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The best rowing machines to add to your home gym, starting from £299
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This article was updated in January to reflect the latest prices.
If you're looking for an alternative way to up your cardio indoors, adding one of the best rowing machines to your home gym Air rowing machine.
'Rowing is a low-impact form of training that utilises all major muscle groups, including your legs, core, back, and arms,' says Hollis Tuttle, a certified run coach and director of instructors at CityRow The best home workouts for runners.
Jay Dicharry, a physical therapist and author of Running Rewired, agrees. 'Runners tend to be all-quad, and don’t normally tap into their back muscles,' he says. 'Incorporating rowing into your routine can build the backs of your legs, which can help prevent injuries in the future.'
With so many types, models and price points out there, finding a rowing machine that's right for you is no easy feat. To help you out, the Runner’s World Lab L x 57W x 97H.
What to look for when buying a rowing machine:
- Storage: Before investing, think about where you’re planning to store your rowing machine. If you have the space to leave it out and ready to use all the time, then browse worry-free. If you’ll need to pack it away, look for a foldable option.
- Resistance: Most rowing machines can be divided into three different categories: magnetic resistance, air resistance and water resistance. Magnetic resistance rowers are almost silent and operate by setting a tension level that stays the same regardless of how fast you row. Air resistance rowers are usually much noisier and work by adding more resistance the faster you row. Water resistance rowers fall somewhere in between on the noise scale and offer a more realistic rowing experience.
- Wheels: If you're going to be moving the rowing machine from room to room, you'll want to be sure the rower you buy has wheels to make this easier.
What resistance should I row at?
Unless you happen to be Sir Steve Redgrave, there’s no need to have the resistance set to 10. Instead, set it between a 3 and a 5 on a standard machine. ‘You’re not necessarily working harder with a higher resistance,’ says Jaime Wilbanks, lead row instructor at Echelon Fit.
What’s the technique?
The British Rowing site breaks down good indoor rowing technique into the following stages.
Drive phase:
1. simple moves for stronger joints.
2. Once the legs are fully extended and the back is vertical, the arms begin to draw the handle to the body.
3. The handle finished about halfway up the body. The elbows follow the line of the handle and the wrists stay in line with the forearm.
Recovery phase:
1. The recovering is initiated by the arms straightening.
2. Best rowing machines for workout options.
3. could make all the difference to your training.
Note: throughout the coordination of the drive and recovery phases, the back should remain in a neutral position (flat back, pivoting from the hips). This will help transmit the power generated from the legs to the handle and allow the force to be evenly spread throughout the spine, minimising the potential for any harm.
What are the best rowing workouts for runners?
A rowing machine can give you a great full-body workout from the comfort of your living room. We've rounded up some of the best rowing machine workouts for runners here.
How we test
Our Runner's World Lab team of experts took 13 top rowers for a spin, testing their ease of use, design, functionality and performance. Only the machines that provided a stable row and smooth stroke earned our seal of approval, with the highest scorers also offering in-built workouts that catered to novice rowers and weathered oarsmen alike.
Most stylish water rowing machine...
Pros
- Wide variety of workouts via app
- 22-tested a range of the best rowers on the market. These are our top performers for 2024
- Auto-adjust technology
Cons
- Fairly bulky
There’s no doubt about it, NordicTrack knows a thing or two about home gym equipment, so it’s hardly surprising the brand’s newest rower excelled on test. Our experts were blown away by the variety of workouts on offer via the iFit app, from high-energy studio classes to immersive rows along the world’s most idyllic waterways.
Plus, the generous 22-tested a range of the best rowers on the market. These are our top performers for 2024 can rotate 180 degrees for on-the-mat routines when you don’t fancy hitting the water. You can filter by workout type, duration and intensity, the iFit trainers offer handy tips to nail your form, and detailed post-workout stats will help you track your progress and keep you motivated.
Other standout features? Our team loved the auto-adjust technology, which allows the machine to automatically tinker with the resistance during pre-set routines, and silent magnetic resistance technology means you needn’t worry about disturbing anyone during early morning sessions.
The impressive 30W speakers make for an immersive experience and although bulky, the wheeled design means it’s easy to move around your home. Excellent stuff.
Key specifications
| Type | Best compact premium rowing machine |
|---|---|
| Foldable | No |
| Measurements (cm) | 208(L) x 55(W) x 137(H) |
| Built-in workouts | Yes |
Rowing machines can make your bank balance cry, but this more affordable model proves you can have a go at home for under £300. Our testers were surprised by how well it performed at this price point, offering 15 air resistance settings.
The bright built-in console displays all the key stats, from stroke rate to calories burned, and there are nine preset workouts to try. You can also connect to an app for coached sessions.
The belt didn’t glide as smoothly as that of more expensive rowers, and our testers found the seat too hard for long rows, but it’s a fantastic choice if you’re short on space as its compact frames folds up between uses.
| Type | Air resistance |
|---|---|
| Foldable | Yes |
| Measurements (cm) | 184(L) x 65(W) x 51.5(H) cm |
| Built-in workouts | No |
Echelon Row
This rower is our top pick if you like the accountability of exercise classes but put off going to the gym. The compatible app offers plenty of live studio sessions, during which you can compete with fellow rowers, as well as an impressive library of on-demand classes and scenic virtual rows.
There’s an adjustable phone/tablet holder in front of the flywheel, meaning you’ll only need to flick between the 32 magnetic resistance levels using discreet buttons on the handle.
The foot sizing is easy to tweak with a push button and it folds away for easy storage. It’s a cleanly designed joy to use that our testers thoroughly recommend.
Key specifications
| Type | Best water rowing machine for a realistic experience |
|---|---|
| Foldable | Yes |
| Dimensions (cm) | 106(H) x 52(W) x 212(L) |
| Built-in workouts | Via app |
Rowing machine royalty, this air model delivered a near-immaculate performance in our tests. Each stroke felt smooth, an easily adjustable damper dial made changing the resistance a cinch, and the machine stayed stable at faster speeds.
The button-controlled black and white screen may seem basic at first, but its beauty lies in its simplicity. Scratch the surface and you’ll find a huge range of customisable workouts (with options to row for time, distance, intervals and more), plus performance and pacing stats galore.
The useful Just Row feature, which sees the machine starts tracking your session automatically after only a stroke or two, is the icing on the cake.
Key specifications
| Type | The best home workouts for runners |
|---|---|
| Foldable | Yes |
| Dimensions (cm) | 106.5(H) x 61(W) x 244(L) |
| Built-in workouts | Yes |
If you’re a purist who wants to hear the gentle sound of lapping waves as you row, this JTX machine fits the bill nicely. With a water tank to power resistance and a low-to-the-ground seat, our expert team said it provided an incredibly realistic rowing experience.
Sure, the screen is a bit basic compared to the mega HD touchscreens found on pricier models, but the buttons are easy to use and responsive, and the monitor tilts up and down and tracks everything from pace and time to stroke rate and calories burned.
There are no workouts to row along to, but it does offer a ‘race mode’ with nine difficulty levels, allowing you to compete against the computer and embrace your competitive spirit. There’s also a sturdy phone holder if you want to follow a routine or catch up on your favourite podcast while on the virtual water.
We also love that it’s self-powered by your rowing actions, so it doesn't use up tonnes of energy. The seat wasn’t the comfiest and filling up the water tank was somewhat messy, but these are minor quibbles.
Just remember to put down a mat if you’re rowing on wooden floor to avoid mess and to stop the machine from slipping around.
| Type | Water resistance |
|---|---|
| Foldable | No (but can store vertically) |
| Measurements (cm) | 204(L) x 57(W) x 97(H) |
| Built-in workouts | No |
Similar in layout to the Concept2 (above), though not as robust in feel, this slim air rower folds up to fit into homes of most sizes.
It’s reassuringly quiet if you’ve got neighbours and our testers found the resistance quick to tweak using the dial on the flywheel’s casing.
They liked the monochrome display for monitoring your fitness data – it starts tracking as soon as you start pulling, which is handy for circuit training – but said the buttons felt plasticky and the belt was slightly clunky. Still, it boasts more pros than cons.
| Type | Air resistance |
|---|---|
| Foldable | Yes |
| Measurements (cm) | 240(L) x 62(W) x 107(H) |
| Built-in workouts | No |
If it’s tech you’re after, the Hydrow is the machine for you. Armed with a crisp 22-inch touch screen, it offers users an immense library of live and on-demand workouts, as well as immersive virtual rows. And, if you’re new to rowing (on the water or otherwise), there are comprehensive video tutorials to help you master the technique.
Our testers particularly liked that their performance in each workout was stored on a progression page, providing a welcome shot of motivation as they watched PBs improve over time.
The machine itself isn’t small, and it can’t be folded away, but if you’ve got the space, it’s a statement piece worthy of any home gym.
| Type | Water resistance |
|---|---|
| Foldable | No |
| Measurements (cm) | 86(L) x 25(W) x 47(H) |
| Built-in workouts | Yes |
If you like the sound of the Hydrow but you don’t want a hefty machine taking over your living room, look to the brand’s latest offering: the Hydrow Wave. It’s 30% smaller, 19kg lighter and easier to move and store thanks to its wheeled base and clever folding design.
Like the original, you get access to thousands of live, on-demand and immersive workouts spanning a range of intensities and durations, so you can pick and choose what works for you. Our testers had a grand time rowing along the waterways of the world via the 16-tested a range of the best rowers on the market. These are our top performers for 2024, which is bright, super-responsive and displays all your key stats. We like that it tracks and stores your data too, so you can monitor improvements and try to beat past PRs.
Our rows felt smooth and seamless, and the design makes it comfy to use, with a cushioned seat, Velcro foot straps and ergonomic handlebars. There are a couple of omissions – the monitor doesn’t pivot, which is slightly annoying for off-machine workouts like strength training and yoga, and we found the seat a little noisy. Still, there’s no denying the Hydrow Wave is a formidable bit of kit for those who have the means to invest.
| Type | Water resistance |
|---|---|
| Foldable | Yes |
| Measurements (cm) | 204(L) x 49(W) x 110(H) |
| Built-in workouts | Yes |
ProForm Pro R10
This magnetic rower is ideal for anyone pursuing performance goals. First and foremost, subscribe to the iFit app to gain access to top tier coaching from elite athletes and even an Olympic champion, who put you through drills they’ve used to achieve peak performance.
Our experts loved this insider insight and relished the challenging sessions on offer. The extensive app’s browser page felt a bit disorganised at times, but once they'd found a suitable session it was plain sailing/rowing.
The R10 is small for a smart model and was refreshingly simple to fold away for storage between sessions, making it a good option for living room workout warriors.
| Type | Magnetic |
|---|---|
| Foldable | Yes |
| Measurements (cm) | 221(L) x 56(W) x 115(H) |
| Built-in workouts | Yes |
The Skillrow stands apart from its competitors thanks to its Multidrive Technology. This refers to the range of resistances on offer, with lower settings designed to offer a purely cardiovascular workout and higher settings intended to develop an athlete’s power. Our testers found this added a new dimension to their training and appreciated the easy-to-use dial controls above the footplate.
Connecting to the Skillrow app further expands your training potential, letting you race pace boats, enjoy coached sessions from a virtual trainer and build ‘explosive’ power with its ‘TNT Programmes’.
And, when rowing, the machine felt stable while requiring constant effort to keep it moving — it’s not one for those looking for an easy ride.
| Type | Air resistance |
|---|---|
| Foldable | No |
| Measurements (cm) | 243.5(L) x 62.9(H) x 128cm (W) |
| Built-in workouts | Yes |
For the most stylish home gym going, look to the aesthetic beauty of this realistic water erg. Made from solid oak, it doesn’t fold, but it’s compact and can be stored upright to save floor space.
Customisable workouts for all abilities are found in the accompanying app, where you can also partake in real-time races against other users, and there’s an adjustable phone/tablet holster above the tank for monitoring your stats live.
Our testers liked how quiet it was in action – ideal if you don’t want to wake up your family early doors – and raved about the soothing smoothness of their rows. The comfy seat was also a hit, making this rower perfect for LISS (low intensity steady state training, aka the opposite of HIIT).
| Type | Water resistance |
|---|---|
| Foldable | No |
| Measurements (cm) | 219(L) x 56(W) x 92(H) |
| Built-in workouts | Yes |
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