Rowing machines are considered low-impact exercise equipment, making them a joint-friendly option for people looking to stay active. The rowing motion engages multiple muscle groups while minimizing stress on the joints. Unlike high-impact activities like running, which can put significant pressure on the knees and ankles, rowing provides a smooth, controlled movement that reduces the risk of joint pain and injuries. This makes rowing machines suitable for all fitness levels, from beginners to those with joint concerns or those recovering from certain injuries. Additionally, rowing can improve cardiovascular health, build strength, and enhance flexibility without the harsh impact associated with other exercises.
Best Rowing Machines of February 2025
1
Rating is 5 out of 5
YOSUDA Magnetic Rowing Machine 350 LB Weight Capacity - Rower Machine for Home Use with LCD Monitor, Tablet Holder and Comfortable Seat Cushion-New Version
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Choose YOSUDA: Design and produce top-quality exercise machines for home use for over 20 years. YOSUDA has been chosed by more than 3,000,000 families and we will always stand behind our product
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10× 10 Powerful Magnetic: Equipped with a 10-lb flywheel and high-quality magnetic control system, this rower machine provides enough resistance. All stages users can get an effective workout whether you are a beginner or an advanced user
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Dual Silent System: The non-contact magnetic resistance system delivers a virtually silent rowing experience. High-density steel reduces noise, changing your daily rowing into pleasure. You can enjoy your workout without worries anytime
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Well Built & Long Lasting: Commercial quality and the 5mm-thick steel ensures the high durability of YOSUDA rowing machine. Maximum weight capacity can be up to 350 lbs. The 48'' range of motion fits users from 4'5'' to 6'2'', suitable for family use
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6-Types of Data Disply: The 3.45-inch LCD monitor clearly displays the rowing data. You can put the phone or tablet on the holder to enjoy the videos or music
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
YOSUDA Water Rowing Machines for Home Use- Foldable Rower Machine 400LBS Weight Capacity with Dedicated Monitor & Bluetooth APP, Comfortable Seat
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Revolutionary 180° Foldable Storage Design: Save space in your home with our innovative folding feature; The elegant beech wood finish adds a stylish touch, making it blend seamlessly with your home decoration
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Robust 400 lbs Capacity: The YOSUDA water rowing machine, meticulously crafted from solid beech wood, offers exceptional durability and stability; Accommodating users up to 78.74 inches tall, it’s the perfect fit for nearly every member of your family
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Never Worry Leaking Problem: The oversized tank of the folding rowing machine provides ample resistance for your workout; With patented sealing technology, no need to drain after use and no water leakage when stored upright
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Full-Body Muscle Workout: Featuring an oversized water tank, this water rower delivers ample resistance; Each stroke engages 90% of your muscle groups; All stages users get an effective workout whether you are beginners or professionals
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App Integration: Stay connected with the built-in Bluetooth receiver on our rowing machine; Wirelessly transmit all your workout data to your smartphone or tablet, transforming your training into an engaging and dynamic experience
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine with LCD Monitor, Bottle Holder, 43 Inch Slide Rail, 285 LB Max Weight - Synergy Power Motion - SF-RW5801
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ERGONOMIC FOOT PEDALS: Engage your quads as you propel your legs back and forth on the pivoting foot pedals with adjustable straps. Slip-resistant handlebar ensures secure grasp.
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OVERSIZED SEATING: Large padded seating smoothly glides along with the 43 slide rail inseam. The heavy-duty frame holds 285 LBS. While stabilizers promote stability.
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MAGNETIC TENSION: 16 Levels of tension ensure a versatile and challenging workout with virtually no maintenance.
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FOLDABLE ROWER: Convenient folding rower machine folds upright. Great for smaller in home gyms.
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SPM MONITOR: Check out all your fitness stats on the easy-to-read monitor displaying Scan, Time, Count, Calories, and Total Count.
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NON-SLIP HANDLEBARS: Grasp the foam padded handlebar and begin your rowing workout. Slip resistant handlebar ensures a secure grasp.
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Rating is 4.7 out of 5
Pooboo Magnetic Rowing Machine 360 LB Weight Capacity, Folding Rower with Combination Strength Exercise, Tablet Holder and Comfortable Seat Cushion, Rower for Home Use
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Smooth Quiet Rower: Magnetic resistance system ensures smooth and quiet rowing. It is a very good choice for indoor exercise. You will NEVER disturb your families or roommates. Convenient folding rowing machine folds upright. Great for home storege
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14 Levels Resistance: After January 8, 2023, Pooboo rowing machine Resistance has been updated, resistance increases again. The adjustable resistance ranges from level 1 to 14 is ideal for each training phase to enjoy your effective fitness experience
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Large Monitor and Tablet Holder: The easy-to-read LCD monitor clearly displays your distance,rowing time, count, total count and calories. Tablet holder angle adjustable for a better view
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Not Only A Rowing Machine: Combination Multifunctional-Trainer and rowing machine is our one-of-kind patented total body exercise machine. You can train your different body parts with this rowing machine, Target every muscle group, High-intensity workouts
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Full-Body Muscle Workout: Besides rowing exercise, you can also do BENT OVER ROWING, CABLE SQUAT, CABLE LATERAL RAISE, BICEPS CURL, CABLE FRONT RAISE ect, more exercise ways waiting for you to explore
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Support Bluetooth Connection to Fitness Apps: The monitor compatible with rowing machine app via bluetooth, more accurately monitor real-time exercise data, allowing you to adjust your exercise plan according to your exercise status
5
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine Rower with 8-Level Resistance, 53.4" Extended Slide Rail & Digital LCD Display - SF-RW5515
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【TOTAL BODY WORKOUT】Full-body Workout with Extended Slide Rails. Engage & strengthen legs, glutes, core, back, arms & shoulders. Rowing activates multiple muscles, promoting balanced development & strength. Unlock your potential.
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【EXTENDED SLIDE RAIL】At 48 inches in slide rail length, and 44 inches in inseam length, the SF-RW5515 can accommodate rowers up to 6 feet 8 inches tall.
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【SUPREME COMFORT】Designed for effectiveness without compromising in comfort, its ergonomically crafted cushioned seat allows for extensive cardiovascular rowing workouts maximizing calories burned.
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【CUSTOMIZABLE RESISTANCE】Achieve personalized intensity with our 8-level magnetic system. Easily adjust the knob for tailored difficulty, catering to all skill levels. Keep your workout impactful and challenging with this customizable feature.
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【SPACE-EFFICIENT DESIGN】Optimize your space with our Rowing Machine. Its smart design lets you save floor space by folding the sturdy steel rail upright when not in use. Easily store it in tight spots like closets or corners, perfect for home gyms.
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【SMOOTH & QUIET MAGNETIC RESISTANCE】Embrace the tranquility of our magnetic resistance system, offering silent and efficient workouts. Enjoy undisturbed exercise sessions, perfect for quiet environments, promoting wellbeing wherever you are.
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【INTERACTIVE DIGITAL MONITOR】Stay motivated and track your progress with a user-friendly Digital Monitor with a clear screen that displays Time, Count, Calorie, Total Count, or Scan. Monitoring performance and allowing improvement with useful feedback.
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Full Motion Rowing Machine, Full-Body Workout, Low-Impact, Extra-Long Rail, and 350 LB Weight Capacity – SF-RW5639
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【FULL MOTION WORKOUT】This rower activates multiple muscle groups, including your legs, back, core, and arms, for a comprehensive exercise thanks to 360-degree full motion arms that mimic natural rowing form for a complete range of movement.
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【350 LB WEIGHT CAPACITY & COMPACT】This rowing machine robustly accommodates all sizes yet its space-saving compact. The Digital Monitor tracks stroke rate, time, count, calories, and total strokes to simplify monitoring your rowing workout.
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【REAL ROWING SIMULATION】Feel like you're rowing on water with the SunnyFit App, this machine's realistic rowing simulation for a more engaging and effective home workout.
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【SMOOTH RESISTANCE】12 levels of smooth hydraulic resistance for your workout intensity and challenge yourself at any fitness level. Seamlessly increase or decrease the resistance with the turn of a knob to target different muscle groups.
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【COMFORT & STABILITY】Featuring an ergonomic padded seat with elevated, wider design for easy mounting, superior comfort, and no slipping during prolonged workouts. Paired with non-slip grip handlebars for added stability.
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Compact Adjustable Rowing Machine, 12 Levels Adjustable Resistance, Complete Body Workout, Connect via Bluetooth with Exclusive SunnyFit App - SF-RW1205SMART
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【FULL BODY WORKOUT】Complete body workout that engages all major muscle groups with the smooth, hydraulic resistance that targets legs, glutes, back, arms, shoulders, and core. The low-impact rowing motion works your whole body.
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【FREE CONNECTED APP】 Enjoy FREE access to the SunnyFit App with every Sunny Health & Fitness product—no membership fees! Dive into 1,000+ trainer-led workouts, explore 10,000+ virtual scenic tours, track progress, challenge others, and much more!
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【COMPACT & LIGHTWEIGHT】The portable design maximizes storage for convenience. The rower takes up minimal space for hassle-free storage when not in use. Weighing only 22.4 LB, it is light enough to carry from room to room or transport in a car.
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【SMOOTH RESISTANCE】12 levels of smooth hydraulic resistance for your workout intensity and challenge yourself at any fitness level. Seamlessly increase or decrease the resistance with the turn of a knob to target different muscle groups.
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【INTEGRATED DEVICE HOLDER】A convenient spot to securely hold your phone, allowing you to stay motivated and entertained during your workout while monitoring your progress on the digital display.
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【QUICK & EASY ASSEMBLY】Made to be user-friendly in operation and assembling. No complicated installation or setup required, simply attach the stabilizer bars, seat, foot pedals, and monitor mount with the included instructions. Assembling time: less than 5 minutes.
8
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
Feierdun Compact Adjustable Rowing Machine for Home 300LBS Weight Capacity with 12 Levels of Resistance for Complete Body Workouts Foldable Hydraulic Rower for Home
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【Full Body Workout】 The Feierdun Rowing Machine offers a complete body workout that targets legs, glutes, back, arms, shoulders, and core with smooth, hydraulic resistance. The low-impact rowing motion engages your entire body for maximum results.
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【Compact & Portable】 The compact and portable design maximizes storage space for easy, hassle-free storage. Weighing only 22.4 lbs, it’s lightweight enough to move from room to room or transport in your car, perfect for workouts anywhere.
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【Ergonomic Design】 The ergonomic design of the seat and track range ensures maximum comfort, fitting your body’s natural movement. The machine reduces stress on the back and knees, making it perfect for long-term use.
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【Quick & Easy Assembly】 Feierdun Rowing Machine is designed for easy setup. No complicated installation—simply follow the instructions to attach the stabilizer bars, seat, foot pedals, and monitor mount in under 5 minutes.
What is the best time of day to use a rowing machine for joint health?
The best time of day to use a rowing machine for joint health depends on a variety of personal factors including your schedule, how your body feels at different times of the day, and your overall fitness routine. However, there are some general considerations that might help you decide:
- Morning: Exercising in the morning can be beneficial as it can kickstart your metabolism and leave you feeling energized throughout the day. It can also create consistency in your routine. However, joints might be stiffer in the morning, especially if you have arthritis or similar conditions, so it’s important to do a thorough warm-up and ensure that your body is sufficiently prepared before you start rowing.
- Afternoon: The early to mid-afternoon can be a good time to exercise because your body is usually fully awake and has had some movement during the day, which can mean less stiffness in the joints. This might be an ideal time if you find that your energy levels are higher compared to the morning or evening.
- Evening: Exercising in the evening can be a good way to relieve stress after a long day and potentially have a more relaxing session, as your joints and muscles are often more limber after a day’s activity. However, if you row too late in the evening, it might interfere with your sleep.
Regardless of the time you choose to row, here are some tips to keep in mind for joint health:
- Warm-Up: Always start with a warm-up to get your blood flowing and joints ready for exercise.
- Proper Technique: Focus on proper rowing form to minimize stress on your joints.
- Moderation: Avoid overdoing it. Listen to your body and give yourself time to recover between sessions.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support joint health.
Ultimately, the best time for you to exercise will depend on your lifestyle and individual preferences. Listen to your body and choose a time that feels the most comfortable and sustainable for you.
What is the best rowing machine for home use?
As of the latest information available, the "best" rowing machine for home use can vary depending on individual needs, preferences, and budget. However, some models are consistently praised for their performance, features, and value. Here are a few popular rowing machines that are often recommended:
- Concept2 Model D/E: This is a widely regarded model due to its durability, smooth operation, and reliable performance. It's used by professional athletes and in competitions. The Model D offers a PM5 performance monitor, which provides detailed feedback. The Model E is similar but set higher off the ground for easier access.
- Hydrow: Known for its innovative technology, the Hydrow offers a connected fitness experience with live and on-demand classes. It features a sleek design and a large touchscreen display for interactive workouts.
- WaterRower Natural: For those who prefer a more authentic rowing experience, the WaterRower offers a water resistance mechanism that mimics the feel and sound of rowing on water. It's also handcrafted from wood, making it an aesthetically pleasing addition to any home.
- NordicTrack RW900: This model combines magnetic and air resistance and includes a large touchscreen display for iFit workouts. It’s great for those who want a comprehensive, interactive rower with various workout options.
- Echelon Row: Known for its interactive features, similar to Peloton, Echelon offers live and on-demand classes through its app. It’s a good choice for those who prefer a guided workout experience.
When selecting the best rowing machine for your home, consider factors such as space, budget, desired features (e.g., whether you want interactive workouts), and the type of resistance (air, magnetic, water, or hydraulic) that best suits your workout preference. It's also beneficial to read customer reviews and, if possible, try out a few models before making a decision.
How to maintain proper posture on a rowing machine?
Maintaining proper posture on a rowing machine is crucial to prevent injury and ensure an effective workout. Here are some tips to help you maintain proper posture:
- Seat Position: Sit in the middle of the seat to ensure even distribution of your weight.
- Spine Alignment:
Keep your back straight throughout the rowing motion.
Engage your core muscles to support the lower back.
Avoid rounding or arching your back.
- Foot Placement:
Secure your feet under the foot straps on the footrests.
Ensure that your feet are positioned appropriately so that your shins are vertical at the catch (the start of the stroke).
- Shoulders:
Keep your shoulders relaxed and down, not hunched or raised.
Maintain a comfortable distance between your ears and shoulders.
- Arms and Hands:
Hold the handle with a relaxed grip.
Hands should be at the same height as your lower ribs during the drive phase.
Elbows should remain close to your body.
- Head and Neck Alignment:
Keep your head in line with your spine; don’t look too far up or down.
Keep your gaze forward.
- Drive Phase Coordination:
Initiate the drive with your legs, then your core, and finish with your arms.
Push through your heels to maximize power from your legs.
- Recovery Phase:
Extend your arms first, then lean your torso forward, and finally bend your knees to return to the starting position.
This sequence should be smooth and controlled.
- Breathing:
Exhale during the drive phase and inhale during the recovery phase. This helps maintain a rhythm and supports proper posture.
- Speed and Resistance:
Start with lower resistance and gradually increase as you feel comfortable with your form.
Focus on maintaining a steady and controlled pace instead of going too fast.
- Monitor Feedback:
If your rowing machine has a monitor, use it to keep track of your pace and form.
Regularly checking in on these elements during your workout will help develop muscle memory for proper posture and make your rowing experience safer and more effective.
What is the impact of rowing on your knees?
Rowing can be a low-impact exercise that generally puts minimal stress on the knees compared to high-impact activities like running or jumping. However, improper technique or overuse can potentially lead to knee issues. Here are some considerations regarding the impact of rowing on the knees:
- Low Impact: Rowing is primarily a seated exercise, which reduces the weight and stress on your knees. This makes it suitable for individuals with joint concerns or those who are rehabilitating from other injuries.
- Proper Technique: Maintaining proper rowing technique is crucial in preventing knee injuries. This includes ensuring the knees track straight and don't collapse inward during the drive phase of the stroke. Proper use of other major muscle groups can also help distribute exertion across the body rather than concentrating it on the knees.
- Strengthening and Flexibility: Rowing can help strengthen the muscles around the knee, which provides better support and stability. Additionally, maintaining good flexibility in the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves can contribute to healthy knee function.
- Volume and Intensity: Overuse from excessive volume or intensity without adequate rest or recovery can lead to repetitive strain injuries, including to the knees. It’s important to gradually increase rowing duration and intensity.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Individuals with pre-existing knee conditions should consult with a healthcare provider before starting a rowing regimen. Modifications may be necessary to prevent exacerbating existing issues.
- Equipment: Using a well-maintained rowing machine with adjustable resistance settings can help accommodate different fitness levels and reduce undue stress on the knees.
Overall, when done correctly, rowing is beneficial for cardiovascular health and can contribute positively to overall fitness without significantly impacting knee health. However, attention to form, gradual progression, and listening to your body are essential to minimizing potential risks.
