How to Choose the Best Rowing Machine for Home Use
Finding the right indoor rowing machine for your needs can be a time-consuming task.
To help make the search easier, we listed the most important factors you need to consider when shopping for home rowers.
Look Into the Type of Resistance
Generally, there are four variations of a rowing machine, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.
- Air rowing machines are the best, most popular, and most commonly used indoor rowing machines. Also known as flywheel rowers, these top-rated rowing machines successfully mimic the feel and impact of outdoor rowing. Resistance is provided from the pulling motion. In other words, the harder you pull, the more tension is created. The only downside is that air rowers can be quite noisy, so not the best if you want to exercise without disturbing others.
- Magnetic rowing machines are known for providing a smooth rowing stroke and a fantastic cardio workout. They have multiple levels of resistance and are incredibly compact. The best part, magnetic rowers are practically noiseless (there is no friction and thus no sound), making them the best-rated rowing machines for an apartment.
- The latest innovation in rowing tech is the water rowing machine, getting you as close as possible to the sound and the feel of outdoor rowing. As with air rowers, the harder you row, the more intense the resistance and the training will be. Plus, you get the natural smooth motion you would experience if you were on actual water. The disadvantage: water rowing machines can be quite bulky. They tend to be more expensive than other rowing machines for home use, too.
- Although considered by many as outdated, hydraulic rowing machines are still used primarily because of their small and compact size, noiseless operation, and low cost. Nevertheless, users say that these machines don’t offer the same smooth rowing action as air or water rowers.
Find the Optimal Size
One of the most important factors to consider before buying a top-rated rowing machine is size.
Keep in mind that the machine needs to be compact enough to fit into your home but still big enough so you can straighten your legs and get into the proper rowing position.
This can be a challenge, especially if you live in a small apartment, so it might be best to find a rowing machine that folds up for easy and convenient storage.
Go With Comfort and Ergonomic Construction
The best-rated rowing machine must have a stable construction for you to get a full-body workout without experiencing muscle strains and aches or workout-related injuries that could result in chronic pain.
In addition, it should be designed with the user’s comfort in mind. This includes a supportive seat, secure footrests, and padded handles.
Double-Check Resistance Levels
It’s important to find a rowing machine with a variety of resistance options that can meet your needs – whether you’re just starting out or have been rowing for years.
Look Up Extra Features
Some rowing machines come with a very basic setup like a monitor that tracks calories burned, distance, and speed.
More advanced rower machines for sale, on the other hand, monitor additional parameters, including heart rate, strokes per minute, watts, and drag. Others have extra features, like access to professional coaching videos and interactive classes or display screens that will make you think you’re actually on water.
Be aware that the more features a rowing machine has, the higher the price tag.
Bottom Line
A good home rowing machine delivers all the benefits of exercise, such as losing weight, building up power, muscles, and endurance. And all that from the comfort of your own home. What can beat that?
Hopefully, our reviews of the best home rowers will help you choose the perfect product and help you get in great shape in no time.