Are you looking to save some time researching for the best-rated rowing machine for home use? we understand how time-consuming it can be to find one that meets your needs and expectations.
We also understand that crushing your home workout doesn’t need to be boring, it can be fun and simple with the right fitness gear.
Moreover, using a rowing machine has multiple health and fitness benefits. You could use a rower for training for a competition, keeping yourself in shape, recovering from an injury, cardiac rehabilitation, keeping diabetes in check, losing weight, reduces stress, boosts your energy, as a hobby, and more.
Without Further Ado, let’s begin,
Top Rated Rowing Machines For Home Use
The Best Overall
Fitness Reality 1000
- Type: Magnetic Rower
- Bluetooth Capability: Yes
- Weight Limit: 250 pounds
- Resistance: 14 Levels for an easy or more challenging workout
- Foldable: Yes
- Best for: anyone in the house. Beginners, Seniors or Fitness Pro
As we introduce the best rowing machines for home use, is good to know that none of these are created equal. Each one has its pros and cons.
We will also see that there is a wide price range, from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
While preparing this list, we have taken into consideration the following variables that you must keep in mind to make an informed decision.
- It must provide comfort and smoothness throughout each stroke.
- Provide even and enough resistance to make the exercise effective.
- Good Storing option (I know that if you can fold it up this is a plus).
- It must be a quality product with great durability.
- For some, is nice to be able to reach your exercise results right away, like on-screen calories burned, time spent, heart rate, etc.
The Best for Women
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515
- Rowing: magnetic rowing machine
- Weight Limit: 220 pounds
- Resistance Type: 8 levels of adjustable tension
- Fold-able: Yes.
- Folded Dims: 37L x 19W x 53. 5H
- LCD Monitor: Yes
- Warranty: 1-Year
I found the Sunny Health is the best rowing machine for women. This equipment offers a great, low impact workout and is on the quiet side of rowers. The actual rowing bit doesn’t make any noise at all. What does make noise is the seat when it goes back and forth. It is truly quiet.
It is simple to use. You can increase or decrease the 8 levels of the magnetic resistance with a simple twist.
Moreover, it is effective. You will notice that only after a short period of moderate exercise on level two you will start sweating. If you go up to level 3 or 4 you will be required to do a great effort.
We think you can get a serious workout with this machine. I like to see the LCD panel allows you to scan the basics such as rowing time, strokes, and calories.
Is has a heavy-duty steel mainframe and built-in wheels for easy transportation. The footprint on this machine is minimum, which makes it ideal to be placed in the corner of a room. It barely takes up any space.
In general, this rower gets the job done.
What I Like…
- Heavy-duty frame construction
- 8 Multi-level resistance
- Easy to use and fold when done
- Minimal Footprint
- Plenty of space for your legs
- Best low-budget
What I don’t Like…
- Absence of heart rate monitor
Most Versatile for a Full Body Workout
Fitness Reality 1000 Plus
- Rowing: magnetic tension
- Weight Limit: 250 lbs.
- Resistance Type: 14 Level Dual Transmission Tension
- Fold-able Frame: Yes.
- Folded size: 39. 5” Lx21. 5” Wx53. 5” H.
- Transport Wheels: Yes
- Warranty: Frame: 1-Year
- Parts: 90-Days
- Wearable Parts: 90-Days
If you want to buy a rower to get started or continue your training at home, I think you’ll be more than happy with this one. People who choose this machine will have the advantage of a full-body workout, that includes curls, bent over rows, front raises, and more. It has a great resistance range with a lot of room for progress or to do progression exercises. Perfect for beginners and advanced users alike.
The cable used is a thick nylon cord. It helps to make a cleaner catch and drive with less “bounce” on the return phase. You can also use it as a resistance builder, allowing you to work your arms and biceps. You can do upper and lower body toning as well. If you lift weights, you will be able to easily replace them with this rowing machine.
With this machine, you will no longer need to worry about going to the gym. The machine also offers secure foot pads to keep your feet in place so you don’t have to stop during the workout. We know rowing is one of the best cardio workouts for women and seniors. We believe this machine is very user-friendly.
After a workout, you will also be able to store it if needed since you can fold it really easily. This rowing machine allows you to do different types of exercises for a full-body workout. It will definitely meet your expectations.
What I Like…
- 14 levels of resistance
- Nice 3.5” LCD display
- Allows multiple types of exercises
- Ability to set workout goals & Heart rate
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Comfortable seat and handlebars
- Foldable and portable
- Easy to assemble
- Quiet, smooth, and well made
- Good warranty period
What I don’t Like…
- The LCD screen doesn’t have enough illumination
Best Water Rower on a Budget
Merax Water Rowing Machine
- Rowing: magnetic rowing machines
- Weight Limit: 330 LBS
- Resistance Type: 6 levels
- Fold-able Frame: Yes
- Rower Dimensions: 78” x 20” x 25.5”
- Folded size: 33″x22″ of floor space
- Built-in wheels: Yes
- LCD Monitor: Yes
At first, the Merax has a very elegant and robust design. It offers a constant and smooth stroke with six resistance levels. Many experienced users advise that with just level 3 you will be doing a solid workout, so you will have room to continue increasing the resistance level.
There are two ways to change the resistance level. One is by filling water until it passes each line mark on the side of the water tank until level six. Two is by changing how much rowing you need to do per minute.
The resistance level will be based on how much water the tank has because it is based on active motion through the water.
It produces a water-in-movement sound that will be very pleasant. When you are rowing is like hearing water swooshing into the river.
Another important aspect is the seat, which is well cushioned and will allow you to go up and down with ease.
The LCD screen will display important information like calories burned, distance, strokes per minute and heart rate. It will also give you the opportunity to challenge yourself through a competitive race mode.
Users indicate that it will take around 45 minutes from taking it out of the box to get it fully assembled. It also folds very easily to help with space and for easy storage.
It has a long rail which makes it convenient for people of any size.
The pleasant water sound, the resistance range, the rail, and how elegant it looks makes this rower perfect for any woman who wants to start or make progress on her exercises.
It is also half the price of most water rowers in the market.
Personally, worth every penny.
What I Like…
- Good quality
- It will make a sound like rowing on a real boat.
- Its resistance is dynamic through the water tank
- can quickly start or stop, so it is safe
- Good LCD monitor for a budget machine (heart rate included)
- support users up to 300 lbs.
- Comfortable rowing position with a well-padded seat
- Even you will be hearing splashing sound during a workout, you should be able to watch TV or other devices without inconvenience.
- Large contoured seat
- Easy to assemble
- Small footprint when folded
- It is portable
- Good value for your money
- Looks great
What I don’t Like…
- Warranty: not available
For Advance Athletes or Fitness Pro
Concept 2 Model D PM5
- Weight: up to 500 pounds
- Resistance Type: automatic Air resistance
- Fold-able: yes. (Separates into two pieces for storage)
- Warranty: 5-Year on the frame 2-Year on parts.
Concept 2 Model D offers you all you are looking for on a rower machine. Because it uses air resistance it produces a breeze when rowing that many appreciate while working out. This is important as there is a consensus that keeping yourself cool while exercising is better.
Many enthusiastic users had shared how easy is the assembly process. Mentioning that straight out of the box you could literally assemble it in 10 minutes. This rower can be divided into two sections and tools are not required.
You can find a lot of them at different gym locations because it has been built to last. The control panel has a built-in PM5 which is a sophisticated and easy-to-use monitor to track your workout.
It includes great workout information, session feedback, and even games. You can connect different devices like heart rate monitor bands, to smartphone apps. This feature gives you immediate results on every stroke you take, as well as cumulative performance data at the end of your routine.
The Concept 2 Model D rowing rides like a Cadillac. It has an excellent and robust design. It is super smooth. It also has an ergonomic rowing handle that allows up to a 10-degree bend, to give you a natural rowing position. It also will save you a handy space at home.
If you can afford it, the concept 2 machine is the best fitness investment you can have at home.
What I Like…
- Built-in for longer life
- Incredible Easy to assemble
- Excellent performance
- Sophisticated display panel with heart rate count
- Easy to Use, Move and Store
- Nice website/support
- Great Customer service and warranty
- Top seller & best-rated machine online
What I don’t Like…
- Is fairly expensive
The Best Under $300
Stamina ATS Air Rower 1399
- Rowing Beam: Steel
- Weight Limit: 250
- Resistance Type: Dynamic Air Resistance.
- Fold-able Frame: Yes
- Folded dimensions: 48H 18W & 28 Linches
- Warranty: Three-year frame warranty 90-days parts warranty.
The STAMINA AIR ROWER is a great option for women at any level because of its incredible performance. The built-in wind resistance is very simple to operate and allows for a wide range of intensity.
The intensity is handled dynamically and to increase it, just row faster, and to decrease it, just row slower.
Since this is similar to a resistance band it will tire out your arms faster which we don’t see it as a negative feature.
Using the display panel, you will find information like speed, distance traveled, time-lapsed and calories burned.
The Stamina Air Rower will definitely get your muscles working, providing a very good leg and upper body workout and I think is totally worth the money.
What I Like…
- Wide range of intensity
- Suitable for taller users
- Easy-to-operate
- Positive feedback from existing users
- Convenient set up for easy storage in a closet
- Reasonable price
What I don’t Like…
- It is on the loud side of rowers
- The digital screen does not have light and offers limited info
Other Great Alternative
MaxKare Rowing Machine
- Resistance Type: Air resistance
- Weight Capacity: 220 Pounds
- LCD Display: Yes
- Dimensions: 75.6L x 19.9W x 14.4 H inches
- Folded Dimensions: 42.5iL x 19.9 W x 54.7H Inches.
- Fold-able Frame: Yes
- Transport Wheels: Yes
This is a sleek rower for an affordable price. It’s very easy to assemble, with a compact design. The unit has a built-in wheel and folds up to save space when not in use. I found it is perfect for an apartment or when space is key.
Many users find it sturdy and feel like a gym-quality machine. It has a modern look and includes an Ipad holder so you can enjoy videos during work-out.
How this machine works is that it generates more wind the faster you row, meaning that the faster you work, the higher the resistance. It is recommended for users up to 6.2 feet in height and supports up to 264 pounds.
I found this model has all the essential features for an effective senior home workout.
What I Like…
- Solid steel frame
- Compaq Design
What I don’t Like…
- Does not provide the distance rowed
FAQs
Does Rowing Burn Belly Fat?
I wish the answer to the belly fat question was a simple yes. The truth is; you will need to do a little bit more to get rid of that love handle. Rowing is fantastic because you get a full-body workout. You can lose weight all over if you incorporate it with other weight management programs.
Belly fat is stubborn because it comes in doubles. Do you know the fat that rolls, jiggles, and in moments of self-deprecation, you pinch it in frustration? If yes, that is subcutaneous fat. Then there is the hidden fat that provides some cushioning for your organs: This is visceral fat, which is the most dangerous and can lead to multiple health problems.
Here is the good news; you can lose both by stepping up your physical activities. While you may not achieve a flat belly with rowing only, you get to use energy. The energy gets its fuel from the fat in your body.
See more about how to lose weight the proper way here.
Is it ok to use a rowing machine everyday
After getting a rowing machine many people immediately fall in love and would like to train every day. However, overtraining can lead to unnecessary fatigue and even injuries. My personal advice is to take it slow in the beginning. Always begin your exercise with a good warm-up and finish with a cool-down after. Rowing everyday is not often a bad idea but you have to listen to your body. I also think you should add different types of training to avoid reaching a plateau. strength training with resistance bands or dumbbells are a great option.
How to Prevent Rowing Machine Butt Pain?
Most rowing machine manufacturers in the industry have standard molded seats. If your size and weight is the standard person, a proper posture while rowing will prevent you from having butt pain. But if you are in the larger or smaller size. This can potentially lead to rowers butt pain.
Stretching the muscles before and after have been shown to help those people. If you are a beginner experiencing butt pain, give your body a bit of time, the pain usually dissipates once the body starts to adapt to this type of motion.
How Many Calories Does a Rowing Machine Burn?
People purchase a rowing machine to help them become the best version of themselves. However, the best path to a weight loss journey is by burning more calories than the ones you are consuming.
Many rowing machines come with built in display monitors to help you calculate the calories burned on your rowing machine. Just keep in mind that this is just an estimate. These numbers vary between age, sex, weight, duration and intensity.
So, while a 250-pound person burns around 329 calories in 30 minutes doing moderate effort on a rowing machine, a 120 pound person would burn 158 calories in the same amount of time and at the same intensity.
However, if you cut 1 muffin and 1 pop from your daily diet, that is 538 calories, the same as 50 minutes of vigorous exercise.
Final Thoughts
Rowing is a low-impact exercise, so it’s safe and easy on your joints. Anybody can use it from beginner, seniors, or fitness pros, an excellent way to workout at home. This form of exercise is great for cardio, to strengthen the muscles of your body, and even toning.
I hope I was able to help in your search and look forward to hearing your feedback.
Thank you for reading and happy workout!
Ria