Rowing machines are a fantastic addition to any home gym, offering a low-impact, full-body workout that suits all fitness levels. With numerous options on the market, choosing the best rowing machine for beginners can be challenging. Personally, my favorite cardio workout is on a rowing machine.
We’ve done the research and compiled a comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect rowing machine to kick-start your fitness journey. Discover the top rowing machines for beginners in 2023, along with essential factors to consider when making your decision.
Overview: Top Rowing Machines for Beginners
In our quest to identify the best rowing machines for beginners, we’ve considered various factors such as:
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Resistance type
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User experience
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Pricing
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Unique features
Whether you’re looking for a compact, budget-friendly, or high-end smart rower, our comprehensive guide has got you covered.
To give you a glimpse of what’s in store, here’s a quick overview of the top rowing machines we’ll be discussing in this guide:
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Best Compact Rower for Beginners: Hydrow Wave
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Best Value Indoor Rower for Beginners: Concept2 RowErg
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Best Budget-friendly Rower for Beginners: Echelon’s Base Model
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Best Gamified Experience for Beginners: Ergatta Rower
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Best High-End Smart Rower for Beginners: Peloton Row
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Best Immersive Experience for Beginners: Hydrow Rower
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Best Foldable Rower for Beginners: ProForm 750R
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Best Magnetic Rower for Beginners: Sunny Health & Fitness rowing machine
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Best Smart Rower for Beginners: NordicTrack RW900
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Best Locally Produced Rower: WaterRower Club Rower
Hydrow Wave: Best Compact Rower for Beginners
Our top pick for the best compact rower for beginners is the Hydrow Wave. This smart rowing machine features:
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A space-saving design that doesn’t compromise on quality or functionality
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Magnetic resistance that provides a smooth and quiet rowing stroke, perfect for those living in apartments or shared spaces
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A 22” HD touchscreen that offers an immersive workout experience
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Live and on-demand rowing classes that cater to all fitness levels
One potential drawback is the required monthly subscription for accessing the rowing workout content. However, considering its compact size, engaging classes, and user-friendly interface, we believe the Hydrow Wave is worth the investment for beginners seeking an efficient and enjoyable workout in a limited space.
Specifications:
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Magnetic resistance
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22” HD touchscreen
Pros:
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Compact design
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Immersive rowing experience
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Real-time workout feedback
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Wide range of workout classes
Cons:
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Requires a monthly subscription
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No built-in wheels for easy transport
Rating:
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Design: 4.5/5
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Performance: 4/5
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Value: 3.5/5
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Overall: 4/5
Concept2 RowErg: Best Value Indoor Rower for Beginners
If you’re seeking the best value indoor rower for beginners, the Concept2 RowErg comes highly recommended. Here are some key features of the RowErg:
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Air resistance system: Offers a versatile workout experience suitable for both novices and advanced rowers alike.
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Weight capacity: Can accommodate users up to 500 lbs.
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Durability: Built to last, ensuring long-term use.
Though it may lack some of the advanced features found on smart rowers, the Concept2 RowErg offers:
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A reliable and effective workout
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USB flash drive compatibility to track your progress and tailor your workouts
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An excellent balance of performance, durability, and affordability
Overall, the Concept2 RowErg is a great option for beginners looking to invest in a high-quality rower.
Specifications:
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Air resistance
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USB flash drive compatibility
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Weight capacity: 500 lbs
Pros:
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Durable construction
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Affordable price
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Adjustable resistance
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USB flash drive compatibility
Cons:
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Lacks advanced features found on smart rowers
Rating:
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Design: 4/5
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Performance: 4.5/5
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Value: 5/5
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Overall: 4.5/5
Echelon’s Base Model: Best Budget-friendly Rower for Beginners
Echelon’s base model traditional rowing machine is an excellent option for those on a tight budget, offering a balance of affordability and functionality. This best budget rowing machine provides 32 levels of magnetic resistance, ensuring a smooth and quiet rowing experience suitable for beginners. The foldable design and device holder make it a practical addition to any home gym.
One downside is the limited warranty coverage, with only a 3-year warranty on the frame and 180 days on parts. Additionally, the rower doesn’t come with built-in workout programs. However, its budget-friendly price tag and impressive performance make it a top choice for beginners seeking a cost-effective way to start their rowing journey.
Specifications:
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32 levels of magnetic resistance
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Foldable design
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Device holder
Pros:
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Budget-friendly The magnetic resistance is incredibly smooth and quiet. It’s a pleasure to use compared to other machines.
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32 resistance levels
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Foldable for easy storage
Cons:
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Limited warranty coverage
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No built-in workout programs
Rating:
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Design: 3.5/5
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Performance: 4/5
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Value: 4.5/5
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Overall: 4/5
Ergatta Rower: Best Gamified Experience for Beginners
If you’re seeking a gamified experience for your rowing workouts, consider the Ergatta Rower. It makes workouts more engaging and enjoyable for beginners. This rowing machine offers a variety of workout modes, such as head-to-head races and goal-based training plans, to keep you motivated and challenged. The 17” HD touchscreen adds to the immersive experience, allowing you to track your progress and compete with other Ergatta users.
While the Ergatta Rower is on the pricier side, its unique features and engaging workout experience make it worth the investment for beginners looking to make their workouts more enjoyable. Keep in mind that a monthly subscription is required to access the full range of workout content. Overall, the Ergatta Rower is our top pick for the best gamified experience for beginners.
Specifications:
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Water resistance
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17” HD touchscreen
Pros:
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Gamified workout experience
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Engaging workout modes
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Attractive design
Cons:
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Expensive compared to other rowers
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Monthly subscription required
Rating:
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Design: 5/5
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Performance: 4.5/5
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Value: 4/5
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Overall: 4.5/5
Peloton Row: Best High-End Smart Rower for Beginners
Beginners seeking a high-end smart rowing machine should consider the Peloton Row. Its standout features include:
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Real-time form feedback, helping beginners perfect their rowing technique from day one
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23” HD touchscreen, allowing you to enjoy live and on-demand workout classes, including rowing workouts, yoga, and strength training
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Comfortable seat and sturdy design, ensure a smooth and enjoyable workout experience with smart rowing machines like the Peloton Row.
However, the Peloton Row comes with a premium price tag and requires a monthly membership fee for accessing the workout content. Despite the higher cost, its exceptional features and comprehensive workout options make it our top pick for the best high-end smart rower for beginners.
Specifications:
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23” HD touchscreen
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Weight capacity: 300 lbs
Pros:
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Real-time form feedback
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Wide variety of workout classes, including a full-body workout
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Comfortable and sturdy design
Cons:
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Premium price
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A monthly membership fee required
Rating:
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Design: 5/5
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Performance: 5/5
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Value: 3.5/5
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Overall: 4.5/5
Hydrow Rower: Best Immersive Experience for Beginners
We recommend the Hydrow Rower for beginners seeking an immersive indoor rowing machine experience. This high-end rowing machine uses electromagnetic resistance to provide a smooth and realistic rowing sensation that replicates being on the water. The 22” HD touchscreen offers live and on-demand workout classes, including indoor rowing, yoga, Pilates, and strength training, catering to a wide range of fitness goals. With a variety of indoor rowing machines available, the Hydrow Rower stands out for its quality and features.
The Hydrow Rower offers:
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A significant investment, with a price tag of $2,495
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A required monthly membership fee to access its content However, its benefits include:
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An immersive experience
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Comprehensive workout options
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A great option for beginners looking to fully engage in their rowing journey
Specifications:
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Electromagnetic resistance
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22” HD touchscreen
Pros:
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Immersive rowing experience
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Live and on-demand workout classes
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Smooth and realistic rowing motion
Cons:
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Expensive compared to other rowers
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A monthly membership fee required
Rating:
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Design: 4.5/5
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Performance: 5/5
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Value: 4/5
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Overall: 4.5/5
ProForm 750R: Best Foldable Rower for Beginners
If you’re a beginner looking for a foldable rowing machine, the ProForm 750R comes out on top. It offers:
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24 levels of magnetic resistance, providing a versatile workout experience to suit all fitness levels
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Foldable design for easy storage, perfect for those with limited space
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5” high-contrast display for basic rowing metrics
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Device holder for streaming workouts or entertainment
One downside is the complex assembly process, which some users may find time-consuming and challenging. The warranty coverage is also limited, with only a 5-year frame warranty and 1-year parts and labor coverage. Despite these drawbacks, the ProForm 750R offers excellent value for beginners seeking a foldable and affordable rowing machine.
Specifications:
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Magnetic resistance
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5” high-contrast display
Pros:
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Foldable for easy storage
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24 resistance levels
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Affordable price
Cons:
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Complex assembly
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Limited warranty coverage
Rating:
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Design: 3.5/5
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Performance: 4/5
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Value: 4.5/5
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Overall: 4/5
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5801: Best Magnetic Rower for Beginners
We recommend the Sunny Health & Fitness rowing machine as the best magnetic rowing machine for beginners. This budget-friendly rowing machine offers:
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A smooth and quiet workout experience, thanks to its magnetic resistance system
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16 resistance levels, catering to all fitness levels and goals
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A compact design, makes it ideal for those with limited space in their homes.
However, the limited warranty coverage and lack of built-in workout programs may be a downside for some users. Despite these limitations, the Sunny Health & Fitness rowing machine provides a great option for beginners looking for an affordable and effective magnetic rower.
Specifications:
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16 levels of magnetic resistance
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LCD monitor
Pros:
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Budget-friendly option The magnetic resistance is quiet and operates smoothly. It makes your workout experience more enjoyable.
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Compact design
Cons:
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Limited warranty coverage
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No built-in workout programs
Rating:
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Design: 3/5
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Performance: 4/5
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Value: 5/5
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Overall: 4/5
NordicTrack RW900: Best Smart Rower for Beginners
Beginners seeking a smart rower should consider the NordicTrack RW900. This high-end rowing machine features:
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A rotating 22” HD touchscreen, allows you to take part in immersive workouts
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iFit programming offers a wide variety of workout options, such as rowing workouts, strength training, yoga, and more
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26 resistance levels, providing a customizable and challenging workout experience
One potential drawback is the large footprint, making it unsuitable for small spaces. However, if you have room for it, the NordicTrack RW900 offers a comprehensive and engaging workout experience for beginners looking to invest in a smart rower.
Specifications:
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22” HD touchscreen
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26 resistance levels
Pros:
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Rotating HD touchscreen
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Wide variety of workout classes
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iFit programming
Cons:
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Large footprint
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Not suitable for small spaces
Rating:
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Design: 4/5
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Performance: 5/5
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Value: 4/5
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Overall: 4.5/5
WaterRower Club Rower: Best Locally Produced Rower
The WaterRower Club rower is our top choice of rowing machine for those who value domestic manufacturing and craftsmanship. This heavy-duty machine features a vintage aesthetic with stained ash wood and a traditional water-based flywheel, providing a unique and stylish addition to your home gym. Among various rowing machine models, its local production and high-quality materials make it a worthwhile investment for beginners seeking a rowing machine that supports domestic manufacturing.
Specifications:
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Water-based flywheel resistance
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Sturdy beech wood design
Pros:
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Locally produced
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Vintage aesthetic
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Traditional water-based flywheel
Cons:
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Higher price compared to some alternatives
Rating:
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Design: 4.5/5
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Performance: 4/5
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Value: 3.5/5
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Overall: 4/5
Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Rowing Machine
Several factors should be considered when selecting the perfect rowing machine for your needs. First, think about the type of resistance you prefer: air, magnetic, or water. Air rowers generate resistance with an internal flywheel, magnetic rowers provide defined resistance levels and are typically quiet, while water rowers offer user-dependent resistance with a more authentic rowing sensation.
Next, consider your budget. Rowing machines are available at various price points, from cost-effective models to high-end smart rowers. Determine how much you’re willing to invest in your rowing machine and choose a model that meets your budget and offers the features you desire.
Space is another important factor to consider. Ensure that you have enough room to accommodate the rowing machine and any additional equipment you may need. Some rowing machines are foldable or designed for easy storage, making them ideal for small spaces.
Your workout goals also play a significant role in choosing the right rowing machine. If you’re looking for a rowing machine with built-in workout programs, consider investing in a smart rower. These rowers typically offer live and on-demand rowing machine workout classes, giving you access to a variety of fitness routines, including rowing, strength training, and yoga.
Lastly, don’t forget to consider the warranty and customer support provided by the manufacturer. A good warranty can give you peace of mind and ensure that your rowing machine remains in top condition for years to come.
Summary
Finding the best rowing machine for beginners doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By considering factors such as resistance type, budget, space, and workout goals, you can easily identify the perfect rowing machine to suit your needs.
Our comprehensive guide offers a range of options, from compact and budget-friendly rowers to high-end smart rowing machines, ensuring you find the ideal rower to kick-start your fitness journey and achieve your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of rowing machine is best for beginners?
For beginners, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rowing Machine is a great choice for smooth and silent rowing action.
How long should a beginner use a rowing machine?
Beginners should start with 10-20 minute workouts on a rowing machine, increasing their intensity and time depending on fitness goals as they become more confident in form and muscles adjust.
Is a rowing machine good for losing belly?
Yes, rowing is an effective exercise for losing belly fat, as it engages all major muscle groups, increases heart rate to the fat-burning zone, and provides both cardiovascular and strength training benefits. It is a low-impact full-body workout that can help shed stubborn belly fat.
Is 30 minutes of rowing enough for weight loss?
Yes, 30 minutes of rowing can help you lose weight, provided that you exercise consistently at a moderate to high intensity, five times a week, and combine your workouts with proper nutrition and diet.
What is the best rowing machine?
Our top picks for the best rowing machines are Concept2 RowErg, Ergatta Rower, Sunny Health & Fitness Machine Rower, Hydrow Rower, and Echelon Row Connected Rowing Machine for a full body workout in the comfort of your own home.