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Indoor rowing machines have come a long way since their inception quite a while ago. Constant improvement in technology has transformed once bulky machines into sleek, refined pieces of fitness equipment.
The machine comes in different flavours offering resistance using either air, hydraulic, magnetic, or even a dual-hybrid system. Each one has its own advantages with the magnetic resistance offering a smooth operation, while the machines with water (hydraulic) resistance offer a more life-like feel. Moreover, a right rowing machine can go a long way in improving your muscles and stamina.
However, with a plethora of options available in the market, it makes it quite difficult to choose the right rowing machine.
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Here is a list of ten best rowing machines in 2017 to assist you in the hunt for a perfect rowing machine.
#10 Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1406 Sit Up Rowing Machine
The SF-RW1406 is a versatile rowing machine from Sunny Health & Fitness in the budget category that is catered to the needs of a casual trainer.
Dimensions: 34.5” x 18”.3 x 28”
Maximum weight: 220 lbs.
The unique design of the machine ensures that you get to have an intense abdominal workout and a rowing session at the same time. The sit up rowing machine can be doubled as an abdominal bench, where you could perform quite a few core-strengthening exercises.
The rowing machine comes with fixed hydraulic resistance, which offers no adjustability. The feel of the machine is great but the lack of customizability could be a turnoff for some.
The steel frame offers good stability and is highly durable. The whole bench and the rowing arms are padded to offer better comfort during your workout sessions. Moreover, the compact dimensions of the machine make for an effortless storage during long periods of inactivity.
Overall, the machine is great if you are looking to maximize your workouts but are on a tight budget. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1406 sit up rowing machine retails for around INR 10,000 on Amazon.
#9 Marcy NS-40503RW
The rowing machine from Marcy offers a slew of features for the price making it a good buy for both casual and regular trainers.
Dimensions: 74” x 20” x 46”
Maximum weight: 300 lbs.
The magnetic resistance is noise-free making it ideal for home use. Moreover, the machine offers eight resistance levels ranging for a high-speed workout to an intense session. The customizable resistance makes it an ideal equipment for cardiovascular workouts.
The adjustable LCD monitor on the machine is quite basic and provides minimal information such as count, time, and calories.
However, you might not get the maximum from the machine if you are over six feet tall. The 300 lbs weight capacity should be perfect for most of the individuals.
The ergonomic design is quite comfortable even during those long workout sessions. The foldable design combined with the transport wheels make storage during periods of inactivity quite easy.
Overall, the Marcy NS-4050RW ticks all the right boxes and is a great machine for the price. The rowing machine costs around INR 29,000 on Amazon.
#8 Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5606 Elastic Cord Rowing Machine
The SF-RW5606 is an entry-level rowing machine from Sunny Health & Fitness that aims to fit the bucket list of a beginner and an amateur.
Dimensions: 68.0” x 14.0” x 21.0”
Maximum weight: 220 lbs.
The rowing machine works quite differently from the traditional rowing machines for its resistance is achieved using an elastic chord rather than the traditional air, magnetic, or hydraulic resistance. This mechanism provides resistance during both the forward and the backward stroke allowing for a larger calorie gain. Moreover, for better customizability, the machine offers four levels of adjustable resistance.
It comes with a standard LCD display that offers basic tracking of calories, time, and count. The built quality is quite good and the machine should last test of time with moderate usage. The ergonomically designed machine also offers enhanced levels of comfort during workouts. Storage during periods of inactivity should be a breeze, thanks to the simple foldable design.
The rowing machine is an excellent choice for casual trainers who are on a tight budget. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5606 retails for around INR 13,000 on Amazon.
#7 Aerofit AF 7105
The AF 7105 rowing machine from Aerofit is designed for beginners and novice trainers along with people who are on a budget.
Dimensions: 72” x 23” x 31”
Maximum weight: 120 kgs.
The machine comes with a standard adjustable magnetic resistance. The 16 levels offer increased customizability. The transition is smooth and the operation is almost noiseless.
The rowing machine comes with a standard LCD display that offers the basic feedback of the workout. However, what sets its machine apart in the mid-tier category is its 12 preset programs. These programs would suffice most users with their various workout programs.
The frame is highly durable and should last years. The ergonomically designed seats and the handlebars offer enhanced comfort levels even during long workouts.
In addition, the AF 7105 also comes with a set of transport wheels for better mobility. The foldable design should put all your storage needs during periods of inactivity to a rest.
Aerofit AF 7105 retails at around INR 30,000 on Amazon. Moreover, the model also is also up for grabs across all major sports retailers.
#6 Infiniti R70
The R70 rowing machine is the little brother of the hugely successful R100 commercial rower. The R70 filled those big shoes with grace. Simply put, it is a smooth and an effective machine.
Dimensions: 80” x 18.11” x 34”
The rowing machine offers resistance using a patented magnetic and air resistance system. It uses a unique clutch system to offer the better of both the worlds. There are six adjustable resistance levels for added customizability. The silent operation of the machine is a huge plus for any home gym.
The LCD display does all showcases all the basic metrics including speed, distance, stroke count, time, and calories. The moulded seat adjusts to the body shape with ease. Combined with the foam padded grip, the comfort levels are wonderful. To add to the comfort levels, the machine also features angled footplates with adjustable straps.
The light aluminium frame reduces the deadweight of the machine to a great extent. However, there is no drop in the stability of the machine, thanks to the sturdy construction. The foldable design and the built-in transport wheels aid in storage and mobility.
Infiniti R70 rowing machine costs around INR 54,000 on Amazon.
#5 Xebex AR-1 Air Rower
Xebex is traditionally known for providing quality air bikes. The company’s entry into the rowing machine segment naturally brought in much excitement and the AR-1 didn’t disappoint.
Dimensions: 96” x 13” x 47”
Maximum weight: 500 lbs.
The maximum weight of 500 lbs is certainly a plus. This should cover most of the users out there. The frame is quite sturdy offering unmatched levels of stability during workouts. Moreover, the foldable design with a set of transport wheels aids mobility and storage in a home gym.
The rowing machine offers variable resistance using air rather than magnets. The damper comes with ten settings and allows for a greater variation in the resistance. However, the machine is not as silent as the machines using the magnetic resistance. It can get a bit noisy when operated at higher damper settings or during intense workouts.
It features a large LCD adjustable LCD display that is both easy to use and understand. It offers a decent set of preset targets for various metrics. The display is compatible with a wireless heart rate monitor too.
Xebex AR-1 air rower falls in the expensive category and retails just over INR 1 lakh on Amazon.
#4 Spirit CRW800 Rower
Spirit CRW800 Rower is a perfect amalgamation of high-performance features combined with a sturdy design.
Dimensions: 94” x 18” x 38”
Maximum weight: 450 lbs.
Spirit CRW800 uses a combination of air and magnetic systems to offer variable resistance during workouts. It offers 16 levels of resistance, which should be sufficient to cater to the needs of even the most demanding users. The resistance is also progressive, meaning it would change gradually depending on the workout program. Moreover, the resistance can be controlled using a wireless remote resistance control, which is a huge plus.
The flex pedals are adjustable to quite a degree and are highly comfortable.
The 5.5” adjustable LCD display showcases a host of information about the workouts and even offers preset programs for different needs.
The machine is built like a tank and should last years with even heavy usage. The foldable steel frame is highly durable and offers easy storage solution.
Spirit CRW800 rowing machine falls into the expensive category and costs almost INR 1 lakh on Amazon.
#3 Aerofit Fluid Power Neptune Challenge AR
The Neptune Challenge from the Hyderabad based company is a fine rowing machine that is perfect for users of all skill levels.
Dimensions: 77.8” x 20.1” x 20.9”
Maximum weight: 135 kgs.
The display showcases all the basic information of the workouts such as stroke count, time. However, the model does not offer a heart rate monitor and nor does it have an option of wireless connectivity, which is a huge letdown.
The machine offers adjustable resistance using a fluid tank. This type of resistance is much smoother than the magnetic and air resistance and offers more intricate rowing experience.
The ergonomically designed handles offer superior comfort even during long and intense workouts. The seat is also super comfortable. The movement is almost noise free for the seat moves on a low friction concealed track. In addition, the dual rail system ensures a smoother and a much safer rowing action.
The frame is made of heavy-duty steel and is highly durable. Moreover, the rowing machine comes in with a set of transport wheels to aid mobility.
Aerofit AF 802 D is available across the country at all major retailers. It is also available on Amazon for around INR 93,000.
#2 Horizon Oxford 2
The Oxford 2 is a feature-loaded rowing machine that is ideal for a home gym. The foldable design address the problem of storage for it can be folded upwards to free the floor space.
Dimensions: 98.5” x 20” x 64”
Maximum weight: 264 lbs.
The machine is one of the longest machines available in the industry today making it ideal for even the tallest trainers. Rather than the magnetic resistance, the Oxford 2 uses air resistance system to meet the demanding rowing needs of the users. This works quite differently to the magnetic resistance systems. The rowing movement moves the fan blades inducing resistance. The faster you row, the higher the resistance. However, the resistance system generates a little noise.
The rowing machine comes equipped with a wireless heart rate monitor to track your heartbeat. The LCD console is adjustable and offers the user all the basic metrics of the workout.
The handlebars are quite comfortable and the large pedals with straps offer great grip even during long workouts.
Moreover, the machine comes in with transport wheels for easy movement.
This is a perfect machine for both novice and professional trainers. However, the machine does not come cheap, it retails for over INR 1 lakh on Amazon.
#1 Concept2 Model E
The model E is a rowing machine designed to run for long hours and intense workouts.
Dimensions: 96” x 24” x 20” (seat height)
Maximum weight: 500 lbs.
The Performance Monitor 5 sets the model E a step above its competition. The PM5 is much more than a standard monitor to track fitness data. The monitor offers various workouts and game to give a much more immersive experience. Moreover, its ability to connect to wireless devices makes heart rate monitoring quite easy.
The Model E comes with air resistance which is almost noiseless. The ability to adjust the resistance using a damper is a bonus. Like any machine using air resistance, Concept2 Model E increased resistance with increased intensity of the workout.
With a maximum weight of 500 lbs, this machine should be the right fit for almost everyone out there. The sturdy construction is quite stable and should last years even with heavy use.
The machine could be separated into two parts for better storage. It also has transport wheels for better mobility.
Like the Horizon Oxford 2, Concept2 Model E does not come cheap, either. The model retails for around INR 1.3 lakh on Amazon.
