Rowing Machine Selection Guide

A rowing machine is a unique piece of equipment for aerobic training, during which all the most important muscle groups are affected: the back, shoulder and shoulder girdle, chest, legs and abs. A distinctive feature of models of this type is the effective combination of cardio and strength training, the safety of training and a high percentage of calorie burning. Strength exercises promote muscle growth and strength development, and active cardio training improves endurance and has a positive effect on the formation of the figure.

Leading Rowing Machine Manufacturers

The choice of rowing machines in sports stores is quite large, but there are several brands that offer high-quality and effective models for the home at a very reasonable cost.

DFC

. Russian brand, leading production in China. The assortment includes a wide range of inexpensive rowing models, from the simplest mechanical to aerodynamic ones.

Kettler.

German manufacturer of sports equipment. It offers exercise equipment that can withstand increased loads at an affordable price. The brand's rowing machines are designed for users weighing up to 130-150 kg.

Proxima

. One of the most functional exercise machines for home. Many models are close in level to sports equipment for gyms.

Xterra

. Simple and inexpensive rowing machines for home. Most of the models on sale have a magnetic load system, a standard design, and are designed for home training.

The best mechanical devices

DFC R7103

The maximum load on this machine is 100 kg - quite enough for most users. The model effectively combines a whole range of cardiological loads, and is also capable of working with a significant number of muscle groups - the back, chest, arms and legs. During the exercise, large muscles are involved, so a person will expend quite a lot of energy. With the help of exercises on this device, it is possible to reduce the volume of fat layer, instead of which an attractive and sculpted muscle corset will be created. The design is equipped with a very convenient and reliable folding mechanism, which makes the exercise machine optimally suitable for use at home. Its overall dimensions are 54x124x68 cm when folded and 50.5x46x174 cm when ready for use. There is a handle to adjust the load. The load is adjusted using an original magnetic system - in total there are as many as 10 operating modes.

The device has a liquid crystal LCD display. Information is displayed here regarding the duration of the session, the number of strokes made per minute, and the number of calories burned. The model is absolutely safe to use. The handles have a special anti-slip coating, and there are large foot rests equipped with reliable fastening straps.

Advantages:

• There is a folding mechanism;
• Long service life;
• Availability of liquid crystal display;
• Very convenient to use.

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Disadvantages:

• The user weight limit is 100 kg.

DFC R7103

Kettler Favorit 7978-900

The model is equipped with a very convenient loading system, which consists of a pair of cylinders. Using this original technology, it is possible to smoothly change the degree of load, preventing excessive stress on the joints or spine. The frame has increased strength; a person whose weight will reach 130 kg can exercise on this simulator. The overall dimensions of the product are 124x78x26 cm, there is no folding mechanism, but such products do not take up very much free space anyway. The seat here is soft and orthopedic, which allows you to make the training process as comfortable as possible without causing unpleasant or painful sensations in the lower back. The footrests are equipped with an anti-slip coating and have Velcro straps.

A special clip sensor is supplied with this product. In addition to it, you can purchase a chest heart rate sensor. They transmit data about a person’s condition to the display, and the error here will be minimal. The product is equipped with a monochrome LCD display, it is equipped with an anti-glare coating, and it also has several informative sections. In this case, the simulator is not connected to the mains - the display and all sensors operate on ordinary batteries or rechargeable batteries. There is a system for constant monitoring of the upper pulse threshold. If the heart rate reaches this indicator, the user will be informed about this by a special sound signal.

Advantages:

• High quality of production and assembly of products;
• Ease of performing exercises and adjusting the load;
• Availability of sensors and display;
• Capable of supporting significant user weight.

Flaws:

• Efficiency is calculated in kilojoules - not everyone understands what this data is and how to work with it.

Kettler Favorit 7978-900

Torneo Golfctream V-117

It has fairly compact overall dimensions and low weight, so this product is ideal for installation in an apartment. The original point associated with this product is the presence of its own full-fledged training computer, and not a simple display, as was the case with previous models included in the review. With its help, the user will have full control over the number of strokes, the duration of the lesson, the total distance traveled, and will also be able to find out exactly how many calories were expended. The load adjustment here is mechanical. This is quite convenient for both beginners and experienced athletes. If desired, the effort can be made more directly during the training process. The load is generated by a pair of hydraulic cylinders, one of them is installed on each side of the device.

Thanks to this system, it is possible to achieve silent operation of the equipment, so you can practice at any time of the day or night. The developers have made the design as ergonomic as possible - any person will be comfortable using this simulator, regardless of their height and build. The levers have special notches that provide a high level of comfort during training. The simulator has a reinforced frame, which ensures the longest service life of the product. For its production, only materials that perfectly resist wear were used.

Advantages:

• Small overall dimensions;
• A folding mechanism is provided;
• There is a full-fledged on-board computer;
• Takes up minimal free space;
• It works absolutely silently.

Flaws:

• Withstands a person's weight up to 100 kg.

Torneo Golfctream V-117

Basic criteria for choosing a rowing machine

Not only ease of use, but also the effectiveness of training depends on the correct choice of the simulator. Before purchasing, it is better to look through as many offers as possible to choose the best option.

Load system

. Rowing machines are mechanical, magnetic, electromagnetic, aerodynamic, aeromagnetic. Simple and inexpensive magnetic models are quite suitable for home training.

Load levels

. Any simulator must have the ability to change the load level in order to adapt it to your physical fitness and gradually increase complexity.

Design

. Rowing machines are available in stationary and folding versions. For small apartments, the second option is preferable.

Smooth ride

. This feature must be checked directly when purchasing a simulator. The seat should slide along the guide smoothly and without any extraneous noise.

The best magnetic products

Xterra ERG200

Designed specifically for active use at home. With the help of this device, you will be able to quickly and effectively work out almost all the main groups of large muscles, form correct posture, and improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system. The design here is quite simple; there is a folding mechanism, due to which the product is quite convenient to store and transport from one place to another. It uses a magnetic load system made using the latest Magnetic Single Resistance technology, and the flywheel mass is equivalent to 10 kg. The movements on the machine are smooth and very stable. This has a positive effect on coordination of movements and balance of the body. There are 8 load levels in total, so the difficulty of working on the simulator is adjustable.

There is quite an information display that will display all the information the user needs. The basis here is double aluminum rails equipped with stiffening ribs, thanks to which the simulator will support the user’s weight up to 110 kg. The seat is very comfortable, adjustable to the length of the legs, the pedals are also adjustable, so a person will feel as comfortable as possible during training. The product has transport rollers and floor unevenness compensators.

Advantages:

• Very compact overall dimensions;
• 8 load levels;
• Increased frame strength;
• Adjustable seat and pedals;
• Manual load adjustment system.

Flaws:

• Some users are distrustful of the fact that these products are assembled in Chinese factories.

Xterra ERG200

Sport Elit SE-104

With the help of this simulator you can ensure the smoothest movements possible, just like in the process of real rowing. Users were unable to detect any jerks or dips during exercise. Like most of the devices included in our review of the best rowing machines, there is a very convenient and informative display with all the data necessary for a person exercising. It combines two types of sports equipment: designed to develop and stabilize the cardiovascular system and get rid of excess fatty tissue and mass, used for the full development of the muscle frame and providing an attractive appearance. The device puts stress on all major muscle groups. The device does not require a large amount of free space, so it can easily fit even in a small apartment.

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The basis here is steel pipes and channels, reinforced with stiffening ribs, thanks to which people with a body weight of up to 120 kg can exercise on this simulator. The seat is quite large and glides over the aluminum tire very easily and silently. The pedals have decent overall dimensions, and the feet are secured to them using special fasteners. There is no need to connect to the mains.

Advantages:

• Absolute autonomy of product operation;
• High strength and reliability of this simulator;
• Small overall dimensions of the device;
• Availability of a folding mechanism;
• All necessary parameters can be easily adjusted.

Flaws:

• The display could have been bigger.

Sport Elit SE-104

DFC R8001

It is a fairly universal product that is perfect for both people who are just starting to take care of their health and already very experienced athletes. Depending on your own physical fitness, the user can give preference to one of 16 load levels. In addition, the developers included 20 different programs in this simulator. Each of them represents an optimally selected number of different parameters; you can set them all manually. Comfort from training is significantly increased thanks to the available floor unevenness compensators; the kit also includes anti-slip stops and leg straps. The maximum permissible load on the device is 120 kg, so even fairly large users can exercise on it.

The functionality of the computer is quite wide, and it reads all data as accurately as possible and does not distort them during processing. There are levers installed here that are completely independent of each other and can rotate 360 ​​degrees, so the workouts are quite varied. The seat has an ergonomic shape, you can sit on it for quite a long time, and it has a special anti-slip coating. The display of the simulator is monochrome, has high-brightness LED backlighting, so the data will be very readable even in direct sunlight.

Advantages:

• A large number of different built-in programs;
• Suitable even for fairly large people;
• Informative liquid crystal display;
• Original appearance.

Flaws:

• Quite expensive compared to other similar models.

DFC R8001

INFINITI R70

The device is a structure equipped with an air loading system. In total, the manufacturer provides as many as six load levels, the user will have to choose the most suitable mode from them. Thanks to its compact overall dimensions, this model will fit perfectly into the interior of even a small apartment. If necessary, the simulator can be folded - there is a special mechanism for this. The roller system is of high quality and ensures smooth movement of all moving elements, which not only makes the exercise as comfortable as possible, but also allows you to perform the exercises correctly. This gives an even load on the muscles, no jerks were noticed. The model has a liquid crystal display with adjustable angle, so you don’t have to peer at the data. The computer turns on and off automatically, turning on immediately after the first swing, and turning off after a couple of minutes of inactivity. It is powered by ordinary AA batteries.

The simulator can support a user weighing up to 100 kg. When folded, it has overall dimensions of 128x77x25 cm, in the working position - 198x46x86 cm. If necessary, the user can additionally purchase a chest heart rate sensor, which will measure the remote control. There is a ventilation system, the air flow is adjustable. The simulator is based on a steel frame, a frame made of aluminum. The seat and pedals are made of fairly durable plastic.

Advantages:

• Compact design, equipped with a convenient and reliable folding mechanism;
• Six load levels, you can combine aerobic and strength exercises;
• High strength and good reliability of the model;
• There is a built-in blowing system.

Flaws:

• Apart from the rather high cost, nothing was found.

INFINITI R70

Aerodynamic devices

FITEX PRO

The first in our review of the best rowing machines is a professional model, which, at the same time, is highly versatile, so it can be used both in the gym and at home. The maximum load on the machine can reach 180 kg, and the device can be easily adjusted to almost any user, regardless of his height, build and level of muscle training. The manufacturer has provided 10 load levels here. Sensors for reading the pulse are located in the handles, so the user does not have to attach anything to his own clothing. All necessary information is displayed on an informative high-brightness liquid crystal display. Everything the user needs to know during the workout will be displayed here.

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The simulator is characterized by a fairly simple design, which is characterized by a high level of convenience and simplicity. The model, like most others in our review, has floor unevenness compensators. This ensures the stability of the structure during direct operation. The ergonomics of the simulator are thought out as carefully as possible. The footrests are equipped with fixing straps, so you don’t have to worry about getting injured during exercise. The product makes virtually no noise, so using it at home will not create discomfort for anyone. Ideal for both beginners and fairly experienced athletes.

Advantages:

• High level of durability and ease of use;
• There is a large selection of operating modes;
• It works almost silently.

Flaws:

• It's quite expensive.

FITEX PRO

NordicTrack RX 800

This machine provides a completely new approach to traditional training. The aerodynamic load of this device can be adjusted manually and automatically. The seat is contoured, users note its excellent ergonomics. The handles are quite soft and do not begin to slip in your hands even during a long workout. The output power is displayed on a liquid crystal display, the viewing angle of which can be adjusted if necessary. If you wish, you can even connect a player to this simulator and listen to your favorite tracks during exercise. You won't be able to use a chest strap because there is no receiver. This device has 5 load levels at once, and the developers have included 20 automatic programs in it: ten of them are aimed at ensuring a uniform load on the cardiovascular system, the rest are designed to thoroughly and quickly burn excess calories.

A very durable steel rail is used as the frame. The maximum user weight should not exceed 130 kg. The pedals are not very large, but the fastening of the straps is thought out in such a way that the feet will not slip off them even during very intense workouts. There are two quite powerful speakers - in total they provide about 12 W of power. You can use not only traditional mp3 players, but also products from Apple - iPod. There is no holder for a tablet here, but there is still a special shelf where you can put it. The product can operate either on batteries or on a standard electrical outlet.

Advantages:

• Simple and quite effective products;
• A large number of built-in operating modes;
• Well thought out ergonomics;
• Thoroughly loads all muscles, ensuring complete fat burning and muscle growth.

Flaws:

• It will have to be located in close proximity to an outlet.

NordicTrack RX 800

Concept 2 E PM5

Even the most demanding and picky users will be able to appreciate this model. The products are distinguished by their excellent versatility and practicality: they will look natural both at home and in a home environment. The product belongs to premium class products. When developing the simulator, close attention was paid to every detail, so even strength training becomes as effective as possible without compromising comfort and safety. All technical solutions are aimed at ensuring that a person can appreciate the benefits of exercise as soon as possible. In particular, the seat height here is 51 cm - the optimal indicator for training people and athletes suffering from pathology of the knee joints. In addition, this height significantly reduces the force load on the injured muscles.

The design uses a nickel-plated chain, which does not have to be regularly lubricated during operation. There is also a special finish that prevents scratches and prevents damage to clothing. The outside of the simulator is covered with special compounds that are not sensitive to physical influences, so even after several years of active use the device will look like new. The product has a quick-release dismountable coupling that allows you to disassemble the unit within a few seconds. The foot support is adjustable, suitable for absolutely all foot sizes. The monitor here turns on automatically, immediately after the start of the lesson. It works either from the AC adapter supplied in the kit or from batteries. The interface is quite simple, you can figure it out in just a couple of minutes. There is a wireless communication system that allows you to combine up to eight simulators into one network, which is very convenient for group training.

Advantages:

• Resistance adjustment is provided;
• The excellent quality of materials and workmanship allows the device to maintain its original appearance for a long time;
• Disassembles within a few seconds;
• Optimal for professional athletes and beginners.

Flaws:

• High cost of the product.

Concept 2 E PM5