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Considering learning to row? Although it’s a great cardio workout, using the wrong rowing equipment might ruin the experience.
If you make the wrong decision, you can grow to detest rowing forever! But if you pick the proper one, you can fall in love with the workout and get incredible results.
How can you determine which exercise machine will become your new favorite? That is why we are here. If you want to purchase the best rowing machine for beginners, we’ve put up a list of all the rowers you should take into account.
The Concept2 RowERG is the rower of our choosing. It’s regarded as the “gold standard” of rowers and is one of the best rowing machines ever created. Although it is more expensive, you really can’t go wrong with it.
| Product Name | Editor's Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Hydrow Wave Rower | Check Price | |
 | Echelon Row S | Check Price | |
 | Concept2 RowErg 2712 | Check Price | |
 | WaterRower NATURAL | Check Price | |
 | Sunny SF-RW5515 | Check Price |
Best Rowing Machine for Beginners Reviews
We’ve tested 5 various rowing machines below so you can select one that fits your budget, your space, and your level of fitness if you’d like to start with someone a little less accomplished.
1. Hydrow Wave Rower
Don’t be misled by the name; the Hydrow is a magnetic, not a water, rower. This makes it quiet and fluid, and regardless of your level of expertise, if you enjoy interactive features, you’ll adore this one.
The rowing machine known as the Hydrow Wave is stylish! It weights slightly over 100 lbs. despite having a hollow body and a sturdy design. This makes it simple to move about if necessary, but be mindful that unless you spend money on the Upright Storage Kit (or construct your own? ), it won’t be storable.
The Hydrow Wave’s interactive software is one of its standout features. You can access thousands of on-demand rowing sessions whenever you want if you sign up. You will also have access to off-rower exercises.
Aquil Abdullah, an Olympic rower, offers a first form-check as well. On an interactive rower, it’s wonderful to see that there are a variety of video instructions available to help you improve your form and comprehend your stats.
The screen is a stunning 16-inch touchscreen with great quality, which is perfect for watching fitness videos. Ever pondered what it might be like to row on a chilly, overcast day on the Thames? With this software, you may accomplish it virtually.
You can row without establishing an account if you don’t want the extra capabilities of the app. However, given the increased cost of this rower, you might as well purchase the Concept2 if you don’t intend to use the app.
A brief word on resistance settings. The Hydrow substitutes a “drag factor scale” for the usual resistance scale. It can only be changed on the monitor and ranges from 50 to 300. Get a feel for it by experimenting with it!
2. Echelon Row S
One of the most enjoyable ways to get an incredible workout in might be with a smart rower. Although it’s not as extensive as some fitness collections, it’s more than enough for beginners to advance and have fun while exercising.
It’s crucial to remember that there are two versions of this portable rower: the conventional rower and the Row-S. You can easily utilize a tablet or a smartphone if you choose the conventional rower, but you will need to provide your own screen. The Row-S has a fantastic 22-inch touchscreen but a comparable price.
It’s important to remember that you must join up for an Echelon monthly membership in order to take full advantage of the smart features. but it will be the most effective use of this device. The benefit of this membership is that you get many profiles.
This rowing machine has an amazing 32 levels of resistance, which is one of its best features. To make your row more or less difficult, you can even adjust the resistance on the handlebar. This eliminates the need to stop your rowing.
Once you’re hooked in, you can access over 900 on-demand workouts, participate in live sessions taught by enthusiastic teachers, and even perform non-rowing routines like weight training, meditation, boxing, and more. As you row, you may also watch Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+!
Both devices are similarly sized, have a compact design, and can be folded up for secure storage. There is something for any budget thanks to the variety of 2 rowers.
I like the 32 levels of resistance. Smart features increase its fun and adaptability.
3. Concept2 RowErg 2712
The elite, the one and only, the Gold Standard. The Concept2 RowERG is well known to all rowers, including novices and professional competitors. It’s the best of the best, and considering its quality, the pricing is surprisingly reasonable. It’s a great option for beginners despite its notoriety.
The Concept2 indoor rowing machine has nothing NOT to be liked. First of all, for its affordable price, it has an amazing build quality. It can readily support up to 500 pounds of weight and comfortably suit rowers up to 6’65” in height thanks to its steel back legs and seat rack, aluminum front legs, and monorail.
Second, the Concept2 is compatible with every single rowing app available, which is incredibly handy. Though you can use your own heart rate monitor without using an app thanks to the built-in Performance Monitor 5’s wireless connectivity and built-in programs.
It tracks numerous pieces of information in addition to workouts, such as time, distance, strokes per minute, calories, wattage, 500m split time, and more.
It’s also incredibly cozy. Rowers can appreciate a curved and ergonomic seat with extra cushioning, an ergonomic handle with sweat-absorbing rubber grips, heel rests, and roomy, flexible, non-slip pedals in addition to the smooth, natural rowing feel of actual rowing.
The Concept2 offers ten different damper settings, just like the majority of air resistance rowing machines. Whatever setting you select, it’s perfect for rowers of all skill levels because the resistance rises the harder you row.
A five-year frame guarantee and a two-year warranty on parts and electronics round out the package.
4. WaterRower NATURAL
For novice rowers who value sound and real-world water rowing experience above all else, this gorgeous water rower is expensive but highly recommended. You won’t use another rowing machine after using this one and getting used to the lifelike simulation!
This gorgeous rower has a furniture-like appearance. The water rower’s body is made of wood, giving it a distinctive and natural appearance. In addition to having a lovely design, it produces a soothing swishing sound when you row, giving the impression that you are actually on the water.
It’s great for novices who wish to lose a lot of weight because it has a strict 700 lb weight limit. It has a twin rail system that is fairly strong and a supportive seat with contoured legs.
There are eight advanced onboard routines in addition to fundamental exercises on this indoor rower. It is ideal for intermediate and advanced rowers, but beginners will find more than enough to advance.
Even though the built-in screen is modest, you do not require anything else. When not in use, the rower can be stored upright.
Stunning design. If they have the money, anyone wishing to purchase a water rower should give it serious consideration.
appealing and welcoming wood design,
Natural sensation and calming sound, numerous integrated programs, Could be kept upright.
5. Sunny SF-RW5515
We highly recommend the Sunny Health & workout SF-RW5515 if you’re new to the workout scene and unsure of whether you’ll enjoy rowing. It has a smooth rowing motion and is silent because it uses magnetic resistance.
A beginner should be able to advance with 8 resistance levels, but advanced or expert rowers should not need them.
All the information you require is shown on an LCD screen without becoming overbearing. Time spent on the rower, calories burned, and number of strokes; nevertheless, no distance! As there is no method to calibrate to your actual body dimensions, the calorie count may be erroneous.
Despite being a cheap rower, it is strong and can support up to 250 lbs of weight. Even tall persons can easily row because the rail is almost 7 feet long. Anyone may use it comfortably because to the padded handles and a comfortable seat.
Surprisingly, this rower offers a respectable warranty for a cheap rowing equipment. The frame is covered by a 3-year warranty, while parts are covered for 180 days.
high caliber for the money, A good budget rower with excellent comfort levels is very quiet, has eight magnetic resistance levels, and is perfect for home usage.
How We Chose the Best Rowing Machines for Beginners
We are all accomplished rowers. We are aware of what makes a great rowing machine, but we also recognize that novice rowers might have a different perspective. We made an effort to speak with novice rowers to acquire their thoughts on rowing machines.
We looked through reviews from several websites. Members of our team spoke with rowing machine salespeople. Some of us went to sports goods stores to learn more about the equipment from the owners.
We didn’t, however, end there. On discussion boards like Reddit, Quora, and others, we spoke with actual novice rowers. We listened to their ideas, judgments, and worries. We were able to select the appropriate machines for this guide with the use of both our own study and others’ experiences.