Rowing into Fitness: The Best Rowing Machines for Every Budget

October 27, 2024

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Our Opinion

Rowing into Fitness: The Best Rowing Machines for Every Budget

Hello, fitness enthusiasts and aspiring rowers! Here at The Parent Game, we know that finding the perfect workout machine is akin to finding a lost sock—an important yet often frustrating quest. Today, we’re diving into the buoyant world of rowing machines, because who doesn’t want to get in shape while channeling their inner Thor in a boat? Whether you’re an Olympic aspirant or simply trying to keep up with your toddler’s energy, we’ve got the lowdown on rowing machines for every budget!

Why Rowing?

Before we row into the reviews, let’s discuss why rowing is the ultimate full-body workout. You engage your legs, core, and arms—all while sitting down (yes!). It’s low-impact, which means your joints will thank you later, and it’s an excellent caloric blaster (goodbye, leftover birthday cake!). Plus, who doesn’t love the idea of gliding through water—even if it’s just in your garage?

The Gold Medal Rowers: High-End Picks ($800+)

1. Concept2 Model D

Price: $1,199

Ah, the gold standard of rowing machines! This sleek, durable piece of equipment is what passionate rowers dream about. The Concept2 Model D is renowned for its performance monitor that tracks your progress and pushes you to new limits. With adjustable footrests and a comfortable seat, you’ll be gliding through your workout like a pro. Pro tip: Perfect your “serious rowing face” in front of the mirror for maximum motivation!

2. WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine

Price: $1,295

Swoon-worthy aesthetics alert! The WaterRower is made from beautiful hardwood and utilizes water resistance which mimics actual rowing. The soothing sound of water splashing as you row will make it feel like you’re on a serene lake—hello, peace and quiet (finally!). Just be cautious not to trick yourself into thinking you’re on vacation while your kids are chasing each other around.

The Silver Medal Rowers: Mid-Range Picks ($400 – $800)

3. NordicTrack RW900

Price: $1,199 (but often on sale!)

This chic machine offers an interactive experience with live and on-demand workouts via its HD touchscreen. You’ll be coached by some of the best trainers while “rowing” through beautiful landscapes, making you momentarily forget you’re sweating profusely in your living room. Bonus: It folds up for easy storage—because we all know that toddlers are attracted to anything that can be tripped over!

4. Hydrow Smart Rower

Price: $1,995 (and worth it!)

If you want to feel like you’re actually racing on the water, you need the Hydrow. This machine comes equipped with live and on-demand workouts that immerse you in the rowing experience. Think of it as the Peloton of rowing machines (but with fewer spandex-clad instructors). It’s perfect for multitasking parents who want to feel like they’re on their next vacation while getting fit!

The Bronze Medal Rowers: Budget-Friendly Picks ($200 – $400)

5. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515

Price: $299

If you’re looking for an entry-level rowing machine that won’t break the bank, look no further! This budget-friendly option provides a great workout with adjustable resistance levels and a digital monitor to track your time and calories burned. Sure, it’s not going to make you feel like you’re racing in the Olympics, but it will get you off the couch and moving—which is a glorious achievement in itself!

6. Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050

Price: $199

This compact rowing machine is perfect for those short on space (or patience). With its unique design, it offers a full-body workout while taking up minimal room. Plus, it’s lightweight, making it easy to store away (or maneuver around your living room during an unexpected toddler race).

Conclusion: Your Rowing Adventure Awaits!

No matter your budget, there’s a rowing machine out there that will help you glide into fitness while having a little fun along the way. Here at The Parent Game, we understand that the journey to fitness can sometimes feel like trying to get a toddler to eat vegetables: challenging but ultimately worthwhile! So, grab your oars, pick out a rowing machine, and let’s get moving!

Row That Boat to Fitness!

In the wise words of fitness aficionados everywhere, “You only row once!” (Okay, maybe we made that up…) But now is your chance to embrace the fun of indoor rowing. So, what are you waiting for? Adventure awaits, and so do those abs you’ve been dreaming about!

Products We Currently Love on Amazon

  • Choose YOSUDA: Design and produce top-quality exercise machines for home use for over 20 years. YOSUDA has been chosed by more than 3,000,000 families and we will always stand behind our product

  • 10× 10 Powerful Magnetic: Equipped with a 10-lb flywheel and high-quality magnetic control system, this rower machine provides enough resistance. All stages users can get an effective workout whether you are a beginner or an advanced user

  • Dual Silent System: The non-contact magnetic resistance system delivers a virtually silent rowing experience. High-density steel reduces noise, changing your daily rowing into pleasure. You can enjoy your workout without worries anytime

  • FREE MERACH APP: Our App offers various FREE courses and programmed exercises for you, Taking the courses can bring your rowing experience to the next level. Also compatible with KINOMAP APP, immerse yourself in splash, and feel nature even while rowing at home.

  • Visualized Workout Data: You can conveniently measure and check your workout data, distance, time, calories burned, speed, heart rate, cadence, and other info by APP. Your achievements are worth being recorded!

  • Less Noise While Rowing: Customized smooth and quiet magnetic flywheel system makes the workout extremely quiet. Q1S rower machine for home avoids the worries of bothering other family members.

  • Tough Flywheel for Powerful Magnetic Resistance: The Niceday Rowing Machines for home features a 12 lbs flywheel, delivering resistance up to 66 lbs, catering to your explosive and strength training needs; With 16 adjustable resistance levels, it suits both beginners and professionals for effective workouts

  • Sturdy Construction: High durability aluminum alloy rower machine with 2" thickness strength and 49-inch long rail for more safety and stable workouts; It supports a maximum weight of 350 lbs, suitable for every family member to achieve their fitness goals

  • Intelligent Fitness Tracking: The LCD monitor tracks time, count, speed, distance, calories, and total distance for visualized workout data; Place your tablet on the holder and connect to Kinomap for an immersive rowing experience at home

  • 【FULL BODY WORKOUT】Complete body workout that engages all major muscle groups with the smooth, hydraulic resistance that targets legs, glutes, back, arms, shoulders, and core. The low-impact rowing motion works your whole body.

  • 【FREE CONNECTED APP】 Enjoy FREE access to the SunnyFit App with every Sunny Health & Fitness product—no membership fees! Dive into 1,000+ trainer-led workouts, explore 10,000+ virtual scenic tours, track progress, challenge others, and much more!

  • 【COMPACT & LIGHTWEIGHT】The portable design maximizes storage for convenience. The rower takes up minimal space for hassle-free storage when not in use. Weighing only 22.4 LB, it is light enough to carry from room to room or transport in a car.

  • Revolutionary 180° Foldable Storage Design: Save space in your home with our innovative folding feature; The elegant beech wood finish adds a stylish touch, making it blend seamlessly with your home decoration

  • Robust 400 lbs Capacity: The YOSUDA water rowing machine, meticulously crafted from solid beech wood, offers exceptional durability and stability; Accommodating users up to 78.74 inches tall, it’s the perfect fit for nearly every member of your family

  • Never Worry Leaking Problem: The oversized tank of the folding rowing machine provides ample resistance for your workout; With patented sealing technology, no need to drain after use and no water leakage when stored upright

  • Integrated Device Holder allows you to keep your Smart Phone or Tablet securely in place. Compatible with over 40+ apps.

  • 14-inch seat height fits most uses. Adjustable footrests and ergonomic handle

  • Indoor rowing is an effective full-body and low-impact workout; flywheel design minimizes noise while maximizing a smooth feel

  • 【One-Piece Silicone Grip】Experience comfort with our rowing machine's soft, non-slip silicone handrail. It reduces calluses and prevents the rope from slipping, allowing you to stay focused during your workouts. Perfect for enhancing safety and comfort in your home gym.

  • 【Powerful Magnetic Resistance】This pooboo rowing machine offers 8 levels of resistance, equivalent to 16 on other rower machines. Updated in January 2024, it ensures a smoother, quieter, and more efficient workout. Perfect for a full-body workout and engaging every muscle group. It's also a great gift for fitness enthusiasts and families. Enhance your home gym with this effective rowing machine.

  • 【Quick Setup】Our rowing machine comes 85% pre-assembled for effortless setup. Follow the detailed instruction manual or scan the smart QR code for an installation video. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that our customer service team is ready to assist you with any questions, ensuring a smooth and quick setup process.

  • Full-Body Low-Impact Workout: Indoor rowing provides an effective full-body, low-impact exercise. In just 20 minutes, you can engage over 86% of your major muscle groups, all without needing to go outdoors

  • Air Resistance System: 10-level air resistance system with up to 110 lbs of peak resistance, catering to various workout intensities

  • Designed for Taller Users: Extended track with durable, high-quality steel construction, supports up to 350 lbs, ensuring both safety and comfort during workouts

  • Smooth Quiet Rower: Magnetic resistance system ensures smooth and quiet rowing. It is a very good choice for indoor exercise. You will NEVER disturb your families or roommates. Convenient folding rowing machine folds upright. Great for home storege

  • 14 Levels Resistance: After January 8, 2023, Pooboo rowing machine Resistance has been updated, resistance increases again. The adjustable resistance ranges from level 1 to 14 is ideal for each training phase to enjoy your effective fitness experience

  • Large Monitor and Tablet Holder: The easy-to-read LCD monitor clearly displays your distance,rowing time, count, total count and calories. Tablet holder angle adjustable for a better view

  • 【TOTAL BODY WORKOUT】Full-body Workout with Extended Slide Rails. Engage & strengthen legs, glutes, core, back, arms & shoulders. Rowing activates multiple muscles, promoting balanced development & strength. Unlock your potential.

  • 【EXTENDED SLIDE RAIL】At 48 inches in slide rail length, and 44 inches in inseam length, the SF-RW5515 can accommodate rowers up to 6 feet 8 inches tall.

  • 【SUPREME COMFORT】Designed for effectiveness without compromising in comfort, its ergonomically crafted cushioned seat allows for extensive cardiovascular rowing workouts maximizing calories burned.

  • 【Premium Solid Oak Build】JOROTO water rowing machines are made of FSC certified premium solid oak wood, which has excellent durability and stability to support 330lbs/150kg max load. User height up to 39”/195 cm.

  • 【Smooth and Immersive Rowing】The tank of the water row machine equiped with enlarged blades to provide enhanced resistance, also the 6 levels water line marks for your convenient to increase or decrease resistance. Organic polymer PU rollers under the ergonomic seat are more shock-absorbing, noise-reducing and quiet. Let you enjoy the soothing sound of rushing water.

  • 【Bluetooth Monitor Support APP】Bluetooth Monitor tracking important data during your workout. Support KINOMAP and more APP, make your tranning more interesting. Monitor with phone holder.

  • 16 Levels of Resistance: The rowing machine offers 16 magnetic resistance levels to keep you challenged, allowing you to adjust the intensity of your workout. You can customize the built-in handlebars, pedals, and console until you feel comfortable, and then settle in for a solid workout

  • Full-Body Muscle Workout: Combining cardio and strength, rowing machines are great for total-body fitness. Rowing builds endurance, engages your core muscles, and maximizes workouts without over-stressing your joints, making it a great exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels

  • Real-time Rowing Data: You can conveniently measure and check your rowing data, such as time, counts, distance, and calories, on the digital monitor. The magnetic rowing machine also includes a device holder for your phone or tablet, which means you can catch up on shows while getting your workout in

  • Whisper-Quiet Workout Equipment: Our rowing machine features a custom magnetic flywheel system, ensuring exercise sessions are incredibly quiet, generating less than 20 decibels. Perfect for home or office use without disturbing others

  • 16 Levels Of Magnetic Resistance: Hartwares rower machines for home features 16 constant resistance levels, accommodating various fitness levels. The maximum resistance is 77 pounds, which is greater than the resistance of magnetic rowing machine on the market and can exercise most muscles.All stages users can get an effective workout whether you are a beginner or an advanced user

  • Enjoy Intelligent Fitness & Large Monitor: Connect via Bluetooth to our app for progress tracking, setting workout goals, and personalized fitness journeys, bringing the outdoor rowing experience indoors. You can also view your workout data such as scan, distance, time, calories, count and total count on the quite row machine's digital display

  • 【FULL MOTION WORKOUT】This rower activates multiple muscle groups, including your legs, back, core, and arms, for a comprehensive exercise thanks to 360-degree full motion arms that mimic natural rowing form for a complete range of movement.

  • 【350 LB WEIGHT CAPACITY & COMPACT】This rowing machine robustly accommodates all sizes yet its space-saving compact. The Digital Monitor tracks stroke rate, time, count, calories, and total strokes to simplify monitoring your rowing workout.

  • 【REAL ROWING SIMULATION】Feel like you're rowing on water with the SunnyFit App, this machine's realistic rowing simulation for a more engaging and effective home workout.

  • Full-Body Muscle Workout: According to scientific reports, rowing machines can exercise approximately 90% of your muscle groups, allowing you to effectively train every muscle in your body. With an LCD Intelligent Display, you can keep track of distance, time, calories, average BPM, and more in real-time. Monitor your progress and stay motivated to achieve your goals.

  • Bluetooth Connectivity with App: Our Bluetooth-connected app provides access to professional rowing training courses, ranging from HIIT workouts to fat-burning programs. Discover new challenges and push yourself to new limits with our premium workout experience.

  • Professional Rowing Machine: Our rowing machine is equipped with a 12-lb flywheel component that provides a peak resistance of 66 pounds, which is double the resistance of regular rowing machines, catering to your explosive and strength training needs. With 16 levels of resistance options, both beginners and professionals can achieve effective workouts.

  • Adjustable Electromagnetic Resistance: Tailor your workout intensity with our rowing machine's multi-grade resistance system, suitable for all fitness levels. From light warm-ups to intense training, achieve your desired workout with precision.

  • Total Body Fat Burning & Shaping: Target over 80% of your muscle mass for an all-encompassing exercise that burns fat and shapes your body, delivering a streamlined and toned appearance.

  • Robust Construction for Heavyweight Users: Designed to support users up to 265 LBS, this rowing machine boasts a sturdy build for reliable stability during your most challenging workouts.

  • Thickened & Double Support Pipe: The dual and thickened pipe can effectively increase the stable of the rowing machine, which makes your training safe and sound. The max weight capacity is 350lbs.

  • Compatible with Kinomap: Now, you can connect to Kinomap for more training videos, Kinomap is the world's largest geolocated video sharing platform, with thousands of videos from the best tracks around the world. You can have more fun during rowing.

  • Coaxial Driving Sytem: The rower's flywheel and the belt share a common axis, which can effectively reduce the friction between the belt and the flywheel, this makes the driving system run smoother and last longer service life.

  • Choose HARISON: For over two decades, HARISON has been dedicated to crafting premium quality exercise machines, incorporating continuous product testing and refinement. Trusted by over 3,000,000 customers, our products consistently garner praise. We are confident that HARISON can be your reliable fitness partner. The pursuit of establishing HARISON as a premier brand in quality exercise equipment is our eternal goal.

  • Sturdy Construction & Zero-leak: HARSION water rowing machine boasts a robust structure capable of supporting up to 350LBS. And this rower is equipped with aviation-standard polycarbonate tank, stainless bearings & screws, and EPDM rubber sealing rings. The zero-leak design ensures a mess-free and efficient workout experience.

  • Smart Monitoring APP: Stay connected to your fitness goals through the Kinomap App, enabling participation in live classes, virtual personal training sessions, and seamless data sharing within communities. The LCD Monitor featuring Scan, Time, Count, Distance, Calories, and SPM, provides comprehensive workout data. With real-time monitoring and the convenience of an Tablet Holder, our rowing experience becomes both informative and enjoyable.

  • Indoor rowing is an effective full-body and low-impact workout; flywheel design minimizes noise while maximizing a smooth feel

  • Includes the performance monitor 5, giving you accurate, comparable data for every row; Adjustable monitor arm

  • 20-Inch seat height, nickel-plated chain, Adjustable footrests and ergonomic handle; Construction: Welded steel

  • Whole Body Exercise, Fat Burning and Shaping-Rowing machine exercise can exercise 84% of the muscles, it can train the muscles of legs, arms, shoulders, abdomen and back, etc. The electronic screen is visible at a glance with the workout data such as mileage, rowing frequency and calorie consumption.

  • 16 Speeds,10-Pound Flywheel-16 selectable resistance adjustments, smooth and quiet magnetic flywheel system for an extremely quiet workout to avoid disturbing other family members.

  • Ergonomic Design-Ergonomic wrapped protective structure of the seat cushion, strong stability, in the exercise process can better protect the buttocks; Pedal non-slip design, adjustable pedal Velcro, the foot force is uniform, close to the rowing motion; Comfortable and strong PE material pull rod and high-strength PVC pull strap make your exercise experience more comfortable.