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Using a rowing machine is one of the best ways to get in an aerobic workout, and when you invest in a machine that you can use in the comfort of your own home, you’ll save time and money by avoiding the gym.
When it comes to choosing the best rowing machine for your needs, there are a few things to consider. Below, we help you compare and contrast brands and offer you tips that will help you decide which one is best for you.
7 Best Rowing Machines
| Picture | Name | Rowing System | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5 | Fan | $$$ | 4.9 |
 | 2. WaterRower Club Rowing Machine in Ash Wood | Water | $$$$ | 4.7 |
 | 3. Sunny Health and Fitness Rowing Machine | Hydraulic | $ | 4.4 |
 | 4. Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine | Hydraulic | $ | 4.3 |
 | 5. LifeSpan RW1000 Indoor Rowing Machine | Fan | $$ | 4.1 |
 | 6. Stamina 1215 Orbital Rowing Machine | Hydraulic | $ | 4.0 |
 | 7. Stamina 1205 Precision Rower | Hydraulic | $ | 4.0 |
Benefits of a Rowing Machine
There are plenty benefits to using the rowing machine, including:
- Reduced risk of injury (compared to many other machines out there)
- Improves flexibility
- Great for all ages
- Reduces stress
Rowing machines provide you with a challenge if you increase the resistance, but even on days when you just feel like getting a normal row in, the motion and movement can be very relaxing.
Things to Consider
As you search for a machine, here are a few things to take into consideration as you shop:
- Resistance. Machine are made with four different types of resistance: water, air, hydraulic piston or magnetic. We will be discussing each one more in detail below, so keep reading!
- Weight/Size. How much space do you have available? Will you need to move the machine frequently or will it be stationary in your home? These are all things to take into consideration as you shop, because if you like a machine that it too big for your home and it’s too heavy for you to lift, then you’ll have to choose something else.
- Noise It Produces. This makes a huge difference, especially if you live in an apartment with paper-thin walls.
If the machine is out in your garage or in a basement where it won’t be easily heard by anyone around you, then you can choose a machine based on resistance system preference. If you need something that produces less noise, stick with a water or magnetic resistance system.
Types of Resistance
As we mentioned earlier, there are four types of resistance systems used in rowing machines. We will explain each one for you here.
- Air. Many gyms use air resistance rowers. The blades provide you with a smooth stroke as you row and the resistance comes from the motion of the air against the blade. These tend to be on the noisy side, so if you fear that the machine might disturb those around you, it might be best to stick with water or magnetic rowers. However they’re also the most commonly used machines for athletes in the sport.
- Water. These machines have a water-filled tank that provide resistance to the rower. While these arguably provide the most realistic feel out of all of the choices, they haven’t been widely adopted by rowing athletes.
- Hydraulic. These provide resistance thanks to the hydraulic cylinders attached to the handles. When you pull the handle back, the resistance you feel is coming from the air or fluid in the cylinders that are working against you. These are the most affordable options but require more maintenance and the rowing action is not as smooth as some of the other systems.
- Magnetic. This could be the best rowing machine for home use since it is quieter and more compact than the other options. By varying the distance between the magnets and the spinning flywheel inside, the user can increase or decrease the amount of resistance as they row.
Proper Technique
It’s important to use proper technique while you are using your rowing machine. Poor technique can lead to injury, which will just delay your results. A little bit of practice will go a long way here. As an added benefit, once you have the correct technique down you’ll reap the benefits of a more holistic workout and better results.
Top 3 Best Rowing Machine Reviews
1. Concept2 Model D
The Concept2 Model D fan rowing machine is the first choice for rowing athletes. It’s what I used when I was rowing, and it’s even shown being used on the US rowing webpage.
While not the quietest machine out there, the noise is not excessive. It’s a low-impact workout machine that offers you plenty of resistance levels to make your workout as challenging as you want.
It features a performance monitor that provides you with your rowing stats and a USB flash drive plug so you can save that info in order to track your progress. It also allows you to wirelessly monitor your heart rate and has an ergonomic handle that will make it comfortable for you to use.
The flywheel operates smoothly and quietly as you row. It has a spiral damper that allows you to adjust the airflow in order to customize the difficulty of the stroke.
You can easily separate it into two pieces when you need to store it and the wheels make it easy to move.
To sum it up, this has all of the ideal features wrapped into one machine. It’s worth the investment if you want a quality, reliable machine to use on a daily basis!
2. Water Rower Club S4
This water rowing machine provides you with smooth, quiet, self-regulated resistance as you row. It has a monitor that tracks your workout stats (stroke rate, heart rate, etc.). It’s made of solid ash wood, which helps with sound vibration, and it can also be stored upright when not in use.
This machine is built to last. It can handle all of the wear and tear of daily use, so if you need it for a rehabilitation clinic or even in your own home, it can handle all of the abuse!
3. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1205
Need a rowing machine on a tight budget? This is an excellent option for you.
This hydraulic rowing machine features 12 levels of resistance, a comfortable seat, pivoting foot placements, and adjustable foot straps that make your workout comfortable as you row.
It also features a monitor that will track your time, stroke count, total stroke count, and the calories you’ve burned.
It’s not as high-quality as some of the other options on our list, but it’s not bad for a budget option. The monitor is a useful feature that you’ll appreciate!
