Depending on your goals, using a rower will help you to improve your fitness, build muscle endurance and help you to lose weight. This targets your large muscles, including your legs, back, arms, shoulders and core.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Using a Rower
Full Body Workout
Targets your large muscles such as your legs, back, shoulders and arms.
Muscle Endurance
Will make your heart race, helping to burn more calories (depending on how heavy you are, how long and intense your workout is).
Weight loss can be done through your diet.
Easy To Use
Easy to use at home. Can do quick workouts. Can be used early in the morning or when you get home from work.
Having a rower at home will help you get into a routine.
Types Of Rowers
There are 4 types of resistance.
Magnetic
Magnetic resistance. Usually has a flywheel. Can be manually or digitally adjusted.
Best if you live in an apartment.
Pros:
- Quiet
- Smooth
- Adjustable
Best for beginners.
Best for comfortable workouts.
Air
Has a fan/flywheel. The faster and more intense the workout, the more resistance.
Best for cardio lovers.
Pros:
- Adjustable
- Great for working out
- Improves cardiovascular.
Best for some experience and performance lovers.
Water
Has paddles in water. Feels natural. Quiet.
Pros:
- Natural
- Smooth
- Adjustable
Best for all fitness levels.
Best for natural feel.
Hydraulic
Uses pistons. Usually smaller. Great for small areas.
Pros:
- Smaller
- Usually cheaper
- Great for home
- Great for working out.
Best for if you want to use it but don’t have much space.
Things To Consider When Buying The Best Rowers
Resistance
Decide what type you want. If you are a beginner, then an adjustable would be good. If you have some experience, then air or water would be better.
Builds intensity.
Comfortable Seat & Handle
Make sure it can slide along the rail. The handle should be comfortable. Feet can be adjusted.
Important.
Screen
This will help you track your workout. Depending on what type you have, you can track:
- How long your workout has been.
- Distance travelled.
- Strokes per minute.
- Pace.
- Calories burned (approx).
Some high end will have apps and guided workouts.
Size
Measure where you are going to put it. Make sure there is enough space.
If you have a small apartment, look for something small. Look for something that can be stored vertically. If it has wheels, it will be easy to move.
Weight Limit & Rail Length
Make sure the weight limit is suitable for your weight (as advised by manufacturer). If you are tall, make sure the rail is long enough for your stroke.
Noise & Warranty
If you are wanting to do your workouts in the mornings, this can be very important. Magnetics are usually quiet.
Make sure you are getting a good warranty. What can be replaced? Look at peoples feedback.
Comparison Table
| Type Of Rowers | Noise | Best Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magnetic | Quiet | Quiet | Beginners |
| Air | Medium-High | Intense workouts | |
| Water | Medium | Natural feel | Regular workouts |
| Hydraulic | Varied | Small size | Small spaces |
They all have their own benefits. Decide what your budget, goals and space is.
Which Rower To Go For Depending On Goals
- Beginner: Magnetics will be great. Quiet and comfortable seats.
- Weight Loss: Get something that can do regular cardio. Easy to track.
- Muscle Endurance: Air/Water.
- Small Apartment: Small and foldable.
- Intense Workouts: Air.
Make sure it is comfortable.
How To Use Correctly
To get the most out of your workouts:
- Sit on the seat. Place your feet in the footrest.
- Hold the handle.
- Bend your knees and lean forward.
- Push back using your legs.
- Lean back.
- Pull the handle towards your chest.
- Straighten your arms, lean forward and bend your knees to return to starting position.
Legs/body/arms on pull. Arms/body/legs on push.
If you are a beginner, keep it short. Keep your pace steady. Focus on your technique. Increase the resistance and duration.
Common Mistakes
- Don’t go for the cheapest. May not be comfortable or durable.
- Check the weight limit.
- Don’t go for something too noisy. Think about your home.
- Don’t go for too many extra features. Make sure there are some.
- Check the warranty. What service and replaceable parts do they offer?
How To Use The Rowing Machine Correctly
To get the best out of your workout:
- Sit down on the seat and put your feet in the footrest.
- Grasp the handle.
- Flex your knees and lean forward.
- Press back using your legs.
- Leaning back using your body.
- Pull the handle towards your chest.
- Slowly go back to the start position by extending your arms, leaning forward and flexing your knees.
Legs/Body/Arms pull. Arms/Body/Legs return.
FAQs
Are rowers good to use at home?
Yes! Will help with your cardiovascular, full body workout and is great for beginners and those with some experience.
What is a good beginner rower?
Magnetics are great. Will be quiet and have resistance.
Should I get a water rower?
Magnetics are usually quiet. Water feels natural. It really depends on your preference and budget.
How much space will I need?
It depends on the type you get. Full sized will take up more space. Small and foldable will be easier to store.
Final Thoughts
Knowing what types of resistance and extras you can get will help you find the best rowing machine for you. If you want to do workouts, then a magnetic rowing machine would be perfect. If you want to push yourself, then air rowing machines are useful. Water rowing machines offer a natural feel. Hydraulic rowing machines are perfect for small spaces.
Think about comfort, resistance, weight limits, storage and warranty. The best rowing machine for you will be suitable, fit in with your home and fitness levels. Helping you get into a routine.
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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