2023, another year of home workouts and creative ways to keep yourself fit. Bench press machines have been substituted for wide-armed pushups, dumbbell bicep curls for door frame assisted chin-ups, and morning runs with garage jump rope sessions.
Let’s be honest, it hasn’t been the easiest year to stay in shape.
And with winter just around the corner, cardio workouts begin to dwindle, your winter tummy starts to return and, before you know it, your workout regime has been replaced with comfort foods and a few cold beers to boot.
But, hey. We’re here to tell you: it doesn’t have to be like this.
Before you become a victim of winter, why not bring the outside inside and take your home workouts to the next level with a quality rowing machine.
Adding a rowing machine to your home may be just the thing you need to break the monotony of home isolation and kick those COVID habits.
To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the 13 best rowing machines that we both know and trust.
And, of course, a whole heap of information that will come in handy when choosing just the right rower to suit your fitness goals.
Let’s do this!
Benefits of a Rowing Machine
There is a whole range of health and wellness advantages to owning and regularly using a rowing machine. And the best part is you don’t have to be a professional rower to reap the benefits.
Get this, the regular use of a rowing machine, also known as an ergometer, not only increases VO2 maximum but also has positive effects on the body’s cardiorespiratory, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal systems.
Neat, right?
Sure is. But not only that, rowing machines are great for:
- full body workouts
- low-impact exercise
- suit people of all fitness levels
- offer fast results with minimal effort
- encourage more exercise more often
- help you keep toned and lean
- plus they are typically more compact than other exercise equipment like treadmills or step machines
So with all those health benefits in mind, here’s a rundown of all the different types of rowing machines you can expect to encounter.
Types of Rowing Machines
There are four different types of rowing machines, they include:
- Water
- Magnetic-resistance
- Air-resistance
- Hydraulic
Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect from each rower type.
Water Rowing Machine
Water rowing machines are the latest and greatest in row machine technology. Instead of using friction or resistance created by a magnet, fan, or hydraulic system, they instead use water.
Just as it would feel out on a river or on the ocean in a canoe or kayak.
And although water rowers are relatively new, they are becoming extremely popular. That’s due to athletes preferring the quiet, smooth, and fluid action that these rowers offer.
How Water Rowing Machines Work
Water rowing machines use a flywheel that is positioned within a tank. The flywheel is then connected to a rope and handle which when pulled upon spins the flywheel through the water.
Resistance is altered by the amount of water that is pushing against the flywheel. The more water, the harder and more intense a workout is, the less water, the easier and less intense a workout is.
Many people who use water rowers claim the action closely replicates the feeling of outdoor rowing and offers constant resistance throughout the entirety of the stroke. This is in contrast to some air and magnetic rowers that can sometimes feel a little less rowing-like and even sometimes offer a flat or dead spot.
A flat spot is a resistance drop somewhere during the stroke.
Advantages of Water Rowing Machines
Water rowers offer the following advantages:
- Very quiet during operation - more often than not a little splash of water is all that can be heard, which is rather nice and somewhat meditative.
- Offer a smooth stroke with little flat spot - no clunkiness, just the smooth resistance offered by water all the way through a stroke.
- Don’t require much maintenance - unlike certain types of rowing machines, water rowers only require their tank to be topped up every now and again.
Disadvantages of Water Rowing Machines
Water rowers offer the following disadvantages:
- Less storage-friendly - Water rowers often aren’t able to be folded away like other types of rowers. Although, some can be stored upright to save floor and workout space.
- Can be more expensive - Water rowers often start at a higher price point than other types of rowers.
Magnetic-resistance Rowing Machine
Magnetic-resistance rower machines are one of the more popular and common types of rowers. This is particularly true for people with a home gym. Typically magnetic-rowers are able to be folded away for super easy storage.
As magnetic rowers work on a magnetic-resistance system, it makes them super quiet. In fact, they make virtually no noise at all.
To provide an adequate amount of resistance and friction to facilitate a decent workout, a magnetic brake works upon the machine’s flywheel to add different levels of resistance. The higher the resistance of the magnet is set at, the harder it is to pull, the more challenging a workout will become, and the more calories burned.
How Magnetic-resistance Rowing Machines work
Using the magnetic-resistance row machine’s magnetic brake, higher or lower levels of resistance can be applied to increase or decrease stroke resistance.
The resistance levels are often adjusted using either a mechanical slider or, if a row machine has one, through a digital control console.
Advantages of Magnetic-Resistance Rowing Machines
Magnetic-resistance rowers offer the following advantages:
- Almost perfectly quiet during operation - Magnetic rowers are almost completely silent while being used. The only noise you may hear is the pull-rope sliding in and out of the flywheel cover and perhaps the padded seat sliding along its rails.
- A broad range of resistance levels - Using the magnetic slider or LCD monitor display, most magnetic rowers have a large resistance level range.
- Typically easy to store - Magnetic rowers can usually be folded and stored more easily than other types of rowing machines. This makes them very home gym friendly.
- Don’t require much maintenance - Magnetic rowers also don’t require a huge amount of maintenance.
Disadvantages of Magnetic-resistance Rowing Machines
Magnetic rowers offer the following disadvantages:
- Don’t emulate the feel of real rowing - The overall sensation and feel of a magnetic rowing machine do not resemble the feel athletes will get out on the water. Generally, they feel too smooth. This is down to personal preference and may not be a problem for some people.
- Not all are foldable - Unfortunately, not all magnetic rowers can be folded as the monorail the padded seat runs along may obscure this.
Air-resistance Rowing Machine
Air rowers have been around for quite a long time making them a very common type of rowing machine. In fact, if you’ve ever heard of an ergo or ergometer there is a good chance that an air rower is being referenced.
Ergometers are the most common indoor rowing machine and you’ll often spot them used in indoor gyms and sports centers.
How Air-resistance Rowing Machines work
An air rower produces differing resistance levels with the use of an internal fan or flywheel. Airflow pushes against the fan adding resistance and facilitating a workout. A more expensive or well-designed air rower may use additional dampers in order to change the level of airflow and adjust the resistance.
This basically means, the harder you row, the faster the fan will spin, the greater level of resistance, the more intense a workout will be, and the more calories burned.
Advantages of Air-Resistance Rowing Machines
Air-resistance rowers offer the following advantages:
- Wide variety of resistance levels - An air rower offers a wide range of resistance depending on how the rower is set up and how hard the fan or flywheel is spun.
- Resistance changes with input effort - The nature of air resistance against the machine’s fan means the resistance automatically changes with stroke rate.
- Smooth rowing action - An air rower offers a very smooth and easy going workout.
- Little maintenance required - An air rowing machine doesn’t require much maintenance.
Disadvantages of Air-resistance Rowing Machines
Air rowers offer the following disadvantages:
- Noise may be an issue - The fan or flywheel sucking in air can be quite loud. This can make air rowers less than ideal for home rowing or indoor rowing.
- Partial to flat spots - Athletes will often feel a flat spot from an air rower. This occurs as the fan stops spinning between strokes. This ceases the resistance an athlete will feel through the rower’s rope and handle and results in a flat, lifeless feeling.
Hydraulic Rowing Machine
Hydraulic rowing machines are pretty old school and their glory days may have passed. Although it is important to keep in mind, they are considered a budget rowing machine, usually making their price tag fairly low and very affordable. Plus hydraulic rowers are often small, easy to store, and are usually very quiet.
However, hydraulic rowers are normally without the usual bells and whistles. They often don’t have any sort of performance monitor and the range of motion they offer can also feel rather limited.
Another downside, hydraulic rowers use pistons for resistance. Pistons definitely don’t feel like water and this can make the rowing motion feel a little clunky and mechanical.
On the other hand, they do offer a good level of resistance. Often rowing workouts can be just as intense and offer a decent cardio workout. Although, perhaps not a very comfortable one.
How Hydraulic Rowing Machines Work
The way hydraulic machines work is fairly simple, resistance is caused by two pistons attached to either side of the base of a rowing machine’s handle. As the handle is pulled upon, the air or fluid within the piston causes resistance or friction.
Advantages of Hydraulic Rowing Machines
Hydraulic rowers offer the following advantages:
- Very affordable - Hydraulic rowers are generally very affordable and their price tag relatively low.
- Small and easy to store - Most hydraulic rowers are compact and foldable, making them a great indoor rower.
- Very quiet - Utilizing small pistons for resistance makes hydraulic rowers very quiet.
Disadvantages of Hydraulic Rowing Machines
Hydraulic rowers offer the following disadvantages:
- Rather clunky and limited range of motion - Hydraulic rowers can feel rather mechanical and very non-water-like.
- Lacks the usual bells and whistles - More often than not hydraulic rowers will will not have an LCD monitor or performance monitor.
- Inconsistent resistance - The oil will warm or the air may escape from a machine’s pistons, resulting in a change in resistance levels.
- Maintenance is often regularly required - The level of maintenance required for hydraulic rowers is much more than any other type. The pistons seals wear, the fluid can leak, or the air may escape.
What to consider before purchasing a Rowing Machine
Now comes the hard part, which rowing machine should you buy?
Well, there are a few different considerations that should be made before deciding. We’ll run through these now.
Price Tag
Probably the number one consideration for most people when purchasing a rower will be it's price tag. And let's be honest, a rowing machine can be a significant investment.
One that you’ll likely want to get right the first time.
But perhaps look at it like this, a quality rowing machine will withstand years of workouts. If you think about it, the cost of a $1,200 rower will only take a couple of years to pay for itself. That’s only $2 a day, basically the same as spending $60 a month on a gym membership.
Which isn’t uncommon.
Plus if more than one person is using the machine, like friends or family members, this makes the cost even less.
It is also important to keep in mind that more expensive machines will likely possess all the latest and greatest technology. But not only that more expensive options will also likely offer more extensive warranties and after-sale services.
But that’s not to say you’ll have to spend an arm and a leg to get a quality machine. In fact, rowers are often very reasonably priced and most athletes will find a machine that will suit their fitness requirements without breaking the bank.
Required workout space
Depending on if you are buying a rowing machine for personal or commercial use will likely determine whether or not a rower needs to be storage-friendly or not.
Many modern rowers will have some form of storage options. Even rowers that are foldable are likely to be stored vertically to save space.
As a general rule, water rowers typically aren't foldable but can often be stored vertically. While magnetic-resistance is a bit hit and miss, depending on their monorail setup, some can fold and others won’t.
On the other hand, many air-resistance rowers are foldable and just about every hydraulic rower can easily be stored away because of their small and compact nature.
Frequency of use
The best rowing machine is one you’ll use regularly or one that best suits your customers’ fitness requirements.
A rower’s features will play a big role in how often it is used. This is particularly true for a rower’s digital console. One that tracks heart rate, workout time, calories burned, or offers different workout programs will only add to a rowing experience and increase how often it’s used.
The 13 Best Rowing Machines of 2023
Here is our list of the best rowing machines that we both know and love. Check them out below.
First Degree Fitness Water Rowing Machines
1. First Degree Fitness Viking 2 AR Plus Reserve
| Resistance Type | Water |
| Maximum water limit | 9-17 liters |
| Assembled Size | L 2135mm (84″) x W 550mm (22″) x H 540mm (21″) |
| Unit weight (without water) | 33kg (72lbs) |
| Maximum user weight | 150kg (330lbs) |
| Fitness App | FluidRower |
| Visual Display | Yes |
| Build material | American ash wood |
| Fold-away storage | No |
| Upright storage | Yes |
| Laptop holder | Yes |
| Warranty | 5-year main frame warranty 5-year polycarbonate tank & seals warranty 2-year warranty mechanical components (of non-wearing nature) 1-year warranty for all other components (of a wearing nature) |
The Viking 2 AR Plus Reserve indoor rower is a premium water rowing machine manufactured by First Degree Fitness. This rowing machine closely emulates the natural catch and feel of rowing on outdoor open water.
Using state of the art Fluid Resistance Technology the Viking 2 AR Plus Reserve offers a full-body workout with no flat spots or noisy fans.
The Viking 2 AR Plus Reserve’s features include:
- An improved rowing workout than standard First Degree Fitness models
- Natural-feeling resistance from Fluid Resistance Technology
- 4-levels of adjustable resistance
- Extremely comfortable padded seat that’s nestled on precision rollers and bearings for added smoothness
- Ergonomically designed handle to reduce strain on an athlete’s hands, wrists, and arms
- Built-in transit wheels for light and easy movement
- No flats spots thanks to a triple-bladed impeller
- Virtually maintenance-free
- Digital-display tracks heart rate, distance, time, and calories.
- American ash wood offers strength and durability, great for both home and commercial applications
- Tough polycarbonate tank
- Instantly adjusting footboard that suits trainers, sneakers, socks, or bare feet
First Degree Fitness Viking 2 AR Plus
| Resistance Type | Water |
| Maximum water limit | 9-17 liters |
| Assembled Size | L 2135mm (84″) x W 550mm (22″) x H 540mm (21″) |
| Unit weight (without water) | 33kg (72lbs) |
| Maximum user weight | 150kg (330lbs) |
| Fitness App | FluidRower |
| Visual Display | Yes |
| Build material | American ash wood |
| Fold-away storage | No |
| Upright storage | Yes |
| Laptop holder | Yes |
| Warranty | 5-year main frame warranty 5-year polycarbonate tank & seals warranty 2-year warranty mechanical components (of non-wearing nature) 1-year warranty for all other components (of a wearing nature) |
Like the Plus Reserve, the Viking 2 AR Plus is a water rower constructed from beautiful American ash. The ash wood is complemented with solid metal fixtures and tough polycarbonate twin tanks.
And just like all the water rowers from First Degree do, the Viking AR Plus emulates the feel and smoothness of real on-water rowing. The see-through polycarbonate tanks allow athletes to see the movement of the water as they stroke and the rower’s impeller makes a beautiful splashing noise as the machine is operated.
This great machine makes the perfect rower for both home gyms or commercial applications. It’s upright storage, easy on the eye design, and differing workout levels makes it a true favorite for people of all fitness levels.
The Viking 2 AR Plus’ features include:
- A variety of different resistant levels from extremely light to Olympic challenge for a full-body workout.
- Smooth and water-like strokes with no flat or dead spots
- Patented twin tanks with a stainless steel three-blade impeller
- Ergonomic handle reduces strain to an athlete’s hands, wrists, and forearms
- Quick and easy footpad adjustment
- Smooth-sliding monorail and silently padded seat for top-notch functionality and comfort
- Durable and quiet sliding belt drive
- Digital monitor with heart rate monitoring, time tracking, interval training, and calorie burning counter.
- Sustainably-sourced American ash wood frame
- Virtually maintenance-free construction
- Built-in track wheels for easy movement
- Ergonomically designed frame and monorail for a low impact, free-flowing focused rowing experience
3. First Degree Fitness FluidRower Viking 3 AR Plus
| Resistance Type | Water |
| Maximum water limit | 9-17 liters |
| Assembled Size | L 2133mm (84″) x W 508mm (20″) x H 533mm (21″) |
| Unit weight (without water) | 33kg (72lbs) |
| Maximum user weight | 150kg (330lbs) |
| Fitness App | FluidRower |
| Visual Display | Yes |
| Build material | Wood |
| Fold-away storage | No |
| Upright storage | Yes |
| Laptop holder | Yes |
| Warranty | 5-year main frame warranty 5-year polycarbonate tank & seals warranty 2-year warranty mechanical components (of non-wearing nature) 1-year warranty for all other components (of a wearing nature) |
The FluidRower Viking 3 AR Plus is another great water rower from First Degree Fitness. The Viking 3 AR Plus is constructed around an American ash central frame, granting it unmatched strength and durability.
Its dark wooden finish, quality components, and seamless design make it one of the best First Degree Fitness rowers on the market.
The Viking AR Plus’ features include:
- Multiple resistance levels for workouts that suit all fitness levels
- Stainless steel triple-blade impeller nestled inside a polycarbonate tank
- No flat or dead spots throughout a stroke
- Deluxe handle design that facilitates an upper body focused workout
- Textured padded seat finish for comfort and slip prevention
- Durable belt drive for smooth, clean strokes
- Progressive and satisfying stroke that emulates an on-water rower
- Digital display with USB functionality that facilitates tracking of workout time, distance, strokes per minute, heart rate monitoring, and calories burnt
- Ethically produced and sustainably sourced American ash frame
- Built-in track wheels for easy movement
- Virtually maintenance-free
WaterRower Rowing Machines
4. WaterRower Club Rowing Maschine with S4 Monitor
| Resistance Type | Water |
| Maximum water limit | 20 liters |
| Assembled Size | L 2100mm (83″) x W 560mm (22″) x H 530mm (21″) |
| Unit weight (without water) | 30.5kg (67lbs) |
| Maximum user weight | 150kg (330lbs) |
| Fitness App | WaterRower Connect |
| Build material | Ash, rosewood, and aluminum |
| Fold-away storage | No |
| Visual Display | Yes |
| Upright storage | Yes |
| Laptop holder | Yes |
| Warranty | 3 Year Parts Warranty 5 Year Frame Warranty |
The WaterRower Club has been designed for frequent use and high traffic areas like those found in commercial gyms and rehabilitation clinics. Its solid stained ash and rosewood frame and black kick rails hold up well to the abuse and wear and tear of repetitive and constant rowing. The wood has then been finished with a stylish Danish Oil and a urethane top coat to add a further layer of protection.
Just like any quality water rower the WaterRower Club offers athletes a smooth, clean, and quiet full-body workout with the pleasant and meditative splash of water. Its quality build but lightweight frame makes this machine simple and hassle-free to move about or store.
The WaterRower Club features include:
- Beautifully finished ash and rosewood frame that’s both durable and lightweight
- S4 Performance Monitor that offers distance workouts, interval workouts, WebRacing and WaterCoach Fit integratable software, power/recovery ratio tracking, plus advanced heart rate analysis.
- Lightweight design
- Patented WaterFlywheel technology for smooth and silent strokes
- Low maintenance
5. WaterRower A1 Home Rowing Machine with A1 Monitor
| Resistance Type | Water |
| Maximum water limit | 20 liters |
| Assembled Size | L 2150mm (85″) x W 560mm (22″) x H 530mm (21″) |
| Unit weight (without water) | 28kg (62lbs) |
| Maximum user weight | 150kg (330lbs) |
| Fitness App | WaterRower Connect |
| Build material | Ash and aluminum |
| Fold-away storage | No |
| Visual Display | Yes |
| Upright storage | Yes |
| Laptop holder | Yes |
| Warranty | 1-year warranty included with purchase 3-year electronics warranty 5-year structural warranty upgrade available |
The A1 Home is another quality built rowing machine from WaterRower. It’s durable handcrafted premium ash hardwood frame and sleek aluminum monorail give this machine an easy-on-the-eye look and feel.
Rowers will find great comfort in a well-thought-out rowing position, quality padded seat, well-designed footpads, and ergonomically-designed handle.
The WaterRower A1 Home’s features include:
- Sustainably harvested and handcrafted noise dampening ash frame
- The machine weighs in at only 28kg or 62lbs, making for easy storage and maneuverability
- The machine’s impeller offers a smooth and natural feeling rower with self-regulating resistance
- The machine is soothingly silent and smooth throughout a stroke
- Low maintenance
- Perfect for the purist who likes a minimal design and non-extravagant finish
6. WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine with S4 Monitor
| Resistance Type | Water |
| Maximum water limit | 20 liters |
| Assembled Size | L 2100mm (83″) x W 560mm (22″) x H 530mm (21″) |
| Unit weight (without water) | 30.5kg (67lbs) |
| Maximum user weight | 150kg (330lbs) |
| Fitness App | WaterRower Connect |
| Build material | Ash and honey oak wood |
| Fold-away storage | No |
| Visual Display | Yes |
| Upright storage | Yes |
| Laptop holder | Yes |
| Warranty | 3-Year Parts Warranty 5-Year Frame Warranty |
The WaterRower Natural is a beautiful ash and honey oak wood handcrafted rowing machine. Its wooden frame offers a sound-absorbing and vibration-reducing rowing experience with smooth and silent operation.
Just like all WaterRower rowing machines, the WaterRower Natural features a patented WaterFlywheel impeller technology for optimal non-interrupted rowing strokes.
The WaterRower Natural’s features include:
- Ethically, sustainably harvested, and handcrafted noise-dampening ash and honey oak frame
- Lightweight yet solid and ergonomic design
- Patented WaterFlywheel technology for a no flat or dead spot rowing experience
- The machine is soothingly silent and smooth throughout a stroke
- S4 Performance Monitor that offers distance workouts, interval workouts, WebRacing and WaterCoach Fit integradable software, power/recovery ratio tracking, plus advanced heart rate analysis.
- Basically maintenance-free
Aviron Rowing Machines
7. Aviron Impact Series Home Interactive Rowing Machine
| Resistance Type | 16 level dual air & magnetic system |
| Belt type | Whisper Poly-V belt |
| Assembled Size | L 2495mm (98″) x W 530mm (21″) x H 108mm (4.2″) |
| Fold-Away Size | L 1360mm (53.5“) x W 530mm (21“) x H 1580mm (62“) |
| Unit weight (without water) | 42kg (93lbs) |
| Maximum user weight | 180kg (397lbs) |
| Fitness App | MyAviron |
| Build material | High strength aluminum |
| Fold-away storage | Yes |
| Visual Display | Yes |
| Upright storage | Yes |
| Laptop holder | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 Year Limited Warranty |
The Aviron Impact Series Home Interactive Rowing Machine is a great option for home gyms, particularly those that are a little limited on floor space.
Its lightweight design and space-saving folding features make it the perfect solution for athletes that want to keep fit from the comfort of their own home.
Featuring a durable high-strength aluminum frame and 16-level dual magnetic-resistance level, the Aviron Impact Series Home will constantly encourage you to stay on the move.
The Impact Series Home Interactive’s features include:
- High-strength and well-designed aluminum frame for easy storage yet solid feel
- A 22inch high-definition touch screen for watching movies and series while getting some fitness time in
- Data-driven workouts that burn calories quickly and easily while still building and toning muscles
- Self-guided workout programs designed by world-famous trainers and athletes
- Virtually-guided rowing experiences of some of the most famous on-water rowing destinations from around the world (perfect for escaping the COVID monotony)
8. Aviron Tough Series Commercial Interactive Rowing Machine
| Resistance Type | 16 level dual air & magnetic system |
| Belt type | Whisper Poly-V belt |
| Assembled Size | L 2495mm (98″) x W 530mm (21″) x H 108mm (4.2″) |
| Fold-Away Size | L 1360mm (53.5“) x W 530mm (21“) x H 1580mm (62“) |
| Unit weight (without water) | 56.5kg (125lbs) |
| Maximum user weight | 230kg (507lbs) |
| Fitness App | MyAviron |
| Build material | High strength aluminum |
| Fold-away storage | Yes |
| Visual Display | Yes |
| Upright storage | Yes |
| Laptop holder | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 Year Limited Warranty |
If you’re on the hunt for a quality commercial air-resistance rowing machine, the Aviron Tough Series Commercial Interactive is the machine for you.
The Tough Series Commercial Interactive is fully-equipped to take everything your customers are likely to throw at it and keep on keeping on.
Its tough and sturdy aluminum design makes it perfect for frequent use, its fully-immersive HD touchscreen makes it the perfect workout companion, and its performance metric sensors measure just about everything you can imagine.
Plus the Tough Series Commercial Interactive’s resistance system allows athletes to wind a workout up to over 100 pounds of resistance for extreme workouts.
The Tough Series Commercial Interactive’s features include:
- 22inch HD 1080P touchscreen
- 2-megapixel front-facing camera
- 16 level dual air & magnetic system for a wide variety of resistance levels, including eight levels of advanced workouts
- Whisper quiet Poly-V belt
- Integrated laptop holder
- Foldable frame for easy maneuverability and storage
EnergyFit Rowing Machines
9. EnergyFit Ski-Row Air+Pwr Rowing Machine
| Resistance Type | Flywheel (Air) w/Spiral Damper |
| Drive type | Dynacord Nylon Rope |
| Rower dimensions | L 2630mm (103″) W 830mm (33″) H 1020mm (40″) |
| Ski trainer dimensions | L 1360mm (54″) W 830mm (33″) H 2130mm (84″) |
| Unit weight (without water) | 68kg (150lbs) |
| Maximum user weight | 159kg (350lbs) |
| Fitness App | No |
| Build material | High strength aluminum |
| Fold-away storage | No |
| Visual Display | Yes |
| Upright storage | Yes |
| Laptop holder | No |
| Warranty | 5 Year Frame Warranty, 2 Year Limited Warranty |
EnergyFit’s Ski-Row Air+Pwr is not only a rowing machine but also a high-intensity ski trainer. This first of a kind dual-action rowing machine enables the switch from rower to ski-ergometer with a simple push of a foot-lever.
The Ski-Row can be used simply as a rower or a ski-trainer, however, its true potential is revealed with mixed-ergometer workouts and alternative exercise modalities.
The Ski-Row’s features include:
- Air-flywheel resistance to match stroke rate and intensity
- Gas-assist cylinders help lift and lower the machine when switching between rowing and skiing
- Rust-proof aluminum frame
- Adjustable foot straps
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Heart rate monitoring
10. EnergyFit Ski-Row Air Rowing Machine
| Resistance Type | Flywheel (Air) w/Spiral Damper |
| Drive type | Dynacord Nylon Rope |
| Rower dimensions | L 2630mm (103″) W 830mm (33″) H 1020mm (40″) |
| Ski trainer dimensions | L 1360mm (54″) W 830mm (33″) H 2130mm (84″) |
| Unit weight (without water) | 68kg (150lbs) |
| Maximum user weight | 159kg (350lbs) |
| Fitness App | No |
| Build material | High strength aluminum |
| Fold-away storage | No |
| Visual Display | Yes |
| Upright storage | Yes |
| Laptop holder | No |
| Warranty | 5 Year Frame Warranty, 2 Year Limited Warranty |
The Ski-Row Air Rowing Machine is another great ski-row machine from EnergyFit. Its ergonomic design allows a quick switch between skiing and rowing in less than five seconds.
Its Dynacord nylon rope is smooth and designed to be virtually silent and the machine’s padded rowing seat makes for a super comfortable rowing experience.
The Ski-Row Air’s features include:
- Air-flywheel with spiral damper for super-quiet operation
- 10 different resistance levels
- A monochrome LCD display console
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Heart rate monitoring
Pro 6 Rowing Machines
11. Pro 6 R7 Magnetic Air Rower
| Resistance Type | Dual air and magnetic flywheel system |
| Belt type | Nylon Rope |
| Assembled size | L 2463mm (97”) W 450mm (18”) H 1082mm (43”) |
| Fold-away size | L 1365mm (54”) W 450mm (18”) H 1587mm (62.5”) |
| Unit weight (without water) | 37.5kg (83lbs) |
| Maximum user weight | 136kg (300lbs) |
| Fitness App | No |
| Build material | High strength aluminum |
| Fold-away storage | Yes |
| Visual Display | Yes |
| Upright storage | Yes |
| Laptop holder | No |
| Warranty | 12 months on mechanical components, 24 months on the metal frame |
The Pro 6 R7 Magnetic Air Rower features a combination of both magnetic and air resistance. The R7 rower offers athletes a range of different resistance levels that are ideal for building muscle and toning the arms, shoulders, back, legs, and core.
Its self-powered digital display console doesn’t require external power or messy power cables. The console displays time, strokes per minute, calories, and distance.
The R7’s features include:
- Self-powered digital display
- Pre-programmed and customizable interval training workouts
- Foldable frame for easy storage
- Dual air and magnetic system offering 16 resistance levels
12. Pro 6 R9 Magnetic Air Rower
| Resistance Type | Dual air and magnetic flywheel system |
| Belt type | Nylon Rope |
| Assembled size | L 2570mm (101“) W 540mm (21”) H 1200mm (47”) |
| Fold-away size | L 1360mm (53.5”) W 540mm (21”) H 1620mm (64”) |
| Unit weight (without water) | 45kg (99lbs) |
| Maximum user weight | 136kg (300lbs) |
| Fitness App | No |
| Build material | High strength aluminum |
| Fold-away storage | Yes |
| Visual Display | Yes |
| Upright storage | Yes |
| Laptop holder | No |
| Warranty | 12 months on mechanical components, 24 months on the metal frame |
**UPDATE** This model has been discontinued. Look for a new Pro 6 Rower to take its place.
The Pro 6 R9 Magnetic Air Rower uses the patented Pro 6 magnetic and air resistance rowing system for smooth and quiet rowing. This machine offers a huge range of resistance and workout intensity levels, making it the perfect exercise equipment to not only build muscle but also burn calories.
The self-powering digital display tracks everything you’d expect from a quality rower. Anything from workout duration, strokes per minute, calories burnt, and distance traveled.
The R9’s features include:
- Pre-programmed and customizable interval training workouts
- Built-in heart rate monitoring
- Patented lightweight and foldable aluminum frame
- Built-in fan to keep athletes cool
- Super comfortable padded seat
- Strong torque yet smooth and silent rowing strokes
Spirit Fitness Rowing Machines
13. Spirit Fitness CRW800H2O Water Rower
| Resistance Type | Water |
| Belt type | Nylon |
| Assembled size | L 2020mm (79.5") W 535mm (21") H 865mm (34") |
| Fold-away size | N/A |
| Unit weight (without water) | 35.5kg (76lbs) |
| Maximum user weight | 170kg (375lbs) |
| Fitness App | No |
| Build material | High strength aluminum |
| Fold-away storage | No |
| Visual Display | Yes |
| Upright storage | Yes |
| Laptop holder | No |
| Warranty | Lifetime frame warranty, 10-year parts warranty, 2-year labor warranty |
The Spirit Fitness CRW800H2O Water Rower is one of the best commercial rowers on the market. Offering various levels of resistance for effective and enjoyable full-body workouts, ergonomic, durable, yet lightweight design, and a very comfortable seat to top it all off.
The CRW800H2O’s water tank is quiet plus the machine’s nylon belt and the well-designed handle make for a very comfortable rowing experience.
The CRW800H2O’s features include:
- 6 levels of resistance
- A heavy-duty yet lightweight frame
- Upright storage
- Long-lasting pressure tested tank
- A 45-degree water tank that offers higher resistance levels than many other water rowers
Final Thoughts
Fitness experts, health professionals, and sports scientists all agree on one thing, rowing machines are a great solution to improve overall fitness.
That’s because exercising on a rower doesn’t just target one area of the body. These awesome pieces of fitness equipment offer a full-body workout that’s not only great for building muscle and maintaining weight but also for increasing VO2 max levels and keeping athlete’s cardiovascular systems super healthy.
And with all that said, no matter what you expect from a rowing machine, you’re bound to find something that suits your style and fitness requirements.
When choosing the correct machine, it can be rather confusing and a little daunting at first. But hopefully, this article has brought you that little bit closer to finding just the right rower for you.
Remember, the most important thing is to get rowing. That COVID belly isn’t going to get rid of itself!