Guide to Rowing Machines for Home
- Updated
When comparing rowing machines you quickly discover that the wide range of options – different resistance systems, features, price points. In this article we’re going to go over some of the things you need to think about when buying an at-home rowing machine and list some of what we consider to be the best rowing machines for home.
Rowing is a great low-impact, full-body workout. It not only gives you a fantastic aerobic workout but it also helps tone and build most of your major muscles and strengthen your core.
One caveat is that for people with a history of back problems, rowing may not be the right exercise as it could aggravate your injury. If this is you, be sure to check with your Doctor. For those with no history of back problems, rowing with the proper form can strengthen your lower back and core – helping prevent back problems. (For a tutorial on proper rowing form, see this video to learn from Olympic team members)
Selecting a Rowing Machine for Home
A Rowing Machine is a great way to get a full body, low impact workout at home. Rowing Machines also take up comparatively little space compared to other at-home fitness equipment.
Some of the factors you need to take into consideration are Resistance, Programming/Technology, and Size/Storability. Resistance is how a Rowing Machine generates resistance. Programs is whether or not the machine has pre-programmed workouts or a flatscreen display. Storability is whether you can easily store the machine when not in use.
Resistance
One of the most basic divides between Rowing Machines is how they generate resistance. The three most popular types of Rowing Machine resistance systems are Air, Water, and Magnetic. You’ll also see hybrid machines that combine Magnetic resistance with either Air or Water. Finally there are Hydraulic resistance machines which have been declining in popularity over the past decades.
- Air Rowing Machines have a pull-chain connected to a flywheel with ‘fins’. As you row, the fins spin through the air resistance is created. The faster you pull the greater the resistance. One advantage to Air rowers is that most rowers consider the feeling to be most similar to rowing a real boat (which is why indoor rowing competitions use Air Rowers. They’re also great for HIIT training because the way resistance level is driven by your effort The major disadvantage to an Air Rower is the noise – they tend to be somewhat loud so if you like listening to music or watching TV while working out that might be an issue.
- Water Rowing Machines work in a similar manner to Air rowers except the flywheel is enclosed in a tank of water. Water rowers have a feel similar to Air rowers but are much quieter – there’s just a gentle ‘whoosh’ of water. Like with Air rowers, the faster you pull the higher the resistance level. One disadvantage to Water rowers is the tend to be a bit pricier.
- Magnetic Rowing Machines’ resistance comes from having strong magnets near the spinning metallic flywheel. Resistance is independent from how fast you pull. Depending on the model, the resistance level is set either mechanically (by sliding a gauge) or electronically. One big advantage to Magnetic rowers is noise – they’re very quiet. So if you like to listen to music while working out that might be something to consider. They’re also generally cheaper than Air or Water rowers. One perceived disadvantage is that they don’t truly replicate the feeling of rowing on water (which might not be a disadvantage depending on your taste)
- Air + Magnetic Machines are hybrid rowers that combine both kinds of resistance. They give you the more realistic feel of an Air Rower while giving greater control over the resistance level thanks to the magnetic resistance.
- Hydraulic Rowing Machines have declined in popularity the last few decades, but they are still available and may be a good option if you have a limited budget. Resistance comes from opening a hydraulic piston as you row. On many hydraulic rowers the seat doesn’t slide so you’re not getting as much of a full-body workout. Hydraulic rowers are generally smaller than other rowers which might be good depending on how much space you have. The hydraulic action is quite quiet, but hydraulic rowers tend to develop squeaks which can be a bit noisy.
Programming/Technology
Even some very good, high-end can be pretty spartan when it comes to interactive programming and technology. It’s not uncommon to see a simple LCD display to track your progress and offer rudimentary pre-programmed workouts. Other rowers may come with a large, touchscreen HD display and a greater variety of workouts. Then there are rowing machines like Hydrow or Nordictrack that offer a Peloton-like workout experience with a large HD screen broadcasting trainer-led workouts.
Which option is best depends on your preferences. Some people like the higher end workout machines because they feel the experience motivates them to workout and stick to it. Other people don’t want an interactive experience and are happier to just listen to music or a podcast while working out. It all depends on what your value.
Storability
When selecting a rower, be aware of is size and storage options. While rowing machines sit low to the ground they can be quite long – most are in the 80” – 85” range. So make sure you have the necessary space before bringing the rower home. Many rowing machines can fold up when not in use or can be stored standing upright. If you’re not able to dedicate the necessary space full time to your machine, you may want to look for this.
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Our Favorite Rowing Machines for Home
Premium Rowing Machines for Home
Concept2 Model D Rowing Machine - $1,289
Concept 2 is the ‘gold standard’ of indoor rowing machines and the best-selling brand. It uses air resistance with a built-in damper which allows you to adjust the level of resistance. It’s a sturdy machine with a manufacturer rated 500lbs user limit. The seat sits at a comfortable 14 inches above the floor. It features a Bluetooth-compatible Performance Monitor to help track your fitness progress with apps such as Apple Health. The monitor is also compatible with ANT+ heart monitors.
- Built in Transport Wheels for easy movement. Machine also separates into 2 pieces for storage,
- Backlit LCD Performance Monitor tracks distance, speed, pace, watts, & calories. Bluetooth & ANT+ heart monitor compatible
- Workout options include time, distance, and intervals. Monitor also has 5 different workout ‘games’.
Amazon Review Highlight: “What immediately strikes you about the Concept 2 Model D is how well-made it looks and feels. Every piece of this device is best in class. Other rowers just don’t compare…You are getting your money’s worth, and that feels good in this day and age.”
Hydrow Wave Rower - $1,545
If you’re looking for online trainer-led workouts to help keep you motivated and reach your fitness goals, the Hydrow Wave may be the choice for you. The 16″ HD display allows you to connect with Hydrow’s library of 4,000+ workouts featuring trainers rowing in scenic waterways from around the world. The machine itself has a sleek, futuristic look and feel. .
- Patented Electromagnetic Drag resistance system – magnetic resistance but with the feeling of real water
- Can be stored upright using the Hydrow Vertical Anchor (additional purchase0
- 375 lbs. user weight limit
Trustpilot Review Highlight: “The workouts are so engaging with the Hydrow rowing team and I look forward to getting on the machine to row. I’ve rowed now for 26 weeks straight and am set a goal to row 100,000 meters in the month of July.”
WaterRower Classic Rowing Machine - $1,689
One thing we love about the WaterRower Classic is its look. It’s constructed from hand-finished Black Walnut and looks more like a piece of furniture than gym equipment. Built-in wheels for easy transport and it stores upright. One drawback is that it doesn’t come with all the pre-programmed workouts that competitors offer so keep that in mind if that’s important to you..
- Resistance can be varied by adding/subtracting water from the tank
- Workout monitor tracks workout intensity, stroke rate, heart rate, and more
- Solid wood construction make it very sturdy – Maximum User Weight of 700lbs!
- Compatible with chest strap heart rate monitor
Amazon Review Highlight: “We absolutely LOVE this product. If you’re thinking about getting this, just do it. It’s GREAT. We ordered the Classic in Black Walnut and not only is it gorgeous, it works even better than we expected.”
Other Favorite Premium Rowing Machines
Mid-Range Rowing Machines for Home
Sunny Fitness Carbon Premium Air/Magnetic Rowing Machine - $299.99
The Carbon Rower is a dual Air/Magnetic resistance rower. This gives you both the lifelike feel of an Air rower with the variable resistance benefits of a Magnetic rower. One thing we like about this rower is its seat height – at 16.5″ above the floor it’s higher than most other rowers. This can make it easier to mount/dismount the rower for users with physical limitations.
- Air resistance plus 16 levels of variable Magnetic resistance
- Chest-strap heart rate monitor is included
- 22 pre-set workout programs
- 265lbs maximum user weight
Amazon Review Highlight: “This is a great option for at home; it’s not a concept 2, but it’s half the price. This is a well made machine and you will still get a great workout, in your arms, abs, and legs…If you’re on the fence about this, I highly recommend this machine!!”
Yosuda Magnetic Rowing Machine - $309.99
The Yosuda rower is a very quiet machine and smooth machine with its all magnetic resistance and smooth-sliding seat. Not a lot of features (as you’d expect at this price) but it does have an LCD display to track workout metrics, a large tablet/device holder, and transport wheels. One thing we like about this bargain rower is it’s built surprisingly sturdy.
- LCD Monitor tracks distance, time, calories, count, and more
- Sturdy machine with a 350lbs maximum user weight
- Four balance stabilizers to help make sure it’s stable and wobble-free
Amazon Review Highlight: “Taken all together I’d say this rower is about as good as you could hope for at this price point. It’s quite, easy to assemble, stores and moves easily if you need it to, and has a good resistance range that provides a smooth workout.”
Other Favorite Mid-Priced Rowing Machines
Budget Rowing Machines for Home
Housefit Water Rower Rowing Maching- $229.99
The Housefit Water Rower is a good machine for the price. It has a surprising number of features like a good-sized LCD console, integrated tablet holder, and transport wheels. It also can be stored vertically to save space when not in use.
- Water tank has 6 different fill levels to vary resistance
- Sturdy machine with a 33lbs maximum user weight
- LCD monitor tracks time, calories burned, stroke count, and other metrics
Amazon Review Highlight: “I have had the machine for about 2 years now. It runs smooth and quiet with little to no issues. I did have a mechanical failure at one point and was outside of the warranty. I contacted housefit they are sending replacement parts for the cost of shipping and emailed me a video on installation. Awesome company and they took great care of me”
Sunny Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rowing Machine - $249.98
Two things we especially like about this affordable rower is its extra-long 48-inch slide rail (which allows it to accommodate users with up to 48″ inseam) and it’s space-saving foldable design.
- 8 levels of magnetic resistance
- LCD console displays time, count, calories, and more
- 4 built-in floor stabilizers and transport wheels
- 250lbs maximum user weight
Amazon Review Highlight: “I’ve been considering getting a rowing machine for almost a year now, but as a beginner, I didn’t want to spend an exorbitant amount of money. After a lot of research and deliberation, I settled on this rower. It was so easy to assemble, operates super quietly, and is absolutely perfect for what I wanted. I’m so happy that I made this purchase and only wish I had made it sooner.
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Budget Hydraulic Rowing Machines for Home
Stamina Body Trac Glider Rowing Machine - $149.99
The Body Trac Glider’s independent, full-motion arms allow you to mimic the motion of actually rowing in water. Unlike many hydraulic rowers, the seat glides the full length of the rail allowing you into incorporate your lower body for a full-body workout. When not in use the arms fold in to frame for easy storage.
- Adjustable hydraulic cylinder allows you to adjust the resistance.
- LCD monitor tracks time, strokes, calories, and other metrics
- 250lbs maximum user weight
Website Review Highlight: “This has been a great machine. Have had it for a couple months and I use it 20 minutes every day with almost no complaints. This is my first time on a rowing machine and I couldn’t be happier. Very nice for beginners for sure, and I would say it will hold up as I continue to use it heavily later on as well.”
Sunny Fitness SF-RW1205 Hydraulic Rowing Machine - $119.98
If you’re looking for a no-frills, rowing machine that gets the job done at an affordable price, the SF-RW1205 may be your perfect machine. I has 12 levels of adjustable hydraulic tension. It’s small size makes it easy to move and store.
- Digital monitor tracks multiple workout metrics – strokes, time, calories, and more.
- Adjustable pivoting pedals for comfort
- 220lbs maximum user weight
Amazon Review Highlight: “This rowing machine is perfect for someone with limited space and budget. Unlike other hydraulic rowing machines, it provides a full body workout. If you are considering a rowing machine start here before you spend $$$. The company website also has videos and routines to show its proper use and help get started.”
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. As a Sunny Health & Fitness affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. All prices accurate as of 2/20/24
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Additional Resources for Healthy Living
Unfortunately, there are a lot of web sites out there giving unreliable fitness advice. But there are also some great ones which we rely on when writing our articles. A few great resources for information you may want to also view include the National Institutes of Heath, the Mayo Clinic, and the World Health Organization.