You Burn On A Rowing Machine?

You can burn 500 calories (or more) with only a little bit of time spent with a rowing machine. If you are looking for a way to lose weight, rowing on a regular basis is a great option – and it doesn’t even require leaving your house.

Type Of Resistance For A Rowing Machine

There are multiple types of resistance available for rowing machines. The most common types are air resistance, water resistance, magnetic resistance, and hydraulic resistance. No matter which option you choose, your workout can be as difficult (or as easy) as you like.

Noise Level Of A Rowing Machine

One thing that is very important to consider before purchasing a rowing machine – the noise factor. Many rowers are a little bit loud, and may not be the best choice for some people.

However, there are also quieter machines available as well. So if noise is a consideration for you – make sure to carefully review user feedback to see what the actual noise level of each machine is like.

Onboard Computer For A Rowing Machine

Rowing machines almost always come with onboard computers, which measure calories burned, time elapsed, and distance you’ve rowed. Many apps also work with rowing machines, so you can put all your exercise data in one place.

Space Considerations For A Rowing Machine

Before you buy a rowing machine, make sure you measure the space where you will be putting the equipment. Also be sure to account for some extra space around the machine, so you can comfortably row – without worrying about breaking anything.

How To Assemble A Rowing Machine

If you have to assemble your rowing machine, the process couldn’t be any easier. Simply follow the instructions in the box, and be sure to fold up your machine when you’re not using it.

This can save tons of space, and also allows those with small apartments to still easily get a good workout in at home. This is one of the reasons why rowing machines may be better than treadmills – at least for some exercisers.

Rowing Machine And Weight Loss

Multiple scientific studies have linked rowing with weight loss – especially when performed regularly. If you are trying to lose weight, make sure you also eat a diet that is low in sugar, rich with vegetables, and moderate in protein.

Rowing Machine HIIT

HIIT or high intensity interval training, is an increasingly popular form of exercise. Combining multiple movements that are both high in intensity, and impossible to perform for long periods of time – you can get a full workout done in very little time.

A rowing machine can be a vital part of your HIIT workout, as it as a great cardiovascular and leg exercise. Within seconds, your heart rate will start to approach your VO2 max, and you will begin to feel the burn.

Using A Rowing Machine Correctly

While anyone can row, many beginners yank on the cable, and have a jerky overall rowing motion. It’s important to keep a smooth form as you row, even as you get tired.

Always make sure your feet are properly buckled in when rowing, and make sure your machine is safe and functioning properly. Your heart rate should quickly climb when rowing properly, and your legs will also get quite a workout.

Rowing Machine Tips And Tricks

It’s important to always maintain proper posture when rowing, as you can incur injuries if your form is poor. When you hit the catch portion of the row, make sure your back is straight, and hold the handles of your rower with your arms fully extended.

When you drive, push off through your heels, and then straighten your legs. The cable should also be pulled towards your chest.

Once you hit the finished position, your legs should be extended, with your shoulders back, and the bar pulled close to your chest. On the return, keep your core engaged, and let your knees bend.

If you follow these tips and tricks, you’ll maintain a smooth rowing motion, and quickly develop an optimal form.

Do I Need Special Shoes To Use A Rowing Machine?

There are a few rules to be aware of, when it comes to footwear and rowing. For starters, never row in your bare feet. This is quite dangerous, and can lead to disaster.

Secondly, while most people don’t know it, there are actually specific shoes built for rowing. While you may not need these shoes if you regularly row as a part of a cross-training program (like CrossFit) – you will definitely want rowing shoes if you are serious about the sport.

Rowing shoes are less cushioned than sneakers, which provides you with a more efficient stroke, and also won’t change the angle of your feet as you row. Overall, rowing shoes should be thin soled, flat, lightweight, comfortable, and flexible.

Rowing For CrossFit

CrossFit almost single-handedly brought back the rowing machine from the dead. Gathering dust for decades, CrossFit incorporated the rowing machine into many different workouts in their program – and as CrossFit began to take off, so did sales of the once-dead rowing machine.

If you do CrossFit workouts at home, you will be very glad to have a rower, as it’s an easy way to quickly bump up your heart rate. Even more than this, a rower doesn’t put your body at risk, like more impactful activities do.

Rowing Machine Price

Rowing machines range in price from $50 to over $1,300 – and for good reason. There is a huge quality change in a cheap rowing machine, and a world-class training machine.

For most people, somewhere in the middle of this price range is usually ideal. As unless you are a serious rower – you likely will not need the features typically included in the highest-level rowing machines.

Best Pre Workout

How Do I Choose The Best Rowing Machine For Me?

When deciding on the best rowing machine for your home, it’s important to factor in your own individual needs. Not everyone will want to get the same rowing machine, as skill levels vary widely.

Some good questions to ask yourself – do you row frequently? Are you serious about your workouts, or is it more of a hobby for you? The answers to these questions (and others) will help you determine how much you should invest in a rowing machine.

The Best Rowing Machine

There you have it – our picks for the best rowing machine. Since CrossFit has completely reinvigorated interest in rowing, rowing machines have become more popular than ever.

Whether you are a competitive rower, a hobbyist, or just want to work up a sweat – there is undoubtedly a rowing machine out there for everyone. You don’t have to spend a lot to get a great machine – though it certainly helps.

If you like to have some variety in your workouts, and are sick of just hitting the treadmill and elliptical – you’ll definitely want to get a rowing machine. Rowing machines can also fold up into a very small space – so you can even set one up in your apartment.

However, the world of exercise equipment and accessories is certainly not limited to just rowing machines. So be sure to take a look at our other top choices, in the home and fitness categories.

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