With the staggering number of rowing machine available and the equally wide array of prices it is really hard to know where to start, so it is no surprise that many people make the wrong choice, either buying something way too expensive and complex for their needs or one that is just not up to the job.
Naturally buying a rowing machine that is better than you need is never going to be a bad thing from a fitness point of view, only from your wallet! However the lower end machines are often poorly made, so do not work satisfactorily or, if they do, they will simply not last, or simply do not provide enough resistance to be a useful workout.
To this end we have kept things simple, with three selections at the top end (good for those that are very serious or like the best experience on a rower) the mid-range, which will be perfect for the vast majority of people, and finally the best of the low-end machines that will get you up and running (or rowing!) and last well without breaking the bank.
Naturally buying a rowing machine that is better than you need is never going to be a bad thing from a fitness point of view, only from your wallet! However the lower end machines are often poorly made, so do not work satisfactorily or, if they do, they will simply not last, or simply do not provide enough resistance to be a useful workout.
To this end we have kept things simple, with three selections at the top end (good for those that are very serious or like the best experience on a rower) the mid-range, which will be perfect for the vast majority of people, and finally the best of the low-end machines that will get you up and running (or rowing!) and last well without breaking the bank.
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High End Choice - First Degree Fitness E316 Fluid RowerFirst Degree Fitness have been creating awesome water resistance rowers since 2000. The 16 resistance levels offered by this machine are due to its ingenious use of a patented twin-chamber vertical tank that lets you adjust the amount of water dragging against the paddles in this rower while still making each stroke even throughout. On its highest setting, the Fluid Rower offers a truly brutal workout but because the resistance is water- rather than belt-based so it doesn't catch or slack and smooth air-glide rollers give a quieter, more even motion in both directions. It hasn’t got the mass of programmable workouts or workout info that some other machines have but it does give you the vital bits. This is without doubt my favorite rower on the market. |
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Mid Range Choice - Concept 2
The daddy of rowing machines and a gym equipment classic. Only weighing 55lbs, it is easy to assemble, beautifully made and does its job pretty flawlessly. OK, it does make more noise than the the fluid rower and the motion is not quite as good, but for the money it is a great piece of kit. You also get the fantastic service of Concept 2 along with their YouTube channel for advice, motivation and workout plans. A great rowing machine, well priced and will not let you down - it is the bestselling indoor rower in the world for a very good reason! |
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Value range Choice - LifeSpan Fitness RW1000
The LifeSpan Fitness RW1000 is a mid-range rower boasting a high quality construction (so less of the squeaking and groaning that you normally associate with lower priced rowing machines) and able provide a variety of workouts suitable for most people. It was even awarded the Gear Awards Seal of Excellence in 2008 and is still the pick of the bunch for the price conscious. The LifeSpan rower features five levels of magnetic brake resistance, a quiet, smooth drive system, no slack retrieval system and a 16.5lbs flywheel. With a user capacity of 300lbs, this product for its comfortable and virtually silent features. Best of all, the handles are padded and textured to provide an extremely easy grip, even if your hands get sweaty. |