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The 3 Best Rowing Machines for Beginners

There are plenty of different types of exercise machines on the market these days, but one of the most underrated is the rowing machine. Rowing machines provide a great full-body workout, and they’re perfect for beginners because they’re low impact and relatively easy to use.

best rowing machines for beginners

In this article, we’ll take a look at the best rowing machines for beginners, so you can find the perfect one for your needs.

Best Rowing Machines for Beginners (Updated List)

#PreviewProductRating
1best rowing machines for beginners - Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing MachineSunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing MachineBest budget pick
2best rowing machines for beginners - stamina avari programmable magnetic exercise rowerStamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Exercise RowerBest mid-range pick
3best rowing machines for beginners - WaterRower Club Rowing MachineWaterRower Club Rowing MachineBest high-end pick

Why You Should Get a Rowing Machine?

It’s easy to get a good cardiovascular exercise on a rowing machine. A total-body fitness machine, they also work your upper and lower body. If you suffer from joint pain, rowing is an excellent option. And because you can row at your own pace, it’s a good machine for folks who are just beginning to exercise.

Rowing is a low-impact sport that can be easily mastered even by those who have never done it before. Even if your lower body muscles are weak from age or injury, you can still receive an upper body workout by pushing off the rower. Rowing is more effective at burning calories than other machines because it works both the upper and lower body.

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What to Look for When Buying a Rowing Machine

Here are some things to keep in mind when purchasing a rowing machine.

Budget:

Rowing machines can cost as low as $100 to as much as $2,000. If you want to buy a rower, there’s always a model that fits your needs and your wallet.

Think About the Space You Have:

Although even the smallest rower requires a fair amount of space, different models have different storage capacities. For example, some fold away for even more storage, while others are more compact.

Guarantee and Performance:

Almost every corporation seems to have a warranty policy of some kind. The problem is that they aren’t all equal. If your rower breaks down, you’ll need a good warranty to get it replaced.

Number of Users:

Suppose the rower is going to be used by numerous individuals. In that case, it’s crucial to look for a framework that allows for easy resistance settings to accommodate a variety of fitness levels.

Type:

There are two types of rowing machines in terms of design and construction: fixed type and foldable type.  Rowing machines that are fixed in place take up more room than rowing machines that fold up. Fitness professionals prefer fixed-rower machines because they are more reliable and versatile.

On the other hand, folding rowers are a good option for home use.  Note that in terms of functionality, both the machine types are good. To get a full-body aerobic activity, you can use either type. They both have the same functionalities.

It’s a big advantage to stow your rowing machine with ease. Make sure to look into the rower’s storage capabilities before making a purchase. If I have less space at home, I will go for the foldable rower, but I will buy a fixed type rower if I have an exercise room.

Price:

Think about years of trouble-free use that keeps you strong and healthy for roughly $1 a day; it doesn’t sound so bad. When more family members utilize the rowing machine, it becomes more cost-effective.

The three best rowing machines we have chosen are made of high-quality materials using the most up-to-date technologies.

It’s not just the companies who make these machines that put resources into making them better. The frames of many will be guaranteed for life, and the rest of the product will be covered for three to five years at the very least.

Since you are familiar with what to look for in a rowing machine, here are the 3 best rowing machines for beginners.

Comfort:

Choosing a machine that is comfortable is critical, as you will be using it frequently. Look for a model that has an ergonomic design, padded seat, and adjustable resistance. 

Do You Intend To Keep The Rower For a Long Time?

This may seem like an odd question, but it’s worth considering. Consider spending a little more on a rower if you want to retain it for 10 years and use it many times weekly.

Rowing Machines for Beginners Product Reviews

Here are the reviews of the best Rowing Machines for Beginners

1. Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine (Best Budget Pick)

best rowing machines for beginners - Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine is probably the best in the business! If you want to exercise well in your home, this product is what you need.

The Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine features a newly upgraded, quieter, and smoother magnetic suspension system with 8 degrees of adjustable tension, a large screen console, fully padded seating, a larger anti-slip pedal, and transporting wheels.

Mainframes made of heavy-duty metal are meant to last and be used by people of various sizes and abilities. This product is great for beginners because it provides everything necessary at an affordable price.

This low budget rowing machine offers features what other rowing machines don’t. I would recommend this for its necessary features provided for an affordable price. It is a value-for-money product.

In addition to a performance meter, a cup holder, and a tablet or smartphone stand, this indoor rower is affordable for most people.

Have a problem with the closing time of your gym? There’s no time limit on how long you can use it with this indoor variant. To help you decide, we will go over the product’s features, quality, and value.

Pros

  • Contains a total of 16 resistance levels
  • Comes with a device stand, bottle stand, and performance monitor
  • It provides an alternative inside option when outdoor exercise isn’t an option
  • Time constraints are reduced
  • It is cheaper when compared to its rivals
  • High customer satisfaction

Cons

  • Does not allow you to go full stroke
  • Flimsy footplates
  • Monitor is simple to track progress
  • Cushioned seat with extensive padding
  • Foam-padded handles ensure a secure grip

2. Stamina Avari Programmable Magnetic Exercise Rower (Best Mid-Range Pick)

best rowing machines for beginners - stamina avari programmable magnetic exercise rower

Low-impact aerobic routines with three-phase strokes are used to train the main muscle groups on the Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower. The increased metabolic rate from indoor rowing leads to greater efficacy in burning calories and fat.

Furthermore, this home rowing equipment will help you acquire a fit body without the unending monthly expenses and scheduling issues you experience at the gym. If my budget is mid-range, I will go for this machine.

In its category, if we compare it with other rowing machines in the market, this machine is better because of all its features provided in mid-range pricing. This product would produce excellent results in terms of fitness.

Stamina Avari model is the rower if you’re looking for a mid-priced magnetic rower. Even though it’s not the best affordable model available, it does include a sufficient number of features that inexpensive models lack.

There are 12 programs to choose from, a heart rate monitor and a large display LCD. The magnetic option is quieter and smoother than other types of resistance. So here are the key takeaways.

The Avari is a magnetic rower, as its name suggests. A major advantage of its resistance is that it allows for a nearly silent process (unlike water or air rowers). Magnetic rowers are also popular since the resistance is always the same, no matter how quickly or slow you row.

My take is that the rower suits novice to intermediate rowers. In order to keep up with their skill level, more advanced rowers will require an upgraded rowing machine.

Pros

  • Less expensive than paying for a gym membership every month
  • It comes with a warranty of three years and offers 12 different workout routines to keep things fresh
  • Uses fluid technology resistance
  • Has the widest resistance levels
  • It is easy to make adjustments
  • Easy to store

Cons

  • Only a 275 pound weight limit
  • A limited guarantee
  • It’s not strong enough for experienced rowers to use

3. WaterRower Club Rowing Machine (Best High-End Pick)

best rowing machines for beginners - WaterRower Club Rowing Machine

A great rower for commercial usage, the WaterRower Club Rowing Machine is a part of the WaterRower product line. The ash wood substance has been painted black to cover any traces of wear.

A thorough design ensures that minor reverberations and sounds generated when rowing are completely silenced, allowing you to feel like you’re “gliding across a lake.”

The rower is designed to fit anywhere, whether it’s a gym or house.  Its Black Rails have been designed to avoid scuffing, and other wood components are treated with an appealing rosewood stain that is more resistant to staining than the natural variant.

Urethane and Danish Oil were used to protect the hand-finished wood of the rowing machine. The machine’s quietness and efficiency is due to the material’s excellent sound and vibration absorption qualities.

It’s a premium solid wood, employed in WaterRower, that’s exceptionally long-lasting and stable in its dimensions.

If I am interested in exercise and have plans to start my gym, I would like to buy a WaterTower Club Rowing Machine because this type of machine can be later shifted to the gym for maximum usage.

The WaterRower Club Rower is reasonably priced.  It is an extremely popular rowing machine that large gymnasiums and home users prefer.

Pros

  • Harwood derived from the Appalachian forest  
  • Rowing experience is pleasant
  • A classic and stylish aesthetic that will never go out of style
  • Reasonable Pricing
  • International purchasing options

Cons

  • Although the tank is easy to fix, it may leak
  • The low seating position is what you may not like

Conclusion

Rowing can be a great experience when it comes to improving your health. However, when it comes to buying the best rowing machine, there is a lot to consider. We have reviewed the best 3 rowing machines for beginners and believe that they are your best options when it comes to budget and comfort.

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Noble Woods III

My name is Noble, I have a passion for fitness and all things related to healthy living. My mission is to share my story and help those who wish to make a healthy change. Follow me on socials.

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