Last Update: May 17, 2024
Rowing may be the most intimidating of cardio options to try in the gym, but it is certainly one of the best, which is why you need to bring it home! There is a bit of a learning curve to mastering the correct rowing technique, but once you have it down, you will be working out almost all of your body’s muscles every time you row. Rowing is so versatile, allowing users to train for endurance, speed, and power all on the same machine. Yet, there are great differences in rowing machine designs. There are three different types of resistances: air, water, and magnetic. Plus, some rowers combine two of these resistance types for even more training options! Whether you want a low-tech grungy rower or a high-tech sleek rowing machine, we have options for you!
Here’s Our List Of The Best Rowing Machines 2024
- Best Rowing Machine: Concept2 RowERG
- Best On The Water Training Content: Hydrow Wave Rower
- Best Gaming Rower: Aviron Strong Series Rower
- Most Comfortable Rower: AssaultRower Elite
- Best iFit Rower: NordicTrack RW900
- Best Water Rower: Ergatta Rower
- Best High-End Rower: Hydrow Rower
- Most Compact Rowing Machine: WalkingPad WR1 Folding Rower
- Best Folding Rowing Machine: ProForm Pro R10 Rowing Machine
Best Rowing Machine: Concept2 RowERG
The Concept2 RowERG proves you don’t need the spiffiest smart features and a premium training platform to corner the market in a cardio equipment category. Instead, the Concept2 RowERG prioritizes a solid construction and great performance at a reasonable price. The Concept2 RowERG is our best overall rowing machine, and it could easily take the prize for other categories, best air rower, best rower without content, and most durable rower.
Concept2 RowERG
The Concept2 RowERG is the top dog in the indoor rowing community. Its trusty build and console deliver high-value performance and durability.
Concept2 has made a name for itself, not just in the rowing space, but in the broader fitness community with its simplistic and effective designs. The RowERG is a frontrunner with its steel frame, fan, and damper. This rower can support users up to 500 lbs and a maximum inseam of 38 inches, but it only weighs 57 lbs. The RowERG uses a chain drive, which is perfect for rowers looking to add a little more grit to their workouts. The resistance is smooth and effective. Though the damper changes your drag, the resistance is really limitless. The harder and faster you row, the more intense the workout becomes. Additionally, the rower can be broken into two pieces for compact storage. The RowERG is great for beginners and experienced rowers.
The Concept2 RowERG cannot be mentioned without referencing its curiously popular console, the PM5. Never has a low-tech screen and console been so well-loved. The PM5 displays metrics you can be confident in, as the console is ultra reliable. The console is easy to navigate, with five rubbery selection buttons running along the sides and three larger rubber buttons at the bottom to help you toggle through the different menu screens. You can hop on the RowERG and ‘Just Row’ or select one of the built-in workouts. Concept2 even includes instructional information on rowing and navigating the console on the PM5. If you want a more traditional touchscreen view, the Concept2 RowERG dos have a device holder for viewing your phone or tablet.
A Concept2 RowERG purchase is a step into the Concept2 community. Download the free ErgData app and connect the RowERG via Bluetooth. The app lets you track your workouts, have a secondary metric viewing screen, and join other users in a live loop. There is also a community forum where rowers of all abilities can share their experiences and ask questions to learn more about rowing and Concept2. The brand does a great job of supporting its community by offering this forum. It also lists replacement parts for sale by product model, so users can replace or upgrade their rowers at an affordable price. The loyalty Concept2 customers have to the brand speaks highly of the brand’s integrity and impressive design.
+ PROS
- The Concept2 RowERG has a sturdy and durable steel build.
- The PM5 console is easy to use and provides trustworthy metrics.
- The fan and damper provide endless resistance possibilities, limited only by the athlete’s abilities.
- Though it is lauded as the best, the RowERG is far from the most expensive rower.
- The RowERG is lightweight and can store in two pieces.
- The maximum user weight is 500 lbs, and the maximum user inseam length is 38 inches.
– CONS
- The chain and air resistance combination is quite loud.
- Users looking for integrated trainer-led content will prefer a smart rower to the Concept2 RowERG.
Read our full review of the Concept2 RowERG here.
Best On The Water Training Content: Hydrow Wave Rower
Hydrow is the dominant force in the high-tech rowing space. Hydrow’s on-the-water training content has captured what other brands strive to accomplish. The Hydrow Wave Rower is great for rowers first starting out and looking for coached guidance. It also has perfected magnetic resistance for a quiet and strong performance that will challenge experienced rowers. Hydrow’s training content earns it this reward, but its performance and build earn it acclaim as well.
Hydrow Wave Rower
Get as close to an on-the-water rowing experience as you can from the comfort of your home with the Hydrow Wave Rower.
The Hydrow Wave Rower has a 16-inch HD touchscreen with great-quality graphics and front-facing speakers. Hydrow’s content is instructional, beautiful, and motivating. The content is global, transporting you to distant locations so you can pair beautiful views with effective training. The Hydrow does require a monthly subscription to access their content, but you get so much from the platform, it is worth it. There are also training classes for supplementing your rowing regimen with strength and conditioning or yoga. Hydrow’s content is aimed at making you a better rower and athlete.
The Hydrow Wave Rower performs very well. The magnetic resistance is strong and grows harder proportional to how fast and forcefully you are rowing. The Hydrow is quiet, making it a great choice for rowers trying not to disturb others around them. The handles and seat are both comfortable. Overall, rowing on the Hydrow Wave translates to a smooth and effective workout. This rower is great for endurance, strength, or power training.
As a smart rower, the Hydrow Wave Rower has quite a few nice features. It has Bluetooth connectivity for pairing headphones or a heart rate monitor. The rower comes preset with a magnetic resistance that creates an on-the-water drag feeling, but you can change the settings to create a drag rating of 50 to 300. One fun, unique feature of the Hydrow Wave Rower is the different color options. You can stick with a sleek black rower or opt for a fun color like blue, green, yellow, orange, or pink. The Hydrow Wave Rower has most of the same features as Hydrow’s pricier Hydrow Rower but with a lighter weight and small footprint.
+ PROS
- Hydrow provides the best on-the-water training content.
- The Hydrow Rower has a 16-inch touchscreen display with front-facing speakers, perfect for its trainer-led content.
- The magnetic resistance is very quiet but effective at delivering a good workout.
- The frame is sturdy and comes in many color options.
- The Hydrow Wave Rower is more affordable than the Hydrow Rower and has a lower weight and a smaller footprint.
- The geometry of this rower is comfortable and complements the comfortable seat and handles.
– CONS
- The training content price is on the higher end and does not have as much non-rowing content to replace a gym membership.
- Changing the drag factor can not be done easily within a workout.
Read our full review of the Hydrow Wave Rower here!
Best Gaming Rower: Aviron Strong Series Rower
The Aviron Strong Series Rower is our pick for the best gaming rower. It boosts your motivation and performance to help you establish an exercise routine. No rower will exercise for you, but the Aviron Strong Series Rower does its best to convince you. Aviron has put a little bit of everything into its training content, and when paired with this strong construction, it is hard to find the downside to the Strong Rower. Aviron has transformed the Strong Series Rower into a gaming console, and it has plenty of other features worth appreciating.
Aviron Strong Series Rower
The Aviron Strong Series Rower is loaded with games, entertainment, and competition to make rowing exciting in a novel way.
A serious construction meets fun content on the Aviron Strong Series Rower. Aviron offers premium subscription content you will not want to miss out on. The gaming style platform has tons of games. You can run from zombies, defend Santa from wolves, or exterminate enemy bugs. Aviron has it all. If you are feeling more competitive, you can race against professional athletes’ best efforts on the Aviron, take on computer-generated opponents designed to push you to your max, or compete against other Aviron users. The Aviron platform is fun and social.
The Aviron Strong Series Rower is aptly named. Its powerful construction feels incredibly sturdy to use. It can be stored horizontally or vertically without needing to be secured with a wall mount. The weight limit is 507 lbs while the height limit is approximately 6’ 8”. The Aviron Strong’s monorail sits low to the ground, making it easier for users to step over it. Yet, the seat is raised quite high. The overall seat height is about 20 inches from the ground. Sitting on the Aviron Strong Rower is closer to sitting in a chair, so users with mobility concerns will be much more comfortable.
What Aviron has to offer does not stop there. The Aviron Strong Rower has dual air and magnetic resistance, delivering the best of both. It is quieter than a traditional air rower but more powerful than many other magnetic rowers. This combo unlocks unlimited training potential, so you can row for short, powerful intervals or settle in for an endurance row. The Aviron Strong comes with fantastic features, but it can also be upgraded for even more comfort. The optional Cloud Seat is super soft and great for users prone to saddle soreness. The lumbar support kit can be retrofitted to the Strong Rower for users with back pain. I find the Aviron Strong Rower to be comfortable as is, but I appreciate the upgrades for those who need them.
Aviron includes a few uncommon rower features to make sure you stay comfortable. The Strong Rower has a phone rack, a vent system for delivering a cool breeze with every stroke, third-party streaming apps, and adjustable foot width. Aviron prioritizes its rowers’ wants and needs to bundle the best of a solid construction, unbeatable features, and engaging content into a single rower.
+ PROS
- The Aviron Strong Series Rower is a totally gamified rowing experience.
- The weight limit is 507 lbs, and the height limit is approximately 6’ 8”.
- The screen is 22” HD, touchscreen, and rotating.
- Aviron allows users to stream TV shows and movies from third-party apps like Netflix.
- The foot width is adjustable to accommodate users more comfortably.
- The Aviron Strong Rower supports premium upgrades like the soft Cloud Seat.
– CONS
- The gaming style may not be everyone’s cup of tea, and the trainer-led content is lacking.
Read our full review of the Aviron Strong Series Rower here!
Most Comfortable Rower: AssaultRower Elite
The AssaultRower Elite is an air rower with a solid frame and a low-tech console. The design may make it look intense, but the AssaultRower Elite is very comfortable to use. If you can get past the loudness of the fan, you are sure to have an effective rowing workout on the AssaultRower Elite.
AssaultRower Elite
The AssaultRower may look rugged with its chain and steel frame, but it is really a belt drive rower with a comfortable seat and handles.
The AssaultRower Elite has two of my favorite comfort features. First, the seat is my favorite. It is so soft and molded, which will keep rowers comfortable for their whole routine. The handles are nice and did not cause any sore spots for me to use. They also have a middle grip for rowing one-armed. The AssaultRower Elite is one of my favorite rowers for just rowing. You can easily set up an interval workout on the console, but if you want to just put some headphones on and listen to music while you freestyle a workout, the Elite is a great choice.
The AssaultRower’s frame is all steel. It is commercial grade, so it is not only a great rower for the home but a good choice for CrossFit gyms or personal training studios. The air resistance is loud, so it is best suited to isolated spaces or to areas where the noise is to be expected. The resistance is smooth and powerful, giving beginners and experts a challenge. The tension remains in the chain through the whole stroke, so you have some assistance recovering back to the catch position. The recovery feels a lot more passive on the AssaultRower Elite than many other rowers.
No ongoing subscription is required to use the AssaultRower. It is ideal for athletes hoping to escape those added fees. AssaultFitness provides free content through the AssaultFitness app. You can find instructional videos and workout programs on the app. It is nice to see a brand supporting its customers through their athletic endeavors at no extra cost. The Elite allows you to row for endurance or power. The console is Bluetooth-enabled, so you can even pair a heart rate monitor for heart rate training. The AssaultRower Elite is perfect for low-tech, comfortable rowing.
+ PROS
- The AssaultRower Elite has one of the best seats, which is way more important than it sounds.
- The rower keeps its tension to assist you back into the catch position, creating a more passive recovery phase.
- The air resistance provides almost unlimited training intensity.
- The solid steel frame is a commercial grade, promising durability even under heavy use.
- No subscription is required to train on the Elite.
- The handles have a single-hand grip option for strength training.
– CONS
- The air resistance is loud, and the chain rattles. The rower uses a belt drive, reducing some of the noise.
- There is no damper for changing the drag on the Elite rower.
Read our full review of the AssaultRower Elite here!
Best iFit Rower: NordicTrack RW900
The NordicTrack RW900 is the perfect complement to any iFIT subscriber’s existing equipment. Round out your workout routine with full-body training on the RW900. iFIT delivers training for on and off the rower, so you can effectively replace your entire gym membership. Whether you prefer on the water or studio content, this premium fitness platform has you covered.
NordicTrack RW900
The NordicTrack RW900 displays smart training content from iFIT on a 22-inch touchscreen, complete with Bluetooth audio, powerful speakers, and clear graphics.
iFIT provides the training content for all NordicTrack equipment and a few other fitness brands. If you already have an iFIT subscription or are a newcomer to the platform, it is a fantastic option for building out an entire fitness routine. iFIT offers rower and non-rower content. There are thousands of classes, so you can become a better rower with the instruction of professional trainers and supplement your rowing with strength training or yoga. The rowing content is filmed in a studio and on the water in locations all over the world. The studio content even incorporates moves off the rower for a more dynamic workout.
The RW900 has twenty-six levels of magnetic resistance. The rower is incredibly quiet because of the magnetic resistance. It would be great for apartment living or shared living spaces. The resistance is not the most powerful, but the instructional content is really good. The trainers provide plenty of cues. This combination makes the RW900 good for beginners.
The NordicTrack RW900 has a distinct training style from other rowers. Most of the time altering the resistance level or drag is difficult to do while in a workout. iFIT deviates from this pattern by enabling automatic adjustments during workouts. Thus, users vary not only their speed and force but also the resistance they are pulling against. For experienced rowers, this style may take some getting used to, but it provides a quality and unique workout. The trainer will also suggest a stroke rate to follow along with, helping you to improve your rowing technique. iFIT tailors the resistance to your abilities, learning based on your feedback how to match your fitness level.
+ PROS
- iFIT provides quality, trainer-led content for on and off the rower.
- iFIT automatically adjusts the resistance to match your training level.
- The twenty-six levels of magnetic resistance are silent.
- The 22-inch touchscreen provides large, clear graphics.
- The RW900 is Bluetooth-enabled for use with headphones or a heart rate monitor.
– CONS
- The resistance isn’t as smooth as other magnetic resistance rowers.
Read our full review of the NordicTrack RW900 Rowing Machine here!
Best Water Rower: Ergatta Rower
Our pick for the Best Water Rower is the Ergatta Rower. It combines a beautiful wooden frame with engaging subscription content. The gentle whoosh of the water in the reservoir is much subtler than the gust of air and noise caused by air rowers. It isn’t as quiet as a magnetic rower, but it provides a more realistic row. The content is nearly as beautiful as the rower’s design, and it is certainly engaging.
The Ergatta Rower has a larger water tank coupled with WaterFlywheel technology to create powerful resistance as you row. It works very similar to air rowing; the harder and faster you row, the more difficult the resistance becomes. The sound is a lot more pleasant and overall less disruptive than air rowing. The water never has to be changed or refilled. Ergatta also makes maintenance a breeze by providing its customers with water purification tablets for free for life. The Ergatta has indication lines on the reservoir to show users how much water to add for the best performance, but users can add more or less to their preference within the tank’s indicated limits.
The Ergatta rower could easily take our vote for the most artistic rower. Its wood frame is cherrywood, creating a look you will want to display in your home. The Ergatta uses a dual rail and close foot pedals for geometry similar to outdoor rowing. The rails and seat sit low to the ground, so the Ergatta is not ideal for users who have trouble getting up and down from the floor. The rower only weighs 76 lbs without water and approximately 106 lbs with water. It is easy to move and transport. It can also support users up to 6’ 8” and 500 lbs. The Ergatta proves you don’t have to sacrifice appearance for functionality in a rower.
Ergatta’s content is very fun. The games aren’t quite like mobile games or console games. Instead, they have simple and nice-looking graphics that help you improve your rowing technique as much as they are fun. The Ergatta also has a social aspect, allowing you to compete against other Ergatta users. I couldn’t help myself from pushing much harder in my workout than I intended to. The leaderboards are very motivating. The selection of music is nice, and you can listen via Bluetooth headphones. Overall, Ergatta has great content that finds the balance between fun and performance.
+ PROS
- The Ergatta Rower uses WaterFlywheel technology to deliver water resistance challenging for rowers of all abilities.
- The cherrywood frame is stunning and would look good in most homes.
- The training content balances fun with improving rowing performance and technique.
- The Ergatta Rower can accommodate users up to 6’ 8” and 500 lbs.
- The water never needs to be changed, only purified with a free tablet every 6 months.
- The touchscreen is 17 inches and Bluetooth enabled.
– CONS
- The rower is low to the ground, which may not be feasible for all users.
- There is no trainer-led content.
Read our full review of the Ergatta Rowing Machine here!
Best High-End Rower: Hydrow Rower
The Hydrow Rower is a pricey rower, but it proves its worth with its quality. Hydrow has perfected outdoor rower training content for the indoor rower and magnetic resistance. The Hydrow Rower uses a sleek steel and aluminum frame to create a rower that looks like it is from the future. The Hydrow Rower is a durable and stable machine ready for rowers of abilities.
Hydrow Rower
The Hydrow Rower is a high-end rower with premium training content from expert rowers and a durable steel and aluminum construction.
The Hydrow Rower is a large rower with a steel and aluminum frame. It is 145 lbs, so it is not the easiest rower to relocate or store, but it feels very sturdy. The Hydrow Rower can accommodate users up to 375 lbs with an inseam of up to 36 inches. It requires a wall mount for upright storage, which is not as simple as other rowers, but it is a good solution for saving space. Its anthracite color gives the machine a sleek look.
Your experience on the Hydrow Rower would not be complete without the subscription content. Hydrow has mastered the art of filming rowers in the water in beautiful locations. Take classes with professional rowers as they row in Alaska, Switzerland, London, and more. Hydrow has the best trainer-led content for rowing–hands down. The coaches are fun, motivating, and instructional. The content should be excellent for rowers of all abilities.
The Hydrow Rower has a 22-inch touchscreen display. The screen also rotates, allowing you to train with Hydrow’s strength and yoga content. While training on the rower, enjoy the preprogrammed 104 drag setting, which should feel close to rowing on the water. Users can adjust their drag in the setting menu from 50 to 300! That’s plenty of range to get the ideal workout for how you train. The magnetic resistance is also very responsive to your effort level, feeling heavier the harder you row. The resistance is quiet, so the Hydrow won’t disturb others around you. Just pair your Bluetooth headphones, select your class, and get ready to row!
+ PROS
- The Hydrow Rower has excellent training content filmed on water around the world.
- The 22-inch touchscreen is a large cinematic display.
- The steel and aluminum construction creates a durable and sturdy machine.
- The magnetic resistance is smooth and quiet.
- The screen rotates so users can train with Hydrow’s strength and yoga programs easily.
- The screen is Bluetooth, pairing with headphones or heart rate monitors.
– CONS
- The Hydrow Rower is pricey, but also valuable.
- The content is also pricey compared to other rowing subscription models.
Read our full review of the Hydrow Rower here!
Most Compact Rowing Machine: WalkingPad WR1 Folding Rower
The WalkingPad WR1 Folding Rower is undoubtedly the most compact rower on this list. If you want a rower you can store under a table or in the closet, the WR1 is the rower for you. The WalkingPad WR1 Folding Rower also deserves recognition as our pick for the Best Budget Rowing Machine.
WalkingPad WR1 Folding Rower
The WalkingPad WR1 Folding Rower has an ultra-compact design at an affordable price.
The WalkingPad WR1 Rower fold twice to fit in almost a square shape. The rower can fit under a table or in a closet. Stash it in a corner. The WR1 is easy to get out of sight but not out of mind! It has a wooden construction, so if you keep it visible, it won’t be the most intrusive addition to your space. The water tank is tinted orange to blend in with the rest of the rower’s aesthetic. The rower sits low to the ground and has a small footprint.
It may be small, but its performance impressed me. The water tank is undersized for powerful rowing, but the endurance rowing is much more feasible. If you want to train at a steady pace or add in longer intervals, the WR1 is okay. The rower’s resistance does increase as your effort increases, but it is not to the extent you would find from full-sized water rowers. Though the dual rails hinge, the seat glides over these hinges quite smoothly. Just make sure to press them down all the way for the best experience.
The WalkingPad WR1 is a great value rower. It is much more affordable than the competition and requires no subscription services to access content. This rower is quiet and would be perfect for apartment or condo living. The WR1 is most suited to budget shoppers, beginners, and casual rowers. It might not make you a world-class rower, but it is great for establishing a routine and mastering the rowing basics. The WR1 can pair with the KS Fit app for more training options, all at no cost!
+ PROS
- The WalkingPad WR1 Rower folds twice for compact storage.
- The WR1 is an affordable rower well under $1000.
- The water resistance is better than expected for such a small tank size.
- The wooden frame is visually pleasing to minimize intrusion into your space.
- No subscription is required for the WR1.
- The water resistance is quiet, making this a good rower for apartments.
– CONS
- The WR1 is not powerful enough to challenge experienced rowers.
- There is no training content built into the rower.
- The low profile may make it difficult for some exercisers to use.
Read our full review of the WalkingPad WR1 Rowing Machine here!
Best Folding Rowing Machine: ProForm Pro R10 Rowing Machine
Don’t miss out on training content just because you have a small space. The ProForm Pro R10 Rowing Machine folds for compact storage, but still delivers onscreen training content from iFIT. Even better, the rower is a part of the ProForm Plus program, which gives customers a free piece of cardio equipment when they sign up for a three-year family membership to iFIT.
ProForm Pro R10 Rowing Machine
The ProForm Pro R10 Rower folds for compact storage. This rower is also part of the ProForm Plus program.
The ProForm Pro R10 Rowing Machine is a magnet rower. It folds at the hinge between the monorail and the main frame. This design makes the rower quiet and compact. Athletes living in apartments or sharing a living space with others will find their needs met with the R10 rower. The R10 is not the most powerful rower, but it is great for users trying to start their rowing journey. The R10 is most suited to beginners who will be challenged by the 24 levels of silent magnetic resistance.
The ProForm Plus program offers customers one cardio machine when they purchase a three-year family membership to iFIT. The R10 is one of the machines ProForm customers can use. By bundling the training and rower into one price, the R10 becomes one of the most affordable rowers on the market! The R10 is great for exercisers already familiar with the iFIT training platform or learning about it for the first time. With thousands of classes from over a hundred trainers, iFIT can replace your gym workout while the R10 rower gives you a full-body workout on one machine!
The R10 has a 10-inch smart touchscreen. iFIT provides all of the onscreen content, so the R10 is best for subscribers. Unlike other rowers which make their resistance levels hard to change during a workout, the R10’s smart iFIT classes automatically adjust the intensity to match your fitness level. iFIT adapts to your ability over time, so every workout is a custom workout. Choose from studio or on-the-water content and learn more about rowing and the exotic destination the iFIT content is filmed in.
+ PROS
- The ProForm Pro R10 folds for compact storage.
- The touchscreen is 10 inches with great graphics.
- The 24 levels of resistance are magnetic and quiet.
- The ProForm Pro R10 is Bluetooth for headphones and a heart rate monitor.
- The R10 is part of the ProForm Plus Program, which bundles content and the machine into one more affordable price.
– CONS
- The R10 is underpowered for experienced rowers.
- The rowing experience is not as smooth as it could be.
Read our full review of the ProForm R10 Rower here!
Factors to Consider When Finding The Best Rowing Machine
What kind of resistance do you want?
Air
Air rowing is the loudest of the resistance options on rowers. Yet, fans provide plenty of resistance sufficient for beginner and very experienced rowers. Air rowers tend not to be paired with smart screens with subscription training content as hearing the audio would be quite difficult. Intensity on air rowers is varied by controlling your stroke rate and force. Essentially, the harder you row, the more difficult it becomes, making the intensity almost limitless. Some air rowers will also include dampers, which restrict airflow to the fan. Dampers can be set to various levels to create more or less drag while rowing.
Water
Water rowers offer many of the same benefits as air rowers without as much noise. They are not as quiet as magnetic resistance rowers, but the noise they generate is soothing and may be enjoyable for some rowers. Water rowers are known for generating the most realistic rowing experience compared to outdoor rowing. They have large water reservoirs that combine with water flywheels for intense resistance. Much like air, the harder you row, the harder the resistance. Water rowers do not typically have other methods of varying intensity, though you can vary the water level depending on the rower to create more or less resistance.
Magnetic
Magnetic resistance has the benefit of being silent. Unfortunately, magnetic resistance is a hard thing for brands to master as rowing needs responsive resistance that intensifies the harder you pull, not just depending on the level the resistance is set at. Some brands, like Aviron, alleviate this issue by combining air and magnetic. These hybrid rowers are quieter than air rowers and typically more powerful than magnetic resistance alone.
Comfort Features
Making sure your rower is comfortable will allow you to have a more effective workout. Rowers are good for short sprints and endurance. To ensure you feel supported for longer efforts consider the following features.
Seat
The most frequent complaint about indoor rowers tends to be the seat. If the seat is too hard or rubs as you row, it will not be enticing to continue to row regularly. Softer, molded seats solve this issue. Also, consider the size of the seat. A large seat will be more comfortable for most users.
Users should also consider the seat’s height from the floor. A lower seat may be more difficult for some users to get into and out of. Many rowers have higher seat heights or optional higher leg packages to get rid of this issue. Choose a rower that is more similar to sitting in a chair if you have mobility concerns.
Handle
Handles can be round or oval. They might be molded to your grip, thicker, or thinner. We have found the most important considerations on rowers to be the handle length and cushioning. The handle length relates to how narrow or wide your shoulders are. Smaller users won’t need handles as long, but broad-chested users should look for a longer rower handle that will comfortably position their hands. The cushioning is very helpful. A soft handle made with a softer plastic or a rubber covering can prevent you from developing hot spots or soreness in your hands and fingers.
Feet
There are a couple of considerations for your feet. First, can the foot stretchers accommodate your foot size? Exercisers with small or large feet should double-check that they will have enough room in the foot stretchers. The positioning of the foot pads is also important. Lower and wider foot pads are typically easier for beginners, whereas narrower foot pads aligned with the seat replicate outdoor rowing more closely.
Content or No Content
No one style of rowing is right for everyone. Some rowers may appreciate guided training content while others may desire minimal to no content options, preferring to exercise at their own discretion. Even the most basic rowers typically offer interval training or target-based programs. Smart rowers come with large touchscreens that rely on subscription content to deliver games and classes for training. If you choose to subscribe to content, consider what kind of content you may like.
Studio Classes
Training platforms like iFIT offer studio classes where you train along with an instructor (and others). It is very similar to studio cycling and may incorporate moves off your rower. The classes may or may not be set to music.
On the Water Content
Outdoor content tends to be the most engaging style of instructor-led rowing content. Rowing is quite an expensive sport, so participating virtually may be the closest many of us get to outdoor rowing. Watching beautiful vistas cruise by can be a great way to pass the time during a workout.
Games
If your exercise routine is lacking in fun, there are several rowers that can remedy that. The Ergatta and Aviron rowers come to mind first. They turn your training into a video game to help you keep a regular rowing routine. If you find exercise or rowing in particular boring, these games can be a great way to change things up.
Bottom Line – Best Rowing Machine 2024
Rowers provide great full-body workouts. They range from rugged welded steel air rowers to beautiful wooden water rowers. Athletes may train with a simple console that lets them hit their best 500m split or row for endurance alongside top instructors. Train for power, speed, or endurance, the rowing machine can do it all. Fortunately, you typically only need one rower, and you can do any of these things. If you learn the form and the technique, you will be rowing to your heart’s content in no time!
How We Test and Review Rowing Machines
Our testing and review process involves thoroughly using all of a rowing machine’s features. If there is content to subscribe to, we subscribe. If there are onboard programs, we test them out. We row for power, strength, endurance, and recovery. We listen to the sounds a rowing machine makes. We measure the rail, the seat, the footboards and foot stretchers, and the handle. Our rowing machine reviews evaluate the machines’ performance, storage and portability, cost, and training options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rowing a good workout?
The rower challenges almost every muscle in the body. It delivers a full-body workout that can be tailored to train power, speed, or endurance. Some rowers will even create a challenging strength workout that combines the leg press and a cable rower into one! Rowing is also a great low-impact alternative to running on the treadmill. Overall, rowing is an incredibly versatile activity that provides a great workout for many types of goals.
Which rower is the best?
There are many factors to consider when deciding which rower is best. The Concept2 RowERG is our choice for the best overall rower, but it has quite a few cons. For one, as an air rower, it is incredibly loud. An air rower is not ideal for users who need a quiet machine. Additionally, it does not provide smart training content. Anyone looking for a more immersive and instructional rowing workout should consider a rower like the Hydrow Rower instead. The best rower will meet your space, training, and entertainment wants and needs, which is why we are thankful that rowing machines have so much diversity. We hope this list is a good reference for you when making your decision.
Is rowing better than a treadmill?
Rowing may be better than a treadmill, depending on your goals. A rower trains the upper and lower body, while running on a treadmill mostly trains the legs. Rowing is low-impact and easier on the body, while treadmill running can increase bone density due to its high impact. Rowing requires a greater range of motion, which can help users achieve more flexibility, but it might not be best for users with severe motion restrictions. Rowers are generally more compact, but treadmills are more approachable for many users. You don’t really have to learn the motions of using a treadmill, but you have to learn the correct rowing technique. Rowing indoors costs about the same or less than a treadmill, but if you want to take the activity outdoors, rowing is much more expensive than running. Rowing can train strength, while walking/running adds very little strength.
I could go on and on, but as you can see, there are pros and cons to each of these activities. The most important thing when choosing a cardio machine is its ability to match your training preferences. The more interested you are in the activity, the more likely you are to continue to use the machine you are investing in.
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