We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Home Workouts We Tested the 7 Best Rowing Machines for Every Home Gym Get a great workout—no water needed—with picks from Hydrow, Peloton, and more By Jack Byram, Jack Byram Jack Byram is a freelance writer who covers all things wellness. As an exercise fanatic, he specializes in all things health and is constantly interviewing experts and researching topics like sleep to best help guide himself and others. Learn about our editorial process Sarah Felbin, Sarah Felbin Sarah Felbin is the associate commerce editor at Verywell Fit. A writer and editor with over 20 years of dance experience, her work has also appeared in Popsugar and Women’s Health. Learn about our editorial process Lindsey Lanquist, Lindsey Lanquist Lindsey Lanquist is a writer and editor specializing in fashion, lifestyle, and health content. Her work has appeared in SELF, StyleCaster, SheKnows, MyDomaine, and more. Learn about our editorial process and Michelle Parente, CYT Michelle Parente, CYT Michelle Parente, CYT, is a New York City-based yoga sculpt instructor and lifestyle journalist specializing in health, wellness, and fitness content. As a commerce writer, it's Michelle's mission to provide researched and reliable product recommendations. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 20, 2024 Medically reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Jonathan Valdez, RDN, CDCES, CPT Medically reviewed by Jonathan Valdez, RDN, CDCES, CPT Jonathan Valdez, RDN, CDCES, CPT is a New York City-based telehealth registered dietitian nutritionist and nutrition communications expert. Learn about our Medical Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist who has covered technology, finance, sports, and lifestyle. Learn about our editorial process Print Verywell Fit If you’re looking to shake up your workout routine, a rowing machine can be a powerful addition to your home gym setup. Unlike walking on an under-desk treadmill, rowing has a lower risk of injuries and works both upper- and lower-body muscles. But all rowing machines aren’t created equal, and each style provides a slightly different experience. To find the best rowing machines, we spoke with a professional rowing instructor to better understand which important features to look for. We’ve also tested a total of 10 expert-approved rowing machines from top fitness brands at home. We used each machine regularly in our own home gyms for weeks, testing every single feature. When we test rowing machines, we prioritize models that feel durable and are built to last. We also consider safety features, price, and storage (for rowers that fold up or can otherwise be stashed away). Our top picks have earned high scores for stability, performance, adjustability, comfort, display, and overall value. We also had a certified personal trainer from our Review Board review this article for accuracy and how to use a rowing machine safely. Types of Rowing Machines There are a few styles of rowing machines, each with their own feel and benefits. These are the most common styles you’ll come across as you shop. Magnetic: When you pull the handle on a magnetic rower, the magnets and flywheel work together to create resistance. Sarah Fuhrmann, a certified rowing instructor, says magnetic options provide consistent resistance, no matter how hard you push yourself while using them. Air: The flywheel on air-powered rowers contains a fan. As you pull on the handles, the fan turns and pulls air in. The faster you pull, the more resistance the fan provides. Water: Water-based rowing machines are built with a water tank that has pedals inside. Due to their construction, these rowers tend to feel the closest to actually rowing in water. As with air-powered options, you’ll experience more resistance the harder and faster you pull, Fuhrmann says. Hydraulic: Hydraulic rowers have an internal mechanism that uses hydraulic pistons to determine resistance. However, these rowing machines don’t usually feel as smooth as other options. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine at Amazon ($1,695) Jump to Review Best Water-Based: Ergatta Rower at Ergatta.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Investment: Peloton Row Basics at Onepeloton.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Foldable: Echelon Row-S at Amazon ($1,215) Jump to Review Best for Gamifying Your Workout: Aviron Strong Series Rowing Machine at Avironactive.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Cross-Training: NordicTrack RW900 Rower at Amazon ($1,999) Jump to Review Best Commercial: Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machine at Amazon ($1,550) Jump to Review In This Article Expand Types of Rowing Machines Our Picks We Also Tested Where We Stand What to Look for How We Selected and Tested Our Expert How to Use a Rowing Machine Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine Amazon View On Amazon $1,695 View On Best Buy $1,695 View On Hydrow Our Ratings Stability 5/5 Performance 5/5 Adjustability 4.5/5 Comfort 4.6/5 Display 4.8/5 Pros Very stable Smooth feel Helpful, engaging videos and classes Cons Pricey subscription Screen isn’t adjustable Key Specs Resistance: Magnetic | Maximum Weight Capacity: 375 pounds | Dimensions: 80 x 19 x 43 inches | Product Weight: 102 pounds | Storage: Vertical mount (sold separately) | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5 Who It’s For Best for rowers of all levels who want a fully immersive rowing experience, plus other classes you can use for cross-training. Why We Love It Easy to use with impressive, high-tech features, Hydrow’s Wave Rower is our top overall pick. Right from the start, it impressed us with its stability, never shifting, rocking, or wobbling as we used it. We love how comfortable the padded seat feels and how easy the rubbery handles are to grip. Meanwhile, the wide, adjustable footrest easily adapts to different foot sizes and shoe shapes. During testing, we took dozens of classes both on and off the rower using the crystal-clear screen. With a membership, you’ll get access to an extensive library of workouts and instructional videos—which one of our testers, a rowing novice, loved. The live and recorded sessions are often taught by experts and Olympians on lakes and oceans for a fully immersive experience that puts us right back on the water. (Note: You’ll need WiFi to use the Wave, whether you’re following a class or just rowing on your own time.) While we focused mostly on this rowing machine’s ultra-smooth feel, we did enjoy checking our effort level, calories burned, and other statistics onscreen. Ultimately, while we like the sleek design, it’s Hydrow’s dedication to crafting beautiful, high-quality workout videos that make the Wave worth every penny. Whether you’re a beginner who’s used to rowing indoors at the gym or an advanced rower with thousands of hours logged on the water, you can get a great full-body workout and travel almost anywhere with this rowing machine. Potential Flaws We like that the screen can also be used to stream non-rowing workouts, although we wish it were adjustable for easier viewing from the floor. We strongly feel that the Hydrow Wave is best paired with a Hydrow membership. At $44 a month, it’s pricier than other subscriptions on our list, but we think it’s worth it for Hydrow’s vast library of workout videos. Meet Our Testers One tester is a beginner rower who had rowed occasionally at the gym before trying the Hydrow. She wanted to get into rowing but, before trying the Hydrow Wave, didn't know how to correct her form to get the most out of her workouts. Our other tester is an advanced rower who trains every day, indoors and outdoors. Verywell Fit / Hildara Araya-Gonzalez Verywell Fit / Hildara Araya-Gonzalez Verywell Fit / Hildara Araya-Gonzalez Verywell Fit / Hildara Araya-Gonzalez Verywell Fit / Hildara Araya-Gonzalez Best Water-Based Ergatta Rower Ergatta View On Ergatta.com Our Ratings Stability 5/5 Performance 4.8/5 Adjustability 4.7/5 Comfort 4/5 Display 5/5 Pros Realistic feel High-quality audio Seamlessly integrates with other tech Cons Seat isn’t as comfortable as other options Handles are short Key Specs Resistance: Water | Maximum Weight Capacity: 500 pounds | Dimensions: 86 x 23 x 40 inches | Product Weight: 75.6 pounds (without water) | Storage: Collapsible mounting arm and wheels | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Who It’s For Best for anyone who enjoys the sound and feel of rowing outdoors. Why We Love It When it comes to water-based rowers, we highly recommend Ergatta’s Rower. We love that you can hear the water moving as you row, with resistance levels that simulate pushing against waves when your tempo changes. The intensity effortlessly shifts from smooth strokes to rougher pulls during hard workouts. Plus, the collapsible arm and wheels allowed us to move this rowing machine around to different rooms with ease. Thoughtfully designed, the Ergatta Rower integrates seamlessly with your existing tech. The app is easy to use on a smartphone or Apple Watch, and we like that you can sign up to have your statistics emailed to you or post them on social media for others to see. Like Aviron’s Strong Series Rower, this one also has a large, clear display screen with pre-programmed games that increase our motivation while working out. Whether we tried live races or new challenges during testing, the screen was easy to follow and pushed us along with crisp, clear audio, making the Ergatta our favorite water-powered option. Potential Flaws We noticed that the handles are shorter, which makes them harder to hold (especially when our hands are sweaty). The seat started to feel uncomfortable after 60-minute sessions. However, it’s worth noting that you can pick up gloves and an additional pad for the seat by purchasing one of Ergatta’s accessory bundles. Meet Our Tester Our tester has five years of indoor rowing experience as a part of her CrossFit training. She has tried various rowing workouts, from distance rowing to calorie rowing. Verywell Fit Verywell Fit Verywell Fit Verywell Fit Verywell Fit / Michael Navarro Verywell Fit / Michael Navarro Verywell Fit / Michael Navarro Verywell Fit / Michael Navarro Best Investment Peloton Row Basics One Peloton View On Onepeloton.com Our Ratings Stability 4.8/5 Performance 4.8/5 Adjustability 5/5 Comfort 4.6/5 Display 5/5 Pros Adjustable screen Gives you tips to adjust your form as you row Comes with a wall mount Cons Seat may be too narrow for some Pricey subscription Key Specs Resistance: Magnetic | Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Dimensions: 84 x 10 x 24 inches | Product Weight: 156.5 pounds | Storage: Wheels, vertical wall mount | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Who It’s For Best if you’re looking for a rowing machine that can be used for other workouts, too. Why We Love It The Peloton Row wins our best investment pick for its sleek design and attention to detail. The resistance is magnetic for a smooth rowing experience that mimics the feel of rowing on a lake or pond. We also like how comfortable and grippy the handles are—plus, it has wheels and comes with a vertical wall mount for simple storage. Unlike other rowing machines on our list, the Row has a large, clear, 23.8-inch HD screen that swivels and tilts. While you’re rowing, the screen displays your stroke rate and split time and even gives you advice on how to improve your rowing form. Ready to mix up your routine? We love that you can watch any Peloton workout you like on the Row, from relaxing stretching sequences to tough strength training sessions. If you only have room for one or two machines, we’ve determined through testing that the Peloton Row is a seriously smart investment. Potential Flaws We like how stable the Row is, but we noticed that the seat is fairly narrow and may be uncomfortable for some. We think you need a Peloton App subscription to get the most out of your purchase—just note that it’s on the pricier side, at $44 per month. Meet Our Tester Our tester has some rowing experience both indoors and outdoors. He sometimes supplements his workout routine by rowing at the gym but did not own a rowing machine before testing the Peloton Row. Verywell Fit / Maria Rowella Verywell Fit / Maria Rowella Verywell Fit / Maria Rowella Verywell Fit / Maria Rowella Verywell Fit / Maria Rowella Best Foldable Echelon Row-S Echelon View On Amazon $1,215 View On Dick's $1,600 View On Echelonfit.com Our Ratings Stability 5/5 Performance 4.5/5 Adjustability 4.3/5 Comfort 4.4/5 Display 4/5 Pros 32 resistance levels Adjustable screen Two water bottle holders Cons Some users may not like that the resistance controls are on the handle No dedicated space for devices Key Specs Resistance: Magnetic | Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Dimensions: 84 x 21 x 45 inches (in use), 40 x 21 x 60 inches (folded) | Product Weight: 106.5 pounds | Storage: Foldable | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Who It’s For Best for apartment-dwellers or for those looking for a foldable rower that won't take up a lot of space. Why We Love It If you’re searching for a rowing machine that stores easily without compromising on features or design, Echelon’s Row-S is our top pick. After each workout, you can fold this full-size rower in half to save space—a huge plus for apartment-dwellers or anyone with multiple machines at home. During testing, we also enjoyed the comfortable, padded seat, two water bottle holders, and 32 resistance levels that provided an intense workout. We love that the Row-S has a 22-inch HD screen that displays useful metrics like how long you’ve been rowing and how many calories you’ve burned. Even better, you can flip the screen around for floor workouts with an Echelon FitPass ($12 per month) or an Echelon Premier Membership ($40 per month). From scenic rows to live classes, there are thousands of options to choose from. If you like the Peloton Row’s sleek design and functionality but don’t have the space to leave your rowing machine out all the time, we recommend Echelon’s Row-S instead. Potential Flaws Because the resistance controls are located on the handle, we noticed that we often changed the resistance level accidentally while rowing. Unlike other rowers on our list, this one doesn’t have any space to hold your smartphone or other devices. Meet Our Tester Our tester is a beginner who enjoyed indoor rowing workouts in college but fell off their regular routine after having kids. They have a home gym but didn’t own a rowing machine before testing this one. Verywell Fit / Julia Warren Verywell Fit / Julia Warren Verywell Fit / Julia Warren Best for Gamifying Your Workout Aviron Strong Series Rowing Machine Aviron View On Avironactive.com Our Ratings Stability 4.3/5 Performance 5/5 Adjustability 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Display 5/5 Pros Incredible graphics Stream your own music Offers both traditional workouts and fun challenges Cons No live classes Key Specs Resistance: Air and magnetic | Maximum Weight Capacity: 507 pounds | Dimensions: 84 x 27 x 48 inches | Product Weight: 114 pounds | Storage: Stores upright | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Who It’s For Best for competitive people who want extra motivation and interactive workouts. Why We Love It You’ll never look at workouts the same after trying Aviron’s Strong Series Rower. During testing, a $29 per month subscription allowed us to race against other users, play video games, complete challenges, watch movies, stream our own music, and more. The star of this rowing machine is the 22-inch HD screen, which has excellent graphics and audio. From guided workouts with automatic resistance to tricep and bicep workouts that you can start at the touch of a button, the Strong Series Rower is fun and easy to use. The rower doesn’t sleep on functional mechanics, either. The interior strap uses a combination of air and magnetic resistance that simulates the feel of rowing on water. Plus, we found that the wide front console and large feet keep this rower stable and sturdy. With a plush, padded seat and handlebars, this rower is as comfortable as it is innovative. Potential Flaws The rower doesn't offer any live workout classes, but we like that you can race against your friends in real time. Meet Our Tester Our tester rows indoors about two days a week at her gym. She’s familiar with commercial rowers and wasn’t sure at first if Avilon’s Strong Series Rower would compare. But by the end of the testing period, she was surprised by how much she ended up loving her at-home rowing workouts on this machine. Verywell Fit / Jennifer May Verywell Fit / Jennifer May Verywell Fit / Jennifer May Best for Cross-Training NordicTrack RW900 Rower Amazon View On Amazon $1,999 View On Walmart $1,799 View On Dick's $2,000 Our Ratings Stability 5/5 Performance 4.5/5 Adjustability 4.3/5 Comfort 4/5 Display 5/5 Pros Quiet, even at high speeds Adjustable screen Large workout library with membership Cons App isn’t as intuitive as others Can’t be stored vertically or folded Key Specs Resistance: Magnetic | Maximum Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Dimensions: 82 x 22 x 54 inches | Product Weight: 163 pounds | Storage: Wheels | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5 Who It’s For Best for anyone who wants to mix up their rowing workouts with strength training, HIIT, and yoga. Why We Love It If you enjoy the versatility of Peloton's Row or Echelon’s Row-S but are on a tighter budget, we found NordicTrack’s RW900 Rower just as useful for cross-training at a lower price. When testing, we loved that this rowing machine’s smooth torque demands some serious pushback from your feet, imitating the feel of rowing in the water. It’s also stable and fairly quiet, even at higher speeds. The adjustable, 22-inch HD screen tilts and pivots, so you can exercise almost anywhere. With an iFit membership ($39 per month), you get access to thousands of workouts, from rowing to running. We like that the library includes short sessions and longer drills at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Whether you’re into split system training or you’re testing out new home workout routines, the RW900 has the features you need to achieve your fitness goals. Potential Flaws Although the app isn’t as intuitive as other programs we tested, we like how many classes it offers.Unlike other rowers on our list, this one doesn’t fold up or store vertically when you’re not using it. Verywell Fit / Tatiana Kennedy Verywell Fit / Tatiana Kennedy Verywell Fit / Tatiana Kennedy Verywell Fit / Tatiana Kennedy Bonus Favorite Although we didn’t test this rower for ourselves, we have tested a similar rowing machine from Concept2. Since this one has many features and design elements we love in our other top picks, we still think it’s a solid option worth considering. Best Commercial Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machine Amazon View On Amazon $1,550 Pros Customizable resistance Built-in device holder Two heights to choose from Cons Large footprint Key Specs Resistance: Air | Maximum Weight Capacity: 500 pounds | Dimensions: 21.5 x 57 x 14 or 20 inches | Product Weight: 57 pounds with standard legs, 68 pounds with tall legs | Storage: Can be separated into two parts and has wheels Who It’s For Best for anyone with more space who needs a heavy-duty rower for daily (or almost daily) use. Why We Love It For a durable, commercial-grade rowing machine, Concept2’s RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine is our top pick. It has a smooth flywheel and resistance levels that shift depending on how hard you pull for a customizable workout. We also like that you can change how much air flows into the fan to adjust how each rep feels. With adjustable footrests, an ergonomic handle, two seat heights to choose from, and a 20- to 30-minute assembly process, it’s easy for rowers of all experience levels to get on board. The screen clearly displays which workout you’re currently doing and statistics like your pace, stroke rate, and calories burned. Right underneath, a built-in device holder can be used to hold a smartphone or tablet. Use Concept2’s ErgData app, your favorite fitness platform, or even Netflix to keep yourself motivated to finish each session. Don’t have space to leave the RowErg out all the time? Separate the rower into two pieces and use the included wheels to store it wherever’s most convenient. Potential Flaws This rower has a larger footprint, so we don’t recommend it for apartments or other small spaces. But we like that it can be stored in pieces when you’re not using it. Rowing Machines We Also Tested We tested 10 rowing machines, but only eight impressed us enough to earn a spot on our final list of recommendations. While we liked some features of these other rowers, they ultimately didn’t make the cut. Yosuda’s Compact Magnetic Rowing Machine has smooth, silent strokes. But it tends to rock back and forth while we use it, and the display doesn’t provide much information. The Echelon Row didn’t feel very fluid, and we wish it better emulated rowing on water. We like how stable it is and how knowledgeable Echelon instructors are, but we prefer the brand’s Row-S. Where We Stand After testing 10 rowing machines, our clear favorite is Hydrow’s Wave Rower for its comfortable experience and high-tech features. We continue to test each rowing machine at home, and we’ll update our picks if we find anything new or noteworthy. What to Look for When Shopping for a Rowing Machine Resistance Mechanism: Rowers may be powered by air, water, magnets, or hydraulic pistons. Which one is right for you depends on your personal preference, says Fuhrmann. If you’re looking to simulate the feel of rowing on open water, she recommends a water-based rowing machine, while anyone searching for a smooth, quiet ride may prefer a magnetic model. Consider which aspects of rowing you like best when deciding which resistance mechanism is right for you. Handle Design: Grip shouldn’t be a limiting factor in getting a good workout. Consider rowing machines with textured handles so sweaty hands won’t slip off as easily. Just make sure the handle is still comfortable to hold (and isn’t so rough that it causes uncomfortable blisters). Durability: Most rowing machines are significant investments, so make sure yours is designed with materials that will last. Fuhrmann recommends looking for sturdy machines that have a weight capacity of at least 300 pounds. Storage and Portability: Most rowing machines are fairly large, so make sure to measure your space before making a purchase. If you have a smaller home gym, consider foldable rowing machines (we like Echelon’s Row-S) or something with wheels that can be moved out of the way when needed. Additional Features: Many modern rowers have helpful, high-tech features to help you track your workouts and performance. Some can monitor your heart rate, while others provide real-time feedback as you row. You may also want a rower that comes with classes taught by professional instructors or one that allows you to stream your favorite playlists. When it comes to the rower’s design, some have fans or phone holders. Fuhrmann has one simple guideline: Your rower should (at the bare minimum) be able to tell you how long you’ve been rowing, how many strokes you’re doing per minute, and split per 500 meters—the average time it’s taking you to row 500 meters. Verywell Fit / Michael Navarro How We Selected and Tested the Rowing Machines To find the best rowing machines, we’ve so far tested 10 options from top, trusted fitness brands. To select the one rower on our list that we haven't tested yet, we consulted a certified rowing instructor for guidance on which key features to look for in a quality rower. When we test rowers, we typically have two people test the same rower to ensure it’s versatile for users of all experience levels. To find the best options, we evaluate each one based on the following criteria: Stability: A high-quality rower should be stable and solid to keep you safe while using it. As we test each rower, we note if they wobble or shake during intense workouts. We also pay attention to how the seat feels—is it wide enough, or are we struggling to feel supported and secure?Performance: During testing, we judge the overall experience of using the rower. Does the mechanism feel smooth, or does it jerk us around? How loud is it? How does the feel compare to rowing on open water? If the rower includes a subscription with classes, we try as many live sessions and pre-recorded workouts as we can. And if it syncs with an app, we check to see how functional it is. Is it easy to use, and does it actually enhance our experience? Adjustability: A high-quality rowing machine should be adjustable, especially if it's being used by multiple people in your household. When testing, we prioritize rowers that have adjustable footrests and monitors. If they’re foldable or have other features that make them easy to store, we note that, too. Comfort: A rower’s seat, handles, and footrests all contribute to how comfortable it feels. During testing, we check to see how grippy the handlebars are and how padded the seat is. Do we notice any blisters or other irritation on our hands from using the rower? Display: If a rower has a digital display or monitor, we make sure it clearly shows a wide range of data. How does the audio sound? Can we rotate and tilt the screen? This is especially important for rowers with a subscription that gives you access to non-rowing workouts. In general, does the display add to our rowing experience?Value: To accurately rate each rower’s overall value, we wait to check the price until the end of the testing period, after we’ve evaluated it in all other categories. Based on the rower’s performance, how much would we pay for it? Rowers with high value scores often cost less than what we’d consider paying for them, considering their other scores and features. Our Expert We interviewed a certified rowing instructor to help us determine the most important features to look for in a quality rowing machine. We used her expert insights to inform any claims throughout this article. Sarah Fuhrmann, a certified rowing instructor and CEO of UCanRow2 How to Use a Rowing Machine A rowing machine can provide an excellent low-impact cardio workout if you know how to use it correctly. There are four phases to the rowing motion—you’ll need to master the proper form in each one to get the best workout and prevent injuries. Catch: At the beginning of each rep, posture is vital. Make sure you’re sitting up tall, with your arms straightened. Using your lats, pull your shoulders down (away from your ears) and engage your core to protect your lower back. Lean forward slightly to begin phase two. Drive: Start pushing through your legs, keeping your core engaged. When your legs are straight, hinge at your hips and lean back—aim for 45 degrees. Finish by pulling the handle all the way into your body, stopping a few inches short of your belly button. Order is important: Legs, core, shoulders and hips, arms. Finish: The opposite of catch. By the end of phase two, your legs should be completely straight. Keep leaning back, with your hands and the rower’s handle pulled in toward your body and elbows tucked into your sides. Recover: Reverse the drive phase to return to the catch position. Straighten your arms, hinge your hips forward to bend your torso over your legs, then bend your knees. Repeat all four phases for each rep. Frequently Asked Questions Which is better, a water-based or magnetic rowing machine? Neither is better than the other—it’s up to your personal preference. Some people like water-based rowers because they mimic the sound and feel of rowing on open water, while others like magnetic rowers for their smooth, silent operation, Fuhrmann says. How often should I use a rowing machine to see results? Beginners should start by rowing five to 10 minutes a few times each week, then increase over time, Fuhrmann recommends. You should generally start to see results once you can row for 20 minutes or more a few times per week, she says. Is it possible to get a full-body workout with a rowing machine? Yes: You can target both your upper and lower body using a rowing machine, meaning you can get a full-body workout from the comfort of your own home. How much do rowing machines cost? You can expect to spend between $500 and $3,000 for a high-quality rowing machine. Our top overall pick, Hydrow’s Wave Rower, is often available for less than $1,900. Why Trust Verywell Fit Jack Byram is a freelance writer and exercise fanatic who’s constantly seeking new ways to improve his fitness and well-being. As a former athlete and longtime gym-goer, he knows the value of exercises like rowing that work your muscular and cardiovascular systems without overwhelming your joints. For this article, he had the pleasure of speaking with an expert to better understand all of the benefits of rowing. The 11 Best Ellipticals for Low-Impact Workouts at Home, Researched and Tested 1 Source Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Petersen MH, de Almeida ME, Wentorf EK, Jensen K, Ørtenblad N, Højlund K. High-intensity interval training combining rowing and cycling efficiently improves insulin sensitivity, body composition and VO2max in men with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Front Endocrinol. 2022;13:1032235. doi:10.3389/fendo.2022.1032235 See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit