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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 November 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

  • OVER 3 MILLION FAMILIES TRUST YOSUDA FOR QUALITY HOME WORKOUTS!
  • SILENT MAGNETIC RESISTANCE ENSURES A SMOOTH, PEACEFUL ROWING SESSION.
  • QUICK 25-MIN ASSEMBLY-GET STARTED EFFORTLESSLY WITH YOUR NEW ROWER!
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$179.99 $299.99
Save 40%
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 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

  • ELEVATE YOUR ROWING WITH MERACH APP’S IMMERSIVE COURSES!
  • ENJOY QUIET WORKOUTS WITH OUR SMOOTH MAGNETIC FLYWHEEL SYSTEM.
  • EASY ASSEMBLY IN 30 MINS; COMPACT AND SPACE-EFFICIENT DESIGN!
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$179.99 $259.99
Save 31%
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
3 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 SILENT WORKOUTS UNDER 20 DECIBELS ANYWHERE.

  • 16 RESISTANCE LEVELS: TAILORED WORKOUTS FOR BEGINNERS TO ADVANCED USERS.

  • EASY ASSEMBLY & STORAGE: QUICK SETUP IN 30 MINS AND SAVES 70% SPACE!

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$141.99 $149.99
Save 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
4 Rowing Machine, MERACH Bluetooth Magnetic Rower Machine with Dual Slide Rail, 16 Levels of Electromagnetic Resistance, Max 350lb Weight Capacity, App Compatible, Rowing Machines for Home Use

Rowing Machine, MERACH Bluetooth Magnetic Rower Machine with Dual Slide Rail, 16 Levels of Electromagnetic Resistance, Max 350lb Weight Capacity, App Compatible, Rowing Machines for Home Use

  • STABLE ELECTROMAGNETIC RESISTANCE: ENJOY SMOOTHER, MORE EFFICIENT WORKOUTS!

  • MERACH APP INTEGRATION: ACCESS FREE COURSES & BOOST YOUR ROWING EXPERIENCE!

  • WHISPER-QUIET OPERATION: ROW WITHOUT DISTURBING YOUR FAMILY WITH NOISE!

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$220.99 $239.99
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Rowing Machine, MERACH Bluetooth Magnetic Rower Machine with Dual Slide Rail, 16 Levels of Electromagnetic Resistance, Max 350lb Weight Capacity, App Compatible, Rowing Machines for Home Use
5 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

  • ERGONOMIC DESIGN ENSURES COMFORT FOR EVERY USER WITH ADJUSTABLE FEATURES.

  • INCLUDES PERFORMANCE MONITOR 5 FOR REAL-TIME WORKOUT TRACKING.

  • COMPACT AND MOBILE; EASY STORAGE WITH CASTER WHEELS FOR CONVENIENCE.

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$990.00
Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine - PM5 Monitor, Device Holder, Adjustable Air Resistance, Easy Storage
6 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

  • ADJUSTABLE RESISTANCE: TAILOR YOUR WORKOUT BY MODIFYING WATER LEVELS.
  • SPACE-SAVING DESIGN: FOLDS EASILY FOR STORAGE; LOOKS GREAT IN ANY ROOM.
  • DURABLE & USER-FRIENDLY: SUPPORTS 350LBS & FITS USERS UP TO 77” TALL.
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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
7 MERACH Rowing Machines for Home, Adjustable Air Resistance Professional Indoor Rowing Machine, Ergonomic Comfort Seat, Performance Monitor and Device Holder, Easy Storage

MERACH Rowing Machines for Home, Adjustable Air Resistance Professional Indoor Rowing Machine, Ergonomic Comfort Seat, Performance Monitor and Device Holder, Easy Storage

  • FULL-BODY WORKOUT IN JUST 20 MINUTES; ENGAGE 86% OF MUSCLES!
  • ADJUSTABLE AIR RESISTANCE: 10 LEVELS, PEAK AT 110 LBS FOR ALL USERS.
  • EASY SETUP AND STORAGE WITH FOLDABLE DESIGN; SAVE SPACE EFFORTLESSLY!
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$449.99 $599.99
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MERACH Rowing Machines for Home, Adjustable Air Resistance Professional Indoor Rowing Machine, Ergonomic Comfort Seat, Performance Monitor and Device Holder, 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.