Finding the right form of exercise can be like nailing jelly to a tree. You want something that is kind on your joints and knees but still fat-burning. You want something that will work your upper body muscles but not neglect the lower ones.
You want something that is convenient and always accessible but strenuous and challenging. You want to have fun while exercising but not pay an arm and a leg.
What if I told you that there is a workout device that does all these?
Yes, turns out wonder machines exist after all. The indoor rowing machine fits the bill on all these fronts. By mimicking the rowing motion of real rowers, you can accomplish what they do without leaving the comfort of your home. Here are some benefits of the device:
- Gives you a challenging aerobic workout – makes you exhausted and burns calories
- Kind on joints and knees – running and treadmills may use up energy but could strain your body parts. This device does not. It actually strengthens your back
- Tones all muscles – gives a full-body workout for abs, quads, thighs, calves, biceps, and back.
- Convenient – you get all the benefits of a rowing competition without leaving the house, finding a river, renting a boat, and getting wet.
This study shows that when compared to a control group, 11 obese people who used an indoor rowing device lost more weight. All you need to do is get on the machine, keep your back straight, put your feet in the straps, engage your core, and start rowing. Check out these affordable options:
The 5 Best Indoor Rowing Machines Under $500
#5 Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower Adjustable Resistance Rowing Machine (BK)
Pluses
Merax Magnetic’s product achieves its main purpose through intense 8 resistance levels. Faster rowers find the machine sufficient for their needs.
It has an LCD screen to track workout data. You may fold the product and move it with in-built wheels. It is quiet and smooth, as well.
Minuses
The LCD monitor does not have many features and is rather small. Some people find the seat slightly hard, so they have to add a cushion. With the dynamism in competition brands, this machine falls short in terms of other exercise options.
You may think of it as a classic with no bells and whistles like the others. As a magnetic rower, the motion range is limited.
Rating: 8.8/10
#4 XTERRA Fitness ERG200 Folding Magnetic Resistance Rower
Pluses
The product folds easily thus saving you space at home. It has an LCD screen for performance monitoring. You will be challenged by its 8 magnetic resistance levels. The product is also quiet and smooth.
Minuses
For fit rowers, you may find the resistance levels not challenging enough. Its LCD screen is inaccurate and dim. The product has no additional features (magnetic), so it can be boring. It does not last long as customers report wear and tear after some times.
Rating: 9.0/10
#3 Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Bluetooth Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine with Extended Optional Full Body Exercises and Free App
Pluses
Fitness Reality’s invention has an accompanying Bluetooth for tracking work out results like the number of calories burned or the distance traveled. Apart from rowing, you can also do standing shoulder presses, curls, and tricep extensions.
All these are possible when you stand on the footpads added at the front. The machine thus adds dynamism to a simple rowing regime. It has an LCD screen to display all your workout data. Fitness Reality is also relatively quiet thus allowing you to watch TV or engage in something else.
You will find various resistance settings on the machine to build endurance. Finally, you can fold it and move it.
Minuses
While the product has an accompanying app, most of the time its readings do not work or are inaccurate. The pedals are a little uncomfortable for some users. It still occupies a significant amount of space when folded and the wheels are tad bit stiff.
Since it is magnetic, you cannot move your hands dynamically with this device.
Rating: 9.3/10
#2 Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 Full Motion Rowing Machine Rower w/ 350 lb. Weight Capacity and LCD Monitor
Pluses
The Sunny Health & Fitness’s machine stands out because of its full range of motion. This way, you get to engage your core more, activate more muscles and burn more calories.
It has an LCD screen and, get this, 12 resistance levels! It is sturdy and does not take up a lot of space.
Minuses
Even though the product does not have foam grips, your hands may still be affected, so consider using gloves. You might get bored when using it since it does not have alternative exercise. Some people still find the resistance levels not challenging enough.
Rating: 9.6/10
#1 ProGear 750 Rower with Additional Multi Exercise Workout Capability, Black
Pluses
This Progear’s product is sturdy, smooth, and quiet. You may use the product and store it when done. If it is dynamism you want, then this product will provide it. You can turn the upright seat upside down and do non-rowing exercises such as shoulder presses, curls and ab workouts.
With 3 resistance options, you can exercise as you desire. The range of motion is more than front and back since it uses hydraulic tension. Your hands move about 180 degrees thus mimicking a real boat.
Minuses
The product does not fold once assembled. You have to rely on Youtube or your imagination to come up with an alternative, non-rowing exercise as the manual doesn’t have any. It is quite low so getting on or off could be tricky.
Rating: 9.8/10
What to Keep In Mind When Buying
Magnetic versus hydraulic tension
Go for a hydraulic rather than magnetic machine because hydraulic ones have hand peddles with a full motion range. That way, you work more muscles.
Additional features
Many sports companies are innovating and adding dynamism to rowing machines. A plain one would bore you quickly.
LCD
Make sure the LCD screen is accurate and well-lit/ clear.
Resistance levels
Some machines can blindside you with the number of resistance levels. Don’t care about the levels. Focus on the intensity of the highest resistance and whether you can handle it.
Foldable
Good machines are easy to move and fold.
Quietness
It should not cause a disturbance.
Rowing machines are a great way to train conveniently, dynamically, and holistically. Choose brands that have what matters to you.
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