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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