Getting fit doesn’t have to be hard. There are some great home rowing machines you can invest in that will give you a great workout. Getting a piece of versatile equipment can really help your fitness journey.
The best at home rowing machines will give you a whole body workout. Not only will you get a great cardio workout, but your muscles will get stronger and your endurance will improve. The machines work a range of large muscles, including your legs, back, arms, shoulders and core. Whether you’re a beginner, fitness enthusiast, or want to be more active, rowing is a great type of exercise.
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Why Choose A Rowing Machine?
A rowing machine is a very versatile piece of equipment that will give you a great cardio and resistance workout. Many of the muscles in your body will be working when you row, compared to some cardio equipment that will only work the lower body.
Benefits:
- Whole Body Workout – All of your muscles will be working including your legs, glutes, back, arms, shoulders and core.
- Improves Cardio Fitness – Regular workouts will improve your heart and lungs.
- Improves Muscle Endurance – The continuous motion will really challenge your muscles.
- Low Impact – Will be easier on your joints than high impact exercises such as running.
- Convenient – You can do your workout in the comfort of your own home.
- Adjustable – You can easily change the speed and resistance.
The best thing about a rowing machine is you can start with quick and easy workouts then build up your time as you get fitter.
Types Of The Best At Home Rowing Machines
There are a few different types of resistance to look out for. Let’s take a look.
1. Air Resistance
An air resistance machine uses a flywheel. When you pull the bar the flywheel will spin creating air.
One of the main benefits of an air resistance machine is the more you row the more resistance there will be. This can be great if you like to vary the intensity of your workout.
Benefits:
- Smooth Resistance.
- Great for beginners and experienced.
- Great for Endurance and Intervals.
- Easy to control the intensity of your workout.
May be a little loud compared to other types. If you live in an apartment you might want to think about this.
2. Magnetic Resistance
A magnetic resistance rowing machine uses magnets to create resistance. They are popular for home gyms as they’re usually quite quiet.
The resistance can usually be adjusted manually.
Benefits:
- Quiet.
- Lots of resistance levels.
- Great for home and apartments.
- Often small.
If you want to do your workouts without being too annoying to others in your home this would be a good option.
3. Water Resistance
A water resistance rowing machine uses water in a tank. When you pull the bar the paddles will move through the water.
Many people love these machines as it feels like you’re rowing.
Benefits:
- Feels like you’re rowing.
- Resistance dependant on your effort.
- Smooth rowing.
- Stylish design.
They can be a bit more maintenance than magnetic resistance. You’ll need to clean the tank occasionally.
4. Hydraulic Resistance
A hydraulic resistance rowing machine uses pistons to create resistance. These are usually smaller and cheaper than many traditional rowing machines.
If you don’t have much space or budget this could be a good option.
Benefits:
- Small.
- Usually cheap.
- Easy to store.
- Great for basic home workouts.
May not feel as natural as air, water and magnetic resistance.
Features Of The Best Home Rowing Machines
Not all rowing machines are the same, so here are some features to look for to ensure you’re comfortable.
1. Resistance Settings
Look for a rowing machine that allows you to change the resistance depending on your fitness level. If you’re a beginner you may want an easy to adjust resistance, however if you’re experienced you may want higher resistance.
If there are lots of resistance settings you’ll be able to increase your workout as you get stronger and more endurance.
2. Comfortable Seat And Handle
If you’ll be doing regular workouts then having a comfortable seat is important. Look for a padded seat that glides along the rail.
Make sure the handle is comfortable.
3. Digital Display
A digital display can make your workouts easier to keep track of. Depending on the machine you may be able to see:
- How long you’ve been working out for.
- Distance travelled.
- Strokes per minute.
- Estimated calories burnt.
- How fast you’ve been working out.
- Heart rate (if compatible with a monitor).
This will help you keep track of your progress. The calories are just an estimate.
4. Foldable and Space-Saving Design
Choose a model which can be folded up for easy storage if you don’t have much room.
Some will stack while others have a foldable frame or wheels for transporting.
Before purchasing measure how much floor space you have to ensure it will fit comfortably.
Tips for Using a Rowing Machine at Home
When purchasing a rowing machine there are also certain techniques you should be using. To make your workouts more effective do the following.
1.Warm Up
Warm up for around 5 minutes. This can include a gentle walk, should movement and some mild stretching.
2.Correct Technique
There are 4 main strokes of a rowing motion.
- Catch – Lean forward with your knees bent and arms straight.
- Drive – Start with pushing using your legs. Then lean back slightly and pull the handle to the bottom of your chest.
- Finish – Keep your core tight and elbows tucked.
- Recovery – Straighten arms, lean forwards and flex knees to get back into the starting position.
Remember, rowing is mostly a leg driven exercise so don’t use your arms to pull.
Conclusion
Look for a rower with the right type of resistance, comfortable seating, storage, weight limit and any extras. If you want a rower that is quiet then look for one with magnetic resistance. However, air and water rowers can offer a more responsive feel.
Choose a rower that fits in with your budget, space and fitness goals. If used with the right form and regularly, a rower can be an amazing addition to your home gym.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a rowing machine good for working out at home?
Yes! It will give you a full body workout, helping to improve your cardiovascular health, muscle endurance and overall activity levels.
2. How long should I use my rowing machine?
We recommend starting off with short sessions of 10-15 mins. Once you start getting fitter you can increase the amount of time you spend on your rowing machine.
3. What is the best rowing machine to get for at home?
If you want a quiet workout then a magnetic rowing machine would be best. If you want a workout with resistance based on your effort an air or water rower would be best.
4. Are there rowing machines that are good for small homes?
There are many rowing machines that are small or can be folded. We recommend checking the size before buying.
Saba Mirza is a Health, Wellness & Lifestyle Writer at Being Healthy Life with 3+ years of writing experience. She creates clear, informative, and reader-focused content covering health, wellness, nutrition, fitness, natural health, and lifestyle topics.
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Sameena Begum is a health, technology, and digital content reviewer who reviews selected articles to help ensure that information is presented clearly, accurately, and responsibly.
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Dr. Syed Imtiaz is a qualified medical professional with MBBS and MD qualifications and 5+ years of experience. As a Medical Reviewer at Being Healthy Life, he reviews selected health and wellness content for medical accuracy, clarity, appropriate context, and responsible presentation.
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