If you are looking to achieve a great level of fitness, then it’s worth investing in a home-based rowing machine.
Not only do they improve fitness, but they’ll also lead you on the path to good health all round by strengthening muscles and improving your cardiovascular system.
There are a wealth of machines on the market, ranging from low-priced upto some that’ll certainly make a sizeable hole in your bank account.
But there’s no need to spend a four-figure sum though – take a while to go through your options and find one that suits both you and your pocket.
Concept 2 Model D Indoor Rower with PM5 Monitor
If you are looking for an Olympic-standard method of keeping fit, then the Concept2 is arguably the only option – this model is the highest-selling rowing machine across the globe.
Available in black or grey, the Concept 2 rowing machine is lightweight yet stable, is quiet as a mouse to operate and incorporates a computer system that will help you track your workout and keep on top of your fitness targets – all for the cost of a couple of size D batteries.
This is the model that you will find in a great many gyms throughout the nation, so you could save yourself a great deal of money on fitness club memberships.
But the bad news is that you’ll need those savings, because the Model D rowing machine costs over £800.
Having said that, because of its excellent construction, that’s pretty good value for money: it’s top of its category in both design and ability.
JLL R200 Luxury Home Rowing Machine
For an affordable mid-range rowing machine, you can’t go far wrong with this model from JLL – especially if you are a beginner to the rowing scene.
The JLL may not offer enough of a challenge to particularly sporty or experienced rowing machine users (even on the highest of the ten resistance settings) but it’s an impressive model for most fitness enthusiasts looking for a cardio workout in the comfort of their own home.
What’s more, it also folds up and slides under a bed or into a cupboard when not in use, making it perfect for anybody living in an apartment or anywhere space is limited.
JTX Freedom Air Rower
This JTX model is a great way to monitor your fitness levels.
It comes with sixteen different tension settings to increase the challenge and a chest-strap that will monitor your heart rate while you work up up a sweat – along with a number of other vital statistics housed on the console.
The Freedom Air can comfortably support an impressive weight of up to 20 stones, just be aware that this comes with a weight to the machine, too – despite being constructed from aluminium (with the frame available in silver or black), this not a particularly light piece of machinery, especially as you may wish to add further weights to increase the resistance.
If you can move it, however, the rowing machine does fold up when not in use.
York Excel 310
This model from York will provide everything that you could possibly want from a quality rowing machine.
That includes a digital display and sixteen levels of resistance – the highest will challenge even the most dedicated gym bunny.
The impressive weight of the machine will support a strapping user and withstand plenty of use over a prolonged period, all while running quietly – there’s nothing more annoying than a squeaky rower!
click to see on Amazon
You can fold up the York Excel too when not in use, though it’s pretty bulky when you do. Wheels are included for ease of transportation.
There are undeniably higher standard rowing machines available that do everything the York Excel does, but they come with a whacking price tag to match.
For a high-end piece of exercise kit at a lower-end price, you can do far worse than the York Excel 310.
Body Sculpture BR1000
Finally, if you’re looking for a bargain-basement rowing machine to start your journey and test the (metaphorical) waters, this model from Body Sculpture is the finest low-cost model on the market.
Obviously it’s a no-frills machine that contains none of the bells and whistles available on some of the magnetic rowers that we have previously profiled, and it tends to squeak like a mouse with a loudspeaker. But children and beginners will enjoy using this rowing machine; it’s extremely lightweight and perfectly comfortable for smaller-framed exercisers that are simply looking for a basic cardio workout at home without breaking the bank.