Rowing Machines Buying Guide by The Stepper Superstore

Rowing Machines Buying Guide

Brands

BodyCraft Rowing Machines — Bodycraft is home of the world's finest fitness equipment. It manufactures award-winning home gyms, cardio equipment, and free-weight equipment, all guaranteed for life.
Top pick: BodyCraft VR100 Rowing Simulator
See all: BodyCraft Rowing Machines

Cardio Kids Rowing Machines — International Youth Fitness is the leading developer and manufacturer of Youth Fitness Equipment. Since 1999 IYF has developed more than 60 different fitness products for children. Each products' foremost goal is to "Motivate Kids to Move"! At IYF they are determined to provide the tools for children to grow and mature in all areas of their life. They are working diligently to develop balanced active healthy lifestyles for children of all ages.

Aerobic exercise equipment similar to what Mom and Dad use but utilizing a modified design for children.
Top pick: Cardio Kids Children's Rowing Machine
See all: Cardio Kids Rowing Machines

Concept 2 Rowing Machines — Perhaps the most important feature of the Concept2 Rowing Machine is the company that stands behind it. Concept2's commitment to customer service is outstanding, so when you purchase a Concept2 Rowing Machine, you get a lot more than just an exercise machine. Concept2 provides training information called The Update - Concept2's twice yearly newsletter that includes motivational games, Million Meter Clubs, competitive racing opportunities, online logbooks, rankings and forums and an international community of fellow rowers. Publications are included as part of your purchase of a Concept2 Rowing Machine.
Top pick: Concept 2 Model E Rowing Machine
See all: Concept 2 Rowing Machines

First Degree Fitness Rowing Machines — First Degree Fitness is best known for its signature product, the First Degree Fitness Fluid Rower, which helped the Australian company make a splashy debut in the fitness world. First Degree Fitness has succeeded in marketing its Fluid Circuit Technology innovations to satisfied customers across Europe and the U.S.
Top pick: First Degree Fitness S-500 Fluid Rower
See all: First Degree Fitness Rowing Machines

H2O Fitness Rowing Machines — HealthCare International, has elected to offset all carbon emissions associated with its manufacturing, packaging, transportation and operational aspects of their business. This commitment places HealthCare International, Inc., as an environmental leader in the fitness industry and demonstrates proactive steps being taken in the fight against global climate change. They monitor all phases of their production, packaging and shipping to insure that they minimize their impact on the environment. They have eliminated Styrofoam and bubble wrap from their packaging. In addition, they are sourcing cardboard that is made from recycled material. Certain aspects of the business are more difficult to control such as steel manufacturing and shipping emissions. To offset the impact of these components they have teamed up with Carbonfund.org. For each product that they manufacture they purchase carbon credits through Carbonfund.org. These credits are then used towards building renewable energy sources, reforestation and energy efficiency research projects worldwide. Health Care International is a small company but they set a good example for others to follow, after all we only have one world.
Top pick: ProRower H2O RX-950 Club Series Rowing Machine
See all: H2O Fitness Rowing Machines

Kettler Rowing Machines — Heinz Kettler founded a small enterprise in his home town of Ense-Parsit, Germany, in 1949, and the company has since grown into a world-wide manufacturing and marketing organization that employs over 3,000 people to serve customers in 60 countries.

Kettler has always remained true to its Made-in-Germany quality principle, which remains the central pillar of the company's management philosophy.
Top pick: Kettler X-Row E3 Rowing Machine
See all: Kettler Rowing Machines

LifeCore Fitness Rowing Machines — LifeCore Fitness was established in 1991 and has made its niche by specializing in the market's most bio-mechanically correct equipment. LifeCore's line of home gyms, rowing machines, and elliptical trainers, including over 100 patents worldwide, have won a slew of awards for their chic European designs and their small footprints, designed to fit in the most convenient spaces in homes or fitness facilities.
Top pick: LifeCore Fitness R100 APM Premier Rower
See all: LifeCore Fitness Rowing Machines

LifeSpan Fitness Rowing Machines — Since its founding in 1994 in Park City, Utah, PCE Health and Fitness (PCE) has established a reputation of innovation, quality, and community responsibility. In 2001, the company introduced the LifeSpan line of fitness equipment to target the over-55, value-conscious consumer.

LifeSpan's award-winning line of exercise equipment is more strongly focused on treadmills and stationary bikes. LifeSpan introduced its rower in an effort to round out its fitness equipment line. Their focus on the senior user has provided a unique take on the rowing machine: an easy-to-read monitor, solid yet lightweight construction, and compact storage size.
Top pick: LifeSpan Fitness RW1000 Rower
See all: LifeSpan Fitness Rowing Machines

PFS Rowing Machines — Performance Fitness Systems is a subsidiary of PFS, Inc. Source Plus was founded in 1998 by three professionals, each with their own specific areas of expertise. The uniqueness of the company lies in the ability to provide all of the three major areas of getting new products to the market under one roof: (1) Product concept and design; (2) Engineering and Testing; and (3) Marketing and Sales.
Top pick: PFS SmoothFlow R80 Rower
See all: PFS Rowing Machines

Phoenix Rowing Machines — Established in 1998 as a wholesale distributor of fitness equipment, Phoenix Health and Fitness offers a complete line of high-quality exercise equipment for the in-home and light commercial markets. Phoenix Health and Fitness works directly with its sister company, Reflex Design, to develop new concepts and products for the ever-changing fitness equipment market in the U.S.

This partnership has produced a patented permanent magnetic resistance system for the MR900 Rowing Machine, along with its unique 4-window LCD display that eliminates the need to scroll through functions. And Phoenix didn't stop there, they gave the MR900 a compact storage size and casters for easy moving. All at the lowest price for a full-size model.
Top pick: Phoenix MR 900 Power Rowing Machine
See all: Phoenix Rowing Machines

Schwinn Rowing Machines — Ignaz Schwinn formed Arnold, Schwinn & Company with his founding partner, Adolph Arnold, on October 22, 1895. From the humble roots of the Deluxe Exerciser stationary bike springs a full line of advanced machines equipped with state-of-the-art computers and electromagnetic resistance.
Top pick: Schwinn Windrigger Rowing Machine
See all: Schwinn Rowing Machines

Stamina Rowing Machines — Stamina Products Inc. was founded in 1987. Their focus has been to supply quality and value to the fitness and leisure markets.

Stamina, which has made its mark as the forerunner in the Pilates and Gyrotonic markets, is also quite a player in the Rowing Machine markets. They bring their unique sense of whole-body exercise to the design table, offering up three combination rowers; the GlideMaster 1210, the Conversion II Row/Bike, and the Deluxe Conversion II Row/Bike.

Traditionally, Stamina has put out some of the most reasonably priced models in piston and air sistance rowing machines. But their newest release, the Deluxe Conversion II Row/Bike, marks their entry into the magnetic resistance field, where we expect great things.
Top pick: Stamina ATS 1400 Air Rower
See all: Stamina Rowing Machines

Tunturi Rowing Machines — Tunturi began humbly in 1922, as a bicycle-repair shop in Turku, Finland. Eight-plus decades of experience and acumen have helped the company evolve into a world fitness-equipment leader.
Top pick: Tunturi R60 Rowing Machine
See all: Tunturi Rowing Machines

WaterRower Rowing Machines — The WaterRower has been designed to set it apart from other fitness equipment featuring an attention to detail unseen in other exercise equipment. The WaterRower has been made to a quality point, not a price point. While they could make it cheaper, it simply would not be as good, and customers expect the best not the cheapest. In replicating the dynamics of rowing so accurately, the WaterRower is unrivaled in replicating not only the superb physiological dynamics of rowing, but much of the aesthetic pleasure as well. Most rowing machines replicate rowing mechanically and in so doing miss the true essence of the sport, the calming feel of a boat gliding down the river.
Top pick: WaterRower S1 in Brushed Stainless Steel (S4)
See all: WaterRower Rowing Machines

Kayak Pro Rowing Machines — Owned by Grayson Bourne, Five-time Olympian and World Champion kayaker, KayakPro si commited to providing innovative, top-of-the-range kayaking products to the discerning paddler. They are dedicated to offering their customers a constantly evolving product assortment to meet their every paddling need.
Top pick:
See all: Kayak Pro Rowing Machines

Price

Generally speaking, you get what you pay for, but all of these machines have their own niche in the market. By exploring all of the market's angles, you should be able to figure out what you can afford, what you can afford to give up, and whether you just want the best your money can buy.

Under $200 Rowing Machines —
Top pick: Stamina Body Trac Glider
See all: Under $200 Rowing Machines

$200 to $500 Rowing Machines —
Top pick: Stamina ATS 1400 Air Rower
See all: $200 to $500 Rowing Machines

$500 to $1,000 Rowing Machines —
Top pick: WaterRower Natural Studio Rowing Machine
See all: $500 to $1,000 Rowing Machines

Over $1,000 Rowing Machines —
Top pick: LifeCore Fitness R100 APM Premier Rower
See all: Over $1,000 Rowing Machines

Workout Programs

Depending on who you are, a rowing machine's performance monitor is either a confusing distraction with a lot of numbers or the absolute key to a quality workout regimen. We offer machines to accommodate both types (and everyone in between). You can buy anything from a gorgeous, high-performance machine with no monitor whatsoever to a mid-priced rower with enough computer-adjusting, cutting-edge, pre-set workout programs to make your favorite elliptical trainer blush.

None Rowing Machines — If you're in love with the look and feel of rowing and don't feel the need to electronically gauge the quality of your workout, you'll be happy with our machines without monitors. They concentrate on one thing and one thing only: pure, smooth, realistic rowing to make you feel like you're out on your favorite body of water.
Top pick: WaterRower Club Studio Rowing Machine
See all: None Rowing Machines

Readout Monitor Only Rowing Machines — Want to see your workout stats without spending extra? Choose one of our Readout Only rowers, which track basics like time, speed, distance, and calories burned.
Top pick: First Degree Fitness Pacific Rower
See all: Readout Monitor Only Rowing Machines

Count-Down Monitor Rowing Machines — For a little extra motivation in your training, you can choose a machine that allows you to select your own basic goals of time, distance, and calories burned - then chart your workout progress as you row.
Top pick: Kettler Coach LS Rowing Machine (2008 Model)
See all: Count-Down Monitor Rowing Machines

Pre-Set Programs Rowing Machines — Love the pre-set programming options on elliptical trainers, exercise bikes, and treadmills? We offer a select set of rowers to switch up resistance levels and challenge you in the same ways: hill workouts, interval workouts, heart-rate-controlled workouts, etc. %u2014 just pick the program, start rowing, and try to keep up.
Top pick: LifeCore Fitness R100 APM Premier Rower
See all: Pre-Set Programs Rowing Machines

Resistance Type

Bells and whistles aside, resistance type - air, air/magnetic, magnetic, piston, or water - is actually the most fundamental way of breaking down the rowing market. All five types offer the same workout benefits - more defined musculature, improved cardio health - but each has its own benefits and its own devoted following.

Air Rowing Machines — Air resistance uses a fan to create resistance - which means it responds to your pace, increasing resistance according to your stroke rate for a great simulation of real rowing. Air models are generally long; they provide more full extension and take up more space, although some fold for easy storage. The fan, while cooling for users, makes air rowers far and away the loudest option.
Top pick: Concept 2 Model D Rowing Machine
See all: Air Rowing Machines

Air / Magnetic Rowing Machines — Air/Magnetic rowers blend true-to-life Air rowing with silky-smooth Magnetic resistance. They generally start with noisy Air resistance at the lower work rate levels and, just when you can't stand the noise level, switch to silent Magnetic with increased effort. These combos are available at a wide range of prices and vary broadly in important features like console programs, resistance adjustment, and weight capacity.
Top pick: LifeCore Fitness R100 APM Premier Rower
See all: Air / Magnetic Rowing Machines

Magnetic Rowing Machines — Magnetic resistance - as found in many exercise bikes and elliptical trainers - uses powerful electromagnets to provide a variable system of resistance. Like piston machines, magnetic rowing machines are virtually silent; they're also longer and smoother, which allows fuller, more fluid extension. The variable resistance settings are ideal for those seeking specific workouts; many magnetic rowers offer versatile monitors that give you custom-fit workout options. Serious rowers in training, however, will prefer air or water resistance, both of which vary according to stroke rate.
Top pick: Kettler Coach LS Rowing Machine (2008 Model)
See all: Magnetic Rowing Machines

Piston Rowing Machines — Piston resistance uses hydraulic cylinders attached to dual arms. Piston models are the smallest and least expensive options - they provide a great intro to rowing and its benefits without making a lot of demands on your space or budget. They're compact, quiet, and the only rowing machines that can work each arm independently. The big drawbacks: they're not as smooth as the other types, their frames are often too small for taller users, and their rowing simulation is least like the real thing.
Top pick: Kettler Favorit Rowing Machine
See all: Piston Rowing Machines

Water Rowing Machines — Water resistance rowing machines are similar to air rowers in their mechanism. They accurately emulate real rowing; resistance increases according to your pace. Water rowing machines allow you to increase or decrease the pressure by changing the amount of water in the resistance tank. They're not nearly as noisy as air resistance machines, but they're louder than magnetic and piston options. They're the heaviest - and generally most expensive - rowing machines; they're also the most aesthetic models and offer the highest maximum user weights.
Top pick: WaterRower Oxbridge in Cherrywood (S4)
See all: Water Rowing Machines

Combination Machines

If you need variety in your workout regimen, and you don't have the space or budget for a full home gym, you'll love our selection of Rowing Machines with a little something extra. Choose a rower/bike combo or pick a model with strength-training exercises or ab exercises.

Rower / Abs Rowing Machines — It's true that rowers work your whole body, but not many give you the option to focus on your six-pack and/or upper body. You won't get the best rower we sell, but you'll get triple the workout in a tiny footprint.
Top pick: Kettler Ergo Coach LS Rowing Machine (2008 Model)
See all: Rower / Abs Rowing Machines

Rower / Bike Rowing Machines — A rowing machine/recumbent bike combo? What a great way to give you all kinds of cardio training and keep you motivated and your joints happy. And the magnetic resistance used in both exercise disciplines makes for an extremely quiet workout.
Top pick: Stamina EMR Conversion II Row-Bike
See all: Rower / Bike Rowing Machines

Rower / Weight Machine Rowing Machines — While the other combos feature smaller products that might not suit serious rowers, you won't sacrifice a thing in this category, which combines rowing with upper-body strength training exercises. These machines, from Kettler and Tunturi, are some of our best magnetic models and will satisfy all size and level of rower.
Top pick: Stamina Deluxe Conversion II Recumbent/Rower
See all: Rower / Weight Machine Rowing Machines

Heart Rate Measurement

A great cardio-based training tool that challenges you to train within customized zones, heart rate monitoring has lately become one of the most popular training techniques of the fitness industry. Heart rate training includes two components: a monitor, which is commonly a chest strap, and a receiver, which provides console readouts when the monitor is plugged in. Our machines come in one of three categories: Built In/Included, Requires Accessory, and Not Supported.

Built-In/Included Rowing Machines — Every one of these machines includes a form of heart-rate measuring. The ways of measurement range from hand-grip pulse sensors to chest straps and plug-in receivers, and all of these models feature easy-to-track monitor readouts that let you know when you're in or out of your target zone.
Top pick: Tunturi R60 Rowing Machine
See all: Built-In/Included Rowing Machines

Requires Accessory Rowing Machines — These machines are all compatible with plug-in heart rate monitors, and all provide console readouts so you can easily track when you're in or out of your target zone. Check the product page to add a heart rate monitor that is compatible with that specific rowing machine.
Top pick: WaterRower Natural with S4 Monitor
See all: Requires Accessory Rowing Machines

Not Supported Rowing Machines — These machines don't include heart rate monitoring or heart rate readouts, but since they're some of our most affordable models, you'll have money left over to buy a separate monitor. And as luck would have it, we're offering handy wristwatch-like heart rate monitors to go with every one of these rowing machines; just check the Accessories section.
Top pick: Stamina ATS 1400 Air Rower
See all: Not Supported Rowing Machines

Frame Design

A rowing machine as a stylish conversation piece? Say it ain't so. Well, it doesn't have to be if you aren't so inclined; our Basic Metal machines keep your money on the nuts and bolts of total-body training. But if you're interested in toning up your decor as well as your physique, you should know that our Stylish Metal models look great in cutting-edge gyms and homes, and our Wood rowers (in both dark and light models) are the perfect touch in more classic settings.

Basic Metal Rowing Machines — You don't need style points; you just need a good rowing machine. Stick to these rowers, which specialize in durability and stroke quality over flashy designs.
Top pick: Kettler Coach LS Rowing Machine (2008 Model)
See all: Basic Metal Rowing Machines

Stylish Metal Rowing Machines — Most of these models look either strikingly contemporary or stylishly industrial, and they often feature advanced, hard-core programming to match.
Top pick: Tunturi R60 Rowing Machine
See all: Stylish Metal Rowing Machines

Wood Rowing Machines — These smart wooden frames, designed in both dark and light models to complement high-end decor, offer more than just an aesthetic nod to rowing's long, classic history. Wooden frames are great for reducing vibration, improving your ride and your scenery at the same time.
Top pick: WaterRower Oxbridge in Cherrywood (S4)
See all: Wood Rowing Machines

Size and Storage

You know you're getting a big workout from a rowing machine, but did you know the size of the machine itself can range from just under 4 ft. to just over 8 ft. in length? The size of the rower should be a major consideration for people who have a tight workout space - and for taller users who need a larger machine to make sure of getting a full workout.

Another space-related consideration is storage - do you plan to tuck the rower away when you're not using it? If so, you'll appreciate machines with a folding feature. If you plan to set up the rower and leave it there, you don't have to restrict your search - especially since many of our non-folding machines were designed to jazz up a room when left out in plain sight.

Compact and Folding Rowing Machines — Crunched for space? Choose from our space-saving models, which measure under 6 feet in length and fold for easy storage. They're generally less expensive Piston-based models that lack the flashy monitors, long stroke, and high weight capacities of their bigger brethren, but they fit a total-body workout in a tiny spot, and they're easy to stash when you're done.
Top pick: Stamina Body Trac Glider
See all: Compact and Folding Rowing Machines

Compact and Non-folding Rowing Machines — These models are under 6 feet in length, with slightly sturdier frames (read: longer warranties) than folding models and some higher-end choices from Kettler, one of the industry's most renowned brands. They're all affordable, and they all offer a great total-body workout, especially for smaller users who don't require a long stroke.
Top pick: Kettler Kadett Rowing Machine
See all: Compact and Non-folding Rowing Machines

Full and Folding Rowing Machines — Full-size stroke? Check. (These machines are all at least 6 ft. long.) Full-featured choices with great monitors and your favorite resistance type? Check. Budget-friendly choices? Check. The only real common denominator in this selection: an enviable combo of full-size rowing motion to fit all users and easy storage to fit most workout venues.
Top pick: Concept 2 Model E Rowing Machine
See all: Full and Folding Rowing Machines

Full and Non-folding Rowing Machines — Built to stay in one place, built to impress, built to last -- these are fitness institutions that accommodate even our tallest users. They're found in hard-core gyms and high-class homes, and they include rugged construction, full-sized rails and stroke motions, and some of the market's most stylish designs. They cost more, look better, and perform like champions.
Top pick: WaterRower S1 in Brushed Stainless Steel (S4)
See all: Full and Non-folding Rowing Machines

Height & Weight Limits

If you're especially long-legged or big-framed and you worry about getting the rower that can fit you, we can help. We've provided dimensions and weight capacity for all of our machines, but to save you time, we've also hand-selected machines tailored to meet your needs. Note to gym owners: choosing from these categories will help keep your entire clientele happy.

Taller Than 6 ft 4. Rowing Machines —
Top pick:
See all: Taller Than 6 ft 4. Rowing Machines

Taller Than 6 in. Rowing Machines —
Top pick:
See all: Taller Than 6 in. Rowing Machines

Over 300 lbs. Rowing Machines — If you're a larger user or need to accommodate a range of users, you need a machine that can hold up. Average-sized users will appreciate them as well; they're the most stable, durable models we sell.
Top pick: Kettler X-Row E3 Rowing Machine
See all: Over 300 lbs. Rowing Machines

Noise Level

If this is going in a garage or a gym, you probably don't care about noise, so you're free to peruse our louder models without reservation. If it's going in your living room or bedroom, we'll save you some time and tell you to go straight to our Silent or Quiet selections so you won't interrupt your TV show or a snoring spouse.

Silent Rowing Machines — Looking for an absolutely silent machine? You need to go with Magnetic Resistance. These are all full-sized machines, but the selection is broad: folding or non-folding, basic or advanced console programming, rowing-only machines or machines with other exercises included.
Top pick: Kettler Coach LS Rowing Machine (2008 Model)
See all: Silent Rowing Machines

Quiet Rowing Machines — If you plan to use your machine in your bedroom, living room, or anywhere else where a little noise could create a big problem, you'll want to choose from these models. You can find all kinds of rowers -- big or small, folding or non-folding, wood or metal, flashy or basic -- but none of them will drown out your snoring spouse or your favorite TV show.
Top pick: WaterRower Oxbridge in Cherrywood (S4)
See all: Quiet Rowing Machines

Loud Rowing Machines — Who cares about noise? You want real rowing simulation that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Your money is best spent on Air Resistance machines, favored models of health clubs for their full-sized frames, realistic rowing stroke, and modest price tags.
Top pick: Concept 2 Model E Rowing Machine
See all: Loud Rowing Machines

Your Fitness Level

Just breaking into fitness? Looking for the next step in a solid workout program? Going from good to great or great to world-class? We have rowers for every fitness level, and rowers to help you move through the fitness ranks. If you know the fitness standard you would like to achieve, we can help you find the rower that gets you there.

New to Fitness Rowing Machines — New resolve to get fit? Ready to add full-body training to your workout regimen? You don't have to spend a fortune to get the basic benefits of rowing.
Top pick: Kettler Favorit Rowing Machine
See all: New to Fitness Rowing Machines

Already in Good Shape Rowing Machines — You just want a full-size, honest-to-goodness rower that delivers on its promise of total-body training. These models lack some of the flashier computer programs on more expensive models, but you'll keep your money where it counts: durability and real rowing simulation that effectively trains all of your major muscle groups.
Top pick: Kettler Coach LS Rowing Machine (2008 Model)
See all: Already in Good Shape Rowing Machines

A Serious Athlete Rowing Machines — Okay, big shot. You need a rower that can handle your intensity and keep you challenged. And here you go - gorgeous (but substantial) frames, silky-smooth rowing simulation, and top-of-the-line computer programming to add zip to your workouts for years to come.
Top pick: LifeCore Fitness R100 APM Premier Rower
See all: A Serious Athlete Rowing Machines

A Rower, for Real Rowing Machines — They're in your gym. They're in college and Olympic boathouses. They're the rowing standards by which all others are measured. If you've rowed on one machine in your life, it was probably one of these.
Top pick: Concept 2 Model D Rowing Machine
See all: A Rower, for Real Rowing Machines

Promotions

Editor's Choice Rowing Machines — Hands-down, the best values in rowing machines...
Top pick: LifeCore Fitness R900 Rower
See all: Editor's Choice Rowing Machines

Free Shipping Rowing Machines — Get fast, free shipping on these machines, which include many of our favorites...
Top pick: Schwinn Windrigger Rowing Machine
See all: Free Shipping Rowing Machines

Top Sellers Rowing Machines — Thousands of happy customers must be onto something...
Top pick: Concept 2 Model D Rowing Machine
See all: Top Sellers Rowing Machines

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