Rowing machines are one of the most underutilized machines in any gym, but when used properly, can give you a total body workout. It is a low-impact way to exercise and is easy to use, even for beginners. It also utilizes a whole range of muscles, so it is ideal for both strengthening and conditioning. It can also burn a whole lot of calories!
Given the current situation, building your own home gym is the new way to go about your fitness goals. In this article, we discuss the key points to keep in mind when choosing a rowing machine. We also selected the 10 best rowing machines available online that feature machines in a range of prices.
Unsure where to start? Browse through this buying guide to learn about the different types of rowing machines, as well as the important features to look for before purchasing one.
There are two main types of rowing machines that differ based on the kind of resistance used. Know which one best suits your needs by reading further below.
Often built with a wooden base, water rowers come with a water tank at the front and suspended paddles inside, which spin and create resistance when pulled. Adjusting the water level will determine the amount of resistance or drag during every stroke, so you can be more in control of your workout.
Since this type of rower utilizes water, it produces a splashing sound during every pull. If you want to get an experience that is close to what you would feel when you are already in the boat, then getting a water rower would be perfect for you. Despite the splashing sound, it is much quieter than an air rower and is ideal if you plan to use it indoors.
As the name suggests, air rowers depend on the resistance produced by air. When the user pulls on the handle, a fan flywheel attached to it spins and experiences drag from the air surrounding it. A faster pull means more force is needed to make the wheel spin, and in turn, a heavier resistance is experienced.
Air rowers are the more widely available type in the market and come in a wide range of prices, so you can find one that fits your budget. Compared to water rowers, the performance monitors of air rowers are far more accurate and are ideal if you want to get exact measurements.
Resistance is the main feature of any rowing machine. Most low-cost machines have a drag range that is great for beginner-level rowers. If you are rowing at a more competitive level or plan to take the sport seriously, investing in a machine with a wider range of levels would be worth it. The average number of resistance levels per rowing machine is 8, but this can go up to as high as 16.
Before completing your home gym, make sure your rowing machine has the capacity that fits your body weight. Most rowing machines can handle a user weight of around 280 lbs, but other machines can go up to 500 lbs. These, however, would cost more as they require a stronger base.
Like any exercise equipment, rowing machines require ample space when in use. Some rowing machines need around 9 by 4 feet of area to allow you to freely get a workout in. If you plan to store your machine indoors or in a smaller space, it is ideal to get one that folds. This lets you save space while the machine is not in use.
A good rowing machine seat should be curved to help your body have a firmer hold on the machine and make it easier for you to balance. This also ensures comfortable seating, especially while doing longer sets. Getting a machine with a waterproof seat prevents it from absorbing sweat, makes sanitizing easier, and prevents it from developing a foul odor.
When working out, it is important to be able to see a numerical value to gauge your progress. One of the basic functions a performance monitor has is the stroke rate function, which measures how many strokes you do per minute. Most monitors also have a distance measurement, calorie expenditure, and total workout time on the display panel.
Some machines also have a 500m split feature that measures in minutes and seconds. It shows the amount of time it would take you to get an entire boat to travel a distance of 500 meters as if you are in the water. This is dependent on the amount of force you exert and not the speed of the row.
Getting your own rowing machine at home can be a bit pricey. Now that you know how to choose, browse through our 10 best rowing machines available online and get the most value out of your money.
**Prices may vary depending on the website and their campaign period**
From ₱102,500
Dimensions | 96" L x 24" W x 14" H |
---|---|
Max User Weight | 500 lbs |
Assembly Required | Yes |
Performance Monitor | Time, Distance, Calories, Watts, Stroke Rate, Average Pace, Projected Finish |
Type of Resistance | Air |
Foldable | No |
Curved Seat | Yes |
From ₱79,999
Dimensions | 218 x 61.5 x 76 cm |
---|---|
Max User Weight | 150 kg |
Assembly Required | Yes |
Performance Monitor | Time, Distance, Calories, Watts, Strokes, SPM and Time/500 |
Type of Resistance | Air |
Foldable | No |
Curved Seat | Yes |
From ₱38,999
Dimensions | 84 x 22 x 20 in |
---|---|
Max User Weight | 145 kg |
Assembly Required | No |
Performance Monitor | Distance, Calorie Count, and Total Strokes |
Type of Resistance | Water |
Foldable | No |
Curved Seat | Yes |
From ₱35,000
Dimensions | 94" L x 24" W x 93" H |
---|---|
Max User Weight | 150 kg |
Assembly Required | Yes |
Performance Monitor | Time, Distance, Calories, Watts, and Total strokes |
Type of Resistance | Air |
Foldable | No |
Curved Seat | Yes |
From ₱34,999
Dimensions | Not Indicated |
---|---|
Max User Weight | 200 kg |
Assembly Required | Yes |
Performance Monitor | Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, 500 Split |
Type of Resistance | Water |
Foldable | Yes |
Curved Seat | Yes |
From ₱39,850
Dimensions | 196 (L) x 52 (W) x 68 (H) cm |
---|---|
Max User Weight | 120 kg |
Assembly Required | Yes |
Performance Monitor | Speed, Time, Distance, Calories, Pulse, Strokes and SPM |
Type of Resistance | Air |
Foldable | Yes |
Curved Seat | Yes |
From ₱22,380
Dimensions | 198 x 45 x 73 cm |
---|---|
Max User Weight | 136 kg |
Assembly Required | Yes |
Performance Monitor | Time, Distance, Calories Burned, Total Count |
Type of Resistance | Air |
Foldable | No |
Curved Seat | No |
From ₱8,400
Dimensions | L 150 cm x W 42 cm x H 62 cm |
---|---|
Max User Weight | 110 kg |
Assembly Required | No |
Performance Monitor | Not Included |
Type of Resistance | Air |
Foldable | Yes |
Curved Seat | Yes |
From ₱19,999
Dimensions | 202 x 50 x 92 cm |
---|---|
Max User Weight | 130 kg |
Assembly Required | Yes |
Performance Monitor | Time, Speed, Distance, and Calories |
Type of Resistance | Water |
Foldable | No |
Curved Seat | Yes |
From ₱15,100
Dimensions | Not Indicated |
---|---|
Max User Weight | Not Indicated |
Assembly Required | Yes |
Performance Monitor | Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, RPM |
Type of Resistance | Air |
Foldable | No |
Curved Seat | No |
Image | 1 ![]() Concept 2 | 2 ![]() Renegade | 3 ![]() Trax | 4 ![]() Fitness Technologies | 5 ![]() Baidong | 6 Reebok | 7 ![]() Ovicx | 8 ![]() Domyos | 9 ![]() | 10 ![]() Body Sculpture |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Model D Rower | AirMag Rower | Nordic Flow Water Rower | Primus Air Rower | Dual Axis Household Rowing Machine | One GR Rower | R100 Rowing Machine | Folding Rowing Machine 100 | Steel Water Rowing Machine | Recumbent Rowing Bike |
Features | A World Class Rowing Machine for Experienced Rowers | Stay on Top of Your Workout Statistics | Water Resistance With a Strong Wooden Base | A Compact Rowing Machine to Build Your Endurance | A Water Rowing Machine That Folds in Half | Great Starter Rowing Machine With Pre-Programmed Workouts | Slim Design for Limited Spaces | A Low-Cost Rowing Machine for Occasional Rowers | A Compact Water Rower With a Steel Base | A Bike and Rower in One |
Price Starts at | ₱102,500 | ₱79,999 | ₱38,999 | ₱35,000 | ₱34,999 | ₱39,850 | ₱22,380 | ₱8,400 | ₱19,999 | ₱15,100 |
Dimensions | 96" L x 24" W x 14" H | 218 x 61.5 x 76 cm | 84 x 22 x 20 in | 94" L x 24" W x 93" H | Not Indicated | 196 (L) x 52 (W) x 68 (H) cm | 198 x 45 x 73 cm | L 150 cm x W 42 cm x H 62 cm | 202 x 50 x 92 cm | Not Indicated |
Max User Weight | 500 lbs | 150 kg | 145 kg | 150 kg | 200 kg | 120 kg | 136 kg | 110 kg | 130 kg | Not Indicated |
Assembly Required | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Performance Monitor | Time, Distance, Calories, Watts, Stroke Rate, Average Pace, Projected Finish | Time, Distance, Calories, Watts, Strokes, SPM and Time/500 | Distance, Calorie Count, and Total Strokes | Time, Distance, Calories, Watts, and Total strokes | Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, 500 Split | Speed, Time, Distance, Calories, Pulse, Strokes and SPM | Time, Distance, Calories Burned, Total Count | Not Included | Time, Speed, Distance, and Calories | Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, RPM |
Type of Resistance | Air | Air | Water | Air | Water | Air | Air | Air | Water | Air |
Foldable | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
Curved Seat | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
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New to rowing? Watch this video from Level Up Fitness to improve your rowing form. This can help prevent any injuries and ensure you are using the right muscles during every stroke.
Rowing is a great cardio workout and can be done as an alternative to running. It is also very low-impact, so it's easy on the joints and tendons. Lastly, it gives a total body workout by exercising your core, biceps, back, deltoids, and other major muscles.
Hesitant about going back to the gym anytime soon? Why not try building your own gym at home? This way, you get to work out any time of the day or night. You can also invest in the equipment you use most to maximize every minute spent exercising. Check out these articles on some equipment and essentials to complete your home gym.
Rowing is a unique activity and is a great total body workout. Gym equipment that specializes in this exercise has become more and more popular. If you can't go to the gym, you can opt to get one for your home. A wide range is available for purchase online, and you can get one based on your budget and skill level.
Author: Roxanne Beatriz Angeles
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