If you just have room for one cardio equipment in your home, it’s impossible to argue for anything other than a home rowing machine. Having one of these allows you to receive a low-impact, full-body workout while also increasing your cardiovascular fitness whenever you choose.
Rowing machines have caught up with the ideal exercise cycles and perfect treadmills by linking to subscription applications for follow-along video exercises, and you can still locate a nice machine for less.
What Are The Key Features Of Home Rowing Machines?
1. Flywheel – The size of the flywheel on magnetic machines has a significant impact on the quality and quietness of the rower. The general rule is that the greater the flywheel, the higher the quality; however, they do not require as large a flywheel as bikes or cross trainers, so anything above 4kg should suffice.
2. Seat – Ideally, the seat should be grooved or ergonomically built rather than flat to fit the natural curve of your body. It should also have foam for comfort, and the glide roller wheels on which the seat goes back and forth should have bearings on the inside for smooth action and slow degradation.
3. Handlebars – the strap and handle are the most prone to wear and tear, with breaking straps all too typical on low-cost rowing machines under £100. Pricier models have thicker, longer-lasting straps, as well as soft foam grip, handles for ease of usage.
4. Footplates – Some rowers have fixed foot pedals, while others have a swivel design to relieve strain on your ankles. Choosing between the two is just a matter of personal taste, but it’s worth mentioning. Expensive versions will have bigger foot pedals to accommodate taller users.
5. Console – Most rowers include a monitor, however, some are more modern than others. It is entirely up to you whether you want a rower with a high-performance display or just a simple one. A simple rowing monitor will provide exercise statistics such as distance, time, and speed. More sophisticated models will incorporate heart rate monitors, calorie trackers, and the ability to compete against a virtual boat. Others will have a USB connector, allowing you to export workout data to your laptop or PC and upload it to third-party fitness monitoring programs.
What Are The Types of Home Rowing Machines?
If you’ve begun looking for the perfect home rowing machine, you’ve certainly seen that there are several different varieties to pick from, including air, water, magnetic & hydraulic rowing machines. Here’s a quick rundown of the primary types: A handle is hooked to a belt or chain that turns a flywheel on every rowing machine. They differ, however, in how they generate resistance to produce a genuine rowing experience.
1. Hydraulic Home Rowing Machines
The two pistons linked to the rower’s handlebars provide resistance. Hydraulic cylinders provide resistance to these rowing machines. You experience resistance when you pull against the fluid or air squeezed inside the pistons. Because you can alter the degree of resistance on each handlebar individually, this is the only form of rower that allows you to have various levels of difficulty on either side. They have a less realistic feel than some other types of rowers, but they take up less room and are often quite affordable.
2. Magnetic Home Rowing Machines
Home Rowing machines with strong electromagnets give varying degrees of resistance. Magnetic rowers provide a smooth movement that simulates rowing across the water. Magnetic rowing machines, unlike air-based machines, do not increase resistance as you pull harder or faster. Despite this, magnetic rowing machines may still provide physically tough exercise, making them ideal for at-home workouts because they are quieter than other types of rowers.
3. Water Home Rowing Machines
Water rowing machines are designed to recreate the dynamics caused by a boat on the water and accurately emulate real rowing by raising resistance in direct proportion to the pace at which you row. They also let you change the quantity of water in the resistance tank to change the total pressure and resistance. Water rowing machines, on the other hand, are larger and heavier than other models.
4. Air Home Rowing Machines
Air rowers, when paired with magnetic resistance, provide the closest simulation of the genuine rowing experience, second only to water rowers. The resistance of moving a fan against air powers air rowers. Some rowing machines allow you to change the resistance by setting a damper, while most other air rowing machines need you to row faster, exactly like you would on water.
What Are The Benefits of Home Rowing Machines?
While running and cycling are mostly leg exercises, rowing utilizes both your upper and lower body for a total-body workout. Rowing machines may also improve your aerobic capacity, improve your heart and lung health, and help you burn calories.
Rowing Machines can give a full-body exercise by using the muscles in your legs, arms, back, and core. The sliding seat engages your triceps, hamstrings, and quads while pulling all the way back with the grip engages your biceps, glutes, hamstrings, and abdominals. Rowing may so improve your back, arms, and abs.
Our Handpicked Collection Of Home Rowing Machines For Gym
Stuck in a workout slump and want to shake things up? Perhaps you’re tired of pounding the pavement on your early morning runs, or you’re having trouble sticking to a regular gym schedule and would like to work out from the comfort of your own home. Whatever your reason, we have you covered with our selection of the finest rowing machines.
1. Dripex Magnetic Rowing Machine for Home Use
Sleek and sophisticated, the Dripex boasts precise engineering that wouldn’t look out of place in a high-end gym.
With its 15 different magnetic resistance levels, you can push yourself to the max at whatever stage of fitness you are at.
Unlike other rowing machines, the Dripex stands out for its super smooth and silent double aluminium railway design.
Combined with an innovative shock absorber, you can go full pelt without disturbing the rest of your household.
Pros
- Ergonomic design for extra comfort
- 15 magnetic resistance levels
- Easy to store upright with a foldable screen
- Suitable for all fitness levels
- Super silent aluminium sliding frame design
- Low impact full-body workout
Cons
- Limited display function
- Stroke length shorter than standard gym rowers
2. Concept 2 Model D Indoor Rower with PM5 Monitor
Perfect for any at-home gym setup, Concept 2 offers an effective full-body, low-impact workout.
Paired with its flywheel design, you can exercise at any intensity without making a sound. What’s more, the Concept 2 is a professional rowing machine, and can often be found in the perfect gyms around.
One of the star features here is the Performance Monitor 5. Gives you accurate and comparable data with each stroke you take, so you can track your performance and stay motivated.
Pros
- Flywheel design minimises noise
- Performance 5 Monitor for accurate data and progress
- Adjustable footrests and ergonomic handle
- Extra-long available monorail available from the seller
- Easy to store and portable
Cons
- Quite heavy
- Top of the budget
3. Body Sculpture BR3010 Rower and Gym
Not only do you get all the perks of a rowing machine with the BR3010, but you get a built-in gym.
Whether you want to improve your cardio, tone or strengthen your muscles, this machine’s versatility covers everything.
What’s more, you feel secure as you row with the large, pivoting footplates and you can keep track of all your progress with the built-in computer and display. Nothing is more satisfying than beating your personal perfect after all.
Pros
- Versatile design
- Adjustable resistance with 3 tensions cords to choose from
- Built-in gym feature ensures full-body workout
- Free DVD to boost your confidence
- Easily foldable and compact
- Secure footplates
- Track your progress in real-time
Cons
- Noisy machine
- Crude adjustment settings
- Grinding seat bearings
4. HOMCOM Rowing Machine Cardio Rower
Getting a rowing machine that ensures you get a total body workout is all that it’s about.
Throw in 12 adjustable levels of resistance and a clever multifunction LCD monitor, and your fitness journey has just become more achievable.
The HOMCOM isn’t the most expensive piece of equipment, but it doesn’t hold back with its comfortable ergonomic design and smooth running seat.
Pros
- Smooth and quiet
- 12-strength adjustable levels of resistance
- Multifunction LCD monitor to keep track of your progress
- Ergonomic and comfortable design
- Targets all major muscle groups
- Large anti-slip foot pedals with adjustable foot straps
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- The quality of materials could be better
- Uncomfortable seat
- Handles aren’t very sweat resistant
5. JLL® R200 Luxury Home Rowing Machine
Packed with premium features that allow you to train like a pro and sculpt your body from the comfort of your own home, there’s a lot to like.
Equipped with magnetic resistance and belt driven, you can expect a smooth and quiet rowing experience with this intuitive piece of kit.
The R200 is perfect for a whole-body workout, and you can adapt your exercises to target the muscle groups you prefer.
Pros
- Elite performance rower
- Magnetic resistance and belt-driven
- 7-function LCD monitor
- Advanced rowing simulation
- Smooth and quiet pedaling
- Easy storage and low maintenance
Cons
- Nuts and bolts may become loose over time
- Uncomfortable seat
6. XS Sports R110 Folding Rowing Machine With Adjustable Resistance-Fitness Rower
Space-saving and bursting with a whole heap of features to spark the amateur rowers’ interest, XS Sports haven’t held back with the newly updated R100 machine.
Offering 4 levels of resistance, you can increase the intensity at your own pace.
Super-sleek and nearly completely silent, this rower will be a welcome addition to your home gym. It’s even super simple to fold away and store.
Pros
- Strong and durable design
- Space-saving and easy to fold
- 4 levels of resistance
- Precise LCD display
- Sleek and silent
Cons
- Limited by resistance
- Limited anti-sweat
- Takes time to assemble
7. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 Full Motion Rowing Machine Rower
This rower is a rare gem. Not only does it have 12 resistance levels and allow you to work both arms simultaneously with equal resistance, but it can bear up to 25 stone.
So whatever your fitness level, this versatile machine will help you reach your ultimate fitness goals.
Workout intensity can be adjusted by the simple turn of the resistance knob. Combined with the full motion movement of the arms, you will burn more calories and increase your strength at the same time.
Pros
- 12 resistance levels
- Dual full motion arms
- 25 stone weight capacity
- Wide padded seat
- Strong and rugged design
Cons
- Hydraulic pipe gets very hot
- Basic computer
- May not suit more advanced rowers
8. BTM Indoor Home Rowing Machine
BTM has excelled at creating a sleek, powerful and compact machine that will pack a punch into any workout routine.
With 8 preset resistance levels to choose from, you can strengthen your upper body or engage in a full-body workout using the intuitive resistance tether.
Bursting with many must-have features such as anti-slip wide heavy-duty pedals, real-time stats and a smooth glide sliding rail for silent workouts, you get a lot of bang for your buck with the BTM.
Pros
- 8 resistance levels
- Sleek and powerful build
- Noiseless workouts
- Compact and easy to fold up and stow away
- Anti-slip wide heavy-duty pedals
- Track real-time progress
Cons
- Mat required for extra grip
- Pretty basic display unit
- Quite heavy
9. V-fit Tornado Air Rower
Sporting a robust steel frame, an anatomically designed smooth action, roller mounted passed seat and more, you’ll feel like an Olympian after you’ve used the V-fit.
Regardless of your fitness ability, this intuitive machine works alongside you as you develop and grow stronger.
What’s more, the clever design includes a club style, speed-proportionate resistance air fan with chain drive and a contoured row handle to give you the ultimate intensity and stroke control.
We all often lack motivation even when our end goals are in sight, so V-fit has helpfully included a focused 6-function, 2-page exercise monitor so you can keep track of all your progress along the way.
Pros
- Wide reach row bar
- Speed-proportional air resistance chain drive
- Smooth action, roller-mounted padded seat
- Integrated roller wheels and foldable
- Secure and comfortable design
- Motivational 6-function, 2-page exercise monitor
Cons
- Flywheel position limits you to ½ or ¾ stroke
- The footplate is not fixed and short
- Inaccurate distance measurements
10. Neezee Super Silent Rowing Machine with Aluminum Slide Rail
If you want a dynamic and challenging full-body workout, then look no further. Sporting 16 levels of magnetic resistance and a multi-function LCD monitor to keep you on track, the Neezee’s design will help you reach your fitness goals.
Thanks to the smooth, quiet air-resistance flywheels, you can build up muscle and improve your cardio without disturbing your household. Resistance is easily adjusted, so you can create the perfect training plan at home.
With its super comfortable and ergonomic design, you can enjoy all the perks of a full-body workout without causing unnecessary strain to your muscles and joints.
Pros
- 16 levels of adjustable resistance
- Suitable for all fitness levels
- Multi-function LCD monitor to track progress
- Ergonomic design for extra comfort
- Quiet, full-body workout
- East to transport and stow away
- Watch your favourite TV show or listen to music
Cons
- Assembly required
- Max weight 110KG
- Fittings may become loose over time
What To Look For When Buying Home Rowing Machines?
1. Size & Storage – Rowing machines, particularly more costly versions with larger seat rails, can take up a significant amount of room. If you have long legs, you’ll need a machine with a long seat rail, although a shorter user might be able to get away with a smaller one. Before making your decision, measure the available area and compare it to the size of the rowing machine.
If space is an issue, there are numerous types available that fold for storage, freeing up some much-needed floor space for other purposes when the machine is not in use. Because of their size, many rowers feature a rapid fold option that cuts their length practically in half; they typically function by releasing a spring-loaded pin towards the centre, allowing the rail to fold inward. The only true disadvantage of having a folding rower is that it can diminish the machine’s stability and integrity, but this is only really significant if it’s being used frequently, which is why commercial rowers don’t fold.
2. Price – Rowing machines can vary significantly in terms of appearance and quality, as well as price. Remember that you normally get what you pay for with exercise machines, so it is always a good idea to invest a little bit more to buy more durable and pleasant equipment. As the price increases, not only will the build quality improve, but you are also more likely to find added features that will improve the machine’s comfort, convenience, and motivating power.
Budget models often cost less than £200. Rowing machines in the mid-range range from roughly £200 to over £600. Smooth magnetic resistance and preset programming are available on more modern consoles. The finest devices might cost up to £1200 or more. You may more accurately imitate gym-level equipment at this level, and you’ll get a lot of flairs as well as substance.
3. Rail length – This may not be significant for many people, but if you’re tall, you should make sure that your rail length is long enough to let your legs be fully stretched. You also don’t want a thin and weak seat rail, so make it a robust, tubular piece of the steel structure that can withstand a lot of wear and strain.
The Verdict: Home Rowing Machines
We hope you liked our comprehensive article on home rowing machines and will be easily able to choose one machine for your home workout. Many fitness enthusiasts ask if it is safe to row every day. Yes! It is safe but anything in excess can cause harm.
As with any new sport, it’s vital to gradually build up strength and stamina balanced with rest days, so while rowing every day is safe, it depends on how strenuous your exercises are. However, over-training may lead to injuries, and your body needs time to rebuild muscles, so if you’re buying your first rowing machine, start slowly and gradually increase your workout intensity.