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AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.
Staying fit is one of the best gifts you can give yourself and rowing is a great endurance and muscle-building exercise to achieve that. With a rowing routine, you can improve your cardiovascular health with relatively low impact on your knees and joints, while targeting your legs, core and upper body, hitting all the major muscle groups. Whether your home gym is a full-blown, equipped space or a compact corner in a bedroom, in this article, we’ll dive into the best rowing machines for your place.
A lot has been written about how rowing uses 85 percent of the muscles in the body, says John Steventon, indoor rowing gold medalist and world record-holder, “But not all machines are equal,” he notes. “Some machines are too compact or have features that can dramatically reduce how many muscles are used.” Which is why, according to Steventon, “The most important feature in a rowing machine is that it allows the user to get the best workout. Everything else is just a way to keep distracted and motivated through that workout.” With that in mind, consider the following advice.
An ideal rowing machine should be firm, feel smooth while you’re rowing and contain an assortment of adjustable resistance levels for different people, says Chris Pruitt, CEO & certified trainer at WorkoutHealthy. “Resistance should be made to come as close to nature as possible when rowing on water,” he adds.
Fitness coach and bodybuilding specialist Nader Qudimat agrees. “A good rowing machine offers a smooth, consistent rowing action, durability and adjustable resistance levels to cater to different fitness levels,” he says, adding that, “It should also have an ergonomic design to support proper form and minimize injury risk.”
As you test different rowing machines, ask yourself, “How does it feel to row on it?” advises Caley Crawford, director of education at Row House. “Are you using the machine for endurance, longer workouts or shorter bursts of sprints?” For longer workouts, Crawford recommends a smoother-feeling rowing machine.
According to Steventon, from a design point of view, the most important facet of choosing the right rowing machine is making sure the rower can get into the correct position at the front of the machine. In other words, rolling forwards until your shins are pointing vertically while tilting your upper body forward over your hips to a 1 o’clock position with your arms straight in front. Just make sure, Steventon adds, that when you’re in that position, you’re not cracking the handle off the monitor. “This allows the rower to push with their legs, loading the power up through their back, into the handle, in order to use their legs first,” Steventon says.
The bottom line is that, “A good rowing machine will allow the rower to go through these body angles,” says Steventon. “Avoid any machine that doesn’t allow that vital starting position at the front of the stroke.”
“Reliability is key,” says Crawford. “The last thing you want is to buy a machine that breaks four months later.” Some of the questions to consider when searching for the ideal rowing machine, according to Crawford, include the following:
“Rowing is an amazing exercise, but not everyone finds it easy to be motivated by data on a small monitor,” says Steventon. “For a lot of home fitness users, there is a need to enhance the basic rowing experience.” Which is why measuring your progress and engaging with rowing programs is essential for motivation.
“Does the monitor and tech feature give you the data and information you want to track your progress?” asks Crawford. “Do you have any wearables that you want to connect via bluetooth or ANT+? Can you connect your heart rate monitor to it? Is there an app that goes with the machine that keeps your workouts engaging and keeps you motivated?”
A good rowing machine will provide a range of resistance so that the user can change the intensity from easy, cardio-focused rowing to harder, power-focused workouts, says Steventon. “It’s crucial that this resistance grows with the user,” he adds. “The resistance on the rowing machine needs to continue to push them as they get stronger, allowing them to get the best workout possible, no matter how much stronger they get. After all, rowing should never get easier, you just go faster.”
The most important features of any rowing machine are the following:
Finding a compact rowing machine for a small house or apartment can be tough, but not impossible. “Consider quiet machines with a small footprint, like magnetic rowers, to minimize disturbance and space usage,” says Pruitt. “The Aviron Strong is one of the shorter machines, as it will stand on its end, taking up less space,” adds Steventon. Indeed, the Aviron Strong is 84 inches long, 27 inches wide and 48 inches high, but when stored upright, it’s much more compact at 35 inches long, 27 inches wide and 83 high.
Even though it’s on the pricier end, the Aviron Strong is compact, making it easy to store and move around. It fits in small spaces, has low noise levels and stands on its end so it can be propped out of the way. Its built-in programs are vast, ranging from scenic rowing around the globe to games and on-demand classes with coaches.
Get it here: Aviron Strong Rower
If you plan to move your rowing machine around, a portable and light rowing machine is best. “It should also be easy to assemble and disassemble,” says Pruitt. That said, folding machines don’t tend to top the recommendation charts: “Often they have a cheap construction and poor resistance, along with a design that constricts the rower’s body and won’t allow a full stroke, reducing the workout effectiveness and raising the chances of injury and discomfort,” says Steventon. The Stamina ATS Air Rower 1405 makes our list, however, because it is sturdy, foldable and can be easily moved.
This is a good machine if your priority is to fold, move and store it often. When it comes to overall durability and sturdiness, however, there are more reliable options on this list.
Get it here: Stamina ATS Air Rower 1405
If you’re looking for durability, the Concept2 tops our list. “Concept2 rowers are the most frequently used type of rowing machine in commercial gyms and rowing clubs, since they’re very durable and will last forever,” says Pruitt. To that end, Crawfords says he knows people who’ve had their Concept2 machine for over 20 years. Qudimat agrees, saying that this rowing machine is super versatile, offering the durability and data tracking competitive rowers need.
The Concept2 has been the dominant rowing machine in commercial gyms around the world for decades due to its durability. It’s a great option for people of all rowing levels: Elite athletes and Olympians use this machine to train, as do people who are new to rowing.
Get it here: Concept2 RowErg
“I recently made a video comparing the WaterRower, Aviron Strong, Concept2 and RP3 machines,” says Steventon, who has a YouTube channel focused on rowing named “RowAlong Workouts.” As part of his comparison video, Steventon measured the decibels of each rowing machine to compare the volume. “The RP3 Model T was far louder than the Concept2 even though they both use air resistance. The Aviron Strong, which combines air and magnetic resistance, was considerably quieter and the quietest of all was the WaterRower,” Steventon says.
If you’re concerned about noise levels, then the WaterTower is your go-to rowing machine. Not only is it durable but it comes in oak, walnut and metallic options. It is also a great machine for water competition training as it simulates the feel of rowing on water.
Get it here: WaterRower Natural
If you’re looking for a little extra motivation, this could be the model for you. “When it comes to choosing a rowing machine with built-in programs, the connected rowing machines lead the way, offering not only a wide range of workout programs, but usually guided by a trainer on screen,” says Steventon.
“Machines like the NordicTrack RW900 offer interactive training sessions with live and on-demand classes,” says Qudimat. Pruitt adds that the NordicTrack RW900 rowing machine has pre-programmed workout routines, from outdoor workouts on lakes and rivers around the globe, to indoor studios with a variety of trainers to choose from.
Ultimately, there is a lot to like about the NordicTrack RW900 rowing machine, from its design, sound system, variety of classes and comfort.
Get it here: NordicTrack RW900 Rower
“Sunny Health and Fitness offers a range of affordable yet reliable rowing machines suitable for home use,” says Pruitt. In addition, the Sunny Health and Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine, according to Qudimat, offers a good balance of quality and affordability. This lines up neatly with Crawford’s advice, who says, “I would suggest new rowers go with the rowing machines that are tried and true. It might seem like a good idea to go for a cheaper machine, but if you don’t like how it feels or if it breaks, it’ll ultimately be a waste of money.”
This is a good rowing machine if you plan to row once a week, or if you’re a beginner or intermediate rower because of the resistance limit.
Get it here: Sunny Health and Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine
If you’re concerned about assembling a complicated piece of machinery, don’t worry, because the Yosuda Magnetic Rower is easy to put together, report users. People who have bought and used this rowing machine also say that the instructions are straightforward and simple, especially since they come with a QR code that takes you to an instruction video. An added bonus is that you can reach the customer service line, which is open 24 hours a day, in case you have questions about how to put together the machine.
The best things about this rowing machine are its ease of assembly, portability and price point. The negative is that it is not designed for people who are tall or over 350 pounds.
Get it here: Yosuda Magnetic Rower 90
An eye-pleasing and colorful rowing machine doesn’t have to be difficult to find. The Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine comes in five distinct colors: forest green, pirate black, river blue, sunrise yellow and sunset orange. If you want your rowing machine to match your couch or dining room chairs, then this machine is the right one for you. Plus, it has a built-in speaker, and is lightweight, foldable and compact.
For the architect, interior designer or indoor layout aficionado, this rowing machine offers five unique colors to choose from, and is lightweight and foldable.
Get it here: Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine
Motivation is just a click away with the ProForm Pro 750R rowing machine. It boasts access to fitness programs led by trainers all around the globe and is bluetooth enabled to go along with the iFit app. The tablet does not come with the rowing machine, however, so you will have to supply your own. The machine comes with a five inch multi-color display, which tracks distance, calories burned, resistance stats, time and strokes. Access to the iFit app is $39.99 after the first free month trial.
The ProForm Pro 750R is bluetooth enabled and can connect to a tablet, perfect for the iFit workouts. The drawback is that you have to supply your own tablet, otherwise you have access to a display with basic metrics.
Get it here: ProForm Pro 750R
Our selections were made by listening to the advice of our four knowledgeable experts, as well as conducting thorough research and ensuring that every one of our picks has positive customer reviews, particularly in terms of ease of use, longevity and preference.
There are four kinds of resistance rowing machines:
First, set your tension intensity level to a point where you feel comfortable. If you have to adjust the monitor to eye height on your machine, do so. Then, insert your feet into the straps and get the straps over the balls of your feet. Get moving to let your body know you’re about to do some work. Per Steventon, roll forwards until your shins are pointing vertically and you are tilting your upper body forward over the hips to a 1 o’clock position with your arms in front. Push your legs into the machine. At the back of the stroke, finish with an arm stroke.
The main difference between a water-based and a magnetic rowing machine is the type of resistance. A water-based rowing machine uses water to create friction. Water-based rowing machines are generally quieter (as you can see from our quietest rowing machine) and provide a smooth glide and pull feel. A magnetic rowing machine uses a magnetic braking system to generate resistance. Generally, these require less maintenance than water rowing machines, but ultimately, what you decide will be based on the type of row and workout that you seek.
Absolutely! It’s a great upper and lower body workout that can be modified for both longer workouts for endurance training and shorter, sprints-focused workouts for cardiovascular health. Rowing is a relatively low-impact workout on your knees and joints, so even if you have minor aches and pains, rowing could be right for you.
That depends on your workout routine and goals. If you want to use it to stay active, you could use it every day for 30 minutes or more, or you could also switch up your workouts and use it once a week.
Yes, since with a rowing machine you use your legs, core, arms, and back.
“Price is always a factor when it comes to choosing a rowing machine, but remember the saying, ‘Buy cheap, buy twice,’” says Steventon. “Cheaper machines often compromise on build quality and design, missing a strong variable resistance and not allowing the user to row with a proper stroke.” That said, Steventon adds that more expensive machines aren’t any better than a Concept2, WaterRower, or the Aviron StrongGo – they just cost more.
“The SmartRow app works with a WaterRower and keeps a database of your results to help track your performance and heart rate over time,” says Steventon. “It connects to Strava in order to keep all of your data from a variety of workout types in one ecosystem. The Aviron Strong provides comprehensive data on heart rate and calorie burn during and after a workout.”
Steventon also says that, “A Concept2 will connect to most bluetooth and ANT devices, showing the rower their heart rate on screen during a workout. However, there are a large variety of apps that can connect to the monitor too, like the Aviron App, EXR, ErgZone or ErgData, all of which make it easy to refer back to historical heart rate and calorie burn.”
“As a low impact activity, rowing is incredibly kind to the knees,” says Steventon. “But it’s still important that the machine has adjustable footplates, which allow the rower to set the height of their feet for comfort, as lowering the feet in the footplates will take the strain off the knees. Even the best designed rowing machine can’t fix poor technique, which is often the cause of muscle or joint stress and potential injury.”
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Adjustable Weights Bench AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.