Rowing Crazy

About Petra Amara

Written by Petra Amara - RowingCrazy.com
CEO & Founder of RowingCrazy, National Rower, Coxswain Womens Eight Team, Rowing Coach & Writer

Petra is a Mother of two and owner of Rowingcrazy.com. Petra lives and breathes rowing, she also has a passion for writing which lead her to start RowingCrazy.com to share her rowing experience and expertise with others.

Learn More About Petra Here!

Hydrow Black Friday Deals for 2025

Hydrow Black Friday

When you are serious about rowing, you want (and possibly even need) the Hydrow rowing machine, but it’s a big purchase, right? You’re a smart shopper, so you’ve waited all year to see what the Hydrow Black Friday sale is going to be. I don’t blame you there, I look for bargains myself and love a good Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale. read more

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ProForm Vs NordicTrack Rower [2025]- Who Won & Why?

proform vs nordictrack rower

Hi friends! It’s Petra again, and today, I’ve got a great comparison lined up for you.

ProForm Vs NordicTrack!

When you are ready to invest in a rowing machine for your home gym, you want something that will last but won’t break the bank, right?

There are plenty of other things to consider as well, such as the size of the machine, the warranty, how loud it may or may not be, as well as what features are important to you.

In a Hurry?  Here are the Rowers We Are Comparing:

Don’t have time to read the whole article? Click on the links below to find out which rower is the best between Proform or NodricTrack:

  1. ProForm 440R Rowing Machine
  2. ProForm 750R Rower
  3. ProForm R10 Rowing Machine
  4. NordicTrack RW600
  5. NordicTrack RW700
  6. NordicTrack RW900

*We review fitness products impartially and may earn a commission from affiliate links. For details see our disclosure page.

We’ve conducted a thorough evaluation of each rowing machine to help you make an informed decision on which one to purchase. Our findings are shared below in greater detail.

Let’s Dive Right In!

One search for “indoor rowers” will reveal hundreds of different models and styles, so how in the world do you choose without being able to try each machine?

(There’s an idea for some entrepreneurs. “Try Before You Buy” locations where customers can try out any machine they like before buying it.)

OK, back to the subject at hand.

Today, I’m going to tell you about three ProForm rowing machine models and three NordicTrack rowing machine models so that you can make a more informed decision.

Grab a cup of your favorite beverage, and let’s get started.

ProForm Rowing Machines

ProForm and NordicTrack are manufactured by the same company (Icon Health and Fitness), but they are anything but the same machines with different names.

I was lucky enough to have been allowed to try out ProForm rowers, and NordicTrack is the rowing machine of choice at my local gym, so I can say with confidence that I’ve used all of the machines below, and I’ve got a lot to say about them.

First, let’s get familiar with the features of the ProForm rowers. Rent Jet Ski in Ottawa or Kayak.

ProForm 440R Rowing Machine

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How Much Does a Rowing Machine Cost? [2025]

How much does a Rowing Machine Cost?

Rowing machines do not have to cost you an arm and a leg. Sunny Health and Fitness, for example, makes some great magnetic resistance high-quality rowing machines that you can buy on a budget. While some other models, like the concept2 model, might be a little more costly, you should have no problem finding a good rowing machine for a great price.


While price and cost are a concern any time you make a major purchase, the price of a rowing machine is much better than if you buy other home gym equipment like treadmills or ellipticals. In reality, people should worry less about the cost and more about the health benefits. The cost of a rowing machine is something you pay one time, but if you use the machine a lot, you will benefit from its features for years to come and you can work out regularly without ever leaving your home gym.

When compared to the cost of an average gym membership, a rowing machine is absolutely worth it, since you can row whenever you want without worrying about constantly paying gym membership fees. If you want the feeling of rowing on the open water with air flowing through your hair, a rowing machine is the best exercise equipment for you and you will not mind the price.

Best Budget Rowing Machine

If you are up in the air about looking to get the best rowing machine on a budget for a low price, consider the Sunny Health and Fitness rower. This rower is one of many models from the Sunny health brand that offers different levels of magnetic resistance, so you can get maximum health benefits.

Check out some pros and cons of this brand of rowing machine, so you can decide if it is worth the cost to you:

Pros:

  • Magnetic rower, so you can easily change resistance levels depending on how much of a workout your want or how much you want to increase your stamina
  • LCD monitor helps you track your fitness and workout metrics
  • Not expensive, and the ergonomic features of this rowing machine lead to it being easy to use
  • Use a different level of resistance every time
  • Light as air and easy to use

Cons:

  • Bulky and you may have difficulty storing it when not in use
  • The average person could have trouble getting used to the machine
  • Magnetic resistance takes away from the feel of rowing on the open water

If you are looking to get a good rower in a good price range, you can’t go wrong with the Sunny Health brand as the machines from Sunny Health give you a lot of features that you will love for not a high cost. Magnetic rowers are some of the best on the market, and you will appreciate the models offered by this brand, especially the model outlined above. If you are looking to buy on a website like Amazon com, this is a top choice. While a concept2 machine might give you more features, the average person does not need anything more than is offered here.

Click Here to See All Our Quiet Rowing Machines – Shhh!

Are Rowing Machines Worth it?

Absolutely, you can get a high-quality, low-impact workout on rowing machines that are designed to provide you with all the smooth resistance you need to get a workout that will work both your arms and legs. While you will have some cost upfront when buying a rowing machine, getting a rower from a place like Sunny health and fitness will help you save on the price and still offers plenty of good features that you can use to improve your body when you row.

There are many top brands that offer many different rowing models with varying levels of resistance.  Reviews of Sunny health machines usually are better than the concept2 equipment as you end up going for value over luxury.

With good prices, you can’t go wrong with this rowing machine in your home gym equipment as they offer such a great workout, which will improve your stamina in the long run.

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Water Rowing Machine vs Concept 2 [2025] – Who Won?

Water rowing machine comparison with Concept2

Are you wondering which of these machines is your best choice? The choice comes down to either a WaterRower or Concept 2. They are both extremely popular because of the combination of versatility and durability they deliver.

In a Hurry?  Here are the Rowers We Are Comparing:

Don’t have time to read the whole article? Click on the links below to find out which rower is the best between Concept 2 or WaterRower:

  1. Concept 2 Rowing Machine
  2. Water Rower

*We review fitness products impartially and may earn a commission from affiliate links. For details see our disclosure page.

To help you make an informed decision on which rowing machine to purchase, we did Concept 2 and Water Rower reviews to settle which machine is better once and for all. Here is what we discovered!

What You Should Know about the Concept 2 Rowing Machine

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Top 5 Magnetic Rowing Machines for Home Use [2025]

Magnetic Rowing Machines

One of the best pieces of home gym equipment is a magnetic rowing machine. Why not water or air rowers, you might ask. We’ll talk about that here. And if you’re wondering which magnetic rowing machines are best and why people choose magnetic over a water rower or air rowing machine, then this article is speaking directly to you.

In a Hurry?  Here are My Top 5 Picks:

In a rush and want to find the best magnetic rowers for home workouts? Check out my top picks:

  1. NordicTrack RW Rower
  2. Xterra Fitness ERG220 Magnetic Rowing Machine
  3. Sunny Health & Fitness SF Magnetic Rower
  4. Teeter Power10 Elliptical Rowing Machine
  5. The Hydrow Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machine

*We review fitness products impartially and may earn a commission from affiliate links. For details see our disclosure page.

You can read my full breakdown and review on each individual machine further down in this article, where we go into our findings for each machine.

Are Magnetic Rowers Any Good?

They certainly are. Magnetic rowers are the most popular types of rowers sold. Why? There are several reasons for this, including:

  • Quiet operation. This is probably the number one reason people choose magnetic rowing machines over air resistance rowing machines
  • Magnetic rowing machines are reasonably priced
  • They provide a smooth and strong rowing workout
  • Most offer lots of training sessions and workout programs 

Which Is the Best Rowing Machine for Home Use?

Glad you asked!

There are many different styles and types of rowing machines you can buy. Their most distinguishing character is the type of resistance mechanism used in their operation, and these are air, magnetic, water, and hydraulic. The most popular are magnetic resistance rowing machines due to their wide price range, incredible durability, and nearly silent operation.

In this article, I’m going to show you what I believe are the Top 5 magnetic rowing machines you can buy that are perfect for home use.

Top 5 Magnetic Rowing Machines

Sit back and get ready to find the perfect magnetic resistance rower for your home gym!

1. NordicTrack RW Rower

 

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Rowing Machine Vs Recumbent Bike [2025] – The Winner Is…

rowing machine vs recumbent bike

Isn’t this a wonderful time to be alive? It wasn’t all that long ago that a true full-body workout required you to own a farm and some farm animals to keep you physically active, but today, you can get a muscle-building cardio workout using nothing more than a piece of home exercise equipment.

You have probably seen a recumbent exercise bike and thought, “Wow! That’s the exercise machine for me! Sit back and chill, baby!”

Well, that’s not exactly the way recumbent bikes work. You can get a good cardio workout on a recumbent bike, and when it comes to painful joints, recumbent bikes are a terrific low-impact workout that really works the leg muscles.

How do recumbent bikes stack up against rowing machines? Oh, there is so much to talk about when comparing these two, and one is a clear winner.

In a Hurry?  Here are My Top 3 Picks:

If you’re in a rush to discover the perfect recumbent bike or rowing machine for your fitness needs, take a look at my recommended choices:

  1. Schwinn Fitness Recumbent Bike
  2. The Hydrow Rowing Machine
  3. The Teeter Power10 Rowing Machine

*We review fitness products impartially and may earn a commission from affiliate links. For details see our disclosure page.

In this article, I’m going to tell you which of these exercise machines gives a better workout, and which one will blast away that belly fat.

Recumbent Exercise Bikes

Like most exercise machines, recumbent bikes will vary between brands, and even between models of the same brand. Generally speaking, a recumbent exercise bike allows you to pedal the same way you do on a regular stationary bike, but you can sit as if you were sitting at your dining room table.

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Perfect Maintenance tips for Rowing Machines

how to maintain a rowing machine

 

Anyone who buys a rower does so with the hope of getting long term value out of it. You hope to enjoy years of use without breakdowns and part failures. Like any machine with moving parts, your rowing machine requires maintenance to protect it from wearing out prematurely.

While a rower’s frame may normally have several years or even a lifetime warranty, you’ll never find the same long term guarantee for moving parts. These normally have a warranty that’s limited to a couple of months or just a few years. Why you wonder? These parts are subject to wear and tear. And the good news is that you can prolong their health by good maintenance. Here are some tips to guide you.

Clean and lubricate the chain with a recommended mineral oil

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Best Rowing Machine for a Tall Person Under $499! [2025]

Best Rowing Machine for a Tall Person Under $500

When you are a tall person, it can feel like too many things are just too small! It can be frustrating and annoying when things do not feel like they are made for you, especially when it comes to equipment and machinery.

Workout equipment, in particular, can feel impossible since some machines only adjust to certain heights, making even adjustable workout machines too short for some tall people. But I am here to give you a hand in finding the perfect machine for you!

In a Hurry?  Here are My Top 4 Picks:

Don’t have time to read the whole article? Here are my top picks for the best rower for a tall people under $499:

  1. Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW5515
  2. Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Bluetooth Magnetic Rowing Machine
  3. Stamina Air Rower
  4. LifeSpan RW1000 Indoor Rowing Machine

*We review fitness products impartially and may earn a commission from affiliate links. For details see our disclosure page.

You can read my full breakdown and review on each individual machine further down in this article, where we go into our findings for each machine.

Without Further Delay, Let’s Begin!

Rowing has been known as a “tall person sport” and although you may scoff at that remark, it is actually quite true.   FYI:  You might also like to read our other article on the best rowing machines under 500

Rowing as a tall person allows you to pull longer strides with your arms and take deeper breaths with larger lungs, but, finding a rowing machine to practice on can be challenging, particularly if you do not have inseam measurements on your machine that fit your size.

This can leave your legs feeling cramped and prevent you from getting the most out of your practice or workout sesh. Maximizing your exercise on the right machine will help you build more muscles with ease! If you are new to rowing be sure to read our 30-day rowing machine challenge article, it is super easy and many people have seen great results!

If you are a tall person and have been searching for the best rowing machine for you, or you are trying to understand how to go about buying one that works for tall people, then look no further!

This is the reading material for you!

How to Select Your Rowing Machine

Before we get into the rowing machines that we recommend, we need to cover the basics of how to pick the right machine.

Earlier, I mentioned the term “inseam.” This is going to be a huge part of the selection process of your rowing machine, so make sure you pay attention.

These are important and helpful tips about finding the right rowing machine for a tall person, so make sure you are thinking about this information no matter where you buy your rowing machine.

All of these factors can make your workout a higher quality than before, so do not just skip this section because it doesn’t seem important! (I know you were thinking about it!)

Inseam Measurement

Getting the right inseam measurement is not just for your tailor anymore! It is a critical factor when looking to purchase a rowing machine, especially for tall people.

Your inseam length/measurement will tell you how far the distance from the edge of the seat to the top of the footrest should be on your machine. If your inseam is length is longer than the measurement of this space on a rowing machine, you will not be able to complete a full stride or pull, and your legs will feel cramped.

In order to find your inseam, stand with your feet 5 to 7 inches apart and your back pressed flat against a wall. Wearing tight pants can usually help you get a better measurement, so avoid wearing a dress or flowy clothes while measuring or pull them tight against your body.

Use a tape measure to get the length from the top of your foot to the bottom of your crotch. (Some people prefer to have someone help them with this step since it can be tricky to do on your own, but others are not fans of having someone getting up close and personal with them. You get the point.) 

 

 

The measurement you get from this is your inseam length. Inseam measurements will vary from female to male, so take all general assessments of inseams on rowing machines with a grain of salt.

The general measurements for taller people (once again, these are not exact for all people, so please measure your inseam as well,) are as follows.

5′ 10″ to 6′ tall usually run an inseam around 32 inches. 6’3″ to 6’5″ typically measure an inseam around 34 inches, while those who are 6’5″ and above have an inseam of approximately 36 inches or more.

Do not just take these measurements as correct! Please measure your inseam because it might be shorter or longer than these “averages!”

Rail Size

Simply buying a bigger machine does not always cut it for everyone. You want to look for a rowing machine that has a longer rail, or an extension rail to add on to it to fit your body. The rail is the piece where the seat slides as you perform the exercises and the length of the rail or inseam length will determine your ability to perform on the machine.

Having a longer rail fits longer body types, particularly those with longer legs. This is why rowing machines with extensions or longer rails are preferred by tall people who row.

The Friend Recommendation

The “Friend Recommendation” has gotten every single one of us before. Someone says that this product works perfectly for them but the second you buy it, you realize it is not perfect for you.

You have got to make your own choices when it comes to buying products!

This still applies to rowing machines for tall people. Even if your friend who is the same height as you absolutely adores a particular rowing machine, they may have a shorter or longer torso or legs than you, meaning their inseam could be different than yours.

What you want to do, rather than listen blindly to reviews from friends, is to listen to their reviews and information on their inseam and rail length, and then apply your own measurements to it.

Best Rowing Machine for Tall People

Here are our picks for the best rowing machines for taller people!

1. Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW5515 (Our Top Pick)

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