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- Best Overall Rowing Machine: <\/strong>Concept2 RowErg<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- Best Budget Rowing Machine: <\/strong>YOSUDA Rowing Machine 100R<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- Best Beginner Rowing Machine: <\/strong>Aviron Impact Series<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- Best Water Rowing Machine: <\/strong>WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine S4<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- Best Magnetic Rowing Machine: <\/strong>Hydrow Wave<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- Best Foldable Rowing Machine: <\/strong>NordicTrack RW600<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- Best Rowing Machine For Seniors: <\/strong>Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Best Overall Rowing Machine: Concept2 RowErg<\/h2>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t![\"Concept2](\"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/concept2-model-d-with-pm5.webp\")
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\n\t\t\t\t\tConcept2 RowErg\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n- \n
- Frame is made of heavy-duty aluminum<\/li>\n
- Ergonomic handlebar and seat<\/li>\n
- PM5 monitor comes with Bluetooth capabilities<\/li>\n
- Accomodates users up to 6\u20196 and 500 pounds<\/li>\n
- Comes with a limited five-year warranty<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n
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- Quick and easy assembly<\/li>\n
- Doesn\u2019t need to be placed near an outlet because it\u2019s battery-operated<\/li>\n
- Minimal maintenance required<\/li>\n
- Smooth-gliding seat<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Cons<\/h3>\n
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- No instructor-led classes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Very rarely will you find a list of the best home gym equipment<\/a> that doesn\u2019t include the Concept2 rower. Its durability, high-quality build, and strong brand reputation make it a popular choice amongst home gym owners who want a solid, reliable rowing machine that can last a lifetime.<\/p>\n
The frame is made of sturdy, heavy-duty aluminum that can take a beating. I have a Concept2 rower in my home gym, and I\u2019ve accidentally had a loaded barbell roll into it and banged it against my squat rack when moving it around, and there are virtually no signs of damage. I don\u2019t recommend mistreating it often, but if you did accidentally knock it against something, it\u2019s unlikely that significant damage would occur.<\/p>\n
The Concept2 RowErg, previously called the Model D, comes with a PM5 Bluetooth-enabled performance monitor that tracks metrics such as stroke rate, watts, calories, and distance. It doesn\u2019t offer instructor-led classes, but you can put your phone or a small tablet in the device holder and stream classes from there.<\/p>\n
You can also create custom workouts in the ErgData mobile app and sync them to the monitor. I use the app often for rowing interval workouts, and I love not having to keep track of my intervals myself since the app does it for me.<\/p>\n
It uses air to create resistance via a flywheel at the front, and how hard you pull determines how much resistance you feel. The damper setting you choose also dictates how much resistance there is because it controls how much air flows into the machine. Lower damper settings allow less air to flow through the flywheel cage and makes rowing easier, while higher damper settings allow more air in and force you to work harder to get the flywheel to spin.<\/p>\n
The seat glides effortlessly along the monorail, and the chain doesn\u2019t snag. The ergonomically-designed seat has contoured areas for your legs and tailbone. The handlebars have a 10-degree bend to allow a more natural grip and are covered with molded rubber to help absorb sweat. However, the handlebars may cause blisters, especially for newer rowers who don\u2019t have calluses built up yet.<\/p>\n
To store it, you can break the rower down into two pieces. I do this frequently with my Concept2 rower, and it takes just a few seconds to break down. Putting it back together takes some getting used to because the flywheel piece is cumbersome to handle, but once you get the hang of it, that process also takes less than 10 seconds. Concept2 doesn\u2019t recommend storing the rower vertically, but I\u2019ve been to many CrossFit gyms that store their rowers this way and never had any issues.<\/p>\n
Best Budget Rowing Machine: YOSUDA Rowing Machine 100R<\/h2>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t![\"YOSUDA](\"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/yosuda-rowing-machine-100r.webp\")
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\n\t\t\t\t\tYOSUDA Rowing Machine 100R\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n- \n
- Dimensions:<\/strong> 75\u201d L x 19.3\u201d W x 27.5\u201d H<\/li>\n
- Storage:<\/strong> Stores upright<\/li>\n
- Resistance: <\/strong>Magnetic<\/li>\n
- Weight capacity:<\/strong> 350 pounds<\/li>\n
- Display:<\/strong> 3.45-inch LCD monitor<\/li>\n
- Available programming:<\/strong> None<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n
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- Quiet<\/li>\n
- Comes with balance regulators to make it more stable<\/li>\n
- Takes up just 2.22 square feet when stored upright<\/li>\n
- Foam-padded handles for extra comfort<\/li>\n
- Accommodates users up to 6\u20192 tall<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Cons<\/h3>\n
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- No pre-programmed workouts<\/li>\n
- Basic display and stats tracking<\/li>\n
- Resistance levels may not go high enough for advanced rowers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The YOSUDA Rowing Machine 100R comes with a low price tag, but it doesn\u2019t skimp on quality. The frame consists of commercial-quality alloy steel, and the foot pedals and flywheel cage are made of heavy-duty plastic. It also has wide, long legs that give it a stable base and prevent it from wobbling. If the room you place it on has uneven flooring, you can use the balance regulators (rubberized feet that screw into the bottom of the legs) to make the rower more level.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a magnetic rower, so it\u2019s quieter than other types of rowers because it doesn\u2019t use air or water for resistance. This is a plus for those who work out early in the morning or late at night while other people in the home are sleeping. It also allows you to watch TV or listen to music without the sounds of the machine drowning out your entertainment.<\/p>\n
The foot pedals can accommodate nearly any shoe size and have a non-slip texture, so your feet will stay in place even if you don\u2019t strap them in. The foam-padded handle is comfortable to hold for long workouts and helps prevent blisters on your hands, and the 42-inch long monorail allows users up to 6\u20192 in height to straighten their legs all the way during the drive (the portion of the row where you open the hips and lean back slightly).<\/p>\n
The built-in monitor only displays strokes per minute, calories, time, and stroke count, so this rower isn\u2019t suitable for experienced rowers who want to track more advanced metrics like watts or 500-meter splits. But for those who want a challenging at-home workout without spending thousands of dollars, the YOSUDA Rowing Machine 100R is a solid choice.<\/p>\n
Best Beginner Rowing Machine: Aviron Impact Series<\/h2>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t![\"Aviron](\"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/aviron-impact-series-rower.webp\")
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\n\t\t\t\t\tAviron Impact Series Rower\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\nDimensions: <\/strong>97\u201d L x 21\u201d W x 43\u201d H<\/p>\n
Storage:<\/strong> Folds in half for storage<\/p>\n
Resistance:<\/strong> Air and magnetic<\/p>\n
Weight capacity:<\/strong> 397 pounds<\/p>\n
Display:<\/strong> 22-inch HD touchscreen<\/p>\n
Available programming:<\/strong> Coached workouts, scenic rows, games, virtual competitions<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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- 20-inch seat height makes it easier to get on<\/li>\n
- Provides up to 100 pounds of resistance<\/li>\n
- Quiet belt drive<\/li>\n
- Has four wheels and folds up for easy storage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Cons<\/h3>\n
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- Expensive<\/li>\n
- Requires a membership to get access to all of the workout programs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The impressive number of interactive programs offered on the Aviron Impact Series Rower makes it the best rower for beginners. It includes guided workouts, coached programs, and scenic rows from picturesque locations like Lake Atter in Austria. Having a large variety of workouts to choose from can help prevent boredom and make working out feel more exciting, which is a plus for newbies.<\/p>\n
If the regular workouts start to feel stale, you can participate in virtual races or play games instead. For days when you just want to zone out to some entertainment while on the rower, you can stream content from Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and other compatible streaming services.<\/p>\n
The Aviron Impact Series Rower also tracks a wide range of metrics, such as meters, stroke rate, total time, watts, and calories burned.<\/p>\n
The rower consists of heavy-duty steel and aluminum, and while it weighs 97 pounds, it\u2019s easy to move around thanks to its four wheels and foldable design. It has a rotating handlebar for optimal wrist positioning and an adjustable footplate to accommodate nearly any shoe size. Compared to other rowers with seat heights of 14 or 15 inches, the padded seat on the Aviron rower is 20 inches off the floor, so you don\u2019t have to bend too low to get on it.<\/p>\n
A unique feature of the Aviron Impact Series Rower is that it uses both air and magnetic resistance. This dual resistance system allows you to enjoy the quietness a magnetic rower offers while experiencing the real-world feel of rowing on open water that an air rower provides.<\/p>\n
To take advantage of everything Aviron offers, you need a monthly membership. You get a 30-day free trial of it with your purchase, but once it expires, it costs around $24 per month. The machine alone costs nearly $2,000, so this isn\u2019t the most budget-friendly option, but the price may be worth it for those seeking an immersive rowing experience.<\/p>\n
Best Water Rowing Machine: WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine S4<\/h2>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t![\"WaterRower](\"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/41h5xyJgA2L._SL500_.webp\")
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\n\t\t\t\t\tWaterRower Natural Rowing Machine S4\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n- \n
- Dimensions:<\/strong> 84″ L x 21″ W x 22″ H<\/li>\n
- Storage: <\/strong>Stores upright<\/li>\n
- Resistance:<\/strong> Water<\/li>\n
- Weight capacity:<\/strong> 700 pounds<\/li>\n
- Display:<\/strong> LCD monitor<\/li>\n
- Available programming:<\/strong> None<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n
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- Made in the US<\/li>\n
- Wood construction absorbs sounds and vibrations<\/li>\n
- Contoured seat and sweat-resistance handlebars<\/li>\n
- Comes with four water purification tablets<\/li>\n
- Can sync it with a heart rate monitor<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Cons<\/h3>\n
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- Requires more maintenance than air or magnetic rowers<\/li>\n
- Water tank may leak<\/li>\n
- No built-in programs or classes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If you want to experience the feeling of rowing on open water, the WaterRower is the machine for you. It features a water tank at the front with paddles inside it connected to a chained handlebar, and you can adjust the resistance by adding or removing water. The sounds of the water sloshing around the tank also help provide a soothing and pleasant rowing experience. The machine has a 700-pound weight capacity and supports users with an inseam of up to 37 inches, so it\u2019s suitable for a wide range of body types.<\/p>\n
The sleek wood construction can elevate the aesthetic of your home gym, though it\u2019s not as durable as steel or aluminum. The contoured seat glides smoothly over the rails, but you need to have good mobility to sit on it and get back up because it\u2019s only 12.2 inches high. There are four rubber feet on the frame to provide traction and protect your floors. However, the water tank is prone to leaking, so if you leave the rower on wood floors, you may want to put a rubber mat underneath it.<\/p>\n
During your workout, the LCD monitor provides information about your intensity, stroke rate, duration, and distance. It also measures how you\u2019re performing against customized intensity, stroke rate, or heart rate zones. There are no pre-programmed workouts available, but you can purchase a device holder separately to easily follow along with classes streamed from a mobile app (such as Ergatta) on your phone or tablet.<\/p>\n
The WaterRower requires regular maintenance to keep the water and tank clean. You get four water purification tablets with the machine, though, which helps cut back on the amount of manual cleaning you have to do. Once you get through those four tablets, you can contact the company for more.<\/p>\n
Best Magnetic Rowing Machine: Hydrow Wave<\/h2>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\tHydrow Wave Rower\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\nDimensions:<\/strong> 80\u2033 L x 19\u2033 W x 43\u2033 H<\/p>\n
Storage:<\/strong> Stores upright<\/p>\n
Resistance: <\/strong>Magnetic<\/p>\n
Weight capacity:<\/strong> 375 pounds<\/p>\n
Display:<\/strong> 16-inch HD touchscreen<\/p>\n
Available programming:<\/strong> Live and on-demand workouts, scenic rows<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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- Smooth and silent operation<\/li>\n
- 30 percent lighter and smaller than the original Hydrow rower<\/li>\n
- Affordably priced for a smart rower<\/li>\n
- Available in black or your choice of four other colors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Cons<\/h3>\n
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- Vertical storage anchor isn\u2019t included<\/li>\n
- Needs to be plugged into an outlet<\/li>\n
- Requires a monthly subscription<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Magnetic resistance rowers are excellent for home gyms because they are quieter than air or water rowers, and the Hydrow Wave is no exception. It\u2019s virtually silent, so you can row early in the morning or late at night without disrupting anyone else in your home. You also won\u2019t struggle to hear the instructors during one of Hydrow\u2019s guided workouts.<\/p>\n
The Hydrow Wave features a durable thermoplastic polymer frame, a cushioned ergonomic seat, and an angled handlebar to enhance wrist comfort. The 80-inch long stainless steel track can accommodate users with up to a 36-inch inseam, and the machine has a 375-pound weight capacity, making it suitable for most individuals.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll need a monthly membership to the Hydrow app, which costs around $44 per month, to get the most out of this rower. While more expensive than subscriptions to other smart rowers, the Hydrow app offers access to over 4,000 immersive workout options, including interval training programs, steady-state endurance rows, and scenic rows through lakes and rivers from all over the world. When you need a break from the rower, you can take one of Hydrow\u2019s yoga, strength, or circuit training classes instead.<\/p>\n
Despite having a smaller footprint than the original Hydrow, which measures 86\u201d L x 25\u201d W x 47\u201d H, the Hydrow Wave is still a large machine. It doesn\u2019t fold, and you need a ceiling height of at least 83 inches to store it upright since it\u2019s 82 inches high when lifted vertically. You also need to purchase a vertical storage anchor separately to keep it secure when it\u2019s upright. And at 102 pounds, it\u2019s not the easiest to move around, but there are caster wheels at the front for portability.<\/p>\n
RELATED: <\/em><\/strong>Hydrow Review \u2013 Total Body Home Happiness<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n
Best Foldable Rowing Machine: NordicTrack RW600<\/h2>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t![\"NordicTrack](\"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/nordic-track-rw600.webp\")
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\n\t\t\t\t\tNordicTrack RW600\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\nDimensions:<\/strong> 87.02″ L x 22.0″ W x 47.24″ H<\/p>\n
Storage:<\/strong> Folds in half for vertical storage<\/p>\n
Resistance:<\/strong> Air and magnetic<\/p>\n
- Storage: <\/strong>Stores upright<\/li>\n
- Dimensions:<\/strong> 84″ L x 21″ W x 22″ H<\/li>\n
- Storage:<\/strong> Stores upright<\/li>\n
- Dimensions:<\/strong> 75\u201d L x 19.3\u201d W x 27.5\u201d H<\/li>\n
- No instructor-led classes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Best Budget Rowing Machine: <\/strong>YOSUDA Rowing Machine 100R<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
![\"Sunny](\"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/sunny-health-fitness-RW5515.webp\")