Rowing Machine Buying Guide

Rowing machines are one of the best alternatives to conventional forms of cardiovascular training like running or cycling. The movement of a rowing machine workout can improve both aspects of your strength training and cardio training. With more and more people moving away from conventional forms of cardio, into niches of the industry, it’s easy to see why rowing machines are increasing in popularity – the benefits are plenty.

But before beginning your rowing journey – either as a commercial gym owner, or simply someone looking to buy a rowing machine for home workouts – there’s plenty to consider. This guide will provide you with all the information necessary to make an informed purchase when it comes to rowing machines.

Rowing machine benefits

The rowing machine is one of the pieces of cardio equipment that can help you exercise nearly every muscle group at the same time, giving you a total body workout.

All the major muscle groups, including your shoulders, back, arms, legs, glutes and core have to work together.

Read on to discover how else rowing machines can improve your fitness plan and help you in meeting your goals:

Low Impact Workout

Rowing is a low impact exercise, meaning it puts less stress on your joints than running or other high-impact cardio exercises. This is perfect for a number of groups of people including beginners, people with joint pain, and older individuals.

High-impact cardio exercises like running, when done consistently over a period of years, can have a detrimental impact on your ability to workout – and ultimately your health.

Thankfully, rowing machines allow you to workout out consistently over long periods of time without fear of injury or joint pain.

Full Body Workout

As previously mentioned, rowing machines provide a full-body workout. This is because the simple act of rowing works nearly every muscle group in your body.

This is in contrast to most other cardio equipment which focuses on working either the lower or upper body – not both at the same time. Rowing machines are therefore one of the most efficient ways to workout, as you’re able to target multiple muscle groups simultaneously – saving you time in the long-run.

Increase in Strength and Muscle Tone

In addition to providing a great cardio workout, rowing machines can also help you build strength and muscle tone. This is because as you row, you’re constantly resistance training – meaning your muscles are working hard against the resistance of the machine. This can be furthered with most rowing machines as you can increase the amount of resistance that you’re working against – testing your muscles to the limits.

The result is a number of transferable benefits that can help significantly improve other elements of your fitness plan and your overall day-to-day activities.

Increased Endurance

Through continuous rowing machine training, you can see a significant increase in your endurance levels.

Endurance is key when it comes to many sports and activities, rowing being no exception. As your endurance levels increase, so too will your ability to perform the same task for longer and at a higher intensity.

Great for Your Cardiovascular System

Rowing is an excellent form of cardio, and one that can be done for long periods of time without putting excessive stress on your body.

This ultimately means that you’re able to exercise comfortably for longer, while still maintaining a high heart rate – perfect for people who are looking to improve their cardiovascular health and burn a high amount of calories for weight loss.

Things to Consider

Now that we’ve discussed how remaining consistent with a proper rowing machine workout plan can benefit your overall fitness, let’s take a look at the various factors that you’ll need to consider – to ensure that you’re buying the perfect rowing machine:

Resistance Options

One of the most important factors that you’ll need to consider when buying a rowing machine is the resistance type. There are three main types of resistance that rowing machines use: air, water, and magnets.

Each resistance type has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, which we’ll go over below:

Air Resistance Rowing Machines

The flywheel in an air rowing machine produces resistance as you pull back. The harder and faster you row, the more difficult it will be.

Pros:

• Realistically emulates the experience of rowing on actual water
• Lightweight
• The console is more accurate as it monitors the exact drag being given to the flywheel

Cons:

• The only downside is that it produces a lot of noise which isn’t ideal for home use, however, it won’t have much of an impact in a commercial gym.

Water Resistance Rowing Machines

Water rowing machines are meant to mimic a boat moving through the water. The resistance is created by the water being dragged through the tank.

Pros:

• Most realistic workout
• Very quiet
• The resistance increases the more intensely you row

Cons:

• Water resistance rowing machines are typically more expensive

Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machines

Magnetic resistance works by moving a magnet closer or further away from a metal flywheel. The closer the flywheel to the magnet, the more resistant it is (you can adjust the settings to alter resistance).

Pros:

• Typically more inexpensive
• Smoother strokes
• It’s quieter than an air resistance rowing machine

Cons:

• Heavier
• Some many need to be plugged into an outlet

Size and Storage

Another important factor to consider is the size of the rowing machine and how easily it will be to store. If you have limited space in your home, then you’ll need to opt for a folding or compact rowing machine.

However, if you have more space available (for example, in a commercial gym), then you may want to opt for a non-folding model that offers more features and resistance levels.

Features and Applications

This factor is totally dependent on how you intend to use your rowing machine.  If you’re looking for a basic machine to help with your cardio, then you won’t need all the bells and whistles that come with more expensive models. Conversely, if you’re looking for a machine that offers a wide range of resistance levels and workout programs, then you’ll need to be prepared to spend a bit more money.

Buying the Right Rowing Machine for You

Now that you understand the different considerations before buying the best rowing machine for your specific needs, let’s take a look at some of the most popular rowing machines on the market.

XTERRA FITNESS ERG600W Water Resistance Rower

This XTERRA FITNESS ERG600W has a large and easy to read 5.5” LCD display with height and angle adjustments that will keep you motivated, inspired, and reaching your objectives. With a smooth action dual aluminium rail system, convenient stand up design for storage, industrial strength handle strap, flex pedals with ease-of-use numbered adjustments, and sturdy XTERRA multi-bladed impeller for a water rowing experience second to none – performance is top class.

Specification:

• Length: 2050mm / 81in 
• Width: 560mm / 22in
• Height: 840mm / 33in
• Product Weight: 37kg / 83lbs
• Max User Weight: 136kg / 300lb
• Pre-set Programs: 5
• Resistance: Water, Fill tank to 6 different levels for more/less resistance
• Console Type: 5.5″ LCD Console
• Heart Rate Sensors: No

CONCEPT 2 Model D Indoor Rower – PM3

The Concept 2 Model D’s dependable performance has made it the world’s most popular indoor rowing machine. The Model D delivers an effective cardiovascular workout that will enhance your fitness level and tone your body.

The Model D is an extremely well-made device that will last a lifetime. This machine is the same one used by Olympic and professional athletes to train, and it’ll endure plenty of use. A wide range of readouts and data are provided by the all PM3 console to assist you in improving your performance.

Specification:

• Dimensions: 244cm x 61cm x 36cm
• Product Weight: 26 Kgs
• Chain: Nickel Plated Steel Chain
• Console Type: Performance Monitor 3 (PM3)
• Max User Weight: 500 lbs / 227 Kg
• Monorail Length: 137cm / 54in
• Finish: Powder Coat
• Power Requirement: 2 x D Cell Batteries for PM3

ATTACK FITNESS Indoor Rower – Air Resistance

The Attack Fitness indoor rower is designed to withstand the stress of intense training day after day, just like other Olympic and professional-level machines. If you’re searching for a durable piece of fitness equipment at an excellent price, the Attack fitness rower is the way to go.

Specification:

• Length: 2450mm / 96.5in (Boxed: 1420mm / 55.9in)
• Width: 600mm / 24in (Boxed: 390mm / 15.4in)
• Height: 1080mm / 42.5in (Boxed: 530mm / 20.9in)
• Product Weight: 26kg / 57lb (Boxed: 32kg / 70.5lb)
• Storage: Can be split into 2 parts for easy storage

RAZE Renegade HIIT AirRower

Built to the same standards as the Renegade Air Bike, the RAZE Renegade HIIT AirRower is a real powerhouse. Delivering strong levels of resistance with a combination of air and magnets.

This rower features 8 resistance levels, adjustable footplates, a steel reinforced aluminium track, and transport wheels.

Specification:

• Length: 2240mm / 88.2in
• Width: 620mm / 24.4in
• Height: 620mm / 24.4in
• Product weight: 75kg / 165lbs

SPIRIT FITNESS CRW900 Water Resistance Rower

The highlight of the SPIRIT FITNESS CRW900 is the unique water tank, which offers up to 10 distinct degrees of difficulty with a simple turn of a knob. With 5 pre-programmed workouts on the big 5.5” easy-to-read screen, athletes will be tested to the limits. The smooth slide rails, an ergonomically moulded seat, and commercial-grade contoured and cushioned handlebar on the wooden and steel frame combine to provide ultimate comfort and dependability.

Specification:

• Length: 2134mm / 84in 
• Width: 533mm / 21in
• Height: 559mm / 22in
• Product Weight: 41kg / 90.4lbs
• Rail Length: 1130mm / 44.5in
• Max User Weight: 150kg / 330lb
• Console Type: 5.5″ LCD (requires 4 AA batteries)
• Programs: Manual, Target Time, Target Distance, Target Stroke, Target Calories, Target HR

Consider Used or Refurbished Rowing Machines

Choosing to buy a refurbished rowing machine provides you with the benefits of having a fully functional piece of equipment, at a fraction of the price. Refurbished rowing machines, like the ones we have in our selection here at UK Gym Equipment, are fully reconditioned by our in-house specialist engineers to look and function like brand new. With the information provided in this guide, you should be fully clued in on all the most important information needed to make a decision on which rowing machine is perfect for you. If you need more information on rowing machines, you can get in touch with our experts at UK Gym Equipment today!