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The 9 Best Indoor Rowing Machines To Augment Your Home Workouts

Nate Swanner
By
A male athlete using a rowing machine outside.
Sam Sabourin/Unsplash

Summer is here, which makes hot-weather exercises our best friend. But the sweltering rays of the sun increase our risk of heat-related illnesses, preventing us from achieving our short- and long-term fitness goals. Exercising outdoors is okay so long as you take precautions; however, if you want to stay safe, you can take your workouts indoors — specifically, to your home gym.

One at-home piece of fitness equipment you should add to your workout space is an indoor rowing machine. A rowing machine combines cardio with strength training to burn calories and increase muscle mass and definition. When done correctly, rowing strengthens your glutes and hamstrings, including your back, shoulders, and arms.

If you’re in the market for a rowing machine, you’re in for some good news. Below, we rounded up the best indoor rowing machines to add to your home gym this 2022, all boasting life-long durability and workout-supplementing features.

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Echelon Row

The Echelon Row on white background.

This is the Peloton of rowing machines. Echelon already makes one of our favorite indoor exercise bikes, so it’s no surprise that their rowing machine is of top-notch quality and makes it incredibly easy to get a killer workout. With 32 levels of magnetic resistance, a device holder to stream your favorite workout classes, and resistance controls on the handlebars, this machine has everything you need to get a total body workout.

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine with LCD Monitor

A man using Sunny Health and Fitness's Magnetic Rowing Machine with LCD Monitor.

If you’re rowing on a budget, this is a great option to keep you in peak athletic condition throughout the year. Featuring non-slip foot pedals, eight resistance levels, and built-in wheels to make it easy to set up and put away, this machine engages your entire body in rowing workouts. The adjustable magnetic tension allows you to control the difficulty, while the display monitor keeps a record of your calories burned, time, and count.

Concept2 Model D with PM5 Performance Monitor Rowing Machine

The Concept2 Model D Rowing Machine on white background.

This commercial-grade rowing machine delivers a high-quality cardiovascular workout with minimal noise. The aluminum I-beam monorail and stainless steel track offer a consistent and smooth back-and-forth slide, so you can focus entirely on your form. Built to last a lifetime, this machine is an excellent way to incorporate low-impact cardio into your fitness routine.

Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Bluetooth Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine

The Bluetooth-enabled 1,000 Plus Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine from Fitness Reality.

This Bluetooth-enabled rowing machine tracks your workout performance on an app to help you improve over time. With 14 levels of magnetic resistance and a large cushioned seat, you can row for hours comfortably and at your own pace. As a bonus, this machine can also be used to execute exercises such as curls, bent-over rows, front raises, and more by utilizing the front stabilizer foot pads.

NordicTrack RW900 Rowing Machine

The NordicTrack RW900 Rowing Machine with touchscreen monitor on white background.

This rowing machine puts the “crew” in “rowing crew.” The 22-inch touchscreen monitor features on-demand group fitness classes from highly skilled trainers and even automatically adjusts your resistance level to match the instructor. You can even hop off the rower and take strength training or yoga classes designed to tone and train your entire body.

Hydrow Connected Rower

The Hydrow Connected Rower with touchscreen monitor on white background.

This rowing machine recreates the experience of rowing out on the open water with its patented drag mechanism, which is electromagnetic and computer-controlled. Each stoke is smooth and silent due to its innovative industrial-grade webbed strap. The 22-inch touchscreen connects you to an extensive library of rowing workouts featuring beautiful bodies of water from all over the world, taught by skilled athletes and world-class coaches. It offers all of the engaging and meditative benefits of rowing reimaged for the home, and it’s elegantly efficient.

Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower

The Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower on white background.

This compact rower employs electronic tension to control the level of friction needed to build muscle and enhance endurance. The LCD display keeps track of your pulse, time, strokes, calories burned, and more. Oversized non-slip pedals keep your feet in position to train aggressively without falling off. Once your workout is complete, simply fold the machine up for easy storage.

Lanos Hydraulic Rowing Machine

The Lanos Hydraulic Rowing Machine on white background.

The unique design of this rower targets every major muscle group – including the back, legs, arms, abs, and glutes. The adjustable hydraulic resistance allows you to control the difficulty of your workout, and the unique arm bar helps engage your chest, shoulder, and arm muscles to get an effective full-body workout using just one machine.

Echanfit Foldable Indoor Rower

The Echanfit Foldable Indoor Rower on white background.

Row with confidence with this fully customizable machine. With 16 levels of tension and silent, magnetic resistance, this rower puts you in control of your workouts. The adjustable console angle, ergonomic handlebar, and anti-skid pedals all contribute to a smooth, efficient ride through your fast-paced, trainer-led rowing workouts. The folding design and front-mounted transport wheels make this rower portable and easy to store.

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