Rowing machines can vary significantly in size depending on the model and design. On average, a rowing machine can be about 7 to 9 feet in length and 1 to 2 feet in width. In terms of height, they typically require around 4 to 5 feet, especially if you're considering models that allow for vertical storage when not in use. However, space requirements can differ based on whether the machine is foldable or fixed, so it's important to check the specifications of the specific model you are considering. Additionally, you'll want to ensure there is adequate clearance around the machine for comfortable use.
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.
4
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 are the dimensions of a standard rowing machine?
The dimensions of a standard rowing machine can vary slightly between models and manufacturers, but typically, a standard rowing machine is around:
- Length: 7 to 9 feet (approximately 213 to 274 cm)
- Width: 2 to 4 feet (approximately 61 to 122 cm)
- Height: 1 to 5 feet (approximately 30 to 152 cm), depending on the type and design, such as whether it mimics an elevated water rowing position.
It's important to check the specific dimensions of the model you are interested in, particularly if you have space constraints. Most indoor rowing machines are designed to be folded or stored vertically to save space when not in use.
How do you maintain a rowing machine?
Maintaining a rowing machine is essential to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. Here are some steps you can take to maintain your rowing machine:
- Regular Cleaning:
Wipe down the machine after each use with a soft, damp cloth to remove sweat and dust.
Use a mild cleaner or disinfectant spray if necessary, but avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the surface.
- Check for Loose Bolts and Screws:
Periodically inspect and tighten any loose bolts or screws. Vibrations during use can cause these to loosen over time.
- Inspect the Chain or Cord:
For machines with a chain, apply a light coat of oil or lubricant specifically designed for chains to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.
If your machine uses a cord, check for any fraying or wear, and replace if necessary.
- Seat and Rail Care:
Clean and lubricate the rail where the seat slides regularly to ensure smooth movement. Use a dry cloth to remove dust and debris from the rail.
Check the rollers on the seat for wear and clean them as needed.
- Monitor the Foot Straps and Pads:
Inspect the foot straps and pads for signs of wear and tear, which may need replacement to ensure user safety and comfort.
- Check the Resistance Mechanism:
For air or water resistance rowers, ensure the mechanisms (fan or water tank) are clean and free from obstructions.
For magnetic or hydraulic machines, ensure the resistance settings function correctly and check for any unusual noise or friction.
- Monitor the Display Console:
Ensure the display console is functioning properly. Replace batteries as needed, and if the console shows inaccuracies, check the connections.
- Evaluate Performance:
Pay attention to any unusual noises, vibrations, or changes in performance, and investigate promptly to identify and fix any issues.
- Follow the Manufacturer's Guidelines:
Refer to the manufacturer’s manual for specific maintenance tips and intervals.
By regularly maintaining your rowing machine, you can prevent issues from escalating and extend the life of the equipment, ensuring a smooth and effective workout experience.
What are common mistakes to avoid on a rowing machine?
Using a rowing machine is an effective way to get a full-body workout, but there are several common mistakes that can hinder your performance and increase the risk of injury. Here are some to avoid:
- Poor Posture: Ensure you maintain a straight back throughout the rowing motion. Slouching or hunching over can lead to back strain.
- Rushing the Stroke: Avoid rushing through the stroke. Proper rowing involves a sequence: drive back with your legs, lean back slightly, and then pull the handle. Rushing any part of this can compromise efficiency and form.
- Neglecting the Legs: Rowing is not just an arm workout. Your legs provide the primary power in the stroke. Pushing with your legs first and foremost is crucial.
- Overusing the Arms: Pulling too early with your arms or relying on them too much can lead to fatigue and improper form. Focus on driving with your legs and engaging your core before pulling with your arms.
- Faulty Grip: Avoid gripping the handle too tightly, which can cause tension in your forearms and shoulders. A relaxed grip is essential.
- Pulling the Handle Too High: The handle should be pulled to the area just below your chest. Pulling too high or too low can affect your form and efficiency.
- Poor Recovery Sequence: During recovery, the sequence should be arms out first, then lean forward from the hips, followed by bending the knees to return to the starting position. Doing this sequence incorrectly can disrupt your rhythm and efficiency.
- Ignoring Resistance Settings: Setting the resistance too high can lead to poor technique and fatigue. Begin with moderate resistance and increase as you build strength and confidence.
- Shortened Stroke Length: Not fully extending your legs or arms can limit the effectiveness of your workout. Aim to maximize the length of both the drive and recovery phases.
- Lack of Warm-Up and Cool Down: Not warming up can lead to injury, and skipping cool down can result in stiffness. Ensure you do both before and after rowing sessions.
- Inconsistent Breathing: Remember to maintain a steady, rhythmic breathing pattern, usually inhaling on the recovery and exhaling during the drive phase.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll enhance your rowing technique, prevent injury, and get the most out of your workout.
How do you choose between magnetic and hydraulic rowing machines?
Choosing between magnetic and hydraulic rowing machines depends on various factors, including your fitness goals, space constraints, budget, and personal preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the key considerations for each type:
Magnetic Rowing Machines:
Pros:
- Quiet Operation: Magnetic rowers are known for their smooth and quiet operation, making them suitable for home use without disturbing others.
- Adjustable Resistance Levels: Most magnetic rowers come with adjustable resistance levels, allowing for customized workouts.
- Consistency: Resistance remains consistent throughout the rowing motion, providing a smooth and even workout experience.
- Low Maintenance: Generally requires less maintenance than hydraulic models.
Cons:
- Price: Typically more expensive than hydraulic rowers.
- Space: May take up more space, although there are compact foldable options available.
Hydraulic Rowing Machines:
Pros:
- Compact and Portable: Often more compact than magnetic rowers and can easily be stored away when not in use, making them ideal for small spaces.
- Affordable: Generally less expensive than other types of rowing machines, including magnetic rowers.
- Wide Range of Motion: Can offer a different range of motion, which some users find beneficial for certain exercises.
Cons:
- Noise: May be noisier compared to magnetic rowers due to the use of pistons.
- Maintenance: Hydraulic pistons may require more maintenance or replacement over time.
- Inconsistent Resistance: As they rely on fluid-filled pistons, resistance can become inconsistent, especially during longer workouts.
Key Considerations:
- Noise Level: Consider if noise is a concern, particularly if you live in an apartment or with others.
- Space: Evaluate the space available and whether you need a machine that is easily storable.
- Budget: Determine what you are willing to spend, keeping in mind the potential trade-offs in terms of features and quality.
- Workout Preferences: Consider the type of workout experience you prefer, whether you like the smoothness of magnetic resistance or the feel of hydraulic systems.
Ultimately, test a few models, if possible, to see which type feels most comfortable and meets your needs. Also, consider reading user reviews and ratings to gain insights into durability and performance.
How do you fold a rowing machine for storage?
Folding a rowing machine for storage typically varies based on the brand and model, but here are some general steps you can follow:
- Consult the Manual: Before proceeding, it’s crucial to review the user manual specific to your rowing machine model for any special instructions or safety precautions.
- Ensure the Machine is Off: If your rowing machine is electronic, make sure it is powered off and unplugged before starting the folding process.
- Clear the Area: Ensure there is ample space around the machine to fold it safely without any obstructions.
- Lock the Rail: Some models may have a locking mechanism on the rail. Make sure the rail is locked in place to facilitate folding.
- Adjust the Seat and Handle: Slide the seat to the front of the rail. Secure the handle in its placeholder or dock to avoid any loose parts while storing.
- Folding Mechanism:
For Most Models:
Locate the folding point, which is often at the junction where the rail meets the front bar or base.
Pull the pin or unlock the lever that holds the rail in place.
Carefully lift the rail upwards until it locks into the upright position.
For Hydraulic or Compact Models:
There may be a hinge in the middle of the machine. You may need to fold the arms in and then fold the machine in half.
- Secure It: Some rowing machines might have a locking mechanism to keep it stable in a folded position. Ensure it is securely locked.
- Storage Placement: Once folded, position the rowing machine against a wall or in a designated storage area. Make sure it is stable and out of the way to prevent it from falling over.
- Maintenance: Regularly check the folding mechanism for wear and tear and lubricate if necessary to ensure it operates smoothly.
These steps are general guidelines, and specific instructions may vary. Always prioritize the guidelines provided by the manufacturer for your precise model.
