Rowing machines are pound for pound one of the best workout equipment purchases athletes and CrossFit athletes can make for their home gym.
You get a total body workout and engage all major muscle groups. Rowing machines give you two major benefits, namely strength training and cardio while being easy on the joints. Endurance athletes, take note- rowing regularly can increase your stamina and work capacity as well!
Best of all, a rowing machine is no bigger than a bench in terms of footprint. You can place them anywhere, and most models can be stowed away after use.
Shopping for the best rowing machines for athletes can be a daunting experience, and for this reason, we’ve compiled a list that can help narrow down your options.
If you are an athlete or a crossfitter looking for the best rowing machines for your home gym this list should cover it.
1. Concept2 Model D Rowerg
If you’re looking for the heart and soul of rowing encapsulated in a machine, the Concept2 Model D Rower is the one you want in your corner. This isn’t just a piece of equipment; it’s the lifeline for any serious athlete’s indoor training. Professionals around the globe have embraced it as the gold standard – a title it doesn’t just wear but owns.
What makes it so exceptional? Start with its engineering. We’re talking craftsmanship that refuses to compromise. Every part, every screw is of the highest quality. The Model D isn’t just built for the present; it’s designed for the long haul. You could be sweating on it day after day, and this beast would be asking for more, never showing a hint of wear and tear.
The flywheel is where the magic begins. Sit down, grip the handles, and with each stroke, you’ll feel the water’s resistance, just as if you were cutting through a lake at dawn. The spiral damper lets you tailor your workout, finding that perfect sweet spot that challenges yet doesn’t overwhelm. And the sound? It’s there, a quiet, consistent reminder of your effort, but never a disturbance.
Comfort hasn’t been forgotten. The footrest caters to everyone, the handle doesn’t just fit into your hand, it becomes an extension of your arm. Positioned at an ergonomic 10-degree angle, it encourages you to give your best without draining you.
But the crowning jewel has to be the Performance Monitor 5 (PM5). It’s not just a monitor; it’s your onboard coach. From strokes per minute to calories, from watts to pace, it tracks everything, leaving no room for guesswork. Want to test yourself with different workouts? PM5 has you covered. Want to sync your data? Bluetooth and ANT+ technology make it a breeze.
The Concept2 Model D Rower isn’t just the best rowing machine on the market; it’s a testament to what’s possible when innovation meets dedication. It’s more than a machine; it’s a partner in your journey to excellence. It’s been leading the way, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. If you’re serious about rowing, the Model D isn’t just an option; it’s the only option.
The Xebex Air Rower 2 is the much-improved successor of the previous Air Rower, with better features such as higher seat height, an advanced console and added seat and handle padding.
The first noticeable change is the elevated seat, which stands 21 inches off the ground. This means you can quickly get on and off the machine with minimal effort.
Xebex has opted to put in more padding on the seat and the rowing handle. There’s also the 1-touch adjustment on the footing section. If you want a rower that’s easy to move around, look no further- the Air Rower 2 folds up to half its original footprint (to 20″ in width and 2′ in length) so you can put it in the closet or in the corner after use.
This rowing machine utilizes an air flywheel mechanism that puts out the essential numbers to a robust console. Operation is fairly easy- row harder to make it more difficult and go slower to reduce resistance level. You can also adjust the spiral damper to simulate drag and water depth.
We like how the console shows your performance and progress in a straightforward manner. The high-contrast display reveals calories, spm, meters, watts, time and more. You can choose from pre-built programs in a few button presses and get rowing right away.
Pros
Less expensive
Folds to just half its original footprint
Added comfort features on the handle, footing and seat
Air resistance flywheel is intuitive
Cons
No data transfer capability
Website: getrxd.com
3. Row HX Trainer by LifeFitness
The Row HX Trainer deserves a spot in our best rowing machines list for a number of reasons. The low-slung profile, beautiful wood grain finish and premium performance all make for a wonderful indoor rowing experience at the comfort of your own home!
The water-type rower employs Fluid Technology, which means every stroke simulates the real thing. Close your eyes and you’ll be hard-pressed to believe that you’re not training outside. As for resistance, the Row HX has an adjustable dial that toggles difficulty without having to add or take out water.
It’s relatively compact and has a smaller footprint than most rowers in the market. You can easily lift it up and bring it to the bedroom, home gym or living room as you see fit. What’s remarkable is that the Row HX stands out and adds depth to any space, thanks to the elegant design and seamless melding of tempered steel and natural wood.
The Row HX is a versatile total body cardio workout machine that’s worth every penny. You get the backing of LifeFitness, a brand who’s known to produce long-lasting products and provide excellent support. The only caveat we see here is that it costs a few hundred dollars more, but if money is no object then by all means, buy it!
4. First Degree Cambridge Challenger AR Indoor Rower
The First Degree Cambridge Challenger may be a mouthful of words, but make no mistake- this rower talks the talk and gives you an excellent workout each and every time!
The electric blue highlights on the frame and base are pure eye candy and makes it easy for you to put it anywhere. Using the machine is intuitive- simply step in, place both feet on the pedals, grasp the handle and you’re off. The seat is near the base and adds to the overall stability.
Like the Row HX, the Cambridge Challenger utilizes an Adjustable Fluid Resistance with dial settings to change the level of resistance. Inside, First Degree has added baffled internals and a triple-bladed impeller to ensure a smooth catch and resistance. An improved pulley system makes recoil and tension so much smoother.
The features on this water rower don’t stop there. A monitor displays essential data such as calories per hour, heart rate, watts and more. The handle is designed to prevent hand, wrist and arm strain, while the seat is comfortable and has Delrin rollers underneath. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a rowing machine of this caliber for recreational or training purposes!
Pros
The tank has three top-notch features: Adjustable Fluid Resistance Technology, zero dead spots and an improved pulley system
Durable belt drive and seat rail
Nice, attractive color
Has all the bells and whistles you would want in a rower.
The Viking Pro Indoor Rower sports a twin tank design with Fluid Force technology for its flywheel mechanism, which offers athletes a natural feel and catch as well as zero dead spots. The experience is immersive, and users can get up to 15 percent more water resistance than other brands.
The advanced console does more than just display essential training data- it can connect to smart devices via an app and adjust settings using Bluetooth technology. You spend less time fiddling with the program and concentrate more on developing strength and endurance.
The flywheel sits near the front base of the unit, surrounded by a sturdy frame with wood highlights. Storage is a matter of putting the machine in a horizontal position and leaving it in the corner.
The Spirit XRW600 Rower is an airmag hybrid that uses both magnetic and air resistance in the flywheel. With that set up the machine has 16 levels of resistance spread out in ten built-in programs.
The bench section is elevated and make stepping in and out easy. While rowing, you get helpful data readouts in the backlit console. Speaking of which, Spirit has a high-res console with blue background and a variety of programs to keep you motivated.
In the comfort department, the XRW600 offers users an oversized, cushioned seats and flexible foot pedals. Big athletes won’t have any issues working the machine, thanks to the generous workspace. After training, you can fold it up so it won’t get in the way.
Rounding out the features is an industrial-strength handle strap, an aluminum monorail and console height and angle adjustments.
Up next on our list of the top rowing machines for home gyms we have the Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower. This magnetic rowing machine is a silver and black rower with plenty of features. The flywheel mechanism is controlled by a powerful magnet and a DRM system to simulate resistance. Electronic tensions keep things interesting while you row your way to a fitter physique.
Lightweight yet durable aluminum make up the frame and rails. It also holds the padded seat and heart rate monitor. The LCD display shows off pertinent workout data such as time, calories burned, count number and more. Velocity Exercise has made their foot pedals adjustable for maximum comfort.
This rowing machine naturally trains your whole body while allowing you to improve your stroke. When you’re done the rails can be folded to about half its original length.
The WaterRower Natural is a distinctive rowing machine that sets itself apart by using water resistance, offering a genuine rowing experience. The sound of water as you pull creates a soothing, realistic sensation. Often handcrafted from wood, its aesthetic appeal is a standout feature; many users praise it as the most visually pleasing rowing machine on the market.
You’ll find the WaterRower in Orangetheory Fitness gyms across the nation, albeit in an eye-catching orange metallic version.
Though captivating in appearance, the WaterRower does demand more upkeep due to its water tank system. Regular water changes are essential to prevent mold growth, and some users have reported leaks, which can lead to household damage.
While the wooden construction adds an elegant touch, it does compromise on durability compared to counterparts made of aluminum and steel.
Additionally, the location of the monitor beside the right foot enhances the machine’s overall aesthetics but may hinder its usability. Having to glance down at the screen during workouts isn’t ideal, a minor drawback for an otherwise unique and engaging rowing experience.
The RW1000 supports users up to 300 pounds in weight and has a 5-year, 2-year and 1-year warranty on frame, parts and labor, respectively. The solid steel frame is sturdy enough for home and commercial gym use that you won’t have to worry about it breaking in the most inopportune time.
The flywheel mechanism of the RW1000 uses an eddy current drive with 5 resistance levels. It works quietly enough as not to wake the rest of the household. The intuitive console is very easy to use and has readouts for spm, stroke count, calories, time and distance.
This rowing machine is comfortable enough to ride for lengthy periods, thanks to the injected foam seat and large footrest with Velcro straps.
10. Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Exercise Rower
Rounding out our list of the top rowing machines for home use we have a budget-friendly rowing machine that uses magnetic action to simulate motion, the Avari Exercise Rower gives you a ton of workout benefits, which include complete lower and upper body training!
The rowing equipment can be mistaken for a futuristic snow sled due to its covered flywheel and thick base. At the front is a backlit LED display with twelve pre-set workout programs and workout data readouts, e.g., count, pulse, distance, time and spm.
The highlights of the machine include the low-slung base and super-tough aluminum rail that keeps on going even when you're all worked out. A lower center of gravity means you're more stable and able to push more in terms of effort and training.
Stamina has made sure that your hands, feet and bottom are comfortable, with foam padding on the handle, large footplates and a molded seat to address those issues. The company has even thrown in a free chest strap that allows you to monitor your heart rate and optimize your training further.
For a budget offering, this rowing machine is hard to beat. While the experience isn't as smooth as its air- and water-based flywheel counterparts, you won't have to worry about the rower conking out after years of use.
Starting our search for the perfect rower was like diving into a sea of options. With over 65 rowers to research, we knew we had our work cut out for us. It wasn't just about looking at the major manufacturers; we reached into the heartbeat of the community, connecting with industry experts and even browsing forums like r/homegym. We wanted a view from every angle.
Now, you can't truly know a rower until you've rowed on it. That's why our fitness testing facility in Springfield, Missouri, became the proving ground for several of these machines. Our team of product testers – a tough and seasoned crew – put them through their paces. Short sprints, long-distance endurance events, everything was on the table. This wasn't just a test; it was an ordeal.
And as we rowed, we dug deeper. The build quality was scrutinized. We popped open the components to see how they were assembled, like mechanics examining the engine of a vintage car. Conversations were had with company representatives; they got to hear from us, and we listened to them.
Then came the numbers game: price point, warranty, and customer service. These aren't just factors; they're the lifeblood of a good purchase. It's all in the details.
This wasn't just about finding "a rower." It was about finding the rower. The one that fits, feels right, and fulfills needs. It was a journey filled with sweat, grit, and determination. A journey we undertook with a passion for the sport and a commitment to quality. And all of it, every single step, was for one purpose – to make sure we could give you the best guidance possible. Because, in the end, it's not just about machines; it's about the people who use them.
Kinds of Rowing Machines
The rowing machine is a great piece of exercise equipment and allows for an extensive workout when one has minimal space in which to work out. There are four types [listed below] that provide the same basic workout with each including an adjustable resistance mechanism. The resistance mechanism can be manipulated by the user by changing water levels/air pressure/pulling harder on the handle to increase the level of intensity of the workout.
Water
Water rowing machines simulate the tension and resistance of paddling out on the lake. Pulling the handle makes the paddles move through a container that's filled with water.
This type is best for rowing enthusiasts and those who want to enjoy their time spent on the machine. Adjusting the difficulty is just a matter of fiddling with the dial. Premium models forego the need to take out or put in water manually, thereby allowing you to concentrate on the training.
Almost all water rowers are designed to look good in just about any room or setting in the house.
Air or Flywheel
Air and flywheel rowing machines are the most prolific kinds out there. Pulling the handle works a flywheel and sends its blades spinning. It works similarly to an indoor bike that has a flywheel mechanism- rowing faster gives you more resistance and thus makes the effort harder to sustain.
Resistance is fully customizable and won't require you to push a button or adjust a knob. If you want higher intensity, simply row harder; otherwise, slowing down makes it less intense. This type of indoor rowing machine is good for athletes who want to push themselves for maximum gains.
Magnetic
Magnetic rowing machines, or sometimes referred to as programmable rowers feature magnets on the flywheel to create resistance. You change the difficulty via a lever that puts the magnet closer to the flywheel.
Magnet-based rowers are typically cheaper but they can still be a worthy investment. The magnet mechanism makes for a less dynamic movement as it won't respond to how you pull.
There are mag-air hybrids that combine air and magnetic resistance for a greater range of programs. For those who are more about results than the experience, magnetic rowing machines may be for you.
Hydraulic
Hydraulic rowing machines use a piston mechanism to simulate resistance. Adjusting the tension is mainly done by controlling the amount of fluid or air inside the piston.
In terms of portability, they're the best of their kind. What's more, there's minimal noise when operating a hydraulic rower compared to, say a water or flywheel machine. They are also quite easy to store.
For those who have limited space and worry about the noise a rowing machine makes, a hydraulic rower is a good option that can deliver a full body workout.
Benefits of Rowing Machines
Rowing machines, simple as they may seem, are actually gateways to a host of health benefits. At the surface level, they are recognized for boosting cardiovascular health and overall fitness. But that's just scratching the surface.
Dive a little deeper, and you'll discover that rowing machines are not just about the heart and lungs; they're about the muscles too. They provide a hidden opportunity for light resistance training. So, not only are you pumping your heart, but you're also building strength, enhancing muscular endurance, and promoting the well-being of your musculoskeletal system.
What's the catch? Knowing how to use it. Like any tool, a rowing machine yields its richest rewards only when used correctly. Get to know your rower, understand its nuances, and you'll find it's not just a machine, it's a versatile partner in your fitness journey. Whether you're an athlete looking to cross-train or someone just seeking a healthier lifestyle, the rowing machine could be the unsung hero you've been waiting for.
How To Choose The Best Rowing Machine
With the rise of home workouts and the surge in popularity of rowing, largely fueled by the CrossFit community, the market for rowing machines has exploded. Now, more than ever, there are options to suit every budget, whether you're looking for a budget-friendly rower under $100 or a premium handcrafted black walnut machine.
Here's what you should consider when choosing a rowing machine:
1. Overall Construction
Quality construction is vital. Look for clean welds, solid connection points, a smoothly rolling seat, and a freely spinning flywheel. We recommend machines that offer the best overall build within their price range.
2. Durability
Rowing machines should last for decades. You generally get what you pay for, so it's worth investing in a machine that can withstand any intensity you bring to your workouts.
3. Mode of Resistance
There are four main resistance types: hydraulic, air, magnetic, and water. We advise avoiding hydraulic rowers, focusing primarily on air options, though magnetic rowers can be an excellent quiet choice.
4. Monitor
Choose a monitor that accurately tracks your performance and is user-friendly. Some are excellent, while others can be inaccurate and basic.
5. Fluidity
Look for a rower that provides a fluid motion start and return. Inexpensive rowers may have abrupt starts and the seat might not roll smoothly. The closer it simulates actual water rowing, the better.
6. Space
While most rowing machines occupy significant space, some are compact or foldable. Consider models like the ProForm 750R if space is an issue.
Note: If your inseam is 40 inches or more, a space-saving design might be too short for you. You'll need around 50 inches or more of rail length.
7. Price Range
Though you can find good rowers for less than $1,000, going too cheap might lead to malfunctions. Many high-quality options are around $1,000 or more.
8. Preset Workouts
To truly progress, choose a machine with preset workout options. Some rowers, like the NordicTrack RW900, even offer personalized training through apps.
9. Tech Capabilities
Ergometers, or rowing machines, should provide details on pace, distance, calories, and stroke rate. Top-tier models might include other insightful metrics.
10. Adjustability Considerations
The rower should fit you comfortably. Look for slightly angled handlebars, padded seats, and convenient monitor placement to enhance your rowing experience.
11. Maintenance
Opt for a low-maintenance machine that doesn’t require frequent upkeep like oiling or re-bolting parts.
12. Value
Consider the value, not just the price. Often, spending more initially leads to better quality.
13. Warranty
Ensure a warranty is included and backed by strong customer service.
14. Ease of Use
Your rowing machine should be intuitive, letting you start your workout without fuss.
15. Special Features
Check for extras like cup holders, media trays, or access to online workout programs.
In the end, the best rowing machine is the one that fits your needs and that you’ll actually use. Whether you're an athlete or simply aiming for a healthier lifestyle, the right rowing machine can support you on your journey.
Conclusion
There you have it- the top rowing machines for home gyms. Read up and buy with confidence knowing that the equipment you choose will be the one that's right for you!
