Hydrow Drag Setting: What It Does and How to Use It [2025]
Hi there, fellow Hydrow owners! I’m Petra, and in this article, I want to talk about the drag setting on Hydrow.
Hydrow Drag Setting: What It Does and How to Use It [2025] Read More »
What Exercise Machine Burns the Most Belly Fat [2025]
Got a spare tire around your middle? That doesn’t look good! If you’re reading this, chances are that you’re interested in parting ways with those love handles, and I can’t say that I blame you. Excess weight tends to hit us right in the belly, especially as we age. Whether you’ve got a potbelly, a poochie belly, or a beach ball belly, you want to get rid of it as fast as possible, right?
What Exercise Machine Burns the Most Belly Fat [2025] Read More »
Best Rowing Machine with a Water Tank: Our Top 6 Rowers for 2025!
Hi friends! Petra here, and I know firsthand that finding the right piece of home gym equipment isn’t as easy as it appears. Let’s face it, most people have limited space (check out our portable rower here )and cash to purchase more than one large piece of equipment.
Best Rowing Machine with a Water Tank: Our Top 6 Rowers for 2025! Read More »
Best Rowing Machine on a Budget for 2025
There are a few great options on the market today if you are looking to buy a quality rowing machine without breaking your bank account. Rowing is one of the best forms of exercise you can do, as it uses air resistance to give you a quality full-body workout that does not harm your joints.
Best Rowing Machine on a Budget for 2025 Read More »
Best Cardio Machines for Glutes to Get them Firing! [2025]
Remember that old song from the 1980’s Baby Got Back? It seems as if that song never really went out of style! Everyone (yes, gentleman, I am talking to you as well) wants to have a more beautiful butt; however, it takes some work to get it and keep it!
You know you need cardio, but cardio alone won’t get you that beautiful butt or legs.
You don’t have to sacrifice one for the other, however. You can work both your glutes and your heart in one simple cardio device.
Keep reading and I’m going to set the record straight on the best cardio machines for a debonair derriere!
In a Hurry? Here are My Top 5 Picks:
Don’t have time to read the whole article? Here are my top picks for the best glute-blasting cardio machines.
- Hydrow Rower
- Teeter Power10 Elliptical Rower
- Teeter FreeStep Elliptical Trainer
- StairMaster SM3
- Bowflex M8 Max Trainer
*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.
5 Machines that Will Give You the Best Cardio for Glute Activation
There are machines that get your glutes a workout, and then there are those that make your glutes, well, POP! As in eye-popping! Here’s my list of the best cardio devices that will really make glute activation the highlight of your workout and make you really proud of your butt!
1. The Hydrow Rower
Hydrow SAVE $125!! => Use Coupon Code: ROWINGCRAZY
Best Cardio Machines for Glutes to Get them Firing! [2025] Read More »
Hydrow UK Review 2025: What We Found From Testing
Hi there, friends! Today, I want to have a heart-to-heart chat with my friends in the UK. If you’ve been reading my articles and wondering if Hydrow is offered in the UK, I’ve got great news for you!
Yes, you too can experience that ultra-smooth feel, enjoy live and on-demand workouts, and get an amazing full-body workout all in one piece of equipment because Hydrow’s immersive experience is now available in the UK.
Let’s talk about the exciting Hydrow rowing machine and the amazing full-body workout you can get from your own home gym!
Our Promise to You:
“Buying a Hydrow is a big investment. No one wants to pay a premium price for a machine that doesn’t stand up to rigorous testing. At our office, we are continually testing the Hydrow so it gets plenty of daily use from multiple people.
Hydrow UK Review 2025: What We Found From Testing Read More »
Magnetic vs Air Rower [2025] – Which Is Best?
If you are shopping for rowing machines you are probably at the point of comparing air vs magnetic rowing machines, and for good reason. So, what do you need to know about air resistance compared to water rowing machines or a magnetic rowing machine?
In a Hurry? Here are My Top 3 Picks:
If you’re pressed for time and simply want to find the best magnetic and air rowing machine, here are my recommended choices:
*We review fitness products impartially and may earn a commission from affiliate links. For details see our disclosure page.
In the upcoming sections of this article, we will provide a detailed analysis and evaluation of each rowing machine, highlighting our key findings for each one.
Right Let’s Get Into It!
Magnetic rowing machines are a good choice for many because magnetic rowers have levels of resistance that can be easily adjusted depending on how difficult you want your rowing workout to be that particular day.
With air rowing machines, beginners might have an easier time getting started with rowers. Air resistance is usually the easiest type of resistance since the resistance is directly related to how hard you work out.
Points to Consider When Buying Rowing Machines
When you are looking for rowing machines there are a few factors to consider. With an air rower, the faster you row the faster the flywheel spins.
What type of resistance do you want? Remember that air rowers are going to be a little easier to use for a beginner than a magnetic rower or a water rowing machine. There’s nothing to be ashamed of, and an air rower might be perfect for you.
What’s a good 500m rowing time?
If you are looking for a resistance mechanism that can be varied, you want to consider a magnetic rower, since this type of rowing machine usually has different levels and different types of rowing depending on your strength level. Magnetic resistance levels are the easiest to adjust so you can work out different muscle groups when you have a different level of resistance.
What Is a Flywheel?
Air rowers make use of a flywheel that controls the resistance when you spin. The greater the resistance, the greater the workout your muscles will feel.
With a low noise level, you can row fast on air machines and remember that the more resistance the harder your muscle groups will work. To generate resistance and feel like a real rowing action, make the flywheel spin as fast as you can.
Air rowing machines use a flywheel because it lets the user control the resistance, and some rowers prefer this to magnetic rowers that require resistance adjustments to be made.
Water Rowing Machines
Are water rowing machines a good way to give you a full-body workout for all of your muscles? Absolutely, water rowers are a type of rowing machine that feels like real rowing, and a water rower set to the right resistance setting is going to work out your muscles in a way that other types of rowing machines can’t compete with.
Click Here: Water V’s Air Rowing Machines – Who Won?
Water Rowing Machine Advantages
What better feeling than rowing on water at the right resistance level! The purest types of rowing have you feeling like you are rowing on water and water rowing machines offer this feeling better than any other types of rowing machines. See our list of Budget Water Rowing Machines
See Our Top Water Rowing Machines
With the wide range of muscles you can workout, your strength is sure to improve and you will get a full-body workout anytime you use the right rowing action and remember that the stronger the resistance the harder your workout will be.
Are Air Rowers Better than Magnetic?
Some of this comes down to personal preference. An air machine or a machine with a water flywheel can give you just as good of a workout as a rowing machine that makes use of magnets especially if you work hard to create resistance.
A good rower uses all of your muscles in your workout, and you can accomplish that with a water flywheel or one of the great air rowing machine options as long as you have the right rowing technique.
With an air rower and a flywheel, it’s up to you and your rowing action to get in a high-level workout. With something like a Concept2 Model D rowing machine, the rower will do more of the workout for you as this type of rower has more adjustment options.
Is Concept 2 Rower Magnetic or Air Resistance?
Concept 2 Model D (now called RowErg) is a bestselling air resistance rowing machine. It has been around since the early 1980s and is still going strong. Most gyms use Concept 2 air rowers because of their durability and the ease of maintaining them.
Learn more with our full video of the Concept2 Rower by Rowing YouTube Influencer Max Secunda:
Which Type of Rowing Machine Is Best?
If you are looking to purchase a rowing machine on a budget, you should check out Sunny Health Fitness as they are the leader in budget rowing machines. They offer a lot of different rowing machines that you can afford on a tight budget.
Magnetic vs Air Rower [2025] – Which Is Best? Read More »
Is It Worth Buying a Rowing Machine? [2025]
If you are reading this, chances are that you have been seriously considering is it worth buying a rowing machine for your home gym or wondering should I get a rowing machine?
That’s not surprising. Ever since Kevin Spacey used a water rower in the series House of Cards, it seems as though everyone has just “discovered” rowing!
The problem is that you can practically get “lost” reading about all the hundreds of different rowing machines available (however check out Oprah’s Favorite Rower – Yes she loves rowing as well!)
This can cause some people to just throw up their hands and say, “Forget it,” or they pick the cheapest rower they see. Or the most expensive. Or the one they see at their local gym.
*We review fitness products impartially and may earn a commission from affiliate links. For details see our disclosure page.
None of the above might be the best choice depending on your situation.
In today’s article, I want to tell you about the reasons why you should own an indoor rowing machine and which one is the best for you. This is important because no one wants to spend their hard-earned money on a piece of exercise equipment that turns into nothing more than a giant clothes rack.
Are you picturing your treadmill that is currently in the garage and covered with a sheet and several patio chairs? Yeah, that’s what I mean.
Let’s avoid the clothes rack scenario and talk about the benefits of buying your own rowing machine and which one will be the best for you.
Is a Rowing Machine Really Worth It?
A rowing machine is a full-body exercise equipment that benefits most people in different age groups and fitness levels, so there’s no doubt that it’s worth having.
However, before you buy an indoor rowing machine, you should first ask yourself this important question: Will you use it?
Buying a Thighmaster (remember those?) that you used a half dozen times, then tucked away in the closet, and later gave it away to Goodwill is one thing. You were out about $20, and it took up no more space than a pair of boots.
Buying a rowing machine is another thing. You might spend a few grand for it, and even the ones that fold or are stored upright can take up quite a bit of space.
If you have any doubts about whether or not you will actually use the machine, you might want to hold off on buying one for a bit. Not that it’s not worth it but because it doesn’t make sense spending on something that you’re not going to use.
On the other hand, if you have used one at your local gym and really liked it, or you’ve used one at a friend’s house and wished you had one yourself, then you, my friend, are going to get your money’s full worth and then some!
I think I’ve mentioned before that while I love my rowing machine, I am not a big fan of gyms. It always seemed like such a pain in the behind to drive there, look for parking, hope it’s safe parking, change my clothes, use whatever machine I was looking for (let’s not even go into non-working machines or waiting in line) then change clothes, shower once I got home (because I am not using those public showers), and change clothes yet again.
Why do all that when I can jump on my Hydrow and row anytime I like for as long as I like. None of those “30-minute limit” rules a lot of gyms have due to overcrowding.
If you enjoy rowing and love the idea of rowing whenever you want and however long you want to, then you’re going to really enjoy this piece of exercise equipment and use it to it’s full worth.
What Are the Disadvantages of a Rowing Machine?
To be honest, the only disadvantage(s) that I can think of would be the size and the noise.
Nearly all rowing machines take up between 84″ and 94″ of floor space. Rowing machines are long, but they aren’t wide. This means that you will need to find some space to use it and room to store it.
For some people, this can be a bit tricky, but I honestly can’t say I’ve ever heard anyone say that they didn’t buy a rowing machine because of space issues.
The other issue would be noise.
Some indoor rowing machines use air as their means of resistance, similar to stationary bikes that are known as spin bikes or assault bikes.
If you’ve ever heard an assault bike or air resistance rowing machine, then you know just how loud those can be! If you live in an apartment or you live with others, they may not like all that noise.
Fortunately, you can still get a good quiet rowing workout if you choose a rowing machine that uses magnets or water as resistance. Magnetic rowing machines and water rowers offer efficient workouts that are much, much quieter than the traditional air rowers.
Do Rowing Machines Get Boring?
I suppose sometimes they do, and this appears to be a common concern, but mostly I think the boring part of any exercise machine is the repetitive movements and the absence of something to entertain the mind.
Is It Worth Buying a Rowing Machine? [2025] Read More »
The Best Low Impact Exercise Equipment for Bad Knees [2025]
When I was young, someone once told me that, as I got older, I would miss my knees the most. I didn’t really understand that then but, boy, do I ever understand what they meant now!
Whether you’ve ended up with bad knees due to an accident, illness, or overuse, it’s difficult to do any sort of cardiovascular workout that doesn’t put stress on your knees.
I’ve done some serious homework here and in this article, I’m going to tell you about the best cardio machines that are super easy on the knees (and hip joints or other joints as well!).
In a Hurry? Here are My Top 3 Picks:
If you’re pressed for time and just want to find the best low stress workout equipment for bad knees, here are my top choices:
*We review fitness products impartially and may earn a commission from affiliate links. For details see our disclosure page.
Our analysis of rowing machines is listed below in this article, where we have provided a comprehensive assessment of each machine. Keep reading! You’ve got nothing to lose but that knee pain!
Which Cardio Machine Has Least Impact on Knees?
I know, you’re tempted to just give up on most exercise and physical activity because your knee pain is more than you can tolerate. You really shouldn’t, though. Harvard researchers and scientists say that if you want to reduce knee pain and even possibly avoid surgery, you need to exercise the muscles that support the knee.
The best way to do that is with a cross-training elliptical.
1. The Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross-Training Elliptical
The Best Low Impact Exercise Equipment for Bad Knees [2025] Read More »
Echelon Vs NordicTrack Rower [2025]- The Winner Is…
Hi everyone, it’s Petra, and if you’re having trouble choosing between the NordicTrack rowers and the Echelon smart rower, then this article is for you.
Buying a smart rower for your home gym is a big investment. You want to be sure that you are getting the perfect rowing machine, not a big clothes hanger!
In a Hurry? Here are the Rowers We Are Comparing:
Want to know which rower is the best between Echelon or NordicTrack rowers but don’t have time to read the whole article? Click on the links below to get our answers.
*We review fitness products impartially and may earn a commission from affiliate links. For details see our disclosure page.
This article will provide a comprehensive review of these rowing machines, examining each one closely and sharing our discoveries for each machine.
Without Further Delay, Let’s Begin!
At first glance, the Echelon S and the NordicTrack rowers seem the same (compare NordicTrack Rower vs Concept 2 ) , and to be honest, many of the features are pretty much identical. However, there are a few major differences that you should know before you buy.
Echelon or NordicTrack? Let’s get right down to the nitty-gritty, shall we?
Comparison Chart – Echelon Vs NordicTrack Rowers
Before we go into the details, here’s a comparison chart to quickly give you an idea about how these models compare. In a glance, you’ll know the floor space each model requires, their weight capacity, resistance type, and more.
| Features | Echelon | NordicTrack RW600 | NordicTrack RW700 | NordicTrack RW900 |
| Resistance Type | Magnetic Resistance | Magnetic and Air Resistance | Magnetic and Air Resistance | Magnetic and Air Resistance |
| Bluetooth-Enabled | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Overall Dimensions | 49.5 x 25 x 17 inches | 87.02 x 22 x 47.24 inches | 87.0 x 22.0 x 47 inches | 86.5 x 22 x 50.4 inches |
| Stored Dimensions | 2.5′ x 4.0′ | 4’ x 2 ‘ x 4’ high | 4’ x 2 ‘ x 4’ high | 4’ x 2 ‘ x 4’ high |
| Maximum User Weight Capacity | 300 Pounds | 250 Pounds | 250 Pounds | 250 Pounds |
| Machine Weight | 123 Pounds | 117 Pounds | 117 Pounds | 130.6 Pounds |
| Echelon | |
| Resistance Type | Magnetic Resistance |
| Bluetooth-Enabled | Yes |
| Overall Dimensions | 49.5 x 25 x 17 inches |
| Stored Dimensions | 2.5′ x 4.0′ |
| Maximum User Weight Capacity | 300 Pounds |
| Machine Weight | 123 Pounds |
| NordicTrack RW600 | |
| Resistance Type | Magnetic and Air Resistance |
| Bluetooth-Enabled | Yes |
| Overall Dimensions | 87.02 x 22 x 47.24 inches |
| Stored Dimensions | 4’ x 2 ‘ x 4’ high |
| Maximum User Weight Capacity | 250 Pounds |
| Machine Weight | 117 Pounds |
| NordicTrack RW700 | |
| Resistance Type | Magnetic and Air Resistance |
| Bluetooth-Enabled | Yes |
| Overall Dimensions | 87.0 x 22.0 x 47 inches |
| Stored Dimensions | 4’ x 2 ‘ x 4’ high |
| Maximum User Weight Capacity | 250 Pounds |
| Machine Weight | 117 Pounds |
| NordicTrack RW900 | |
| Resistance Type | Magnetic and Air Resistance |
| Bluetooth-Enabled | Yes |
| Overall Dimensions | 86.5 x 22 x 50.4 inches |
| Stored Dimensions | 4’ x 2 ‘ x 4’ high |
| Maximum User Weight Capacity | 250 Pounds |
| Machine Weight | 130.6 Pounds |
NordicTrack Rowing Machines
First, let me break down the differences between the three models of rowing machines that are made by NordicTrack.
There are the RW600, RW700, and the RW900. All these rowing machines by NordicTrack have similar features, with the main difference being the size of the monitor.
Echelon Vs NordicTrack Rower [2025]- The Winner Is… Read More »
Best Rowing Machine with a Racing Screen [2025]
Rowing machines offer a terrific full-body cardio workout that engages 86 percent of the muscles in the body. This might explain why rowing machines have become super popular.
However, what fun is going fast on your rowing machine when the only one you’re racing against is yourself? OK, there is some level of satisfaction in beating your own time, but I must admit that I’m a bit of a fan when it comes to racing others.
If you’re only interested in the number of calories you burn on your machine, or if you just want to get buff, then any rowing machine you choose should do the job, but let’s talk about fun, shall we?
In a Hurry? Here are My Top Picks:
*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 rower further down in this article.
Rowing Machines with Screens for Racing
Today’s new interactive rowers, also called smart rowers, enable you to not only enjoy scenic workouts and have professional rowers as your trainers, but also allow you to race against others anywhere around the world via the internet and WiFi.
Wooden water rowers, air rowers, or magnetic resistance rowers can all engage in racing games on your screen when you own a certain type of home rowing machine.
Want to know which piece of rowing equipment offers these fun types of racing games? Keep reading. In today’s article, let’s talk about the best rowers that offer not only a full-body workout but also fun and adrenaline rush. I will compare three rowing machines and how they fare in offering the best racing experience.
Hydrow: The Absolute Best Indoor Rowing Machine for Racing
Hydrow SAVE $125!! => Use Coupon Code: ROWINGCRAZY
Best Rowing Machine with a Racing Screen [2025] Read More »
Best Rowing Machines Under 200 That Will Last! [2025]
If you are on a budget, you will still be able to find a great rowing machine for under $200. When looking for a rowing machine under 200, you probably want to start your search with Sunny Health Fitness SF, as they make a variety of rowing machines that work on a budget.
Rowing machines like the Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 and the Health Fitness SF RW1205 give you all the great benefits of the best rowing machine you can buy but are available at a lot cheaper prices than some of the more expensive options on the market.
In a Hurry? Here are My Top 5 Picks:
If you’re pressed for time and simply want to find the best rowing machine under $200, here are my recommended choices:
- Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW560
- Stamina Body Trac
- Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW1205
- Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW5639
- Sunny Health and Fitness Squat Assist Row-N-Ride
*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.
Right Let’s Get Into It!
Whether you are looking for a hydraulic rowing machine or a magnetic rowing machine, you should be able to find one in your budget. There are a lot of factors to consider from resistance levels to seat height, to LCD monitors. We will break down everything you need to know about finding a great rowing machine even if you are on a tight budget.
How to Shop for Great Rowing Machines Under 200
Why are you shopping for a rowing machine? Think about the why before you start shopping as that is going to tell you what to shop for and help you figure out what your priorities are. Are you looking more to build strength and muscle mass or are you more after a cardio workout? Think about these factors as you start your shopping.
You might not think $200 is a lot of money, but you can find some great budget rowing machines under 200 if you just know where to look. Take a look at some of the best rowing machines that are available for purchase even on a tight monetary constraint.
1. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW560
Best Rowing Machines Under 200 That Will Last! [2025] Read More »
What Cardio Machine Burns the Most Calories? [2025]
If you’ve put on some pounds in the past year, you aren’t alone. With an estimated 2/3rds of American’s being either overweight or obese, it’s no wonder that everyone is looking for a way to burn the most calories.
Of course, it takes more than calorie burning to lose weight. Someone once said that you could run all day but you may not lose weight because you can’t outrun your fork. Healthy eating is also key.
It makes sense that you want cardio equipment that will burn fat in the least amount of time. Who wants to spend more time exercising than they need to, right?
There are cardio machines and then there are super fat-burning cardio machines, and on top of the list of machines that really blast stubborn fat like a power washer are indoor rowers and elliptical combos.
Today’s article is dedicated to everyone who wants to lose weight using the best exercise machine around.
Keep reading because this article is going to be a real eye-opener.
In a Hurry? Here are My Top 3 Picks:
Don’t have time to read the whole article? Here are my top picks for the best cardio machine with greatest caloric burn:
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.
Hydrow SAVE $125!! => Use Coupon Code: ROWINGCRAZY
What Cardio Machine Burns the Most Calories? [2025] Read More »
5 Best Elliptical Machine for 300 lb Weight Capacity [2025]
If you’re looking for an elliptical trainer that can handle users up to 300 pounds, you might have discovered that the selection isn’t as wide as you had hoped for.
Buying a machine with the wrong weight capacity can mean you’re stuck with pieces of it in a trash bag after it self-destructs a few months after the warranty ends. Or you could also end up paying through the nose for a machine you don’t really enjoy using. Either way, it’s not going to be a good experience.
In a Hurry? Here are My Top 5 Picks:
If you don’t have time to read the whole article, below are my top picks for ellipticals with a 300lb weight capacity:
- Teeter Power 10 Elliptical Rower
- Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer
- Bowflex M3 Max Trainer
- Teeter FreeStep LT1 Recumbent
- HCI Fitness Physio Step
*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.
Whether you want to lose weight, or you’re a bodybuilder who has bulked up and who is looking for a great cardio workout that is easy on the joints, an elliptical machine is a perfect answer. However, finding an elliptical trainer with 300-pound weight limit is another story.
Don’t worry, I’ve taken all the guesswork out of finding perfect elliptical machines for heavyweights.
In today’s article, I’m going to show you the top elliptical trainers that can take all the abuse you can dish out and still remain standing.
Best Elliptical Machine Options with 300 lb Weight Capacity
The following elliptical machines can all handle users up to 300 pounds. While they all differ slightly from each other, like all elliptical machines, they are easy on the joints, offering a low-impact workout that elevates your heart rate.
1. Teeter Power10 Elliptical Rower
5 Best Elliptical Machine for 300 lb Weight Capacity [2025] Read More »
