Indoor Rowing has a lot of positive aspects, and the benefits that occur to the body by regularly doing rowing exercises are countless. Those who are serious with it, Indoor rowing workouts are the perfect way to lose the extra calories and enhance the muscles of the whole body.
Even though rowing is a great physical exercise, it is tough to do it realistically. For example, it is not possible to go for rowing in open waters every day. Rowing machines have come up to provide a solution. These machines are available in gyms, and you can even buy them to use them at home as per your convenience.
It may be confusing to go for which rowing machine to buy. No much is known about these exercising machines, and only a handful of gyms even keep them. Therefore, it is essential to know about the best rowing machines that are available in the market right now. In this article, there are rowing machines which suit to users of every level. These machines also belong to all possible categories, from entry-level to midrange, to premium options, and both water rowing and hydraulic rowing machines have been covered.
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Best Rowing Machines of 2020
Given below is the rowing machine review of ten of the best rowing machines of 2020 that are available in the market-
1. WaterRower Xeno Muller Signature Edition
The very first rowing machine in this list is perhaps the most popular rowing machine available at present. The WaterRower Xeno Muller Signature Edition is a well known trusted brand, and the name of the machine has been named after one of the most well-known rowing athletes Xeno Muller.
With the name being WaterRower Xeno Muller Signature Edition, it is quite clear that this rowing machine has been designed by collaborating with Xeno Muller. The frame of this machine is very much stable and is made up of honey oak and ash. The side rails contain the signature of Xeno Muller. This machine has footrests on the bottom for providing a better motion, and the handle is much broader.
This is a top-end rowing machine and provides an absolute smooth action with a high level of responsiveness. There is a consistent water resistance, which works effectively without making any noise. For additional benefits, it has a rowing exercise library online, and a high-quality S4 monitor for displaying performance.
2. Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5
If you want the best rowing machines for home use, then the Concept2 Model D is the perfect choice for you. This particular model is well-known in the fitness and rowing industry and is one of the most liked models. For those who seriously wish to train at home, this rowing machine can be a great addition.
The Concept2 Model D is not the most compactly built or the most beautifully designed rowing machine that you will see. However, the performance it provides is top-grade, and the build is rock solid. The users can customize the drag up to 10 levels, and it can be operated by the drag slider that is situated close to the fan wheel. This machine is extremely responsive, and working out can be a smooth experience.
For additional purposes, there is a backlit LCD screen that displays the necessary information, such as the metrics of workout, the already preset programs for working out, and also has some games installed for entertainment. Monitoring of the heart rate is also available, and it comes both with both ANT+ and Bluetooth compatibility. With a surprisingly good price tag, this rowing machine can be your ideal rowing exercise companion.
3. Life Fitness Row HX Trainer
The Life Fitness Row HX Trainer is one of the premium water rowing machines present in this list. This rowing machine has a lot to offer apart from the usual workout regime. Apart from the normal working out techniques, it has some preset unique workout patterns that are said to enhance anyone’s rowing skills. Thus, professional athletes can benefit a lot from this machine.
The Life Fitness Row HX Trainer is made compactly and uses a solid frame made up of tempered steel and natural wood, giving it a premium finish. As a result, the model blends elegance and strength very well. The feel of this machine is authentic, and it provides a top-grade performance that is consistently smooth.
There is no need to add or remove water as well. The resistance can be adjusted with the dial very conveniently. There is also an LCD that shows the programs and workout feedback.
4. WaterRower A1 Home Rowing Machine
Another of the popular rowing machines is the WaterRower A1. This is also another of the premium machines and is comparatively smaller in size. With 7 ft length, this machine can fit even in tight spaces.
The frames are sturdy and are made of aluminium coated with black powder and American ash to provide sustainability and durability. This machine can support weight up to 330 lbs and comes with authentic water resistance. The seat wheels are comfortable, and the performance is also incredibly smooth.
There is an LCD screen that displays the necessities, such as speed, intensity, time, watts, metrics, calories, and so on.
5. XTERRA Fitness ERG700
The XTERRA Fitness ERG700 is a midrange model and is still one of the top rowing machines available in the market at present. This model is a hybrid, and it uses air and magnetic resistance that provides an intense and effective workout.
As for the frame, it is made of steel, and the slide rail is made of aluminium. This makes the machine stable and robust and has a capacity of 350 lbs. For convenience in storage, this rowing machine can be easily folded. There are 16 resistance levels, and it provides a smooth, quiet, and consistent performance while working out.
There is a 5.5” backlit LCD as well, and it shows the programs currently running and the workout metrics.
6. XTERRA Fitness ERG600W
Another XTERRA rowing machine on this list is the XTERRA Fitness ERG600W. This is one of the budget rowing machines and still delivers a top-graded performance. As a result, this model is hugely popular.
As for construction, the XTERRA Fitness ERG600W comes with steel frames for durability. The contoured seat is raised, and the components are well-designed for comfort purposes. The tank is also sturdy, and the resistance can be set by adding water, with six indicators denoting the level accurately.
The LCD monitor’s height can be adjusted, and it shows information like time required, calories burnt, distance covered and many more. Many workout programs are also pre-included in this model.
7. Stamina 1402 ATS Air Rower
If you desire rowing machines that use air resistance, but do not want to pay too much, the Stamina 1402 ATS Air Rower is the perfect fit for you. This is a budget rowing machine, and the performance is quite brilliant.
The Stamina 1402 ATS Air Rower is also one of the stylish modes with excellent stability, thanks to the steel frames. With wheels for easy transportation, and foldable for easy fitting, this machine can be a perfect companion for home rowers.
The seat comes padded, with footplates providing a good grip. The workout metrics are also displayed in three mini LCD monitors.
8. Merax Magnetic Rower
The Merax Magnetic Rower is a stylish rowing workout machine that comes with magnetic rowing. This model is also one of the affordable rowing machines, and provides surprisingly great performance, even at this price tag.
The built is sturdy and can hold a capacity of 264 lbs. The machine itself is lightweight, weighing around 74 lbs. For convenience, it can be folded and comes with wheels. The magnetic resistance is available in 8 levels, and the performance is quiet, smooth, and steady.
It also comes with an LCD monitor, even though there are no preset programs. With such a price, though, you cannot complain about such a minor omission.
9. Goplus Folding Rower
The Goplus Folding Rower is one of the models which are ideally suited to be used in home workouts. If you are avoiding too much expense on a rowing machine, and still want to enjoy the basic features, this model is one of the best options to go for.
It is made of a plastic hub, as you would expect in a lower-priced rowing machine. However, the frame is made of thick steel, and it provides great stability and durability. The seat comes padded, and it can be slid as per convenience. There is a metal flywheel present in the central hub, and it comes with eight levels of easily adjustable magnetic resistance. Hence, both beginners and professionals can try out a variety of workouts in this machine.
With being foldable, lightweight and compact, it is easy to move and store this rowing machine. The LCD screen is basic but quite functional, and you can get the workout metrics in it.
10. Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050
The Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 is an entry-level rowing machine, and it can be considered as one of the best rowing machines in this category. The price is low, but it does not affect the performance. It comes with hydraulic resistance system, and even though such resistance system is not so popular, the piston power in this machine makes it worth noticing.
This rower is extremely cheap and is more durable than you would expect. With 250 lbs capacity, the frame feels very much stable, thanks to the compact steel. The rowing arms have an attached hydraulic cylinder, and the resistance selection can be made up to 12 levels.
Even in this price, this machine features an LCD monitor for displaying the basic workout stats. With smooth and quiet performance, this is a worthy rowing machine if you are on a tight budget.
Conclusion
When you go to buy a rowing machine, you should consider the parameters such as brand, price, comfort, adjustability, resistance type, performance, noise, and durability. From hydraulic to water, to air, and magnetic resistance, the varieties and customizations are endless. Ultimately, it is to be seen how effective your workout sessions are turning out to be. If you can get your desired performance on even a lower-end rowing machine, then that’s all you need. With rowing machines mentioned here belonging in every price tag, you can choose whichever suits you the best.