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It’s time to row yourself to better health. Store Exercise Equipment
As an engaging and cardio-and-strength-combining piece of equipment, rowing machines are immaculate for total-body fitness.
And, rightfully so. While you typically think of exercise bikes and elliptical machines to be the forefront of any gym, rowing machines are the diamond in the rough, especially if you want to focus on boosting your endurance levels and diving into a full-body, immersive workout.
Because rowing machines are certainly the investment to your home gym — much like treadmills — it’s important to understand which features are worth looking into and how to properly row. Ahead, we consulted three professional rowing experts to explain the ins and outs of rowing — from some quality machines they recommend to how to properly work the equipment.
“Rowing improves your cardiovascular fitness as well as your overall strength and mobility, especially in the hips as the fundamental motion of the stroke is the extension through the legs and hips,” Annie Mulgrew, VP founding instructor of CityRow, told the Post. “Using a rowing machine allows you to get a total body, high-intensity workout (major calorie burn!) that is also low impact, reducing the risk of injury.”
Alex Prostano, certified rowing coach and head coach at Orangetheory Fitness Manhattan at East 39 Street echoed this sentiment. He said, “Rowing is a comprehensive workout that engages an impressive 86% of the body’s muscles, providing a robust cardiovascular workout akin to running, but with significantly less impact on the joints.”
For those who want a heart-pumping workout that doesn’t wreak havoc on knees or ankles, rowing is worth consideration. Along with being an alternative to higher impact sports, it has the mental health benefits that other forms of exercise does. And, if you happen to own your own machine, it can be done in the privacy of your home.
“Absolutely,” Prostano told the Post. “Rowing is an effective way to get in shape, as it offers a full-body workout, improving both muscular strength and cardiovascular fitness. It’s suitable for beginners, with a recommended starting duration of 5 to 10 minutes per session. As you advance in technique and endurance, you can gradually increase your rowing time or intensity. While it’s safe to row daily, it’s important to listen to your body and incorporate rest days as needed.”
Like with many things, form is important. “Common mistakes in rowing include improper posture and sequencing in the stroke phases,” he explains. “Orangetheory recommends the Start, Drive, Finish, and Return phases for optimal rowing.”
“The rowing stroke is considered in a four-part process: catch, drive, release (or finish) and recovery,” USRowing Level 2 Coach and UCanRow2 Instructor Nancy Saylor, who has 19 years of professional rowing experience, told the Post.
Below, she highlights exactly an easy-to-follow guide on how to use a rowing machine:
Before shopping below, take a list at our quick shops for rowing machines: Amazon, Best Buy, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Walmart, among other retailers we feature.
Ahead, find the top rowing machines our experts recommend, paired with top-rated rowing machines that fit the bill. And, be sure to check out our expanded, expert-backed FAQ at the end of this guide for more advice and information on rowing.
“If you want to be competitive, Concept2’s monitor can’t be beaten for recording and tracking your times and is the industry standard,” Saylor said. Prostano, who is also a fan, cites the machine’s “durability and performance tracking features” as a reason its a favorite pick at his studio.
This highly acclaimed rower boasts incredible performance tracking with its self-calibrating Performance Monitor 5, has adjustable footrests and an ergonomic handle for easy-to-use equipment that’s under $1,500. It can be connected to the Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor (included in order) if you want to track your heart rate, and Bluetooth and ANT+ can be used at the same time. Lastly, the spiral damper allows for adjustment of the airflow impacting the flywheel, which is handy if you need to alter the feel of the drag.
Other bells and whistles with this best rower include preset workouts, a smartphone cradle, and a resistance band. Not too shabby in our book. Here’s what one happy customer had to say about it on Amazon:
Customer review: “The Concept2 rower hasn’t changed in years because it is perfect. If you own one piece of exercise equipment, own this. They last forever, you will be leaving it to your children — an American classic.”
We’re all about the Snode Water Rowing Machine because it features a virtual community that encourages you to hit your fitness goals and according to the experts we spoke with, it’s basically unmatched. It has 16 fans and offers water-based resistance, so if you’re looking for a more authentic rowing experiencing, this may be the one for you.
The model comes with a trainer-led workout app and stunning display that’ll have you motivated for your full-body rowing machine workouts. It also can be stored upright to save space. Although some seasoned rowers who’ve reviewed it say it doesn’t compare to more expensive models, many agree that it’s great for the price and that it has an easy set up.
Customer review: “It’s smooth, solid, attractive, and easy to assemble. We put ours in my son’s vacant bedroom [upstairs], so make sure you have help getting the box to the second floor (that was the hardest part of the assembly!). Decent directions, even with the language barrier, and all the parts went together with ease. It even comes with a cool water pump and water tablets so you can fill the spinner tank thingy without spilling. It’s fun to use. The only part that made me cuss was getting the digital wiring connected. Old man hands, farsightedness, and tiny connections were not conducive to a good time, but we persevered. Everything works perfectly. Good product.”
Enter the Hydrow, the high-performance rower that has an incredible HD display, a paired app to measure your progress and heart rate plus a 10-roller system for effortless drag and operation. Also, it looks incredibly sleek in your home gym, has stellar rowing machine reviews, and is a perfect quality rower for consistent use, whether you’re a beginner or advanced trainer.
For more, check out our full review of the Hydrow Rower.
As one of the most popularly searched-for rowers, the Teeter Power10 Rower is the rowing machine and elliptical hybrid you didn’t know you needed. With bi-directional, magnetic resistance, you’ll engage more muscles than the traditional rower for relatively the same price.
One feature we’re impressed is the higher seat, which will definitely be pleasing for those who have some mobility issues. We also like the multi-grip handles and the resistance selector, which can be adjusted up to seven degrees. As Prostano recommended, the machine does have a nice digital display to keep track of your workout’s progress. However, it is on the smaller side, which can be a drag (no pun intended) for the price point.
No, rowers don’t have to come with a high ticket price. The Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine is one of the best budget rowers out there, which includes an LCD monitor, ergonomic and slip-resistant foot pedals and 16 levels of tension to customize your workouts. The tail dislodges to be placed upright for easier storage and the handles can also be used alone if you want to single out those biceps.
Like a lot of the best rowers, there’s an app to download for access to training vids. Do you need it for this machine? No, but it’s nice, especially if you’re easily bored.
Customer review: “I use this rowing machine nearly daily. I have family that also have rowing machines in a much higher price range and I find this unit just as good, [reliable, sophisticated] and just as usable as theirs. Plus, I can use the bar for vertical weight lifts, too, for toning my arms. It’s sturdy, stable and forgiving. If you are not out to have the most fashionable name in rowing machines, this one is a truly worthwhile purchase and a good addition to your gym.”
If you’re looking for a machine that makes your low-impact, full-body workout as easy as can be, look no further than Aviron’s Rower. With a 22″ HD touchscreen, a space-saving design and premium construction (with a commercial-grade nylon belt), your home gym experience will be optimal with this best rowing machine.
It has dual air and magnetic resistance, as well as a commercial grade nylon belt, and is super sleek. Although we’re not crazy that you need an Aviron membership ($24/month), to have access to all the workouts, we do like that the touchscreen can also be used to watch regular streaming channels. If you’re someone who can’t workout without binge-watching something, the additional cost may be worth it. Also, it’s really no more expensive than a typical gym membership. It’s currently sold out on Aviron but the site is full of rave reviews like this one:
Customer review: “I purchased my rower a couple of months ago and I love it. It has so many features that keep me entertained and make me want to use it. It’s a good, hard workout but also I can row in a more relaxed way when I feel like it. The community feedback is great, and so are the challenges, even though I’m not a competitive person. Yes it’s pricey, but I use it all the time, so it’s worth it.”
The Stamina DT Rowing Machine is ready to guide you on your fitness journey no matter your experience level. As you work out, the resistance will depend on your rowing strokes — the faster you go the more intense it will be. Other features include textured footbeds to keep your feet secure, padded handlebars and an LCD monitor that tracks time, count, distance, calories and total count.
According to several customers, it’s easy to assemble, which we always like. However, the weight capacity, which stops at 250 pounds, isn’t as high as other models on our list. Although it doesn’t fold, we’re fan of the wheels and slim design. For those with not a lot of space, it could make a great addition to your home’s gym.
Customer review: “This was the perfect piece of exercise equipment for limited space. Super easy to assemble, lightweight and easy to store. It’s a fan rower, so the only sound is similar to a box fan — maybe even slightly quieter, depending on your box fan. Great machine and I’m super happy with my purchase so far.”
Modern and well-made, Echelon’s Smart Rowing Machine has a gorgeous LCD display and is designed with an easy-glide, ergonomic handlebars that’ll have you rowing to the max. Plus, it comes with a free 30-day membership to have you rockin’ and rolling (or, should we say: rowing).
All jokes aside, it’s a decent machine, offering a sturdy feel and smooth pull. The screen is 22 inches and rotates, which will come in handy for many of the workouts included with the Echelon membership. Yes, that will cost extra, but the 30-day free trial will help you decide whether it’s worth it or not for you, and if you purchase through Amazon, you have 90 days to return for a full refund. According to several happy customers, it can be enjoyed without the app or membership, too.
As a top brand for treadmills, there’s no surprise NordicTrack made the cut. Its RW900 Rower offers two types of resistance: air and magnetic, which gives a bit more control when it comes to how challenges your workout gets. We love the comfortable, molded seat, oversized pivoting pedals with adjustable nylon foot straps. The beautiful display highlights total strokes, distance and calories burned — basically all the things you need to know.
The rower is also space-saving, which we always like to see, and has transport wheels to move wherever you prefer to get your sweat on. If you may have noticed, we’re not huge fans of any machine that requires membership to access trainers, workouts and metrics. However, if you grab the rower on Amazon, it comes with a 30-day free membership to iFit!
Customer review: “No impact, easy to learn, easy to fit into your schedule, well designed for saving space. I keep mine folded in the corner and it takes about 10 seconds to be setup and rowing. Very well made and the workouts are fun and interactive. I love it”
If you’re working out in a tighter space, look no further than Marcy’s Foldable Regenerating Rower. The seated rowing machine is foldable (which we love) and it still has all the basic features you need to reap the benefits of rowing. It offers eight levels of resistance, which is more than enough to power up muscles, and the ergonomically designed seat should help prevent saddle soreness from setting in too quickly. Although we do wish the digital display had more to offer, it does give the basics. Also, the price is — smooch — chef’s kiss.
Customer review: “I have been doing Crossfit for a while. [Because] of my work schedule changing, I have to do my workout at home sometimes, Rowing is always one of my favorite exercise of all . The crossfit gym usually uses Concept2 rowers, but the price is much higher, so it is not in my consideration. The Marcy rower is much more affordable and fits my budget. The quality of the system is actually quite nice. It took me about 30 to 40 minutes to assemble, and I immediately started using it and did my first 5k .I think the resistance level is good and the pull is very smooth. I was [going at] 75% with the 5k and still got quite sweaty after. It would be nice if there was an iphone holder for the add on, so I can watch movies while rowing. Overall, its a good system for the price.”
For those of you who like water-based resistance, the WaterRower is sure to be a favorite. It gives the feeling (and challenge) of being on open water without leaving the home. It doesn’t have a fancy immersive screen or a connected app, but that’s also another reason we sort of like it. Simply pop in your ear buds and row, row, row.
Two of our experts are fans of it too. “The WaterRower uses a unique circular water tank for resistance, providing a smooth, natural rowing experience,” says Prostano. Saylor adds, “It’s is a beautiful piece of equipment because it’s made of wood, and stands upright when not in use.”
Customer review: “I just got it today but so far, my impression is like many reviews: easy to assemble and looks and feels well crafted and sturdy. Resistance is similar to actual rowing. Plus, the water sound is soothing and rhythmic, while not [being] overly loud. The only minor problem was the hardware kit had an extra nut where a bolt should have been…so missing a bolt, but I had one that works fine. It just doesn’t match the others.”
A LCD screen to measure metrics? Check. Smooth operation? Check. Under $500? Check! Seriously, this rower has everything you need, minus the hefty price tag. More than 2,000 happy customers on Amazon love it, praising its easy operation and the stellar workout it provides. Featuring a 10 pound flywheel, it offers 16 levels of resistance, is suitable for users between 4 feet 5 to 6 feet 2 inches, and can hold up to 350 pounds. Although its mechanics may not impress serious rowers, for newbies, it’s a great option to get your rowing feet wet. The machine can be folded upward when not in use, and is also quiet, thanks to its precision magnetic drive system. And again, we love, love, love the price point!
Customer review: “Great for small spaces. It flips up easily to reduce the footprint. The resistance levels are awesome. I’m pretty fit and at level 2 (out of 10). It’s definitely a workout. Relatively quiet, too, so easy to do when others are sleeping. The foot straps have held up great after 10 months.”
A wooden beaut, The Ergatta Rower is a splurge-worthy model that looks sharp and classic in your home gym. Notably, its game-based workouts provide fun challenges to your fitness routine while its digital touchscreen makes your sweat session more streamlined.
Customer review: “Love it! Easy to navigate the tablet options, easy to row even for someone who is overweight and WAY out of shape. Happy to see my stats improving a little each time. Feeling stronger already!”
“Yes, rowing is both a cardio and strength workout that uses the power of resistance to build muscle,” Mulgrew said. “The resistance provided in water [rowers] as well as the effort put into the stroke by the rower allows for a much more natural feeling of resistance and helps you get stronger, faster.”
“Rowing uses 86% of the muscles in your body; it’s a total-body workout that uses all of the major muscle groups including chest, back, shoulders, arms, most significantly, your legs and glutes — which makes it a killer calorie and fat-burning machine,” Mulgrew adds. “Remember, your largest muscle groups use the most energy in order to function- — with the pulportionary part of the rowing stroke being 90% legs and hips. This means [with] each stroke, you’re maximizing your energetic reserves!”
According to Saylor, “good form and technique” coupled with “knowing your limitations” is important for preventing injury.
“Once you have your technique down, you will be able to work to higher intensities,” Mulgrew adds. “Because of the low impact nature of the rowing machine, the risk of strain to the joints is significantly lower compared to other forms of cardio like running and spinning.”
“Beginners can start by working on their form and with short intervals of rowing to get a feel for the machine and the movement,” Mulgrew recommends. “You can work your way up by testing out different resistance and stroke rates to find what works for you.”
“Being an advanced rower means that you are able to be consistent in both your stroke rate and your split times,” Mulgrew said. “So, the best advance level rowing workouts are ones that demand higher intensities for longer periods of time.”
“When purchasing a home rowing machine, key factors to consider include your budget and the machine’s features,” says Prostano. “Look for a rower that can track essential metrics like time, split time, watts and stroke rate. Top options like the WaterRower and Concept 2 also offer workout and interval settings. Choose a machine that suits your space and aligns with your fitness goals. Additionally, you can look for access to quality instructional guidance and virtual coaching.”
“If your goal is to be competitive, the monitor is key,” Saylor advises.
“A padded seat will give added comfort during your workout and foldability is key for those living in smaller spaces to stand and store,” Mulgrew adds. “A rower with a waterwheel simulates the experience of rowing on water, which makes for a more natural, organic feeling.”
“To feel and see results, you’ll want to be consistent in your rowing workouts by doing at least 30 minutes two to four times a week,” Mulgrew said. “Rowing can be done daily depending on the intensities at which you row (and your own specific goals may have you rowing daily), but it doesn’t have to be done daily to reap all its benefits.”
Plus, consistently committing to two times a week for months at a time is better than burning out after doing seven times a week for only a few weeks, Mulgrew explained.
“Like all calorie-burning workouts, rowing can result in weight loss if it’s included as part of a healthy lifestyle,” Mulgrew said. “With consistency, you’ll not only lose weight, but rowing’s resistance will help you develop muscles throughout your body. To feel your best, commit to a varied weekly routine that includes rowing as well as strength and mobility workouts.”
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