Best rowing machines

You don't have to go to a fitness club to look fit and stay healthy. You can buy the best rowing machine at home and independently strengthen almost all the muscles of the body - arms, chest, back, abdomen, thighs and even legs. The main thing is to take into account when choosing all the advantages and possible disadvantages of each model you like. This rating is compiled with just such a purpose, based on user feedback, and it should help to avoid mistakes in purchasing.

Which rowing machine is better to choose

This rating contains firms that sell equipment at both low and medium prices, and premium.

We present the TOP-10 of the best manufacturers of sports equipment that simulates the movements of paddleboarding on the water:

• NordicTrack - American manufacturer of sports equipment for home use and use in fitness rooms. Most of all in its assortment are ellipsoids, ski machines, orbit tracks and rowing machines. The brand is owned by Icon Health & Fitness, headquartered in Utah.
• ProForm R600 Is another American brand founded in 1994. He specializes in the manufacture of treadmills, bicycles, ellipticals and rowing machines. Among the latter, there are aerodynamic models that can be folded down to compact dimensions. Their key features are a maximum permissible load of over 100 kg, over 10 operating modes, and a bright LED display. The brand is owned by ICON Health & Fitness.
• Concept 2 - the company began its work with the production of oars in 1976 under the leadership of Pete and Dick Dreisigaker. Today it produces rowing machines for amateur and professional level, easy to operate, functional and versatile, easy to transport due to the presence of wheels. With their help, it is possible to strengthen the cardiovascular system, to work out the muscles of the arms, chest, back, abdomen, thighs and even legs.
• Infiniti - the brand belongs to Infiniti Fitness Systems, which began its activities in 1982. Its range includes mainly magnetic-air devices, with more than 6 training programs, the ability to measure the heart rate and take into account the stroke rate. They work either from the mains or from the battery, depending on the model.
• DFC - a brand of a Russian company offering to buy rowing machines for home and other types of sports equipment for cardio training. There are both budget options and models at an average cost, as well as premium devices. They have comfortable, not very rigid seats and handles with a wide rotation angle (up to 360 degrees), withstand an average weight of about 100 kg, and are sold with a guarantee for up to 1-2 years.
• Clear fit Is a company operating in the sports equipment market since 2010. She has both home and commercial products. The emphasis is on the functionality, safety and usability of the devices. To do this, they are equipped with not very rigid pads on the handles, comfortable seats and spacious footrests.
• Lifespan - simulators under this brand began to be produced in 2001 in the middle price range.Their advantages include almost silent operation, stability on the surface, comfortable seats and handles, precise control over the course of the workout through easy-to-read displays. Due to their folding design, they do not take up much space in the room, and the wheels make them easy to transport.
• Proxima Is a supplier of various power accessories, professional and amateur cardio equipment. Its range includes mainly premium rowing machines that are equipped with paddles. They have a wide range of work programs, accurate display of training parameters (training time, number of strokes taken, etc.), and a simple folding mechanism.
• Body Sculpture - this brand is registered in Great Britain and since 1990 belongs to the international company Solex Industries Inc. The company's products are manufactured in China. It has few sports equipment that simulates rowing on water, but the available models are comfortable, safe and functional - they have adjustable pedals, fixing straps, transport wheels, folding and mechanical load level adjustment.
• CardioPower - a supplier of sports equipment that offers rowing machines as well. On average, they carry 120 kg of weight, have more than 5 training programs and several levels of resistance. Their feature, depending on the model, is the measurement of the pulse, the presence of bottle holders and the maximum permissible user weight over 100 kg.

Best elliptical trainers

Rating of the best rowing machines

During the preparation of this TOP, we studied user reviews about rowing machines, including the opinions of experienced fitness instructors. The following equipment characteristics were also compared:

• Type - aerodynamic, aeromagnetic, water, magnetic, mechanical or electromagnetic;
• Dimensions and weight;
• The number of training programs available;
• Maximum possible load;
• The possibility of folding the structure;
• Ergonomic seat;
• The angle of rotation of the handles;
• Power supply method - from the mains and / or from batteries / accumulators;
• Number of suggested load levels;
• Screen type and backlighting;
• Angle of inclination of the footrests;
• Frame materials;
• A set of functions - determining the heart rate, calculating the burned calories, recording the training time and the number of strokes made;
• Additional options include a connector for an MP3 player, a tablet stand, etc.

Also, during the analysis of reviews and product characteristics, we relied on an assessment of the smoothness of the movement, the stability of the structure on the surface, ease of operation, the duration of the warranty and the combination of price and quality of the devices.

The best Swedish walls

Best aerodynamic rowing machines

Such simulators are not so often on sale, compared to magnetic models, they are less popular due to their less smooth operation, but they are also cheaper. We present the top 3 models in this category in terms of functionality, ease of use, convenience and reasonable price.

NordicTrack RX800

The NordicTrack RX800 rowing machine is designed to develop physical endurance, improve cardiovascular function and build muscle throughout the body. It is especially useful for the shoulders, arms and back, making them stronger and helping to build muscles. This model was created for home use, however, due to its considerable size, it does not fit in any room, although it can be stored assembled.

The NordicTrack RX800 has 5 levels of exercise, which allows you to build up gradually and thus avoid overwork. It is changed manually, mechanically. The trainer has a high-strength steel frame and can support users weighing up to 130 kg and weighs 45 kg. There are 20 programs for effective workouts, 10 of which are aimed at burning calories.

Advantages

• The floor is not scratched during transportation thanks to the casters;
• Adjustable display angle;
• The ability to connect an MP3 player through a special connector;
• The presence of a shelf for a tablet;
• Several ways of power supply - from batteries and from the mains.

disadvantages

• Menu in English;
• No phone and bottle holder;
• No compensators for uneven floors.

The reviews note that they are buying this rowing machine for the home, in particular, because of the ergonomic chair and the optimal distance between the footrests - 12.5 cm.

ProForm R600

This model is included in the rating due to the combination of affordable price and high quality. It has compact dimensions (56 x 65 x 215 cm) and, if necessary, also folds for easy storage. Compared to the previous version, the weight of the simulator is 34 kg, but the load on it should not exceed 115 kg. It is powered by a battery, so there must be an outlet nearby. This is a home device with an English-speaking interface, but the menu is easy to understand.

The ProForm R600 is interesting in terms of functionality - there are 5 air damper positions that can be adjusted using a knob. The more air passes through the fan blades, the more calories are consumed. In this regard, it is often chosen just for weight loss. All settings are displayed on the backlit LCD screen, easy to read. We are talking about power, speed, training duration, distance covered, strokes per minute.

Advantages

• The warranty period is 2 years;
• Soft handles;
• Optimal distance between the seat and the pedals;
• Ease of folding the structure;
• Stability on the surface.

disadvantages

• There is no choice of training programs.

In ProForm R600, all data on the current settings are displayed on the screen in large symbols, allowing you not to distract from your workout.

Concept 2 Model D PM5

This is a semi-professional rowing machine designed for small gyms or at home. It provides a comfortable and safe cardio workout due to 10 levels of stress, among which both a beginner and an experienced athlete can choose the right option for themselves. The process can be made more fun by using the "virtual rowing" option, which simulates the movement of the river on a boat using the screen.

The Concept 2 Model D PM5 works primarily on the muscles of the arms and back, although the legs and abdomen are also involved, depending on the intensity of the training. In order to avoid overstrain of the body, the function of monitoring the duration of each individual cycle is provided. The lesson begins and ends with pressing the "start" button located in a convenient place (in front) on the control panel. For safe rowing, a heart rate monitor is built in here.

Advantages

• Withstands heavy loads - up to 227 kg;
• Allows you to change the distance from the seat to the handles;
• Weighs 26 kg;
• There are compensators for uneven floors;
• Displays heart rate data;
• Large transport rollers.

disadvantages

• Not very large screen;
• Insufficiently large numbers.

Reviews of this sports rowing machine indicate the accuracy of measurements of indicators (duration and intensity of training, heart rate, etc.) and an effective imitation of such an original sport.

Best aeromagnetic rowing machines

Compared to mechanical models, aeromagnetic models more accurately simulate real rowing on water, and thanks to this, muscles are worked out better and faster. With regular training, it is possible to strengthen the cardiovascular system, pump up arms and legs, and increase endurance. A device from this TOP category copes with this task.

Infiniti R70

The Infiniti R70 simulator exactly simulates the load that a person experiences when paddling in a pond. It allows you to combine strength and cardio loads, thereby simultaneously training muscles and the cardiovascular system. With its help, it is possible to burn excess calories and reduce weight.But it can only be used by users with a weight of no more than 100 kg, the manufacturer limits the permissible load to this mark.

The Infiniti R70 Aeromagnetic Rowing Trainer allows you to control your workout by tracking your calorie consumption, strokes per minute, exercise time and distance covered. The kit includes everything you need for installation - a collapsible structure, a monitor, wires and accessories. The device has 6 load levels for beginners and experienced athletes. Its weight is 27 kg, which is slightly less than that of competitors.

Advantages

• Accuracy of measurements;
• Ease of folding the structure;
• The ability to change the position of the seat;
• Ease of transportation;
• Good traction for increased load.

disadvantages

• The warranty is only given for 1 year.

According to reviews, this model is easy to use - it is stable on the surface, has a high fit, comfortable even for people of considerable stature, and a handle of optimal rigidity.

Best water rowing machines

Hydraulic sports equipment is popular because of the ease of adjusting the ridge tension and creating a training environment similar to that of a pond in a boat using a real paddle. Some of the most popular such models on the market are the 2 options discussed in this section of the rating.

DFC R403B

This is one of the cheapest home rowing machines, but it gives no less striking effect than more expensive models. It performs all the same functions - it takes into account the consumption of calories, shows the number of strokes during exercise and the distance traveled, determines the duration of the workout. All this allows you to control the process and increases its efficiency.

One of the features of this design is the presence of leg straps to ensure a stable body position and ease of use. The DFC R403B model has 8 levels of load, which makes it possible to build up the pace gradually and does not allow muscle overstrain. Users also decide to buy this rowing machine because of the optimal resistance due to the hydraulic cylinders.

Advantages

• Neat dimensions - 73 x 20 x 115 cm;
• Light weight - 14.2 kg;
• Imitation of the sound of paddling on water;
• Trains both upper and lower muscle groups;
• Strengthens the cardiovascular system.

disadvantages

• Not designed for loads over 100 kg;
• Powered by batteries only.

On the DFC R403B model, the load is adjusted using a handle, and the user independently determines the most comfortable pace for himself.

Clear Fit Neptune RN 1000

The Clear Fit Neptune RN 1000 trainer delivers both effective and smooth workouts for health safety. The load on the joints is not very large here and is distributed evenly to all muscle groups. The optimal distance between the seat and the handle keeps the back practically level and prevents the legs from bending at an acute angle. Thus, discomfort and the likelihood of joint damage is eliminated.

Clear Fit Neptune RN 1000 has practically no impact, and the "paddles" move smoothly, without jerks, but at the same time retain the feeling of real rowing. In particular, this became possible due to the optimal resistance level due to the water type of the simulator. If necessary, you can choose one of 6 programs for the most effective and safe training.

Advantages

• The declared service life is 720 days, but in fact it is much longer;
• The maximum permissible user weight is 140 kg;
• Not very long, which is especially convenient for short people;
• Easily fits in the house thanks to its compact size - 56 x 97 x 202.5 cm;
• The seat is not slippery.

disadvantages

• The warranty period is only 1 year;
• Does not detect pulse;
• Weighs 39 kg.

The Clear Fit Neptune RN 1000 has a QuickStart function for an instant start to your workout.

Best Magnetic Rowing Equipment

These are some of the most comfortable sports equipment among their kind - they create resistance using magnets, are easy to use and easy to maintain, guarantee quiet operation and smooth movements for safe use. In this section of the TOP, we are talking about the two best rowing machines in terms of convenience, efficiency and versatility.

Lifespan RW1000

The Lifespan RW1000 exercise machine has proven itself well in the market due to the simultaneous safe and effective impact on most muscle groups - the back, arms, abdomen and even legs. The presence of 5 levels of load provides the study of various parts of the body and allows you to choose the most optimal indicators for beginners and experienced athletes.

This model has electronic sensors for heart rate, calories burned, distance traveled and training time, which help to monitor activities and avoid harm to health. Rows with this device are smooth, without jerking, which reduces the likelihood of sprains and injuries, and also eliminates discomfort.

Advantages

• Sturdy steel frame;
• Withstands weight up to 136 kg;
• Works silently;
• Effective magnetic resistance;
• Does not take up much space in the house or hall;
• The possibility of folding the structure.

disadvantages

• Does not measure pulse.

Proxima Remos FW-658A

Sports equipment Proxima Remos FW-658A is designed for use in gyms. It has an electromagnetic loading system that ensures smooth rowing, quiet operation and easy handling. This model, due to the innovative DualTension resistance system, supports 16 levels of exposure to the muscles of the body.

The Proxima Remos FW-658A cardio exercise machine allows you to efficiently and safely perform arm swings, reduce and spread them, simulate rowing with an oar, which is included in the basic package. Taken together, all this makes it possible to work out the muscles of the back, chest, arms, hips, abdomen. The software package includes 15 operating modes that are manually selected.

Advantages

• Shows the pulse;
• It can fold and become less than half;
• Robust frame that can support up to 160 kg
• Long arms;
• Structural stability even on a not very flat floor;
• Comfortable seat.

disadvantages

• High price.

To track your training parameters (exercise time, speed, calories burned, etc.), the set includes a monitor with a bright screen.

Best Mechanical Rowing Equipment

Usually the cost of such products is lower than the magnetic options. Despite the name "mechanical", they are also equipped with an LCD display to display information about rowing speed, distance covered, training duration, etc. Their distinguishing feature is that they do not need to be connected to the mains. We reviewed the 5 most interesting of these sports rowing machines and selected one device for the rating.

Body Sculpture BR-2200H

The Body Sculpture BR-2200H rowing machine allows you to combine strength and aerobic activity, while improving the work of the cardiovascular system and working out the muscles. The effectiveness of training is provided, in particular, by the wide angle of rotation of the handles - 360 degrees. The frame is made of steel, which is why it is strong and has a maximum user weight of 120 kg. It works completely autonomously, powered by batteries.

The Body Sculpture BR-2200H is equipped with adjustable pedals, so you can control the load and distribute it to different muscle groups. The seat has 8 wheels to smooth the movement and maintain a stable position to avoid discomfort and injury. Trainings are effective due to the set indicators. Despite its functionality, the equipment is intended for home use only.

Advantages

• Large, comfortable saddle;
• Compact dimensions - 128 x 75 x 26 cm;
• Weighs only 17 kg;
• Wide pedals;
• The handles are not rigid.

disadvantages

• The structure does not fold;
• The warranty is provided for 1 year only.

With the help of the monitor, the user can keep track of the workout time, the number of strokes made per minute, and the calorie consumption.

Best Electromagnetic Rowing Equipment

These sports equipment are controlled using built-in electronics. They are silent and allow you to control calorie consumption, heart rate, workout time, number of strokes made. These devices work due to magnetic resistance, and only one model has become the best in this category.

CardioPower RE77

This artificial rowing machine is primarily distinguished by its appearance. The handles are not very long here, and the console is fixed approximately at the user's eye level for convenience. The adjustable footrest reduces pressure on the foot and eliminates joint injuries. Due to its low starting load, it is a good option for seniors. The effectiveness of training is due to the combination of magnetic and air resistance.

The CardioPower RE77 simulates water-based paddling precisely and runs smoothly and without jerking to reduce the risk of injury. It is distinguished by functionality - 16 levels of load, informing about the calories burned, the distance covered, the time of classes. The reviews note the absence of discomfort during training due to the comfortable seat and almost silent operation.

Advantages

• Simple folding system;
• Ease of movement thanks to wheels;
• Electronic load regulation;
• The warranty is valid for two years from the date of purchase;
• Sturdy frame.

disadvantages

• Designed for weight no more than 100 kg.

Which rowing machine is better to buy

There are two types of traction equipment - "Scandinavian" or "Latin" and "central". In the first case, a person during training experiences the same sensations as when controlling real oars on the water thanks to two handles. The second method implies the presence of only one such element. This ensures smooth movements and symmetrical muscle development. It is the last option that is most convenient for home use and novice athletes.

Here's the best rowing machine to choose based on your intended use:

• For advanced athletes, the NordicTrack RX800 or CardioPower RE77 can be selected due to the choice of high load levels.
• Tall people will find it more comfortable to practice with the ProForm R600, which is long enough and has an optimal distance between the handle and seat.
• If the goal is to quickly get back in shape and lose weight, then the Concept 2 Model D PM5 is the best choice due to the wide range of settings.
• People with disabilities of the cardiovascular system will find it convenient to train on the Infiniti R70, which shows the current heart rate.
• Those who are interested in a budget option for a home should pay attention to the DFC R403B at a low cost.
• If there are any problems with the joints and they cannot be heavily loaded, then the Clear Fit Neptune RN 1000 will be just right.
• Users with a large weight, up to 136 kg, can safely purchase the Lifespan RW1000 model.
• To make the training conditions as realistic as possible, like in a boat on the water, it will not be a mistake to buy Proxima Remos FW-658A equipment with a real paddle.
• In a small gym, you can safely put the Body Sculpture BR-2200H, which is well suited for beginners due to its ease of operation.

A wide range of prices allows you to choose the most suitable sports rowing machine for yourself. Such devices can improve cardiovascular function, increase endurance and tone various muscle groups in the body. But, of course, you should not expect results from inexpensive models, as from professional equipment.