Which rowing machine to buy

Like interactive spin classes, users can access structured group sessions, too. It has simple adjustability that lets you switch resistance from a rowing simulation to a high-resistance power development setting. Buy now from TechnoGym. Sign up for our daily newsletter Newsletter. You are here: Home Gym equipment Best rowing machine The best air, magnetic and smart rowers for a full body workout Best rowing machine The best air, magnetic and smart rowers for a full body workout Best Buys.

Edward Munn. There are four different types of rowing machine, using different types of resistance, but each has its pros and cons: Air rowing machines generate resistance using a flywheel that rotates within an enclosed cage. You can let more air into the cage to generate more resistance, or close it to lower the resistance. Air-resistance machines are the most common on the market, but generate quite a bit of noise, which might not be practical in all households.

Hydraulic rowers , often referred to as piston rowing machines, are usually the most affordable option. These machines use a pair of hydraulic pistons to generate resistance, and tend to be the smallest and easiest in terms of storage, folding up in most cases. However, they often bare little to no resemblance to the movement of rowing.

Water-resistance models are designed to mimic the experience of real rowing, using large water-filled tanks and internal paddles to create resistance. They're relatively quiet and often designed from wood and so are aesthetically fetching. Magnetic is the final type of resistance used by rowing machines. Compared to the other varieties, these are extremely quiet and can be manually adjusted using a digital console or a slide lever, depending on the model.

The disadvantage is that the magnetic resistance lacks the reactive and powerful resistance of air or water machines. What else should I look out for? Technique is paramount in rowing, so you need all the component parts of the machine, from the sliding action of the seat on the rail to the drive mechanism, to be smooth and fluid so you can just concentrate on your form.

Ready to shop now? We paid particularly close attention to how uniform the resistance was throughout the stroke, as this is a measure of a quality rower, and also how comprehensive the data was that the monitor fed back to us throughout the session. The monitor also needed to be easy to read — even when we were giving everything to maintain an impressive split time. To back this up you need solid footplates that are easily adjustable.

One of the biggest downsides of rowing machines is that they are notoriously hard to store when not in use, as you have a large resistance cage attached to a long sliding seat mechanism. So we also looked at each product to see if it could reduce its footprint when the workout was over. What sets this ergo apart from the pack is its connected rowing experience, which turns your phone or tablet into your performance monitor, via an app.

Away from the app, the Echelon is a quality machine with straightforward assembly and resistance coming from a magnetic flywheel, providing 32 very smooth levels. The foot rests were large, sturdy and fully adjustable so that we felt well anchored throughout, and the rower stayed static during the most energetic of sessions. Read the full Echelon rower review. This was by far the best budget rower we tested: we found it very easy to assemble, coming together in under 20 minutes.

The build quality is high and the machine was stable, even when we were giving maximum effort on the highest level of resistance. There are eight settings that are varied enough to provide you with either a strength or cardio session, depending on your training goals.

The rowing was impressively smooth and the seat ran easily over the rails — we never experienced any lag waiting for the mechanism to catch up with the rate of the flywheel. The LCD monitor was basic but accurate and had all the metrics that a rower would need, regardless of experience. The rowerg replaces the industry-standard model D and relies purely on air resistance to deliver your workout, which you can track on the clear, concise and well-organised PM5 performance monitor.

The flywheel feels very responsive to the effort you put in, so you feel in control of your session, and the nickel-plated steel chain is never sloppy at the catch, with a very smooth action.

The high build quality that the American manufacturer is renowned for is again in evidence and the whole machine feels ergonomic when in use, with a nicely weighted handle, comfortable seat and effortless monorail. The unit is wheeled and, like other Concept2s before, it can actually be separated into two pieces without tools for easy storage and transportation. Assembly of this air- and magnetic-resistance rower takes some effort, but it is worth it because the component quality is high and at the end of it you will have a machine that is built to last.

Seat and footplates are comfortable and the slide rail allows for a smooth stroke with no lag on the handle. The fan-based resistance and dual-stage drive provide a smooth feel, and all the other contact points are comfortable and sweat-proof. Read the full JTX freedom air rowing machine review.

Water or air resistance tend to be the best options for a smooth experience and maximum resistance options, says Yuen. If you have very specific training goals, that sort of precision can be helpful, says Yuen. Dashboard stats: All rowing machines will have an ergometer, an apparatus that measures energy expended. Some models may just show basics stats like meters and power.

If you're newer to rowing, basic stats and a very user-friendly dashboard or screen may be the most important, says Langhans. On the other hand, a dashboard with more in-depth tracking options and data may be better for people looking to get a competitive edge or improve on specific rowing goals.

For example, some rowers sell additional attachments that allow you to have a full screen to stream workouts.

Built-in screen positioning: Some rowing machines come with a larger built-in display screen so you can stream workouts right on the machine. If you go for one of these options, make sure the screen is at eye level so that you can comfortable watch it while you row without straining your neck or compromising form.

Consistent exercise is just one component of being able to manage your weight, so it's irresponsible to say that a rower can be singularly able to help you lose weight. Crawford added that full-body strengthening like that which rowers can offer does have its benefits in regards to fat loss. But keep in mind, that it's not the only thing you should focus on. Weight training, proper rest , and a well-rounded diet are vital, as well. 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. We highlight products and services you might find interesting.

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