Setting up a home gym can be quite challenging, especially if you have a small space. Thus, you need to weigh on the right machines to purchase that will provide you with more features given a smaller footprint. Fitness experts require having equipment for weights, resistance, and cardio as basics. While multi-functional machines provide you with more bang for your buck, target-specific ones still give out better performance.
A rowing machine may not be as popular as a treadmill or elliptical, but it can provide similar benefits. Rowers can also perform low-impact yet powerful exercises for a whole-body workout. It can help you improve your strength and cardiovascular system by working on your arms, legs, and core. It also provides adjustable resistance to cater to your needs – whether you want to tone areas or buff up, you can do so with it.
A rowing machine mimics the experience of rowing a boat on the water. And yes, there are rower with water models for more realistic practice. Though an air rower is more popular since it spares you of the hassle of adding water to your machine. It provides a realistic experience with adjustable resistance and smoother air glides.
This is where the dilemma comes in – choosing the right rowing machine. Though all have similar functions, some may have extra features and different comfort levels. Some models can also be folded after use, saving you precious horizontal space. You can also find a rowing machine gym that comes with LCD monitors for a more interactive and immersive workout.
Here at Top Best Reviewss, we listed down our top three most recommended best rowing machine models that vary in features but provide the same benefits. Though we tag one as the Editor’s Choice, your decision will still boil down to preference.
Best Rowing Machine for Cardio and Resistance – (Comparison)
| Name | Key Feature | |
| Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5 Performance Monitor – (Editor’s Choice) | Air-powered with 10-level damper setting for the air-resistance flywheel | Check Price |
| NordicTrack RW Rower | iFit trainer can adjust your rowing machine’s settings remotely according to the preset program you choose | Check Price |
| Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine Rower with LCD Monitor | 8 levels of magnetic resistance | Check Price |
Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5 Performance Monitor – Editor’s Choice
One of the most popular rowing machine models is the Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine. And it’s not for the hype but also performance-wise. It has straightforward controls and is friendlier to more users. It does not have smart capabilities but it delivers what is expected.
This home rowing machine provides you with a low-impact workout machine that targets core muscle groups in your body for a complete experience. It also burns calories and can serve as your everyday machine to sustain your fitter lifestyle.
You can know more about your key vitals and performance with a built-in tracker. You can check your progress with the installed back-lit Performance Monitor. You can check distance traveled, time lapsed, and intervals. You can also change settings and choose the program with the monitor, too. You can also download and save your workouts on your USB flash drive.
You can also extend the monitoring capabilities to heart rate by connecting it to other monitoring apps via Bluetooth.
Aside from monitoring, you can also use the rowing machine’s monitor to connect to workout apps to expand its functions. You can sign up to Connect2’s Workout of the Day and receive updates via email. To spice up your workouts or continuously challenge yourself, you can also join online challenges and compare results with other players.
The Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5 Performance Monitor is also a compact rowing machine. This rowing machine detaches two parts easily so you can stow it away after use. It also has smooth-gliding caster wheels for easy transport. Meanwhile, assembly is also convenient and fast with only 8 screws to use.
This rowing machine uses air. It utilizes an air-resistance flywheel that allows you to control the airflow in proportion to resistance with a damper. You can adjust the damper setting from levels 1 to 10.
Pros
- Air-powered for adjustable resistance
- Comes with a Performance Monitor that can also connect to workout apps
- With preset workout programs
- Smooth glides
- With a 14-inch seat height
- Can be detached into two pieces for compact storage; comes with smooth-gliding caster wheels
- Easy to install
- Damper setting for air-resistance flywheel is from level 1 to 10
Cons
- Expensive
Conclusion
The Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5 Performance Monitor provides both enough resistance and convenience (in terms of technology) so you can maximize its benefits for you. This rowing machine detaches into two parts so you can stow it away when not in use.
NordicTrack RW Rower
Do you want to achieve a rowers body? Something that has the endurance and stamina to carry out your everyday tasks, plus a bit of extra for yourself before retiring to bed? How about a fit body you can flaunt on regular days, much more during summer?
While we cannot have the opportunity to do actual rowing to achieve this, we can now do their routine and workout and achieve the same results with a rowing machine.
This rowing exercise machine is the most advanced of the rowing machine models in the market today, both in the technology and hardware departments.
First, this air-powered rowing machine utilizes an inertia-enhanced flywheel that can adjust airflow to vary resistance. This rowing machine allows you to experience 26 resistance levels to continuously challenge your workouts and reap progressive results.
Aside from manual controls, you can also do your rowing workouts with iFit, a subscription-based, online library of workouts. Aside from access to 30 workout programs specific to a rowing machine, you can also take advantage of interactive workouts. This allows the trainer to adjust your rowing machine’s settings according to the workout program you chose.
The NordicTrack RW Rower’s iFit also provides a different kind of experience, more like realistic and personal, just how gyms and live group workouts are like. This rowing machine already comes with a 22-inch smart HD touchscreen monitor to control settings and watch the program workouts from. Whether you want a rowing machine cardio or do rowing for weight loss, this rowing machine will not disappoint.
The NordicTrack RW Rower also boasts of features that help you ease out on using it. It has preset programs, manual resistance controls, ergonomic seats, oversized pedals to accommodate a variety of users, as well as an ergonomic handle. This one is also a foldable rowing machine that comes with wheels for portability and compact storage.
Pros
- Runs iFit, a subscription-based, interactive workout app
- iFit trainer can adjust your rowing machine’s settings remotely according to the preset program you choose
- Also works with manual control – comes with 26 resistance levels
- Comes with a rotating 22-inch smart HD touchscreen monitor
- Ergonomic padded seats and oversized pedals with adjustable nylon straps
- Air-powered and utilizes inertia-enhanced flywheel
- Foldable
Cons
- Expensive
Conclusion
The NordicTrack RW Rower provides an interactive experience that can boost your interest in keeping a fit and healthy lifestyle. Especially now that the pandemic has been keeping us confined in our homes most of the time, the iFit allows you to engage in workouts that provide a similar environment as the live ones or when you are in a gym.
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine Rower with LCD Monitor
If you are looking for a mid-range option that has all the functions you need from a rowing machine, this is the one for you.
The Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine Rower with LCD Monitor has several rowing machine models in their lineup, with this particular one boasting of an improved magnetic tension system. Operation is now quieter and provides you with 8 levels of resistance to choose from. Tension resistance can be easily adjusted via a rotary knob located conveniently on the rowing machine within easy reach. Increased rowing resistance allows you to experience the benefits of a stamina rowing machine.
Meanwhile, being low-impact means less strain on your body and more energy to work on your key muscle groups. It provides utmost comfort to the user with its padded seat, sweat-resistant, and ergonomic handlebars. This rowing machine also features large textured non-slip foot pedals with high-quality foot straps to secure your feet so you sustain your momentum.
A rowing machine for weight loss should be comfortable for long use and many repetitions. It should resist wear and be durable enough for high-intensity workouts. Gladly, this rowing machine provides attention to detail. Aside from cushioned seats and an ergonomic handle, it also has adjustable floor stabilizers to keep your rowing machine in place – no sliding and swaying. You can also put it on uneven surfaces by simply adjusting each stabilizer until the machine levels.
The Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine Rower has an LCD monitor to display vital information about your calories burned, time-lapsed and count. The scan mode allows you to visualize your progress to help you tune your activities to your goals.
This is also a portable rowing machine. You can tilt half of the machine to lessen the space you need for storage. It also comes with wheels for easy transportation – no need to lift.
Pros
- Magnetic resistance – 8 levels
- Comes with textured and non-slip foot pedals with adjustable straps
- With a cushioned seat and ergonomic and non-slip handlebars
- With digital LCD monitor ran by removable batteries
- Foldable
- Comes with transport wheels and adjustable floor stabilizers
Cons
- Inaccurate calorie counter
Conclusion
The Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine Rower is great for a starter rowing machine. It is easy to assemble, folds, and has some basic but intuitive controls. It does not have extra features or the cutting-edge tech behind it, but, this rowing machine works as advertised.
Final Verdict
You can certainly find the best rowing machine for you based on your budget, but when it comes to home gym machines, it is still best to go with quality and performance. More so, you also have to check for some extra features that you may or may not use at all; go for something that adds value to your workout and helps you achieve your goals.
That said, the best home rowing machine on this list is the Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5 Performance Monitor.
The Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5 Performance Monitor provides the right balance between performance, intuitiveness, and technology. This rowing machine has improved mechanisms, connectivity capabilities, and portability, making it a worthy investment to add to your home gym.