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Indoor rowing presents a highly effective and low-impact exercise option that seamlessly combines cardiovascular conditioning and strength training in each session. Despite misconceptions about it being primarily focused on the upper body due to the pulling motion, rowing is actually a comprehensive full-body workout engaging various muscle groups such as the legs, back, glutes, arms, core, and more.
For runners seeking cross-training activities, rowing proves to be an ideal choice due to its gentle impact on the joints. If you’re new to rowing, don’t worry—it is relatively easy to learn and can be mastered fairly quickly. To ensure you perform the exercise correctly with proper form, here’s a guide to get you started. Another advantage of rowing is that you can conveniently work out in the safety and comfort of your own home, making it an excellent investment for those who have canceled their gym memberships this year. Moreover, most rowing machine models can be easily folded or stored under a bed or in a closet, providing hassle-free storage options.
| Image | Product Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Hydrow Wave Rower | Check Price | |
 | Water Rower Club S4 | Check Price | |
 | NordicTrack NTRW19147 | Check Price | |
 | Echelon Smart rower | Check Price | |
 | Concept2 RowErg Tall | Check Price |
Best Indoor Rowing Machines Reviews
Whether you prefer the authentic swoosh of water as you row, or if you’re more inclined towards group workouts accompanied by pop music and instructional guidance, there’s an indoor rower out there to suit your preferences. We have curated a selection of our favorite rowing machines, each offering unique features and details. For more comprehensive reviews, consult our in-depth assessments to find the perfect rowing machine that caters to your specific workout needs and desires.
If you’re currently in the market for a rowing machine, we have compiled a list of our top recommendations to help you upgrade your home gym. These rowing machines have been carefully chosen based on their performance, features, and overall quality. Take a look at our selection and find the best rowing machine to enhance your fitness routine right now.
1. Hydrow Wave Rower
The Hydrow Wave is a smart connected rower that focuses on simulating the real-world rowing experience. It is a more streamlined and compact version of Hydrow’s original Rower Connected Rowing Machine.
It can stand up for storage and fits easily in my basement workout room. Despite its small size, the Wave is incredibly sturdy. I can use it for sprints or longer intervals.
From the comfort of your home, take live or recorded classes or embark on an unguided “journey” to learn more about the water. The immersive and shockingly lifelike virtual classes are the best part.
This is the best magnetic resistance rowing experience available, but a free mode would be excellent so I could design my own sessions.
Other high-tech features available include a clear and snappy touchscreen display. More so than any other machine we evaluated, unique “electromagnetic drag” technology also produces realistic and lifelike rowing. Additionally, it is quick to set up and store. It is especially convenient to store in apartments and other small spaces since the optional Upright Storage Kit makes sure it takes up the least amount of room.
2. Water Rower Club S4
Sometimes less is simply better. The Club Rowing Machine from WaterRower goes back to the fundamentals. The sleek, made-in-the-USA design has stained ash wood for a slightly retro look. With the capacity to accommodate users weighing up to 700 pounds, it is also the most powerful rowing machine on this list.
The conventional water-based flywheel not only has a stunning appearance but also accurately reproduces the dynamic motion of rowing in actual water. By adding more or less water as desired to the water tank, users can completely control the resistance.
However, the built-in performance monitor keeps track of all the crucial data, such as stroke rate, intensity, distance, workout time, and more. This is your man if you’re searching for a strong, attractive rower without any extra bells and whistles at a reasonable price.
The WaterRower Club is made by hand from solid ash and colored stain. The WaterRower’s silent operation and smooth operation are made possible by the wood’s amazing engineering qualities, particularly its capacity to absorb sound and vibration.
Like all of the timbers used to build the WaterRower, ash is a premium hardwood with exceptional durability and dimensional stability. The wood is also hand polished with Danish oil and urethane for protection and is sourced from replenishable forests.
3. NordicTrack NTRW19147
Want to work out with a group in the convenience of your home? You can use this NordicTrack rowing machine. You may take courses on-demand with the RW900 Smart Rower’s vivid, 22-inch touchscreen, which also automatically adjusts your resistance level in accordance with the trainers’ preferences.
Professional instructors will even push you to do more than simply cardio by enrolling you in weight training and yoga sessions. You’ll never get bored with the extensive virtual program collection, we promise.
The large list of other nice-to-haves, which includes quick-adjust pedals, Bluetooth headphone connectivity, and simple assembly, is appealing to us. Samuel uses it frequently for lengthy rowing workouts because of a few additional noteworthy characteristics, including “the seat’s extra-comfortable, and the magnetic resistance on this is ultra-quiet so it’s easy to watch Netflix or listen to a podcast while training.”
Additionally, it is simple to set up and store, making it simple to take down at the conclusion of your workouts.
Utilize magnetic resistance that is adjusted by your iFIT Trainer for a silent, seamless training. By manually regulating the added air resistance, you may intensify your workout and gain strength.
With its unique folding form and front-mounted transport wheels, the RW900 not only offers a challenging workout but also a space-saving home storage option.
4. Echelon Smart rower
The standard rowing machine from Echelon boasts oversized, adjustable foot pedals and an ergonomically cushioned seat for added comfort. Whether you’re an experienced rower or a beginner, you can tailor your workout with the 32 silent, magnetic resistance levels.
It doesn’t have the massive high-tech screens of many other machines on this list, but it does have a device holder that can be used for off-row exercises instead.
You may access 3,000+ live and on-demand programs, including rowing, strength training, yoga, and more, with an optional Echelon Fit US membership (although you can use the rower without it). Additionally, there are all those beautiful rides that expensive rowers speak about. You can clearly hear the trainers in your virtual training routines thanks to the dual built-in speakers.
The best part is that it folds. When not in use, it can be stored away with ease thanks to built-in wheels.
Bonus: It is on this list’s second most economical rowing machine. Therefore, the Smart Rowing Machine is unquestionably something to think about if money is an issue.
On the Row, get a full-body workout! In addition to on-demand picturesque rides from some of the best waterways in the world, take advantage of daily live and on-demand classroom training from top instructors. You won’t ever need to leave your house to become in the greatest shape of your life thanks to the availability of hundreds of on-demand lessons at any time.
5. Concept2 RowErg Tall
The high-end Model E rowing machine from Concept 2 improves upon the company’s RowErg with a low-maintenance nickel-plated chain and a number of additional functions. The PM5, a straightforward yet smart performance monitor that monitors your vitals in between workouts, is at its core. Having access to USB flash drives makes it simple to backup your workout data between sessions.
The architecture of aluminum and steel is quite strong and can accommodate 500-pound rowers. But because it weighs less than 70 pounds, it is simple to put up and move. When you’re ready to store it, it neatly splits in half using a straightforward framelock mechanism to take up a very small amount of space.
The Model E has a quick-release (no tools necessary!) framelock mechanism that makes it simple to split the device in half for storage. You may roll the completely built machine into place using the caster wheels on the front foot.
Because this indoor rowing machine responds to your effort with each stroke, you always have complete control over your effort and resistance. You may instantly alter the airflow to the flywheel using the spiral damper, changing the stroke’s feel to your liking. The flywheel’s design maximizes smoothness while minimizing noise.
How to Use an Indoor Rowing Machine
For a variety of reasons, our fitness professionals adore indoor equipment. The largest benefit, though, is how simple and straightforward it is for fans of any fitness level to access them. There isn’t much more to using one than sitting down and pulling, then repeating the process. There are good and wrong ways to use this machine, just like any other exercise equipment. The greatest method to maximize your performance and rowing improvements while also reducing your risk of injury is to use proper form.
Begin by assuming a straight-backed position on the seat with your tailbone pointed directly in the center. Pay close attention to your posture and form as you proceed through each of these four phases with your rowing stroke:
The catch: To begin, your shins should be vertical, or perpendicular to the floor. Grab the handle of the rower with your arms fully extended and your triceps your main concern. Maintain core stability while angling your torso slightly forward.
Drive: Push your body (and the seat) smoothly away from the footplates by using your leg muscles to power through the Drive phase while maintaining a straight line with your arms. Finish by leaning back and pulling the handle into your stomach.
Contrary to what the term might imply, you are not quite “finished.” Your elbows should be bent and the handle tucked into your lower chest during this stage. Maintain a small incline toward the rowing machine while stabilizing your torso using your core.
The recovery: In this phase, when you take up your starting position, pay attention to your form. Use your triceps to straighten your arms. Lean your torso slightly forward. When using the rowing machine, bend your legs and carefully move the seat and butt down the rail. Restart the following stroke by starting with the Drive phase once you are back in your starting position.