The 10 Best Rowing Machines Under $500
Rowing machines have been steadily growing in popularity over the last couple of years, and no wonder. They are one of the best forms of cardiovascular exercise that you can do, and better yet is that it can be done in the comfort of your own home.
This increase in demand for rowing machines has resulted in a huge amount being released onto the market, and choosing from all of these options can often be a hassle.
To help avoid spending hours of your time browsing through the hundreds of different products, we have created a list below of the Top 10 rowing machines to have in your home that are under $500.
Different Types of Rowing Machines
Before you start looking for your perfect rowing machine, it is of great importance that you understand that there are different kinds of resistance on rowing machines namely: Air Resistance, Water Resistance, Hydraulic Resistance and Magnetic Resistance.
- Air resistance is created by a flywheel that is found in the rowing machine, and the harder you pull the bar the more resistance you will encounter.
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Hydraulic machines are powered by pistons that are connected to the handlebars and they can be adjusted manually to the resistance that is suitable for your fitness levels. These are generally the most affordable machines.
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Water resistance machines offer the most realistic rowing experience as the rower itself is placed in a tank of water. Resistance is created as you pull the blades through the body of water.
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Electromagnets are used in magnetic resistance machines to slow down the flywheel. The slower the flywheel is spinning the more magnetic resistance you will feel.
Best Rowing Machines Under $500
Here are our picks for the best rowing machines under $500 and why we think they are a bargain:
1. Lifespan Fitness RW1000 Rowing Machine
The Lifespan Fitness RW1000 has a magnetic brake system with a 16.5-pound flywheel. This is a quiet and smooth machine that also boasts manual adjustment options of 5 levels. The LCD on this rower calculates and tracks distance, calories, strokes, strokes per second and time. It is an affordable machine that is light and easy to pack away.
2. Kettler Favorit Rowing Machine
Two hydraulic cylinders that work on continuous adjustment power this machine, and it has two circular rowing motion handles. The computer on the Kettler measures time, strokes, stroke rate, speed, calories used and distance. There is also an attachable heart monitor that allows the computer to keep track of your heart rate.
3. Stamina Air Rower
The Stamina Air Rower is powered by air resistance and this allows the user to determine the resistance level. The harder and faster you row, the more resistance you will encounter. The monitor on this machine tracks distance, calories, speed and time, and it boasts a large padded seat to make for a smooth and comfortable work out. The footstraps are adjustable and the frame is foldable for easy storage.
4. Stamina Body Trac Glider
This is a small and compact machine that is easily foldable and fits into small spaces for storage. It runs on gas shock resistance, and has a sturdy steel frame. The monitor tracks your time, strokes and calories. It is not the most hardy of rowers but it is a good option for those with a lower budget range.
5. Stamina 1215 Orbital Rowing Machine With Free Motion Arms
The main attraction on this machine is the full range of motion in the handles that mimics the exact motion of rowing itself. It works on a hydraulic resistance and the frame is height adjustable to make an incline for a harder workout. The monitor covers time, stroke rate, calories and distance and the frame itself is foldable and easy to store.
6. HCI Fitness Sprint Outrigger Scull Rowing Machine
This is a piston rower that is run off hydraulic power, and it has two hydraulic cylinders that can be set from resistance levels 1-12. The footpads have adjustable straps and also pivot as you row to suit your natural body position. It is easy to store this machine as it can fold to fit in a cupboard or other storage space.
7. Stamina 1205 Precision Rower
This rowing machine is a hydraulic resistance machine and it has adjustable resistance settings. It has a steel and aluminum center beam that provides comfort and stability, as well as durability. It comes with a multifunction electric monitor that will track stroke rate, time, distance and calories.
8. Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine
This machine is run on shock resistance, and therefore you will find the resistance a little harder than something that uses air resistance. It has 12 levels of resistance and large footplates. It has a comfortable, large and well-padded seat and folds away easily.
9. Soozier Magnetic Folding Rowing Machine
This is a magnetic resistance rowing machine with an inbuilt monitor system, large footplates and eight levels of shock resistance.
10. Merax Magnetic Rowing Machine
This machine is shock resistant and sturdy, and it comes with an inbuilt electronic ABS to monitor stroke rate, calories, time and distance rowed. It can be stored upright making it easy to put away.
Conclusion
Remember when choosing a rowing machine that there are different factors to consider before deciding on one, such as your fitness levels, how often you plan to use the machine, how tall you are, what type of resistance you would prefer and most importantly your budget. That is why while other rowing machine reviews look at more expensive options, we have selected machines that are all under $500.
Choosing the right rowing machine for your house can be an exhausting and time consuming process, we hope that once you have read through the list above that the process will be easy and we are sure your decision will be a perfect fit for your home.
If you still aren’t convinced that you should invest in a rowing machine, this video talks about some of the benefits: