Indoor rowing machines have come a long way and there are now a variety of sleek, highly-refined pieces of exercise equipment ready to get your cardio health on the upswing. Having a rower right there in your home can really be the push you need to get your muscles moving in a challenging yet comfortable way. Overall, rowing machines provide an outstanding way to increase fitness by burning calories and building muscle in a safe, low-impact way.
If you’re on the hunt for a rowing machine for home fitness, keep in mind that there are many different styles and features that you’re going to want to consider before choosing. As always, high quality comes with a price, but there are great, reliable rowers at lower prices as well. We’ll do our best to break down all the things you need to know below. And we have included our top rower picks to help you find the best rowing machine for your needs.
In the rowing machine category, there are a lot of models to chose from. They range in price from under $100 to well over $1500. As you can imagine, you’re getting a different type of row machine at those ends of the spectrum, but within that variety there’s something for everyone. To help guide you,
Our Top Rowing Machine Picks
#1. Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine
The Concept2 Model D is the ultra-popular air rower that you’ll see at most gyms. It is one of the best home indoor rowers you can buy period. Expertly constructed and ergonomically unequaled, this rowing machine looks great and rows smoothly without so much as a jarring catch. As an air rower, the Concept2 employs air baffles to create the resistance. A nickel-plated chain pulls the flywheel and you get your workout by pulling against the increasingly higher air pressure that the fan is creating.
The Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine includes the excellent PM5 monitor that provides all vital data. It can display your workout performance in two ways. You can choose to see your workout in total distance and time, or as “splits”. Splits is a way of seeing how your pace is varying along two set points. Either way is useful, but splits give you more of a “real-time”, in the moment calculation of how you are doing.
The other nice thing about the Concept2 Model D’s PM5 monitor is that is calculates drag factor. This means that you get a true measure of your workout effort no matter if any other factors change such as damper resistance adjustments or a stiff breeze comes through your workout room (not likely).
#2. WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine with S4 Monitor
This piece of finely tuned, hand-crafted, water-resistance workout equipment also sits at the top end of the rowing machine spectrum. Employing a water flywheel that helps to mimic the feel of rowing in actual water, the natural wood WaterRower Rowing Machine will bring you a smooth, yet challenging workout that is as tough as you want it to be. If rowing is one of the best exercises you can do for your body as far as natural motion with low to no-impact, then the WaterRower is one of the best machines to do it on.
The water flywheel is comprised of two paddles encased in an enclosed tank of water. As you pull the cable, the paddles move through the water creating resistance. The beauty of this machine is it uses the mass/density of water. The paddles create the drag, so the harder you pull, the more resistance increases. Think about moving your hands through water. The faster you go, the more dense water feels. The slower you go, the less you feel the resistance. And this type of resistance is excellent for your joints.
#3. Stamina Air Rower
The Stamina ATS Air Rower is an example getting a ton of value for a low-priced rowing machine. This rower features wind resistance which creates a very smooth workout. And that’s just the beginning.
Featuring the ability to fold and with its attached roller wheels, the Stamina Air Rower is very portable and stores easily in a closet. The Air Rower includes a monitor that provides speed, stroke count, time elapsed, and calorie count.
With a sturdy steel and aluminum frame and solid construction, the Stamina ATS Air Rower comes in at a very reasonable price and is very easy to assemble in around 15 min.
#4. Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower CHR-2001
This popular rowing machine utilizes magnetic resistance for a quiet, and very smooth workout. The Velocity Exercise CHR-2001 also features a programmable computer with 12 programs that will keep your exercising varied and challenging for years. The computer also provides data on distance, time, calories burned, pulse rate, strokes per minute, and stroke count. Additionally, the tension resistance is electronically controlled via the computer. This electronic resistance control feature puts the CHR-2001 ahead of other magnetic rowers that tend to use knobs.
A nice feature is the included heart-rate monitor strap that allows you to see your pulse during intense cardio workouts.
Velocity Exercise puts a premium on comfort here with a polyurethane molded saddle seat, and magnetic drum resistance contributes to a row machine that is durable, won’t need much or any maintenance, and, as we mentioned does not create much noise in use. This makes it easy to row while watching TV or listening to music. It also means the other people in your home won’t be listening to you workout quite as much. Easy to assemble and store, the Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower CHR-2001 is a good choice for a mid-priced rower.
#5. Fitking R 602 Rowing Machine
Key Features:
Rowing Machine
LCD Console Display Functions Time, Distance, Strokes Per Min, Total Strokes, Pulse, 500 T/m & Calorie.
Air & Magnetic Power System Offer High Wattage Output Quiet Running and Low Vibration Through Out the
Training.
12 Preset Programs With 16 Resistance Levels Including Race, HRC, User Setting & Watt.
Built-in-quick Hand Rail Control Buttons, Allow User to Change Their Intensity Level.
Aluminum Rowing Rail and Flex Footrest to Adjust for Quick and Easy Sizing.
Quick and Easy Foldable System to Save the Space.
Extra Strong Stable Steel Frame for the Most Demanding Users.
#6. Fitking R 702 Rowing Machine
Key Features:
Commercial rowing machine.
Durable chain driven system for professional rowing.
4.5 inches fstn matrix console display, time, distance, speed, pace, calories, watts, pulse, multi training styles
(just row or select workout) and 5 display options for each training.
Self power generator system offer high wattage output quite running and low vibration through out the training.
Unique fan wheel system engineered to minimize noise while providing the smooth feel of rowing on the water.
Aluminum rowing rail & stainless steel top surface and flex footrest adjust for quick & easy sizing.
Extra strong stable steel frame for the most demanding users.
