When it comes to your fitness routine, it is sometimes a good idea to mix things up. Consider a rowing machine for a low-impact, joint-friendly workout with a high payoff. Rowing could be the all-around workout you’ve been looking for. Having a rowing machine at home can provide a convenient way to get a total-body, cardiovascular, and resistance workout.
A rowing machine, unlike treadmills, exercise bikes, and stair climbing equipment, works both your upper and lower bodies. Rowing machines use up to 86 percent of your muscles. This, in turn, improves endurance while also strengthening and toning the muscles.
Top Reviewed Rowing Machines
- Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine
- Marcy Water Rowing Machine
- Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine
- Echelon Row S
- XTERRA Fitness ERG500 Air Turbine Rower
Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5
Low impact workout that engages all major muscle groups; work legs, core, and arms with a smooth, high calorie-burning motion
Marcy Water Rowing Machine
The Marcy Water Rower brings home a natural rowing experience using water resistance; by using water to create resistance, every row feels as if you’re exercising on the lake. Rowing machines are popular because they deliver a full-body workout.
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine
Tackle your fitness goals and experience a low impact, full-body workout with the SF-rw5801 synergy power motion magnetic rowing machine by Sunny health and fitness. Engage your quads as you propel your legs back and forth on the ergonomic pivoting foot pedals. The oversized foot pedals move forward and backward with your feet to promote a powerful push that is sure to fire up those leg muscles.
Echelon Row S
Enjoy a full-body, low-impact workout with the Echelon Row-s Connected Rowing Machine. Our most advanced rower yet is equipped with a new, 22” rotating HD screen, making it easy to mix-up row workouts; simply flip the screen while taking classes to expand your fitness routines. The screen’s crystal-clear resolution makes it easy to get lost when rowing while Wi-Fi-enhancing antennas ensure consistent connectivity during every workout. Featuring Bluetooth technology and dual audio jacks.
XTERRA Fitness ERG500 Air Turbine Rower
There are few exercises available that work as many muscle groups through as wide a range of motion as rowing. Simply put, it is the best low-impact, full-body workout available! The full body rhythmic nature of rowing makes it wonderfully efficient at burning calories while also developing flexibility and strength. Rowing is impact-free and the intensity is completely user-controlled.
Types of indoor rowing machines
There are four distinct types of indoor rowing machines:
1. Hydraulic Rowing Machine
If space is an issue, or if you’re on a tight budget and looking for an affordable indoor rower, this is the best option. Hydraulic rowing machines get their tension from the amount of air or fluid compressed by a cylinder or piston, and most models of indoor rowers allow you to adjust it. Hydraulic-powered rowers do not allow you to pull in a straight line. Most of the hydraulic piston-based rowers require you to be in a position that does not accommodate a natural rowing movement. As a result, you can’t naturally synchronize your arm and leg movements.
2. Flywheel Rowing Machine
The flywheel machines for exercise simulates outdoor rowing. The resistance provided by a flywheel exercise rowing machine is provided by a pulling motion with fan blades attached. The wind provides resistance. Compared to piston/cylinder or hydraulic rowing machines, air rowing machines provide a more natural, continuous, and smoother rowing stroke.
3. Magnetic Resistance Indoor Rowers
This type of rowing machine is recognized for its near-silent operation and smooth rowing stroke. Magnetic rowing machines use a magnetic brake mechanism, unlike flywheel-based indoor rowers that get their resistance from the wind.
4. The WaterRower
The WaterRower is an excellent rowing machine for those who enjoy outdoor rowing. It was created to mimic the dynamics of a boat moving through water. While using this rowing machine, all you can hear is the swishing of the water.
What to look for in a rowing machine?
When buying a rowing machine, the machine’s size and storage capacity can be important considerations. People with smaller living spaces may want to look into more compact models that take up less space or fold to fit into tighter spaces when not in use. Fitness objectives may also play a role in their decision.
Competitive rowers looking for a machine that simulates water should look for water-based resistance models. Others may prefer rowers with built-in programs and displays to help them stay motivated in reaching their fitness goals. Finally, rowing machines can vary in price depending on the company, size, resistance method, and additional features. Less expensive models typically have fewer features.
Best Rowing Machines Australia
Benefits of working out on a rowing machine
1. It is a total body workout
Rowing is commonly misunderstood as only working the arms. In reality, it is a full-body workout that engages 86 percent of the muscles. The rowing stroke comprises 65 to 75 percent leg work and 25 to 35 percent upper bodywork, according to the AFPA. Rowing targets major muscle groups are the upper back, pecs, arms, abdominal muscles, and obliques. It also strengthens the quadriceps, calves, and glutes.
2. It is appropriate for people of all fitness levels to try
Rowing can be added to your exercise routine as long as you have access to a rowing machine. This exercise is also considered safe for people who have low vision or are blind.
3. It has a low impact. Rowing burns a lot of calories without putting too much strain on your joints. It allows you to control your movement and pace and is an excellent exercise for active recovery. It is sometimes recommended as a form of exercise for people in the early stages of osteoarthritis.
4. It can have a meditative effect
While rowing on the water provides the most calming benefits, you can achieve a similar effect indoors. Rowing involves a mind-body connection. This is due to the rowing machine’s smooth, gliding motion and the repetitive movements that allow the mind to go on autopilot. Rowing also causes the release of endorphins, which are feel-good hormones that reduce stress.
5. It is beneficial to the heart and lungs
Rowing helps strengthen our cardiovascular system because it is such an intense workout, the heart must work extra hard to transport more blood to the body. This has the potential to improve heart strength. This could be beneficial for those who have or are at risk of having heart problems.
Mastering the proper rowing machine form
Try leg isolations. Begin by standing with your arms extended, knees bent, and weight on the balls of your feet, holding the oar. With your back straight and your core engaged, push back using only your legs, rolling through your feet so they’re flat when your legs are extended. Throughout, keep your arms extended.
After you’ve gotten used to pushing with your lower body, try arm isolations. Pull the oar toward your chest while keeping your legs straight. Bend your elbows out to the sides and place the oar just under your chest. Hold the oar lightly and pull the oar toward you with your upper back (not your shoulders or biceps). Use the same muscles as you would for a bent-over row.
Now, bring it all together. Push back with your lower body first, then use your upper back to pull hands toward your chest, with your back straight, core engaged, and balls of your feet firmly in the straps. Return to the starting position by releasing your arms toward the base and bending your knees. Remember legs, arms, arms, legs.
Wrap It Up
Choosing an exercise program can be difficult, especially if you’re a beginner. Getting in shape does not necessitate scaling mountains or pounding the pavement for a long run. If you’re looking for a great low-impact cardio workout, the indoor rowing machine is the way to go. An intense workout on this piece of equipment can help you burn fat, burn calories, and build muscle.
