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!

12 Best Rowing Machines That Supersede All! [2025]

best rowing machine
 

Your Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Best Home Rowing Machine

Not all rowing machines are created equal. Depending on your needs, some will deliver better health and fitness results than others. There is a rich variety of them, some that are sleeker and more highly-refined and others that are less so.  read more

12 Best Rowing Machines That Supersede All! [2025] Read More »

Are Water Rowers Better Than Magnetic Rowers? [2025]

are water rowers better than magnetic rowers

If you are looking to purchase a rowing machine so that you can exercise at home or to add to your at-home gym collection, you might be wondering which type of rowing machine you should buy. Should you buy a magnetic rowing machine? Should you buy a water rowing machine? What are those, anyway? What are their advantages and disadvantages? read more

Are Water Rowers Better Than Magnetic Rowers? [2025] Read More »

Best Rower For Home Gym To Burn Fat Fast! [2025]

home gym rower

Our List of Top Rowers That Can Be Delivered To Your Home Quickly Easily

Sometimes, a home workout is the best way to ensure you make time for your health and save money on costly gym fees. A home rower is one of the best investments you can make for your physical well-being. They give you a low-impact full-body cardiovascular workout and are often more affordable than ellipticals or stationary bikes. read more

Best Rower For Home Gym To Burn Fat Fast! [2025] Read More »

Best Rowing Machines Under 200 That Will Last! [2025]

Best Rowing Machines Under 200 That Will Last!

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:

  1. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW560
  2. Stamina Body Trac
  3. Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW1205
  4. Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW5639
  5. 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

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Best Home Rowing Machine To Get Results ASAP! [2025]

best home rowing machine

We all want fast results – right?  But what results do you wish to attain with rowing machines? Are you an athlete out to do strength training and endurance building? Or are you looking to lose weight or enhance your heart’s health? While a rowing machine generally does all these things over time, the workout routines and the intensity of performing them will be different for different goals.

In a Hurry?  Here are My Top Picks:

Looking for the ultimate home rowing machines but don’t have time to read the whole article? Check out my top recommendations.

  1. Teeter Power 10 Elliptical Rower
  2. Hydrow Rower
  3. Concept2 Model D
  4. WaterRower Club w/ S4 Monitor 
  5. BodyCraft VR200 Rowing Machine

*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.

Top 5 Best Home Rowers to Attain Your Goals

These rowing machines are five of the best indoor rowers that will get you the results you want. They are designed to handle the users’ diverse goals and requirements. Certain rowing machines will have qualities that are more suitable than others for carrying out the routines and intensity levels to get the results that you want!

1. Teeter Power10 Elliptical Rower

Get the Best Deal at Teeter   Compare on Amazon read more

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9 Best Rowing Machines Under $500 [2025] Quality & Savings!

Best Rowing Machines Under 500

One of the most common questions I get asked is, “Are there good quality home rowing machines that you can buy for less than $500?”

The answer is a definite YES!

Right away I can list at least thirty rowers for this price range including reputable brands, like Stamina and Sunny Health. Finding the best rowing machine under 500 dollars requires a bit of research, and that’s what we did in this article.

In a Hurry?  Here Are My Top 9 Picks:

If you’re pressed for time and simply want to find the best rowing machines under $500, here are my recommended choices:

  1. Sunny Health Obsidian Water Rowing Machine
  2. Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rower
  3. Sunny Health and Fitness Smart Compact Rower
  4. Stamina 35-1402 ATS Air
  5. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5639 Full Motion Rowing Machine Rower
  6. Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050
  7. Joroto MR23 Water Rower
  8. Yosuda Magnetic Rower
  9. LubbyGim Basic Rower

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

You don’t need to spend a fortune to get an outstanding rowing machine. Our list includes 9 of the best budget rowing machines on the market for under $500 (One is even less than $100!)

Comparison Table: Home Rowers Below $500

Rowing Machine Model Resistance Type Monitor Durability Weight Capacity Warranty User Comfort
Sunny Obsidian Water Rower Water Resistance (Hydro-Blade) Basic monitor Steel frame 300 lbs 3 years on frame, 10 days on parts Comfortable seat, oversized footrests
Sunny Magnetic Rowing Machine Magnetic Resistance (8 levels) LCD monitor Steel and aluminum frame 300 lbs 3 years on frame, 180 days on parts Adjustable magnetic resistance, comfortable seat
Sunny Smart Compact Magnetic Rower Magnetic Resistance (8 levels) Bluetooth-enabled monitor Steel and aluminum frame 285 lbs 3 years frame, 180 days on  parts Ergonomic seat, footrests, Bluetooth connectivity
Stamina ATS Air Rowing Machine Air Resistance LCD monitor Steel and aluminum frame 250 lbs 3 years on frame, 90 days on parts Oversized footplates, comfortable seat
Sunny Full Motion Rowing Machine Hydraulic Resistance (12 levels) Basic monitor Alloy steel frame 350 lbs 3 years on frame, 180 days on parts Ergonomic seat, foldable design
Stamina Bodytrac Glider Hydraulic Resistance (8 levels) Simple LCD monitor Steel and aluminum frame 250 lbs 1 year on frame, 90 days on parts Comfortable padded, molded seat, textured footplates, foldable arms
Joroto MR23 Water Rower Water Resistance (Water Tank) Performance monitor, Kinomap app integration Alloy steel construction 300 lbs 1 year, no questions asked  Comfortable seat, Bluetooth connectivity 
Yosuda Magnetic Rowing Machine Magnetic Resistance (16 levels) Small monitor, Kinomap app compatibility  Alloy steel construction  350 lbs 1 year on all parts Tablet shelf, Bluetooth connectivity 
LubbyGim Basic Rower Resistance Bands (3 levels) Basic monitor Alloy steel construction 300 lbs  1 year, no questions asked  Padded seat, foldable design 

Bookmark this page so you can read up and get all the details about each machine when you have more time.

Best Budget Rowing Machines Under 500

Here are out Top 9 Picks, naming the best in each resistance category. 

1. Sunny Health and Fitness Obsidian Water Rowing Machine – Best Water Rower Under $500

 

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Correct Rowing Machine Techniques for Beginners by a Certified Instructor

rowing machine techniques for beginners

Hi I’m Laura Tanley, I am a certified indoor rowing machine & erg instructor, I am also an experienced indoor & on the water rower & a licensed Physical Therapist.

Today I want to talk to you about something that many people often ask me about, especially when I work one on one with new clients and that is having the correct rowing machine technique when working out.

Below are some of my personal tips and videos to help you get started on a safe and effective workout.   So let’s just jump straight into it!

How Should a Beginner Start Rowing?

Honestly, I always tell new or novice rowers – to start gently!  Jumping in and going hard when you have not exercised or rowed on a rowing machine for a long time will only end up with you having an injury.

As we all know that means you probably won’t continue working out and that’s a shame as rowing offers a great full-body work.

So take a step back, learn the correct form and before you know it you’ll be an expert rower!

Watch our Youtube video below by expert rower Max Secunda:

Learn Proper Form and Rowing Technique

This is essential to avoid injury and will also give you a more effective workout.

My Top Rowing Workout Tips

Try watching videos as they can be helpful.

Get a good understanding of the Catch and Finish position. Then begin slow and purposeful, going through each phase of the rowing stroke to build muscle memory.

Here’s a video I’ve made to help you get in the correct form for the Catch and Finish positions:

Watch Certified Indoor Rowing & Erg Instructor Laura Tanley Show You the Correct Rowing Positions

At this point, don’t worry about the numbers on the screen.

Make Necessary Adjustments on the Erg Before Doing a Workout

Adjust your erg/rowing machine foot plates, if adjustable. Typically, the strap should be over the widest part of your foot to allow your shin to be almost perpendicular to the slide when you bend or flex your knees.

If rowing on a Concept 2, adjust your damper setting between 3 and 5. It is a common misconception that the damper setting is “resistance” and higher is better. This is not the case.

The rowing machine is an ergometer, which by definition means that the more you put into it, the more you will get out of it. The damper setting controls the air flow and therefore the drag factor (learn more about drag settings here).

It can be compared to gears on a bike or, in rowing terms, rowing with or against the current. Rowing at a high damper setting can increase the risk of injury for a new rower and wear you out too quickly.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Did I mention practice? Once again, begin slow and purposeful to establish correct form. Once this becomes comfortable, begin working on other variables such as power and endurance.

Try Some Drills

Drills can be very beneficial to help perfect your form, stroke rate, as well as building up your rowing endurance.

Don’t Forget to Warm Up

Warm up those muscles before jumping right in. This can be done with a gentle row, or you can try the PICK drill.

  • If Like This Article Read More of My Articles Here – Laura Tanley

What Is Proper Rowing Technique?

There are four phases to the rowing stroke, namely, the Catch, Drive, Finish, and Recovery.

Each phase is separate but vitally important to the ensuing phase and, when done correctly, produces a smooth rhythmic flow.

This video shows me going through the four phases of the rowing stroke and the basics of indoor rowing:

Watch Certified Rowing Instructor Laura Tanley Show You the Basic Rowing Technique for Beginners

In the following instructions, we will begin at the Finish, because this is where the Recovery begins, and a good Recovery sets up a good Catch which is critical for a good Drive!

The Finish

The Finish Position read more

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Does a Rowing Machine Work Your Legs?

Does a Rowing Machine Work Your Legs?

Using a rowing machine is a great way to get some exercise in during the day, but does it engage all your muscles, specifically your legs?

Anyone who has used a rowing machine before know that you will definitely feel it in your shoulders and arms the next day, but what about your legs? Are they getting a fair and equivalent workout too?

To answer this question quickly, yes! Working out on a rowing machine does work your legs.

Rowing machines are widely accepted as one of the best full-body workout machines available today! A rower works around 90% of your body, making it a complete exercise machine.

Muscle Groups Targeted by Rowing

When you use a rower, the sliding seat forces your leg muscles to engage to push off of the footboards, which makes your legs work. Your arms, of course, are engaged by pulling on the handles, and your core and back muscles are engaged to pull the handles and maintain your balance and position.

The muscles that strengthen your joints all over your body are also worked, so your balance and joint health are improved.

If you are interested to know the muscles that are engaged during a rowing workout in the lower body, they are the glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves. In the upper body, your biceps, triceps, deltoids, and pectoral muscles are worked.

In the core and lower back the lats, traps, rhomboids, obliques, and abdominals are all strengthened.

Since rowing is a fully engaged workout, your body might experience some changes in weight. This could be weight loss, seen in the loss of fat, or weight gain in the form of muscle groups growing and creating more mass as they are exercised.

You can lose weight using home rowers, but you should also expect to see some growth of muscle in place of the fat that is lost. Make sure that you are exercising a healthy amount and not pushing your body too far. Talk to your health care provider to make sure that they agree that rowing is a good exercise for you!

Now you might be wondering if using a rower is the best option for a complete body or leg workout, so let’s discuss and compare the leg workout that you get from a home rower to other activities, and learn about the benefits of using a rowing machine to workout your legs!

Watch Our Youtube Video by Expert Rower Max Secunda on How Rowing Works Your Legs & His Simple Rowing Machine Workout:

 

Is Rowing Better Than Running?

This is a very common question when it comes to comparing the effects of rowing to other activities, such as running. Running is a great way to get your heart rate up and get your body fit, but it can feel boring and repetitive for lots of people who can seem to make it into that meditative state that die-hard runners love.

Running is a high impact activity, while rowing is a low impact exercise.

Now, what does that mean?

It means that rowers can put your body through less strain and intensity during the exercise. Running is high impact because it puts a strain on the joints, like the hips, knees, and ankles. This can be painful to some and can prevent you from exercising consistently if you are in pain when you run.

Read My Full Article on a Rowing Machine Vs Treadmill for Weight Loss!

Rowing is lower impact activity, meaning that it does not stress out the joints as much as other activities and workouts do, like running. Lower impact activities usually help people prevent injuries in their joints, which makes it easier to consistently do the exercise.

Joint Benefits

The benefits of rowing on your joints is great for people who have joint problems because it is way more gentle than running or intense activities that can cause damage to joints and connective tissue that is already in a fragile state. Older people and folks who simply do not like running find rowing a fantastic alternative to the “classic” of running.

Many people who row agree that it is better than running simply because it works the whole body, is less forceful on the body, and quite honestly, less boring.   (Side Note :  check out our full article is rowing better than running) This is not to say that running is not a great exercise, it is, but running is not perfect for everyone. People who have breathing problems or want a complete workout in one activity prefer the ease and convenience of rowing overrunning.

Besides, running in colder climates or winter can be unhealthy because the cold air surrounding your body can hurt your immune system. This happens because the heat generated by your body and the cold air around you confuse and conflict your blood vessels. They do not know whether they should contract and store heat because it is cold out, or if they should dilate to allow heat to escape the body.

This can slow your body’s response to unwelcome invaders, like viruses and bad bacteria, causing you to get sick easier.

 

Can You Get in Shape by Just Rowing?

This is another frequently asked question and the answer is yes.

With consistent and habitual use, home rowers can get your whole body into shape because it works and strengthens so many different muscle groups. Of course, many people supplement rowing with other exercises to keep things fresh, but if you find that rowing is your activity of choice, you will most likely feel the effects all over your body.

This is another reason why people find this exercise so attractive. It is one exercise that tackles all the different sections of the body in one shot. It is easy, convenient, and effective.

Unlike other activities, like running, your back is also worked, so if you suffered from back pain or poor posture, rowing can help to enforce the muscles around the spine and shoulder blades, which can bring more blood flow into your back, helping to reduce pain and inflammation. Over time, you may notice your posture getting better as well.

Read My Full Article: Is A Rowing Machine Bad For Your Back?

If you plan on using rowing as your way of getting in shape, you should also know that getting in shape and getting toned is not solely based on exercise. You need to make sure that you are eating well, getting enough sleep, drinking 8 cups (or more) of water each day, and setting aside time to check in with your body and mental health.

Is a Rowing Machine Good for Toning Legs?

Because of the complete body workout that rowing provides, you can expect your legs to get more toned over time. Your arms and core can also get more toned over time with consistent and habitual rowing.

You probably will not see the same muscle growth as weight lifting or power squatting, but if you are not trying to build massive muscle mass in your legs, you can expect the muscles to become more shapely and defined.

Most people who pick up rowing as an activity or as a way to tone their bodies find that they see more definition and clarity in the form and size of their leg muscles. This is, of course, seen over time and with patterned use of a rowing machine.

Just like any other form of exercise, you can’t do one session of rowing and see instant results, but if you are persistent and make it a part of your life, you will see toned muscles and definition.

People who are not into bodybuilding and huge muscles love rowing because it does not bulk up the muscles, it just makes them more noticeable and toned, which is the goal of exercise for most users.

Total Body Toning

Overall, people find rowing machines a fantastic way to see healthy muscle growth while toning and tightening the muscles all over the body. It is a great activity for older people, people who are not interested in doing 20 different kinds of workouts to get full-body results, and folks who just want to do something while they watch T.V.

We highly suggest that you take a look at rowing and what it can do for your body! However, as with any major lifestyle change, you should definitely talk to your doctor or personal trainer to make sure that rowing is right for you.

Just as I said earlier, what is great for others is not always great for your body and lifestyle. Instead of making a positive impact on your life and body, you could be causing harm and making your life harder, so it is critical to give your doctor a call and check to make sure they support your choice of getting on a rowing machine.

Make sure that you set aside time to stretch before and after your rowing workout and allow time for warm-up and cool-down during your exercise.

Enjoy your rowing experience and all the positive benefits that come with it! read more

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