- Best Rowing Machine Overall: Hydrow Wave
- Best Water Rowing Machine: Ergatta Rower
- Best Magnetic Rowing Machine: NordicTrack RW900
- Best Rowing Machine for Beginners: Aviron Strong Go Rower
- Best Foldable Rowing Machine: Proform Pro 750R Rower
- Best Rowing Machine for the Money: Ergatta Lite
Key Product Info
The Hydrow Wave is a smaller, more affordable version of the Hydrow rower that still offers all of the benefits of connected fitness.
What our tester says:
“This could be a true alternative to the Concept2 RowErg.”
This machine is aesthetically-pleasing (which is an often overlooked attribute for equipment that lives in peoples homes) and the programming is interesting and engaging. If you’re looking for a water-powered rowing machine and want programming that’s different from what’s typically offered, you’ll be a fan of the Ergatta.
What our tester says:
“The screen has beautiful hi-definition graphics that really intensify the ‘gaming’ experience. I feel like I’m playing an old-school, first-person arcade video game.”
If you’re looking for a high-end rowing machine with interactive rowing workouts, this is a great pick.
What our tester says:
“Whether you’re more comfortable with in-studio classes or rowing on an open body of water, iFIT has options for you.”
The Aviron Strong Go rower is a strong, durable rowing machine that offers dual air and magnetic resistance, which means you’ll have tons of adjustments and customizations. To use the Aviron app, you’ll need your own device but following along makes workouts more fun and engaging.
What our tester says:
“Aviron gamified training is pretty special, and if you want a gamified experience, this is a great value.”
The ProForm 750R is a mid-tier magnetic rowing machine with a small display and a place to hold a device to stream workouts.
What our tester says:
“It’s not a tank like the Hydrow, Aviron, or NordicTrack rowers, but it’s very stable during use and has a lot of aluminum construction.”
The Ergatta Lite is made in the USA and handcrafted from oak. It features a 17.3-inch touchscreen display that is Bluetooth and Apple watch compatible. The Ergatta membership is optional, but with it you will have access to game-based workouts, scenic workouts, form check with AI coaching, live racing, and more.
What our tester says:
“It feels super sturdy even though it’s a lightweight machine.”
What To Look For in the Best Rowing Machine
Price
You’ll want a rowing machine that’s high-quality and built from durable materials, but the cost of the rower will often reflect the quality. Most high-end and quality rowers we recommend are priced at about $1,000 or more. There are still great options under $1,000, but too cheap of a rowing machine can mean it won’t last as long or may malfunction easily.
Tech Capabilities
A rowing machine can measure the work done in a single workout, usually displayed in a monitor of some sort. Whether it’s a simple LCD screen or a large touchscreen, it should be easy to see metrics such as distance, pace, calories, and stroke rate. Higher-end machines may even have projected splits and distances.
Footprint and Portability
Rowers take up a sizable footprint, when in use, so make sure your home gym has space for it in use. If your gym is tight on space, look for a rower that can be stored vertically to save room. Additionally, you might be able to find a folding rower to make it even more compact.
Weight Capacity
Larger athletes and higher weight people may need to consider the weight capacity of a rowing machine. Taller people may also have to consider the amount of space that the seat can travel. High-end options can usually support a broad range of people, but budget options may have shorter seat travel or a lower weight capacity.
Mode of Resistance
There are four types of resistances for rowers, each with strengths and weaknesses. Hydraulic rowers use cylinders and are usually more budget-friendly. Magnetic rowers use magnetic flywheels and are typically a very quiet option. Air rowers use flywheels that spin against air resistance, and water rowers have water enclosed for resistance, which makes it feel closer to the real thing. Air rowers are the most cost-effective option, but are loud, so you may want to opt for a water or magnetic rower instead.
Preset Workouts
Having preset workouts can be a great boon for an athlete, especially if they’re a beginner. Rowing machine workouts will help give you some guidance on good distances and intervals, along with popular benchmarks like a 500-meter test or marathon row. Some rowers will even gamify their workouts, letting you play fun games or guiding you through a visual tour during your workout.
Benefits of Weight Benches
Improved Cardiovascular Health
Rowing is primarily a cardiovascular exercise, so like other cardio machines, rowers can increase your cardio output, which can make your circulatory system work more efficiently1, as well as reduce your blood pressure and blood lipid levels. Regular aerobic exercise like rowing can also reduce your risk of heart disease2.
A Full-Body Workout
Using a rowing machine with proper form will engage many muscle groups, as you’ll push with your legs and pull with your arms. Although it’s primarily a cardio exercise, the resistance of a rowing machine will engage the quads, glutes, and hamstrings of the lower body, along with the upper body (shoulders, delts, biceps, and triceps) and upper back. You’ll also be bracing and engaging your core throughout the entire movement.
An Accessible Training Method
Because rowing is easy to pick up and low-impact, it’s a great workout option for fitness enthusiasts of all levels and needs. Whether you’re just beginning your fitness journey, or you’ve been at it for years, rowing is easy to learn quickly and get a great workout in.
FAQs
What is the best rowing machine for home use?
The best rowing machine for your home gym space will depend on a variety of factors: the space available to you, the type of programming you want, and the budget you have available. That said, one of our favorite rowers is the Hydrow Wave, which has interactive programming, can sync with almost every fitness app, and it’s 16-inch screen can be folded down, allowing for the rower to be stored vertically when not in use.
Can you get in shape by just rowing?
If your goal is to burn calories and fat and build a little bit a muscle, then consistent rowing is a great starting point. However, you’ll get the best results by combining a cardio movement like rowing with strength training and eating properly for your goals.
Is 20 minutes a day on a rowing machine enough?
The ideal time for a rowing workout will ultimately depend on your fitness level and goals, but 20 minutes is a great frame of time for rowing, so long as it’s done with the proper intensity. You can also vary it up with shorter intervals at a higher intensity, or a longer distance or time at a lower intensity.
That said, I wouldn’t recommend an intense rowing workout each day, as rest and recovery are just as vital to fitness as exercise is. Depending on your fitness level and schedule, aim for 3 to 5 days of rowing workouts each week, to allow yourself ample recovery.
About Garage Gym Reviews
The Most Trusted Voice In Fitness
At Garage Gym Reviews, we have researched and personally tested hundreds of pieces of home gym equipment. Our experts assess equipment according to different factors like durability, portability, and the overall workout experience.
If we recommend a product, it is because we would use it ourselves.
References
- Nystoriak, M. A., & Bhatnagar, A. (2018). Cardiovascular Effects and Benefits of Exercise. Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine, 5, 135. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2018.00135
- Mersy D. J. (1991). Health Benefits of Aerobic Exercise. Postgraduate medicine, 90(1), 103–112. https://doi.org/10.1080/00325481.1991.11700983
