The rowing machine has become one of the best ways to build and maintain a healthy body. Cardio exercises are the best method of shedding fat and staying healthy and so a rowing machine could be the best machine for weight loss and more.
The indoor rowing machine has become important because it offers tremendous health benefits and brings a real outdoor rowing experience to the comfort of your home.
When you have the right rowing machine at your disposal you will enjoy the convenience of rowing at any time of the day. Plus the fact that it saves you gym membership fees as well.
So, in this review, we are going to help you make the right decision in purchasing a rowing machine.
Table of Contents
Best Rowing Machine $70 to $150
Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW1205 has about 693 Amazon Customer reviews as of the time of writing this article and it has an overall approval rating of 4 out of 5.
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Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine has about 2,229 Amazon customer reviews and its overall approval rating is 4 out 5.
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Best Rowing Machine $200 to $300
Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rowing Machine has a total of 634 Amazon customer reviews with an approval rating of 4 out 5 at the time of writing this article.
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Stamina ATS Air Rower 1399 has 735 Amazon customer reviews with an approval rating of 4.3 out of 5 as of the time of writing this review.
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Best Rowing Machine $250 to $400
Stamina 1215 Orbital Rowing Machine has a total of 341 Amazon Customer reviews with an approval rating of 4.1 out of 5 as at the time of writing this review
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Stamina 35-1405 ATS Air Rower has a total of 163 Amazon customer reviews at the time of writing this report with an approval rating of 3.7 out of 5.
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Best Rowing Machine $400 to $700
Stamina X Air Rower has a total of 121 Amazon customer reviews at the time of writing this post with an approval rating of 3.6 out of 5.
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Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower has a total of 185 Amazon customer reviews at the time of writing this post with an approval rating of 3.8 out of 5. Read of on Amazon.
Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower has 112 Amazon customer reviews as of the time of writing this post with an approval rating of 4.3 out of 5.
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Best Rowing Machine Price range- $850 to $1,200
First Degree Fitness Fluid Rower has a total of 50 Amazon customer reviews at the time of writing this review with an approval rating of 4.6 out of 5.
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Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine has a total of 1,517 Amazon customer reviews at the time of writing this post with an approval rating of 4.9 out of 5. Awesome!
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Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machine with PMS has a total of 200 Amazon customer reviews as of the time of writing this post with an approval rating of 4.8 out of 5.
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Our Best Rowing Machine Reviews
Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine falls within the price range of $70 to $150. This is a cheap rowing machine that will best suit those who are on a budget. It is not only affordable but has great features that have made its users give it thumbs up in their reviews.
It is one of the rowing machines (if not the highest) with the highest reviews yet with a very high approval rating of 4 out 5. We recommend this rower if your budget is within the price range. You may click right here to read a detailed review of this machine.
Stamina 1215 Orbital Rowing Machine with Free Motion Arms is yet another budget-friendly rowing machine with great features. It falls within the price range of $250 to $400 and has got a very impressive approval rating of Amazon customer reviews.
It has easy-to-use hydraulic cylinder resistance that is very effective in burning fat. This rower is definitely on top of our pick and therefore if you are looking for something within this price range then do not ignore this. Click here to read a more detailed review.
Stamina ATS Air Rower is one of the picks that we recommend. This rower falls within the price range of $200 to $300 with an exceptional approval rating by Amazon customer reviewers.
It is a sturdy and durable machine with a resistance that is being generated by the fan. The fact that over 200 Amazon customers that reviewed it give their approval mean a lot. Click right here to read our detailed review.
The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rowing Machine is recommendable. It makes it our top pick stable because of its unique features and durability.
Not only that but it is also considered affordable as it falls within the price range of $200 to $300 with so much to offer in terms of features that could help a user to achieve fitness goals. Its approval rating is also an indication that this machine worth more than every penny you will be paying for it. Click right here to read the review.
High-End Rowing Machines
Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine PMS is a high-end rower that falls within the price range of $900 to $1000 and it is amazingly popular despite its price. It is not difficult to see why this unit is widely accepted by its users given the fact it has over 2000 Amazon customers’ reviews with an approval rating of 4.9 out of 5.
The best product review you can ever get is the one done by the consumers and so this has a lot of it with almost 100% of its users recommending it. This equipment has great and special features that make it stand out from the rest. You may click right here to read our review.
WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine Ash Wood S4 Monitor is one of our top picks. Although it didn’t make it on the list above, it is a rower that anyone who wants to get quality workouts with tremendous results cannot ignore.
We recommend this unit if you can afford it. It is in the same class as the Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machined in terms of price, quality, and features. To read more about it click right here for our full review on it.
Features of Rowing Machines
Resistance
Most rowing machines may look alike or have some similarities in design but they have unique features that make them different. For instance, some rowing machines’ resistance systems could be hydraulic resistance, air resistance, magnetic resistance, or water resistance.
These types of resistance systems work differently in terms of the intensity that they provide, Therefore, when you are looking out for a rower, do look a the resistance system because that is one of the major features that could benefit you in terms of realizing your fitness goals.
Comfort
To work out to your maximum potential, you ought to be comfortable with the rower with which you are working out. Therefore, when looking for a rowing machine to buy you must also consider making sure that the seat is well constructed and padded adequately.
And if the seat is adjustable that would be great because it will give you the leverage of adjusting to a comfortable position during a workout. Moreover, footpads and size also matter.
Noise
Most people cannot deal with noise during a workout and it could be very distracting. Also, if your rower is noisy it does not only disturb you but also the neighbors as well.
Therefore you must also check out the noise level of any rower you intend to buy. Although, the splashing noise that comes with rowers with a water resistance system may not necessarily be unpleasant because some get motivated by the splash sound during workouts.
Weight
Another aspect to consider checking out on a rowing machine should be the maximum weight it supports. Ordinarily, most rowers support at least 250 pounds maximum weight while some may support less.
However, maximum weight matters because when a user is over the recommended weight of a certain unit there is the tendency of early breakdown and you wouldn’t want that to happen.
Price
Price is the aspect most folks focus on which is alright but as the price of the different equipment varies so also are the features and quality vary as well. The high-end equipment naturally has more features and quality than the low-budget rowers.
Therefore you should be aware of this fact when considering buying the low budget unit but there are still considerable ones just like the ones we have stated above
Monitor
The monitor is the feature that enables a user to observe his workout progress and therefore this very important aspect of a rowing machine. Workout data such as calories burned, distance, time, and more are usually observed via the monitor.
So, know the type of monitor the rower you are interested in buying has and its capability so that you won’t be disappointed when you realize you can’t see some certain workout data after purchase.
Storage
Easy storage means a lot to some people, especially those that have limited space. Some rowing machines are compact and even foldable. Therefore, you have to know the size and its ability to fold to fit in well in your apartment.
Warranty
Warranty is very important because this will guarantee the replacement of any part that goes bad. But if you have a not-so-good warranty you may have issues when there is the need for repair or replacement of parts. Make sure that your machine has a decent warranty.
Assembly
Find out how easy it is to assemble any rowing machine you are interested in. Although, some folks may opt for the ‘’hire an expert’’ that would come by and assemble the unit in the comfort of your home without you raising a finger. Nevertheless, that comes with a price. So, if you must assemble it yourself, get to know if it is something you can manage on your own.
Amazon Customer Reviews
The Amazon customer reviews of any rowing machine you are interested in will go a long way toward giving you a head start as to your purchasing decision. Try to also find out what other users are saying concerning a rowing machine you are interested in.
How to verify if a unit is good or bad is to read the review of that product and to further check out the Amazon customer approval rating. If the number of Amazon customer reviews is higher and the product still maintains a positive rating that is an indication that you may consider purchasing that rowing machine.
Maintenance
Maintaining any machine accordingly usually translates to prolonging the lifespan of the unit. Therefore, find out what it takes to maintain any rower that you are interested in.
However, most do not require any special maintenance other than cleaning and periodically changing or treating the water as in the case of rowers that have a water resistance system.
Benefits of a Rowing Machine
The benefits of rowing cannot be overemphasized because it is a great way of losing weight and building muscle. It offers low-impact cardiovascular exercises and strength training that are yet very challenging and effective. It is known for its ability to quickly tone and burns calories especially when it is combined with diet.
The rowing machine is famous for its capability of building the muscle groups in the leg even as it also works on other parts such as the back, abdomen, and arms. However, proper technique is advised to be used to avoid injury just like the case with working out with other types of equipment. Let your legs do most of the heavy pushing instead of using the arms and back to avoid injury.
Losing Weight with Rowing Machine
If shedding that excess fat is your goal then a rowing machine is fit for that task. The amazing thing is that it does not only help you lose weight but also helps you to build muscles and attain cardiovascular fitness that would make you experience a healthy body.
The rowing machine is a step ahead of some cardio machines such as treadmills and stationary bikes because treadmills and stationary bikes only target the lower body muscles.
So, a rowing machine is still the best recommendation to anyone that does not have a problem with the upper and lower body and wishes to develop them. Otherwise, the upright bike is great for folks that have a problem with their upper body.
Just as aforementioned, the rowing machine the super equipment that offers intense full-body workouts that eventually burn tons of calories during and after a workout. Just in case you are not aware, your body can continue losing weight even after a workout.
However, this only happens when someone engages in an intense workout such as with the rowing machine because the intensity of the workout forces the body to continue burning fat even after the actual workout which is also referred to as the ‘’afterburn effect’’.
Someone that is about 125 pounds working out on a treadmill for 30 minutes at an average pace will burn about 250 calories. But when the same person works out on a rowing machine for 30 minutes at an average pace will lose 250 calories during the workout and continue to have the ‘’afterburn effect’’. This means he will burn a lot more calories after the exercise.
Moreover, the rowing machine has shown to be gentle on the joints, unlike the treadmills that stress the joints instead.
The rowing machine works well for HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) workouts. It is easy to execute the HIIT workouts with the rowing machine because you will be able to quickly adjust the resistance without so much hassle.
This will lead to burning extraordinary calories during the workout and also activates the possibility of the body losing weight after a workout. If you wish to lose more calories in less time then use the rowing machine for HIIT workouts.
<<<Click here to read about HIIT exercises>>>
Other Considerations
Fitness Outfit
You must use the right outfit for workouts. Avoid any oversize or baggy cloth that could interfere with your workout. Preferably, wear something fitting, light, and short that would allow a smooth and comfortable workout.
Gym Shoes
Gym shoes are necessary for rowing machine workouts and every workout you intend to engage in. However, if you don’t use the proper gym shoes it could be dangerous. Here is our review of Men Gym Shoes and Women Gym Shoes.
Conclusion
Is a rowing machine an effective way of how to build that body? YES! It is a very effective way of how to lose tremendous weight and tone muscles. Fitness professionals agree on this fact that rowing machine provides the best workouts there is.
You have the opportunity of targeting all major muscle groups such as the back, shoulders, abdomen, glutes, quads, and arms when exercising with a rower.
I am a health and fitness enthusiast. I take anything and everything that improves my health seriously. Hence, I try to share my knowledge in helping people that wish to up their health status to one that enables them to live strong with confidence.
We also review health and fitness equipment such as treadmills, elliptical trainers, spin bikes. recumbent bikes and many more.
