Introduction
In this review, learn about the best rowing machines of 2023. With advancements in technology and design, there are a variety of rowing machines available on the market today, each with unique features and benefits. In 2023, there are several standout rowing machines that are being recognized as some of the best on the market. These machines offer a range of features and options to meet the needs of both beginner and advanced users. Whether you are looking for a machine that provides personalized coaching or one with adjustable resistance levels, there is a rowing machine out there that can help you achieve your fitness goals.
What Are Rowing Machines, And What Are They Used For?
Rowing machines are fitness equipment that simulate the motion of rowing a boat or paddling a canoe, allowing users to perform a low-impact, full-body workout in the comfort of their own home or gym.
Rowing machines are primarily used for cardiovascular exercise, which can improve heart and lung function, increase endurance, and burn calories. They also provide a low-impact workout that is gentle on the joints, making them suitable for individuals with joint pain or injuries.
In addition to cardiovascular benefits, rowing machines can also help build strength and tone muscles, particularly in the legs, back, and core. They are a popular choice for individuals looking to improve overall fitness, lose weight, or supplement their existing workout routine.
How Do I Know If A Rowing Machine Might Be For Me?
A rowing machine might be for you if you are looking for an effective way to get a full-body workout that is low-impact and gentle on your joints.
Here are some indications that a rowing machine might be a good fit for you:
You are interested in improving your cardiovascular health: Rowing machines provide an excellent cardio workout that can improve heart and lung function, and increase endurance.
You want to burn calories and lose weight: Rowing machines can be an effective way to burn calories and lose weight, as they engage multiple muscle groups and can provide a high-intensity workout.
You want to improve strength and tone muscles: Rowing machines work the legs, back, and core, providing an excellent full-body workout that can help build strength and tone muscles.
You are looking for a low-impact workout: Rowing machines provide a low-impact workout that is gentle on the joints, making them a great option for individuals with joint pain or injuries
How Do I Choose A Rowing Machine?
Our Picks For The Best Rowing Machines Of 2023
Best Overall: NordicTrack RW900
Best Rower For Upper Body Workouts: Aviron Impact Series
Best Smart Rowing Machine: Echelon Row-s Connected
Best Budget Smart Rowing Machine: ProForm Pro 750
We chose this as the best rowing machine of 2023 because the NordicTrack RW900 is a top-of-the-line rowing machine that delivers a full-body workout with a smooth and comfortable ride. It features a commercial-grade magnetic resistance system with 26 resistance levels, allowing users to customize their workout intensity. The machine has a SpaceSaver design that allows for easy storage when not in use.
Pros:
Wide Range of Resistance Levels: With 26 resistance levels, the NordicTrack RW900 offers a broad range of workout intensities, making it suitable for users of all fitness levels.
Interactive Training: The 22-inch touchscreen display provides access to a library of interactive workouts and training programs, including live and on-demand classes, scenic routes, and personal training sessions.
Comfortable Design: The machine features an ergonomic seat, adjustable footrests, and soft-touch ergonomic handles, making it comfortable to use during long workouts.
Space-Saving Design: The NordicTrack RW900 has a SpaceSaver design that allows it to be easily folded and stored when not in use.
High-Quality Build: The machine is built with durable materials and is designed to provide a smooth and quiet ride, ensuring a comfortable and effective workout experience.
Wide Range of Resistance Levels: With 26 resistance levels, the NordicTrack RW900 offers a broad range of workout intensities, making it suitable for users of all fitness levels.
Interactive Training: The 22-inch touchscreen display provides access to a library of interactive workouts and training programs, including live and on-demand classes, scenic routes, and personal training sessions.
Comfortable Design: The machine features an ergonomic seat, adjustable footrests, and soft-touch ergonomic handles, making it comfortable to use during long workouts.
Space-Saving Design: The NordicTrack RW900 has a SpaceSaver design that allows it to be easily folded and stored when not in use.
High-Quality Build: The machine is built with durable materials and is designed to provide a smooth and quiet ride, ensuring a comfortable and effective workout experience.
Cons:
High Price Point
Heavy and Bulky
Requires Assembly
Subscription Fees: While the machine comes with a one-year iFit membership, users will need to pay a monthly subscription fee to access additional content and features after the first year.
Specs:
| Price | $1,999 |
| Product Weight | 163 lbs (in box) |
| Dimensions | 82″ L x 22″ W x 54″ H |
| Resistance Type | Magnetic |
| Weight Capacity | 250 lbs |
| Display | 22” HD touchscreen |
| Programming | iFIT |
Video Review:
We chose this as the best rowing machine of 2023 because the Aviator Impact Series Rower is a high-quality rowing machine designed for home use. It features a sturdy and durable aluminum frame, a smooth and quiet resistance system, and a comfortable seat and handlebars. The machine also has a large LCD screen that displays important workout metrics, such as time, distance, strokes per minute, and calories burned. One unique feature of the Aviator Impact Series Rower is its Air & Magnetic resistance system, which allows users to adjust the resistance level to suit their fitness level and goals. Additionally, the machine has a compact and space-saving design, making it a great option for those with limited workout space.
Pros:
Air & Magnetic Resistance System: The combination of air and magnetic resistance provides a smooth and challenging workout that can be customized to suit any fitness level.
Sturdy and Durable: The aluminum frame and high-quality components make the machine sturdy and durable, ensuring it will last for many years.
Comfortable: The seat and handlebars are comfortable and ergonomically designed, allowing for a natural and comfortable rowing motion.
Large LCD Screen: The machine has a large LCD screen that displays important workout metrics, making it easy to track progress and stay motivated.
Space-Saving Design: The Aviator Impact Series Rower has a compact and space-saving design, making it a great option for those with limited workout space
Cons:
Price
Assembly
No Online Connectivity: Unlike some other rowing machines on the market, the Aviator Impact Series Rower does not offer online connectivity or workout tracking features.
Limited Resistance Levels: While the machine’s resistance system is customizable, some users may find that the maximum resistance level is not challenging enough for their fitness level and goals.
No Heart Rate Monitor: The machine does not come with a heart rate monitor, which may be a drawback for those who want to track their heart rate during workouts
Specs:
| Price | $1,899 |
| Product Weight | 97 lbs |
| Dimensions | 97” L x 21” W x 43” H |
| Resistance Type | Dual air and magnetic resistance |
| Weight Capacity | 397 lbs |
| Display | 22” HD touchscreen |
| Programming | Games, live workouts, on-demand classes |
Video Review:
We chose this as the best rowing machine of 2023 because the Echelon Row-S Connected is a high-tech rowing machine that offers a full-body workout and is equipped with many features designed to enhance the user experience. The machine features a smooth and quiet magnetic resistance system that can be adjusted to provide a challenging workout for users of all fitness levels. The machine is also equipped with a 22-inch HD touchscreen display that provides access to a range of workouts and classes, including live and on-demand classes led by experienced trainers. Additionally, the Echelon Row-S Connected is designed to be space-saving, and can be easily folded and stored when not in use. Other features of the machine include Bluetooth connectivity, heart rate monitoring, and compatibility with a range of fitness tracking apps
Pros:
High-Tech Features: The machine is equipped with a large touchscreen display and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to access a range of workouts and track their progress.
Range of Workouts: The Echelon Row-S Connected offers a range of live and on-demand workouts and classes, led by experienced trainers, that can be customized to fit the user’s fitness level and goals.
Space-Saving Design
Full-Body Workout: Rowing provides a full-body workout that engages multiple muscle groups, and the Echelon Row-S Connected is designed to provide a challenging and effective workout for users of all fitness levels.
Heart Rate Monitoring: The machine is equipped with a heart rate monitor, allowing users to track their heart rate during workouts and adjust their intensity accordingly.
Cons:
Expensive
Limited Resistance Levels: While the machine offers a challenging workout, some users may find that the resistance levels are not high enough to provide a truly intense workout.
Limited User Weight Capacity: The machine has a maximum user weight capacity of 300 pounds, which may not be suitable for all users.
Assembly Required
Subscription Required: While the machine comes with a range of preloaded workouts, users must subscribe to the Echelon United app to access the full range of live and on-demand workouts, which can add to the cost.
Specs:
| Price | $1640 |
| Product Weight | 106 lbs |
| Dimensions | 86.5” L x 20.5” W x 45” H |
| Resistance Type | Magnetic Resistance |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs |
| Monitor | LCD display |
| Programming | 12 built-in workout options |
Video Review:
The Best Budget Smart Rower: ProForm Pro 750R
We chose this as the best rowing machine of 2023 because the ProForm Pro 750 R is a rowing machine designed for use at home. It features a flywheel and magnetic resistance system, which allows for a smooth and quiet rowing experience. The machine has adjustable resistance levels, allowing users to increase or decrease the difficulty of their workout as needed. It also features a comfortable and ergonomic seat, adjustable footrests, and soft-touch handlebars. The ProForm Pro 750 R has a compact design that makes it easy to store when not in use and comes with a built-in display screen that tracks metrics such as time, distance, and calories burned.
Pros:
Smooth and quiet operation: The flywheel and magnetic resistance system provide a smooth and quiet rowing experience that won’t disturb others in the household.
Adjustable resistance: Users can choose from a variety of resistance levels, making it easy to customize their workout and increase the difficulty over time.
Comfortable design: The ergonomic seat, adjustable footrests, and soft-touch handlebars provide a comfortable and supportive rowing experience.
Compact size
Built-in display screen: The machine comes with a built-in display screen that tracks important metrics such as time, distance, and calories burned, allowing users to easily monitor their progress and stay motivated.
Good Budget Smart Rower
Cons:
Assembly can be time-consuming
Potentially bulky size: The ProForm Pro 750R is a fairly large machine, which may not be ideal for users with limited workout space. It is important to consider the dimensions of the machine and ensure that it will fit comfortably in your home gym or workout area
Specs:
| Price | About $699 |
| Product Weight | 116 lbs |
| Dimensions | 86.5” L x 22” W x 45.5” H |
| Resistance Type | Magnetic |
| Weight Capacity | 250 lbs |
| Display | 5” metrics display; personal device required for streaming |
| Programming | iFIT |