2 best indoor rowing machines

Indoor rowing machines, often referred to as rowers, are fitness equipment designed to simulate the action of rowing a boat while providing a full-body workout. These machines are commonly used for cardio training, exercise, and sports fitness. Here is what you need to know about indoor rowing machines:

Design and Operation: Indoor rowing machines typically consist of a seat, footrests with straps, a handlebar, and a resistance mechanism. The user sits on the seat, secures their feet in the footrests, and uses the handlebar to pull against the resistance, mimicking the motion of rowing.
Cardiovascular Workout: Rowing machines offer an excellent cardiovascular workout. They engage large muscle groups in the legs, back, and arms, providing an effective way to raise your heart rate and improve cardiovascular fitness.
Full-Body Workout: One of the key advantages of indoor rowing is that it engages both upper and lower body muscles. It works the legs during the push-off phase, the core and back during the stroke, and the arms during the pull phase, providing a comprehensive workout.
Low Impact: Rowing is a low-impact exercise, making it suitable for people of various fitness levels and ages. It puts less stress on the joints compared to high-impact activities like running.
Resistance Types: Rowing machines use different types of resistance mechanisms, including air resistance, magnetic resistance, hydraulic resistance, and water resistance. Each type offers a unique feel and level of resistance, allowing users to customize their workouts.
Data and Metrics: Many rowing machines come equipped with digital displays that provide information such as distance rowed, time elapsed, strokes per minute, and calories burned. This data helps users track their progress and set fitness goals.
Versatility: Indoor rowing machines can be used for various workouts, from steady-state endurance training to high-intensity interval training (HIIT).They are also popular in CrossFit and other fitness programs.
Space Efficiency: Rowing machines are generally compact and can be easily stored when not in use, making them a suitable addition to home gyms.
Proper Technique: It's important to use proper rowing technique to maximize the benefits and minimize the risk of injury. This includes maintaining a straight back, pushing with the legs, pulling with the arms, and coordinating the movements smoothly.
Safety Considerations: As with any exercise equipment, safety is paramount. Users should read the manufacturer's instructions, start with appropriate resistance levels, and be aware of their own physical limits.

Indoor rowing machines are a versatile and effective tool for achieving cardiovascular fitness, building strength, and burning calories. They offer a full-body workout while being gentle on the joints, making them a popular choice for individuals looking to improve their overall fitness and endurance.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best indoor rowing machines on the market

Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5 Performance Monitor

Concept2

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Concept2 Model D rowing machine features an advanced PM5 Performance Monitor, improved ergonomically designed handles, adjustable foot-rests, and a flywheel designed for smooth movement with minimal noise. The Model D has a comfortable 14" (seat) height with an aluminum I-beam monorail and stainless steel track for a consistent back-and-forth slide. When done training, you can quickly break down the rower into two segments for storage or use the included caster wheels for easy transport. The Concept 2 Rower provides one of the more comprehensive, full-body workouts of any fitness machine. Engineered to last a lifetime, it's low impact enough for use in physical rehabilitation centers, and intensive enough to be used by the world's fittest athletes.

Your purchase includes One Concept2 Indoor Rowing Machine, D Model. A Performance Monitor 5 computer, One Model D User Manual, One Performance Monitor Quick Start Guide, tools and illustrated assembly instructions
Rowing machine dimensions: Assembled: 8 ft x 2 ft (244 cm x 61 cm) With Clearance for Use: 9 ft x 4 ft (274 cm x 122 cm) For Storage: 25 in x 33 in x 54 in (63.5 cm x 83.8 cm x 137.2 cm).
Designed to fit most users: 14-inch seat height, 500lb user capacity, adjustable footrests and ergonomic handle. Users with an inseam of 38 inches (96.5 cm) or more may require an extra-long monorail.
Separates easily into two pieces for storage; caster wheels make it mobile; easy to assemble with only eight screws.
Track your progress with real-time reliable data; the Performance Monitor 5 (included) self-calibrates for comparable results; connect wirelessly to heart rate belts and apps (not included).

User questions & answers

Question:	What is the difference between PM5 and PM3? Price is $75 different
Answer:	I needed a part and contacted the company. They sent it to me very quickly and even though my warranty was up, they gave me the part for free since it was shortly after the warranty expired.
Question:	How long does is take to fold up? According to the product photos above they had time to install a second window on the far wall
Answer:	Yes, if you figure the difference between you inseam and the average person it's only about 4" or 5" more. The machine has about 9" of room when my legs are fully extended. So unless your inseam is 40" you should've fine.
Question:	Will this be big enough for someone who is 6' 5""? Also is there an advantage to the model E
Answer:	Apple Watch works great for me
Question:	How hard was installation? Was it worth paying $95 to have a pro install or is it easy enough to set it up myself
Answer:	Unless you are one of the “Concept 2 or nothing” snobs, you will find this water rower a much better and smoother experience than a Concept 2.

Product features

The World's Best-Selling Rowing Machine

The dependable performance of the Concept2 Model D Indoor Rower has made it the best-selling rowing machine in the world for over 40 years.

Used by elite athletes for competitive training, the versatile Model D fits in as well in fitness facilities and home gyms as it does in boathouses around the world. The Model D fits your goals and your budget, offering a low-impact exercise accessible to anyone of any age.

Trust Your Workout Data

- Measure your progress with reliable, comparable data on every stroke.

- Workout options include time, distance and intervals.

- Easy on your eyes with backlit LCD display.

- Wireless Bluetooth and ANT+ compatibility for heart rate monitoring or apps.

- Save workouts to a USB flash drive (not included).

- Games included, and more.

Control Your Workout Intensity

- Air-resistance flywheel responds to every stroke.

- Control the air flow with an easy change of the damper.

- Damper levels 1-10.

- Minimal noise.

- Smooth feel.

Easy to Assemble, Move and Store

- Easy to assemble with only 8 screws.

- Rolls smoothly on caster wheels while fully assembled.

- Separates into two pieces for storage.

- Releases quickly without tools using a framelock mechanism.

- Stored dimensions: 25 in x 33 in x 54 in (63.5 cm x 83.8 cm x 137.2 cm).

Stay Motivated

- Connects with a wide range of popular fitness apps.

- Free ErgData app records and stores workouts on your smartphone.

- Sign up for Concept2’s Workout Of the Day (WOD) emails.

- Join an Online Challenge.

- Online rankings allow you to compare yourself against others.

Included from Concept2

For over forty years, Concept2 has been designing and manufacturing innovative, high-quality products out of Morrisville, Vermont.

Included with your Purchase: Performance Monitor 5 computer, Model D User Manual, Performance Monitor Quick Start Guide, tools and illustrated assembly instructions.

Warranty: Limited 2-year and 5-year warranty included.

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 Full Motion Rowing Machine Rower w/ 350 lb Weight Capacity and LCD Monitor

Sunny Health & Fitness

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Fitness at its best can only be accomplished by the best equipment. The high weight capacity SF-RW5639 Full Motion Rowing Machine by Sunny Health and Fitness will help accomplish your fitness goals. The full motion movement of the arms will burn more calories, increase strength by activating more muscles in the back, shoulders, and core. The rower allows you to work both arms simultaneously with equal resistance. Increase or decrease the workout intensity with a simple turn of the resistance knob. The integrated LCD digital monitor will track your stroke count, time, calories, and total count. The digital monitor is also equipped with a countdown feature for time, calories, and stroke. This feature is great to add more workout variations to increase the challenge of your workouts. The SF-RW5639 Full Motion Rowing Machine is equipped with a large fully padded seat, non-slip handlebars, and large anti-slip foot pedals with adjustable straps. The rower has a weight capacity of 350 lb. Keep driving forward with the SF-RW5639 Full Motion Rowing Machine by Sunny Health and Fitness.

Extended weight capacity of 350 lb
12 levels of adjustable resistance and LCD digital monitor displays scan, time, count, calorie, total count
Full motion arms allow for a larger range of motions for the shoulders
Fully padded seat and non-slip grip handlebars provide optimal comfort and support
Large anti-slip foot pedals with adjustable foot straps for secure footing

User questions & answers

Question:	How do i contact the seller to ask a question? if the angle of the arms is not adjustable, i'm very disappointed. not good for shorter people
Answer:	Think of opening this bottle the same way you would with a Child-Proof prescription bottle lid. It's best to place bottle on a table and push down on the lid as you turn counter clockwise. Press down FIRMLY and turn until you hear a "pop sound", don't be afraid to push, you will not break the bottle. Fill, re-place lid, and gently turn clockwise to close, but do not try to tighten too far!
Question:	How much space is needed for this rower while being used
Answer:	I use mine for Essential oil dilutions and it works fine.
Question:	are the foot pedals locked in a stationary position
Answer:	I haven't tried it but I'm guessing the answer would be no. The holes would probably get clogged with he seasoning particles.
Question:	I'm 5'1 and with short arms, will I be able to use it? my husband is 6'2 and heavy, that's why I'm looking at this particular model
Answer:	[email protected]

Product features

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 Full Motion Rowing Machine Rower

The high weight capacity SF-RW5639 Full Motion Rowing Machine will help accomplish your fitness goals. Full motion movement of the arms will burn more calories, increase strength by activating more muscles in the back, shoulders, and core. Increase or decrease the workout intensity with a simple turn of the resistance knob. LCD digital monitor will track your time, count, calorie, total count, and scan.

DIGITAL MONITOR

Exercising with your rowing screen display will showcase the count and time to keep you focused to achieving any type of personal fitness goals. With a convenient scan mode, you can choose to have these features continuously repeated.

12-LEVEL ADJUSTABLE RESISTANCE

A hydraulic rower works with fluid for resistance. The SF-RW5639 has one piston, which are cylinders filled with hydraulic fluid that engage when the rider pulls back. The energy you will exert with this machine is sure to get your heart pumping!

NON-SLIP PEDAL

Textured non-slip foot pedals will accommodate all sizes, while the remaining grip will ensure safe footing during the most demanding workouts! Foot straps keep your feet saddled in so you can focus on the workout without feeling unbalanced.

WIDE CUSHIONED SEAT

Extra padding and cushion to ensure proper blood flow in the glutes for prolonged and vigorous workouts. This extra padding helps relieve pressure points and the "falling asleep feeling" when circulation is cut off due to prolong sitting.