Creating your own home gym can be a great way to save money on some equipment. A rowing machine will help to improve your fitness, increase your stamina and target many muscles.
There are many different types of rowing machines. It can be confusing to know What Is going to be best for you. Consider what your fitness goals are, how much space you have and how much you are willing to spend.
If you are still comparing different models, explore our guide to best home rowing machines to find equipment that suits your fitness goals and available space.
Table of Contents
Benefits Of A Rowing Machine
Using a rowing machine will really help to improve your cardiovascular fitness and muscle stamina as it targets many large muscles.
You will be working mainly your leg muscles but will also work your back, shoulder, arms and core muscles.
Below are just some reasons to use a rowing machine:
- Full body workout — Targets your legs, back, shoulder, arms and core.
- Cardiovascular fitness — Can help improve your heart and lungs if used regularly.
- Weight loss — Can help you burn energy if combined with a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
- Muscle stamina — The constant movement can help build muscle stamina.
- Low impact — Provides a low impact workout.
- Easy to use — Can be used when at home.
What Is The Best Type Of Rower?
The first thing to think about is what type of resistance you want.
1. Magnetic
If you are looking for a quiet workout then this is the best option.
This uses magnets to cause resistance. Most of these will have adjustable resistance meaning you can easily change it to fit your fitness levels.
Generally they are very quiet which means they are perfect if you live in an apartment or with others.
Benefits:
- Quiet.
- Adjustable resistance.
- Usually easy to keep clean.
- Great for beginners.
- Some can be folded.
Best for: Beginners, small spaces and those who like quiet workouts.
2. Water
This uses paddles and water filled tanks to create resistance. The harder you push the more resistance.
Many people love this type as it feels like you are rowing on water. It also creates a nice relaxing sound of water.
These can be a bit more expensive but if you like a natural feel then it’s a great option.
Benefits:
- Smooth.
- Resistance is related to effort.
- Natural.
- Nice designs.
- Perfect for varying intensity.
Best for: Those who want a real rowing feel and will use regularly.
3. Air
This uses a flywheel to create resistance. The harder and faster you row, the more resistance.
They are popular in gyms as they are great for high intensity workouts. If you enjoy doing HIIT or want to improve your stamina this could be a great investment.
The fan can be quite loud when doing high intensity.
Benefits:
- Related to effort.
- Great for high intensity workouts.
- Great for improving stamina.
- Suit everyone.
Best for: Those who will use regularly and enjoy high intensity cardio workouts.
Things To Consider
Below are a few Things To Consider
When deciding what the best rower is.
Comfortable Seat And Handle
You may be rowing for 20-30mins or longer so it is important that the seat is comfortable. It should glide along the rail and provide enough support.
Ensure the handle is comfortable.
Adjustable Resistance
Ensure you have the correct resistance for your fitness levels. If you are a beginner you may want something simple but if you are more advanced you may want more choices.
Size
Consider how big it is and if it will fit in the space you have.
Some are foldable.
If space is an issue look for something small.
If you are planning to build a home workout space, take a look at our guide to best rowing machines for home gym for more ideas on choosing suitable equipment.
Max Weight
Always look for the max weight recommendation from the manufacturer. You should feel comfortable using the rower.
Screen
A screen can be useful. Look for one with:
- Time
- Distance
- Strokes per minute
- Number of strokes
- Calories burnt (approx)
A basic screen will do.
Warranty
Look for good quality frames and parts. If possible read reviews to check out the most common problems. This could be noise, easy to put together and durable.
Best Rower For Beginners
As you are a beginner, you probably won’t need any additional features.
A magnetic rower is a great choice. They are usually very quiet and easy to use. You’ll also have easy adjustment of resistance.
Look for one with an adjustable seat, strong frame and a simple screen.
As you gain confidence you can lengthen your workout.
How Much Should I Spend?
This will depend on how often you plan to use your rower.
If you aren’t going to use it much then perhaps a budget rower would work. However, they may not have many adjustments.
You will often find that mid range models offer a very comfortable, durable and resilient piece of equipment. However, some models will also have additional features such as Bluetooth, interactive sessions or advanced screens to help aid your training.
Think about what features you are looking for as spending more doesn’t always mean a better workout.
Before making your decision, compare some of the best rowing machines for home use to understand which options offer the right combination of comfort, features and value.
Top Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Your Rower
Once you have found your perfect rower, there are a few things you can do to get the most out of it:
- Short Workouts
- Correct Form
- Straight Back
- Legs!
- Start Slow
- Rest in Between High Intensity Workouts
- Stick To A Routine
Conclusion
Ultimately the best rower to purchase will depend on what your fitness goals are, how much space you have and how much money you want to spend. If you like to exercise quietly, then a magnetic rower will be perfect for you. If you want something more natural then a water rower is great. But if you love an intense workout then an air rower will be perfect.
You don’t need to go for the most expensive option. Just ensure that it is comfortable, durable and easy to store.
With a good quality rower you will find it easier to workout at home. Choosing a comfortable rower will help you stay active and achieve your fitness goals.
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.
View Profile →
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.
View Profile →
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.
View Profile →