Best Rowing Machines for 2021

A rowing machine is a unique piece of equipment for aerobic training, during which all the most important muscle groups are affected: the back, shoulder and shoulder girdle, chest, legs and abs. Traditionally, there are 3 types: mechanical, magnetic and aerodynamic rowing machine.

A distinctive feature is the effective combination of cardio and strength training, safe training and a high percentage of calories burned. Strength exercises promote muscle growth and strength development, and active cardio training improves endurance and has a positive effect on the formation of the figure.

We present to your attention a rating of the best rowing machines for home. When distributing positions, the following criteria were taken into account:

• subtype defining a set of functions;
• the maximum weight of an athlete who can support the apparatus;
• a set of indicators displayed on the display that help keep track of calories burned and analyze characteristics (speed and number of strokes);
• reliability and ergonomic design, ensuring comfort and safety of activities.

Rowing machine training program

The rowing machine workout will be accompanied by strength exercises using your own weight or equipment that you have at home.

Option #1

• 5 minutes of rowing on a machine;
• twisting (abdominal muscles) 20-30 times.

Thus, the workout is completed for 30-40 minutes. After which you need to stretch the muscles.

Option No. 2

• 7 minutes rowing;
• 1 minute of body crunches;
• 2 minutes of jumping rope.

Perform 3-4 cycles without rest, after training, stretch and relax the muscles.

Option #3

• 2 minutes rowing;
• 1 minute push-ups;
• 1 minute of torso twists;
• air lunges or squats - 1 minute.

Perform a complex of 6-8 circles, for at least half an hour, but no more than 40 minutes. At the end of the session, stretch all your muscles.

Fat burning workouts require a duration of at least 30-40 minutes. Start with the first training option, gradually increasing the load and difficulty levels of training each week. Train 3-4 times a week.

Popular models

Kettler Coach M 7974–100

exercise machine with magnetic resistance system
Price: from $700.

Advantages

Professional exercise machine, foldable, with central traction, suitable for both professionals and beginners. It has expanded functionality, has 10 load levels and 18 training programs. Equipped with a monochrome LCD display. Displays information about training time, number of strokes, rhythm, distance traveled, calories burned, heart rate.

Flaws

• Heavy weight (47 kg);
• no scanning mode;
• high price.

Concept 2 E PM4

the machine allows you to train the whole body safely and effectively, remembers old results
Price: from $600

Advantages

The concept was created for training professional athletes - both at home and in the gym. Thanks to a special folding mechanism, it takes up little space in the apartment when not in use.

Withstands weight up to 135 kg. Equipped with a training computer. There are 30 training programs at your disposal, no network connection required. Remembers old results, which is convenient for analyzing achieved results. Withstands weight from 135 kg. Powder coated aluminum frame. The seat height has been increased to 51 cm, which is useful for people with knee joint diseases. The length of the monorail is adjustable and increases when purchasing an extension.

If the simulator is used in a gym, then several devices are connected into one circuit for the purpose of group training and competitions.

It has a spiral traction regulator, adjustable leg supports, and a holder with a bend for a natural hand position.

Flaws

High price.

Torneo Golfstream V-115

hydraulic exercise machine is perfect for working out the muscles of the back, abs, shoulder girdle and hips
Price: $130.

Advantages

Torneo is a lightweight, self-powered exercise machine (batteries) made in China. Affordable price, folding design. Equipped with a monitor that displays six parameters, including counting calories burned. The length of the frame is increased, thereby expanding the range of motion and training efficiency. The position of the training computer is adjustable.

Flaws

Low user weight - up to 100 kg.

Body Sculpture BR-3130

the monitor displays: training time, number of strokes, calories burned
Price: $150.

Advantages

The display shows information about calories burned, the number of strokes, and the distance traveled. Quite light - weight 19 kg. The maximum weight of an athlete is 110 kg. The pedals have fastening straps. The computer in scanning mode displays time, strokes, calories. There is a heart rate display function. Equipped with a stepless system for changing the load level Hi-Tech.

Flaws

Relatively light user weight.

Infiniti R100

large computer with a two-color LCD monitor, 15 built-in programs, 3 cardio programs for monitoring heart rate
Price: $500.

Advantages

Professional simulator with aeromagnetic loading system. Withstands weight up to 140 kg. Has a folding design. Equipped with a color display that displays 5 indicators, including the number of calories burned and rowing speed. Supplemented with a wireless heart rate transmitter.

Flaws

• high price;
• quite heavy - 43.6 kg and overall - 237 cm.

Housefit DH-86023

The display shows time, distance, calories, number of strokes, pace
Price: $150

Advantages

Inexpensive, lightweight (16 kg) and compact exercise machine (length -133 cm) for home use with a hydraulic loading system.

Flaws

• limited functionality;
• athlete weight up to 100 kg.

How to choose a rowing machine?

Experts recommend evaluating a number of parameters when choosing a rowing machine:

• compactness - the size of the most compact equipment is 40*125 cm; when choosing a model, it is important to consider that the length of the frame corresponds to the parameters of the student;
• adjustment - the ability to adjust the seat and the position of the support affects the convenience of exercise; the footrests must match the size of the feet;
• load change - there are models with stepwise and stepless load change to work different muscles;
• information content of the console - most exercise machines are available with a built-in computer that displays information about the workout (speed, distance, calories burned, etc.);
• heart rate measurement is an important option for increasing the effectiveness of training;
• principle of operation - there are models that operate from the network and simulators with a built-in current generator.

The best magnetic products

Xterra ERG200

Designed specifically for active use at home. With the help of this device, you will be able to quickly and effectively work out almost all the main groups of large muscles, form correct posture, and improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system. The design here is quite simple; there is a folding mechanism, due to which the product is quite convenient to store and transport from one place to another. It uses a magnetic load system made using the latest Magnetic Single Resistance technology, and the flywheel mass is equivalent to 10 kg. The movements on the machine are smooth and very stable. This has a positive effect on coordination of movements and balance of the body. There are 8 load levels in total, so the difficulty of working on the simulator is adjustable.

There is quite an information display that will display all the information the user needs. The basis here is double aluminum rails equipped with stiffening ribs, thanks to which the simulator will support the user’s weight up to 110 kg. The seat is very comfortable, adjustable to the length of the legs, the pedals are also adjustable, so a person will feel as comfortable as possible during training. The product has transport rollers and floor unevenness compensators.

Advantages:

• Very compact overall dimensions;
• 8 load levels;
• Increased frame strength;
• Adjustable seat and pedals;
• Manual load adjustment system.

Flaws:

• Some users are distrustful of the fact that these products are assembled in Chinese factories.

Xterra ERG200

Sport Elit SE-104

With the help of this simulator you can ensure the smoothest movements possible, just like in the process of real rowing. Users were unable to detect any jerks or dips during exercise. Like most of the devices included in our review of the best rowing machines, there is a very convenient and informative display with all the data necessary for a person exercising. It combines two types of sports equipment: designed to develop and stabilize the cardiovascular system and get rid of excess fatty tissue and mass, used for the full development of the muscle frame and providing an attractive appearance. The device puts stress on all major muscle groups. The device does not require a large amount of free space, so it can easily fit even in a small apartment.

The basis here is steel pipes and channels, reinforced with stiffening ribs, thanks to which people with a body weight of up to 120 kg can exercise on this simulator. The seat is quite large and glides over the aluminum tire very easily and silently. The pedals have decent overall dimensions, and the feet are secured to them using special fasteners. There is no need to connect to the mains.

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Advantages:

• Absolute autonomy of product operation;
• High strength and reliability of this simulator;
• Small overall dimensions of the device;
• Availability of a folding mechanism;
• All necessary parameters can be easily adjusted.

Flaws:

• The display could have been bigger.

Sport Elit SE-104

DFC R8001

It is a fairly universal product that is perfect for both people who are just starting to take care of their health and already very experienced athletes. Depending on your own physical fitness, the user can give preference to one of 16 load levels. In addition, the developers included 20 different programs in this simulator. Each of them represents an optimally selected number of different parameters; you can set them all manually. Comfort from training is significantly increased thanks to the available floor unevenness compensators; the kit also includes anti-slip stops and leg straps. The maximum permissible load on the device is 120 kg, so even fairly large users can exercise on it.

The functionality of the computer is quite wide, and it reads all data as accurately as possible and does not distort them during processing. There are levers installed here that are completely independent of each other and can rotate 360 ​​degrees, so the workouts are quite varied. The seat has an ergonomic shape, you can sit on it for quite a long time, and it has a special anti-slip coating. The display of the simulator is monochrome, has high-brightness LED backlighting, so the data will be very readable even in direct sunlight.

Advantages:

• A large number of different built-in programs;
• Suitable even for fairly large people;
• Informative liquid crystal display;
• Original appearance.

Flaws:

• Quite expensive compared to other similar models.

DFC R8001

INFINITI R70

The device is a structure equipped with an air loading system. In total, the manufacturer provides as many as six load levels, the user will have to choose the most suitable mode from them. Thanks to its compact overall dimensions, this model will fit perfectly into the interior of even a small apartment. If necessary, the simulator can be folded - there is a special mechanism for this. The roller system is of high quality and ensures smooth movement of all moving elements, which not only makes the exercise as comfortable as possible, but also allows you to perform the exercises correctly. This gives an even load on the muscles, no jerks were noticed. The model has a liquid crystal display with adjustable angle, so you don’t have to peer at the data. The computer turns on and off automatically, turning on immediately after the first swing, and turning off after a couple of minutes of inactivity. It is powered by ordinary AA batteries.

The simulator can support a user weighing up to 100 kg. When folded, it has overall dimensions of 128x77x25 cm, in the working position - 198x46x86 cm. If necessary, the user can additionally purchase a chest heart rate sensor, which will measure the remote control. There is a ventilation system, the air flow is adjustable. The simulator is based on a steel frame, a frame made of aluminum. The seat and pedals are made of fairly durable plastic.

Advantages:

• Compact design, equipped with a convenient and reliable folding mechanism;
• Six load levels, you can combine aerobic and strength exercises;
• High strength and good reliability of the model;
• There is a built-in blowing system.

Flaws:

• Apart from the rather high cost, nothing was found.

INFINITI R70

The best mechanical devices

DFC R7103

The maximum load on this machine is 100 kg - quite enough for most users. The model effectively combines a whole range of cardiological loads, and is also capable of working with a significant number of muscle groups - the back, chest, arms and legs. During the exercise, large muscles are involved, so a person will expend quite a lot of energy. With the help of exercises on this device, it is possible to reduce the volume of fat layer, instead of which an attractive and sculpted muscle corset will be created. The design is equipped with a very convenient and reliable folding mechanism, which makes the exercise machine optimally suitable for use at home. Its overall dimensions are 54x124x68 cm when folded and 50.5x46x174 cm when ready for use. There is a handle to adjust the load. The load is adjusted using an original magnetic system - in total there are as many as 10 operating modes.

The device has a liquid crystal LCD display. Information is displayed here regarding the duration of the session, the number of strokes made per minute, and the number of calories burned. The model is absolutely safe to use. The handles have a special anti-slip coating, and there are large foot rests equipped with reliable fastening straps.

Advantages:

• There is a folding mechanism;
• Long service life;
• Availability of liquid crystal display;
• Very convenient to use.

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Flaws:

• The user weight limit is 100 kg.

DFC R7103

Kettler Favorit 7978-900

The model is equipped with a very convenient loading system, which consists of a pair of cylinders. Using this original technology, it is possible to smoothly change the degree of load, preventing excessive stress on the joints or spine. The frame has increased strength; a person whose weight will reach 130 kg can exercise on this simulator. The overall dimensions of the product are 124x78x26 cm, there is no folding mechanism, but such products do not take up very much free space anyway. The seat here is soft and orthopedic, which allows you to make the training process as comfortable as possible without causing unpleasant or painful sensations in the lower back. The footrests are equipped with an anti-slip coating and have Velcro straps.

A special clip sensor is supplied with this product. In addition to it, you can purchase a chest heart rate sensor. They transmit data about a person’s condition to the display, and the error here will be minimal. The product is equipped with a monochrome LCD display, it is equipped with an anti-glare coating, and it also has several informative sections. In this case, the simulator is not connected to the mains - the display and all sensors operate on ordinary batteries or rechargeable batteries. There is a system for constant monitoring of the upper pulse threshold. If the heart rate reaches this indicator, the user will be informed about this by a special sound signal.

Advantages:

• High quality of production and assembly of products;
• Ease of performing exercises and adjusting the load;
• Availability of sensors and display;
• Capable of supporting significant user weight.

Flaws:

• Efficiency is calculated in kilojoules - not everyone understands what this data is and how to work with it.

Kettler Favorit 7978-900

Torneo Golfctream V-117

It has fairly compact overall dimensions and low weight, so this product is ideal for installation in an apartment. The original point associated with this product is the presence of its own full-fledged training computer, and not a simple display, as was the case with previous models included in the review. With its help, the user will have full control over the number of strokes, the duration of the lesson, the total distance traveled, and will also be able to find out exactly how many calories were expended. The load adjustment here is mechanical. This is quite convenient for both beginners and experienced athletes. If desired, the effort can be made more directly during the training process. The load is generated by a pair of hydraulic cylinders, one of them is installed on each side of the device.

Thanks to this system, it is possible to achieve silent operation of the equipment, so you can practice at any time of the day or night. The developers have made the design as ergonomic as possible - any person will be comfortable using this simulator, regardless of their height and build. The levers have special notches that provide a high level of comfort during training. The simulator has a reinforced frame, which ensures the longest service life of the product. For its production, only materials that perfectly resist wear were used.

Advantages:

• Small overall dimensions;
• A folding mechanism is provided;
• There is a full-fledged on-board computer;
• Takes up minimal free space;
• It works absolutely silently.

Flaws:

• Withstands a person's weight up to 100 kg.

Torneo Golfctream V-117

Rowing machine for home: tips for choosing

A rowing machine for home is an excellent cardio machine, which, by the way, can also be used for high-quality strength training. This sports unit is very practical and convenient, but is currently less popular than exercise bikes or treadmills and elliptical trainers.

Rowing is a universal exercise

When you buy a rowing machine for your home, you get a universal sports unit that uses 82% of the muscles of the human body during exercise. This indicator is superior to all other cardio equipment, except for orbitreks, which simulate skiing.

Who is the rowing machine suitable for?

• For active people.
• For those who want to lose weight.
• For athletes who want to maintain their existing sports form.
• For patients recovering from injuries.

There are even rowing machines for children, so we can say for sure that this type of cardio equipment is suitable for all ages.

When are rowing machines not recommended?

• For back injuries.
• When the ideal body weight is greatly exceeded.
• For heart disease.

It is very important to remember that any exercise has its own technique, which must be monitored to obtain the correct load on the muscles. During training, control your posture: your back should be straight, but you should not overexert it.

Features of the simulator:

• Multilateral unit. Reviews of the home rowing machine claim that it is very versatile, since you can come up with different ways to train on it. Thus, you will be able to pump up your legs, back, abs, pectoral muscles, and arms.
• The joints are not loaded. This cardio machine is notable for the fact that there is no shock load on the joints, and this makes it possible to avoid unnecessary injuries.
• Suitable for interval training. To get your body into excellent athletic shape, we recommend that you conduct classes with interval loading, that is, time periods with different intensities.

How to choose a rowing machine for your home?

To choose a rowing machine for your home, consider the following:

• Pre-calculate the appropriate rowing machine size for your home. Each unit has its own dimensions, both folded and unfolded.
• The “User’s maximum weight” parameter should be at least 10-15 kilograms higher than the weight of the trainee.
• It is very convenient when you can adjust the position of the leg support on the rowing machine.
• The handles of the unit should be comfortable and made of good material that your hands will not slip on.
• A good simulator has a seat that moves smoothly along the rails without jerking.
• Rowing machines have the following types of braking systems: air, hydraulic and magnetic. The first two have a lower price tag and good technical characteristics, but at the same time they emit additional noise. Exercise machines with magnetic resistance are more functional and are the most comfortable to train on, but their price is usually higher.
• Before you buy a rowing machine for your home, test one or another model in gyms or retail stores in your city, and then we recommend ordering it on ZonaSporta.com.

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