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How Many Calories Can I Burn on A Rowing Machine?

Published on
6 min read
How Many Calories Can I Burn on A Rowing Machine? image

Best Rowing Machines for Calorie Burning to Buy in October 2025

1 YOSUDA Magnetic Rowing Machine 350 LB Weight Capacity - Rower Machine for Home Use with LCD Monitor, Tablet Holder and Comfortable Seat Cushion-New Version

YOSUDA Magnetic Rowing Machine 350 LB Weight Capacity - Rower Machine for Home Use with LCD Monitor, Tablet Holder and Comfortable Seat Cushion-New Version

  • JOIN 3M+ FAMILIES ENJOYING TOP-QUALITY YOSUDA HOME EXERCISE MACHINES!

  • EXPERIENCE SILENT, POWERFUL WORKOUTS WITH OUR 12-LB FLYWHEEL ROWER!

  • EASY 25-MIN SETUP AND SPACE-SAVING DESIGN PERFECT FOR ANY HOME!

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$199.99 $299.99
Save 33%
YOSUDA Magnetic Rowing Machine 350 LB Weight Capacity - Rower Machine for Home Use with LCD Monitor, Tablet Holder and Comfortable Seat Cushion-New Version
2 Water Rowing Machine for Home Use, WENOKER Wooden Foldable Rower Machine with Dedicated Monitor & Bluetooth APP, Large Water Tank & Comfortable Seat for Immersive Water Rower, 350LBS Weight Capacity

Water Rowing Machine for Home Use, WENOKER Wooden Foldable Rower Machine with Dedicated Monitor & Bluetooth APP, Large Water Tank & Comfortable Seat for Immersive Water Rower, 350LBS Weight Capacity

  • ENGAGE 90% OF MUSCLES: ADJUST WATER FOR PERSONALIZED RESISTANCE TRAINING.
  • SPACE-SAVING DESIGN: FOLDABLE AND STYLISH, FITS BEAUTIFULLY IN ANY HOME.
  • EASY TO TRACK PROGRESS: BLUETOOTH SUPPORT FOR DYNAMIC FITNESS MONITORING.
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$399.99 $499.99
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Water Rowing Machine for Home Use, WENOKER Wooden Foldable Rower Machine with Dedicated Monitor & Bluetooth APP, Large Water Tank & Comfortable Seat for Immersive Water Rower, 350LBS Weight Capacity
3 Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine - PM5 Monitor, Device Holder, Adjustable Air Resistance, Easy Storage

Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine - PM5 Monitor, Device Holder, Adjustable Air Resistance, Easy Storage

  • FULL-BODY WORKOUT: ENJOY LOW-IMPACT ROWING FOR ALL FITNESS LEVELS.
  • SMART CONNECTIVITY: MONITOR PERFORMANCE WITH PM5 AND WIRELESS APPS.
  • EASY STORAGE & MOBILITY: SEPARATES EASILY; INCLUDES CASTER WHEELS.
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$990.00
Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine - PM5 Monitor, Device Holder, Adjustable Air Resistance, Easy Storage
4 Merach Rowing Machine, Magnetic Rower Machine for Home, 16 Levels of Quiet Resistance, Dual Slide Rail with Max 350lb Weight Capacity, App Compatible with LCD Monitor, Q1S

Merach Rowing Machine, Magnetic Rower Machine for Home, 16 Levels of Quiet Resistance, Dual Slide Rail with Max 350lb Weight Capacity, App Compatible with LCD Monitor, Q1S

  • TAKE YOUR ROWING TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH MERACH AND KINOMAP APPS!
  • ENJOY QUIET WORKOUTS WITH OUR SMOOTH, MAGNETIC FLYWHEEL SYSTEM.
  • EASY ASSEMBLY AND SPACE-SAVING DESIGN FOR EVERY HOME GYM!
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$239.99 $259.99
Save 8%
Merach Rowing Machine, Magnetic Rower Machine for Home, 16 Levels of Quiet Resistance, Dual Slide Rail with Max 350lb Weight Capacity, App Compatible with LCD Monitor, Q1S
5 Hartwares Rowing Machines for Home, Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machines with 77 LBS High Resistance, 16 Levels Adjustable, Quiet Rower Machine for Home Use App Compatible, Max 300 LBS Weight Capacity

Hartwares Rowing Machines for Home, Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machines with 77 LBS High Resistance, 16 Levels Adjustable, Quiet Rower Machine for Home Use App Compatible, Max 300 LBS Weight Capacity

  • WHISPER-QUIET DESIGN: ENJOY WORKOUTS WITHOUT DISTURBING OTHERS!

  • 16 LEVELS OF RESISTANCE: PERFECT FOR BEGINNERS TO ADVANCED USERS!

  • USER-FRIENDLY ASSEMBLY: SET UP IN 20-30 MINUTES WITH EASE!

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$149.99
Hartwares Rowing Machines for Home, Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machines with 77 LBS High Resistance, 16 Levels Adjustable, Quiet Rower Machine for Home Use App Compatible, Max 300 LBS Weight Capacity
6 WENOKER Rowing Machine, Magnetic Rowing Machine for Home, Upgraded 32-Levels Quiet Resistance with Smart Electronic Knob, 350 LBS Weight Capacity, Compact Rower Machine Easy Assembly, App Supported

WENOKER Rowing Machine, Magnetic Rowing Machine for Home, Upgraded 32-Levels Quiet Resistance with Smart Electronic Knob, 350 LBS Weight Capacity, Compact Rower Machine Easy Assembly, App Supported

  • 32 RESISTANCE LEVELS FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS: PERFECT FOR EVERYONE!

  • REAL-TIME TRACKING ON LCD DISPLAY: MONITOR YOUR PROGRESS EFFORTLESSLY!

  • COMPACT, QUIET & EASY TO MOVE: IDEAL FOR SMALL SPACES AND APARTMENT LIVING!

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$299.99 $399.99
Save 25%
WENOKER Rowing Machine, Magnetic Rowing Machine for Home, Upgraded 32-Levels Quiet Resistance with Smart Electronic Knob, 350 LBS Weight Capacity, Compact Rower Machine Easy Assembly, App Supported
7 YOSUDA Air Magnetic Rowing Machine for Home, Dual Air & Magnetic Resistance with 8-Level, Smart APP, Rotatable Device Holder, Ergonomic Seat, and Easy Storage

YOSUDA Air Magnetic Rowing Machine for Home, Dual Air & Magnetic Resistance with 8-Level, Smart APP, Rotatable Device Holder, Ergonomic Seat, and Easy Storage

  • DUAL RESISTANCE SYSTEM: ENJOY SMOOTH, FULL-BODY WORKOUTS WITH AIR AND MAGNETIC RESISTANCE.

  • INSTANT INTENSITY CONTROL: ADJUST RESISTANCE MID-STROKE FOR SEAMLESS WORKOUTS.

  • SMART CONNECTIVITY: TRACK YOUR PROGRESS IN REAL-TIME VIA BLUETOOTH APP INTEGRATION.

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$699.99
YOSUDA Air Magnetic Rowing Machine for Home, Dual Air & Magnetic Resistance with 8-Level, Smart APP, Rotatable Device Holder, Ergonomic Seat, and Easy Storage
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The number of calories burned on a rowing machine depends on several factors, including your weight, the intensity of your workout, and the duration of your session. On average, a person weighing around 155 pounds can burn approximately 260 calories during a 30-minute moderate-intensity rowing session. This number increases with higher intensity workouts; for instance, the same person might burn around 316 calories in a vigorous session. Additionally, someone weighing more might burn more calories performing the same exercise, whereas someone weighing less might burn fewer. For more precise calculations, some rowing machines and fitness trackers provide estimates based on your individual metrics and workout data.

How to avoid common rowing injuries?

To avoid common rowing injuries, it's important to focus on several key areas, including proper technique, physical conditioning, equipment, and recovery. Here are some detailed tips:

  1. Learn Proper Technique: Take lessons from a qualified coach to ensure your form is correct. Focus on the sequence of the rowing stroke: catch, drive, finish, and recovery. Pay attention to body posture, especially maintaining a straight back to avoid stress on the spine.
  2. Condition Your Body: Engage in regular strength training to build muscle endurance, especially in the core, back, shoulders, and legs. Incorporate flexibility exercises, including stretching and yoga, to improve range of motion and prevent stiffness. Develop cardiovascular fitness through aerobic exercises to support overall stamina.
  3. Use Proper Equipment: Ensure your rowing machine or boat is properly adjusted for your body size. This includes foot straps, seat settings, and oar length. Wear appropriate clothing that doesn’t restrict movement and reduces friction/skin irritation.
  4. Warm-Up and Cool Down: Always start with a 5-10 minute warm-up to increase blood flow and ready muscles for exercise. Finish with a cool-down phase to gradually lower your heart rate and stretch muscles, preventing injury.
  5. Avoid Overtraining: Follow a training plan that includes rest days to allow your body to recover. Listen to your body for signs of fatigue or pain and adjust training intensity accordingly.
  6. Focus on Recovery: Ensure adequate sleep and nutrition to help muscle repair and growth. Use techniques like foam rolling or massage to decrease muscle tension and promote recovery. Stay hydrated to support muscle function and overall health.
  7. Pay Attention to Pain: If you experience pain, especially in areas like the lower back, wrists, shoulders, or knees, take a break and consult a professional if it persists. Consider cross-training with low-impact activities to allow the body to recover from rowing-specific stresses.

By adhering to these guidelines, rowers can significantly reduce the risk of injury and enhance their enjoyment and performance in the sport.

What is the significance of rowing for full-body workouts?

Rowing is highly regarded for its effectiveness as a full-body workout, offering several significant benefits:

  1. Muscle Engagement: Rowing is unique in that it engages both the upper and lower body simultaneously. As you row, you work muscles in the legs, core, back, shoulders, and arms.
  2. Cardiovascular Benefits: Rowing is also an excellent cardiovascular exercise. It raises your heart rate and can improve cardiovascular endurance and efficiency over time.
  3. Low Impact: Unlike running or other high-impact exercises, rowing is gentle on the joints. This makes it an ideal workout for people of all ages and fitness levels, including those recovering from injury.
  4. Calorie Burning: Because it involves large muscle groups and increases heart rate effectively, rowing can burn a significant number of calories, contributing to weight loss and management.
  5. Core Strength: The rowing motion requires significant core strength to maintain proper form and stability, which can help improve posture and reduce the risk of back pain.
  6. Improved Endurance and Strength: Regular rowing workouts can enhance muscular endurance and overall strength, contributing to better performance in other physical activities and daily tasks.
  7. Mental Benefits: Like many forms of exercise, rowing can also provide mental health benefits such as stress reduction, improved mood, and increased focus.

Overall, rowing offers a comprehensive workout that effectively combines strength and cardio, making it a popular choice for those seeking a well-rounded fitness routine.

What is the effect of rowing on muscle building?

Rowing is an excellent full-body workout that effectively contributes to muscle building. Here are some of the effects of rowing on muscle development:

  1. Engagement of Multiple Muscle Groups: Rowing is unique in its ability to engage multiple major muscle groups simultaneously. It involves the legs, core, back, shoulders, and arms. This full-body engagement can lead to balanced muscle development and strength gains across the body.
  2. Lower Body Strength: The push phase of the rowing stroke primarily targets the lower body, engaging the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. Regular rowing can lead to increased muscle strength and endurance in these areas.
  3. Upper Body and Back Development: Rowing also significantly engages the upper body, particularly the back muscles-including the latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, and trapezius. Additionally, it targets the biceps, forearms, and shoulders, promoting upper body muscle tone and strength.
  4. Core Strength: Maintaining proper form during rowing requires substantial core engagement. The core muscles, including the abdominals and obliques, are crucial for stabilizing the body throughout the rowing motion and for transferring power from the legs to the upper body.
  5. Cardiovascular and Muscular Endurance: Rowing is not only a strength-building exercise but also an excellent cardiovascular workout. It helps improve muscular endurance and helps muscles adapt to repeated exertions over time.
  6. Low Impact: Rowing is a low-impact exercise, which makes it suitable for many people, including those who may need to avoid high-impact activities like running. This characteristic helps in muscle building without excessively stressing the joints.
  7. Calorie Burn and Muscle Definition: The significant calorie burn associated with rowing can help reduce body fat, leading to more visible muscle definition as the muscles become more toned and defined.

Incorporating rowing into a balanced fitness routine can lead to well-rounded muscle development and improve overall strength and endurance. As with any exercise regimen, it’s important to maintain proper form and gradually increase intensity to avoid injury and get the best results.