The adjustable foot pedals are comfortable, and the pull is smooth. All of my movements on this machine felt really natural. It's the only machine on this list that uses actual water resistance, which most closely mimics the outdoor rowing feel you would get as an actual rower out on the open water.
If you want a little more oomph, you can customize the resistance level with a turn knob, but I enjoyed relying on the water to work against me most of the time. Filling it up was a pretty lengthy process -- the machine comes with a siphon that you can use to transfer water from a bucket into the water reservoir, but I ended up carefully pouring water in with my blender pitcher, which moved the process along a lot more quickly.
The major thing that makes this workout machine stand out, though, is the accessory pack that comes with it. There are different kits to choose from, but you can add on various strength bands and power bands that allow you to use the machine as an anchor the accessories attach right to the machine as you do resistance exercises.
The main goal here is to create an all-in-one machine that allows you combine cardio and resistance training, but with a focus on low-impact exercises that prevent injury. And that goal has been accomplished. During the testing period, I could successfully complete all of my workouts using this setup alone. While the LIT Strength Machine doesn't have any smart features, there is an app and an on-demand digital platform that gives you access to all types of workouts, from basic rowing to mindfulness to barre.
These fitness classes were hands-down my favorite of any of the other platforms -- they're fun, high energy and adaptable and there are so many options to choose from that you never get bored.
I set my machine up in front of a TV, but you can also attach your own tablet with the holder and you're good to go. Rowing machines aren't especially bulky, but they do take up a fair amount of horizontal space, which can make them inconvenient to have around if you don't have a dedicated gym area. With the literal pull of a handle, it folds up and its footprint goes from 7 feet to about 3 -- probably one of the easiest stow-away processes I've ever experienced in a cardio machine.
Using this exercise equipment is just as straightforward. The pull wasn't as smooth as some of the other options on this list, but I was able to achieve full range of motion and the inertia-enhanced flywheel allowed for a smooth rotation without any wobbling or jerkiness, even at higher speeds.
This machine is on the less-expensive side as far as midrange rowing machines go, but it doesn't feel like a budget option aside from the fact that it doesn't have a video display on the console. You can view your calories, time and distance, but if you want to immerse yourself into an interactive rowing experience you'll have to hook up your tablet in the included holder.
It does have the ability to connect to iFit, it's just not as seamless as the NordicTrack RW, since you'll need to bring your own viewing screen.
If you want all of the bells and whistles, you're definitely not going to get it with the Stamina ATS rower, but this is a good option if you properly manage your expectations. It has a very basic digital interface that shows speed, distance, time and calories -- and that's it. There's no way to digitally control resistance, but one of the perks of a machine with air resistance is that it automatically adjusts to match your speed without the need for too much technology.
This was my biggest gripe, but it likely wouldn't be a deal-breaker for casual rowers or anyone who's just starting out with a rowing machine workout. It's impossible to pull together a list of the best rowing machines without at least mentioning Concept2, probably the most well-known rowing machine out there at least by CrossFitters.
I haven't had a chance to properly test a Concept2 rower yet, but the Concept2 model indoor rower consistently gets high marks across the board. While the RowErg doesn't have any advanced technology -- its digital display just highlights the basics -- it's smooth and can take heavy day-to-day use, which is ideal for serious rowers.
Another favorite of serious athletes, the AssaultRower Elite is a beast of a rower machine. It was designed by professional athletes and trainers to take a beating, and thanks to its solid steel construction, it likely does just that.
Like the Concept 2, the AssaultRower has a basic digital interface that tells you only what you need to know -- no frills or leisurely digital immersive experiences here -- and works on air resistance, so the harder you work, the harder the workout gets.
For two weeks per rowing machine, I put each home gym machine through the same series of workouts. I started each rowing machine workout with a beginner or welcome workout, moved on to a series of adaptive workouts if the machine had smart capabilities and then played around with the resistance myself with manually-controlled minute rows.
With so many different kinds of rowers, it's important to examine each model to choose one that best fits your needs and keeps you motivated and injury-free. You'll want to consider features like:.
Resistance: Different types of resistance include magnetic electromagnets slow the erg's metal flywheel , air wind from the spinning flywheel creates drag , hydraulic resistance is created by hydraulic fluid in a piston or two connected to the erg's handles , and water the flywheel pushes against water in a tank.
Size: The machine should be large enough for you to straighten your legs and maintain proper rowing form, yet small enough to fit into your workout space. Maximum user weight capacity: Models vary in how much they support but many accommodate to pounds or more.
Foldability: Some machines usually magnetic and hydraulic resistance fold up for easy storage, while others often air and water resistance don't. Seat: It should be contoured and large enough to keep your backside comfortable while allowing you to maintain proper form.
To get the most out of your workouts and avoid injury, remember that proper rowing form consists of an initial drive phase followed by a recovery phase.
Here's how to execute it:. Finally, don't think of this exercise as a race. Focus on perfecting your form, not on how fast you can row. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. You can purchase syndication rights to this story here. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team.
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Cyber Monday. Rick Stella. Table of Contents. Here are the best rowing machines: How I test rowers The best row machine overall The best budget rowing machine The best interactive rowing machine The best smart rowing machine The best digital-resistance rowing machine The best water resistance rowing machine The best rowing machine for beginners FAQs How to shop for a rowing machine How to row with good form. Loading Something is loading. Email address.
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The best water resistance rowing machine. The best rowing machine for beginners. How to shop for a rowing machine.
How to row with good form. He reviews and covers all matters of fitness-related gear like fitness trackers, stationary bikes, and at-home workout equipment, as well as alternative forms of fitness like hiking, climbing, and swimming.
The Brighton-based brand has even created a side-by-side comparison of the two. This is a good-quality and robust machine that, like the Freedom Air above, can connect to Polar heart rate monitors. This rower impressed us with its combination of smooth action, comfortable seat and challenging feel. WaterRower machines are the go-to option for anyone who wants a rower that mimics the feel and satisfying swoosh sound of pulling against old-fashioned H2O, and it even has the British Rowing seal of approval.
The integration with popular fitness app iFit across its range of cardio machines has made NordicTrack one of the best brands for guided workouts. There are also strength and other supportive workouts you can follow on the iFit app when you're not rowing, and if you decide to ignore the app entirely the RW is still a great rower with 26 levels of magnetic digital resistance, plus manual air resistance.
It also folds down and can be wheeled into a corner or cupboard. Echelon is well established in the home spinning world with its Connect EX3 and Sport bikes, and this recent launch brings the combination of cardio machine and live and on-demand classes via a subscription app to rowing. The classes also focus on developing your rowing technique, which is very welcome, and you can also choose to row virtually along scenic rivers of the world if you fancy a change of pace.
Read more: Echelon Smart Rower review. The easiest way to understand a dynamic rower — as namechecked by Tarrant above — is to see it in action. The ability of the flywheel and machine to move gives a better feel for being on the water and is great for working on your technique if you are a competitive rower. The monitor is a cut above and includes extras like a force curve of each stroke.
RP3s can also be linked into boats and then raced online against others. The expansive 56cm HD touchscreen makes for an immersive experience, especially if you set the screen to one of the many real-world scenic rivers to row down. The app also contains other types of exercise sessions like yoga and Pilates.
That space must have a nearby power source, because the Hydrow needs to be plugged in, but also needs to be secluded since it can get a little loud in use.
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