The best compact stair steppers won’t provide as intense a climb as full-sized models, but they can still make you sweat without overcrowding your home gym. Our expert testing team got their hands on dozens of stair steppers, from big-ticket models to wallet-friendly home fitness machines, to find the right stepper to best suit your space, training intensity, comfort, budget, and body type. See our picks below. 

The 7 Best Compact Stair Steppers of 2024

• Best Compact Stair Stepper Overall: ProForm Pro HIIT H14 
• Best Compact Stair Stepper with a Large Footpad: Bells of Steel Blitz Stepper
• Best Foldable Compact Stair Stepper: Echelon Climber Sport
• Best Compact Commercial Stair Stepper: STEPR Classic
• Best Budget Compact Stair Stepper: Sunny Health & Fitness Stair Stepper Machine
• Best Compact Stair Stepper for Heavy People: Xiser Pro Trainer
• Best Compact Stair Stepper with Resistance Bands: Sportsroyals Stair Stepper

How We Tested and Chose the Best Compact Stair Steppers

The makeup of BarBend’s roster includes competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and CrossFit coaches. We own equipment. We test equipment. We love equipment. To select the best compact stair steppers, we got our hands on nearly 20 different models to see how they stood up to our workouts. To convey our findings, we utilized the BarBend equipment testing methodology, where we rate each product on a scale of 1 (bad) to 5 (great) in areas like durability, workout experience, and value. Below are some of the key factors we looked at.

• Space-Saving Designs: “For people who don’t have the space for regular home gym equipment but still want to exercise at home, compact items provide a solution,” says BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC. “Even for people who do have ample space, compact home gym equipment can keep your gym feeling clutter-free and organized.” 
• Stability: Compact equipment likely won’t be as sturdy as heavy-duty machines, but we sought to choose fun-sized steppers that still made us feel stable during climbs. When it comes to weight capacity, we prioritized models with user weight capacities between 250 and 400 pounds.
• Value: Compact stair steppers range in terms of functionality, and as such, they can cost anywhere from $139 to $4,000. For big-ticket items, we assessed whether its value lived up to the cost, particularly in terms of the quality of its build, the usefulness of its tech, and the range of its resistance capabilities. 

Best Compact Stair Stepper Overall: ProForm Pro HIIT H14

ProForm Pro HIIT H14

ProForm Pro HIIT H14

This unique profile combines a stair climber and elliptical for a space-saving, high-performance training experience. The Pro HIIT H14 is also integrated with the iFIT online workout program, giving you access to over 17,000 live and on-demand fitness classes.

Shop ProForm

The ProForm Pro HIIT H14, one of the best commercial ellipticals we’ve tested, is our choice for the best compact stair stepper overall thanks to its reasonable footprint of 10.47 square feet, 26 levels of Silent Magnetic Resistance, and 14-inch HD touchscreen, which comes integrated with iFIT programming. Durability, tech capabilities, and dynamic programming all scored a 5 out of 5 with our team.

This hybrid machine utilizes a vertical and horizontal stride length that provides the workout of a stair climber with the low-impact nature of an elliptical, since your feet remain planted on the footplates. Plus, the compact vertical design takes up 10.47 square feet of floor space, about the same size as a standard coffee table. 

Compact equipment often sacrifices tech capabilities, but that isn’t the case here. “The 14-inch HD touchscreen is iFIT-enabled, and you can stream coaching cues and music through the dual Bluetooth speakers or use Bluetooth headphone connectivity when you’re getting your workout in before the house is awake,” said our tester, a certified personal trainer. Tech capabilities scored a 5 out of 5.

However, an iFIT subscription is needed for full functionality of this stepper. iFIT is the only programming that can stream from the HD touchscreen, and access to this programming starts at $39 a month. Without a subscription, you won’t have access to iFIT programming or its SmartAdjust functionality, but you’ll still be able to use the stepper in manual mode and adjust the resistance manually. Plus, you’ll have access to basic stats like speed, calories burned, and time elapsed.

The biggest pain point with this machine was the sweat sesh needed for assembly. “I needed a vacation after putting this machine together,” mentioned our tester, who scored setup a 2 out of 5. “It took me more than two hours and there were lots of steps. I’d recommend having an extra set of hands available to help you.” 

Read our full ProForm Pro HIIT H14 Review.

Best Compact Stair Stepper with a Large Footpad: Bells of Steel Blitz Stepper

Bells of Steel Blitz Stepper

Bells of Steel Blitz Stepper

Torch calories and fat with this stair-climbing machine that features 15 levels of magnetic resistance. Unlike revolving style stair climbers, this stepper's motion is more reminiscent of an elliptical with a vertical stride length to keep you climbing upwards.

Shop Bells of Steel

If you’ve got some big tootsies, there’s room for you on the Bells of Steel Blitz Stepper, a hybrid machine that combines the vertical climb of stair steppers and the low-impact nature of ellipticals. This machine’s footplates measure 15.25 inches long and 7.5 inches wide — enough room to fit a size 24 men’s shoe. For reference, Shaq’s size 22s could slip comfortably into them.

Big shoes often accompany bigger bodies, so this machine’s 330-pound user weight capacity and lifetime frame warranty can help put your mind at ease when it comes to this machine’s durability. 

Its footprint of 12.89 square feet is larger than the average hybrid elliptical/stepper machine — between 9 and 12 square feet — but it still takes up less space than a standard loveseat. (3) When you want to make room for other activities, the built-in handle bar and wheels make maneuvering this stepper into the corner or out of the way fairly simple.

Heart rate pulse sensors are situated on the upright handles, and a media shelf can hold your phone or tablet while you work out. There’s a basic LED display with stat tracking like calories burned, RPM, time, and pulse readings, and some built-in programming. However, with a $1,499 price tag, we would have liked to see a touchscreen with the option to stream programming.

While we haven’t tested this stepper yet (we just got it, just haven’t put it together yet), it’s fairly new on the scene and we’ll update this mini-review once we’ve logged some HIIT workouts on it. We’re most curious to see how the 15 levels of resistance compares to other steppers, since we often see between 16 and 20 levels of resistance available on similarly-priced machines.

Best Foldable Compact Stair Stepper: Echelon Climber Sport

Echelon Climber Sport

Echelon Climber Sport

This climber can fold down when not in use, making storage under beds or in closets ideal for those short on space. There are three levels of manually adjustable incline and a turn knob to adjust resistance while you train. Track your progress with the built-in LED monitor or attach your phone to the device mount to stream programming.

Shop Echelon

The Echelon Climber Sport is our choice for the best foldable compact stair stepper thanks to its lightweight build, affordable price tag, and, obviously, its folding capabilities. When folded, the Climber Sport shrinks from 55 inches tall to just 11 inches. 

When your hill running workout is over and you want to stow your equipment away, this machine can fold down fairly flat, making it ideal for storage under beds. “I appreciate that this stair stepper folds, but it’s not the most intuitive process,” said our tester, a certified personal trainer. “There’s a lot of plastic knobs you have to twist and tighten.” Footprint and portability scored a 3 out of 5.

This is a non-motorized stair climber, which means your steps are all that’s necessary to get it going. (The LCD monitor, though, requires four AA batteries.) “This isn’t a high-quality display that’s going to give you a ton of metrics, but it’s an affordable option for those on a budget,” said our tester. Tech capabilities scored a 2 out of 5.

They added, “The footpads are wide and comfortable. Even when I have the incline set at its highest, I don’t feel like my feet are going to slip off.” 

While there are three levels of manual adjustable incline, ideal for those looking to tackle some serious cardiovascular exercise, our tester felt uncomfortable about this machine’s durability. “While on it, the climber feels sturdy, but thinking about the small hooks keeping the machine in its angled incline position makes me nervous,” they said.

[Related: Best Cardiovascular Exercises]

There are adjustments that can be made to resistance via a plastic turn knob, but there aren’t any markings to tell you what resistance level you’re at. As such, adjustability scored a 2 out of 5. 

The biggest concern we had was with a scraping sound when stepping. “I’d recommend this machine for those looking for a budget-friendly stepper with folding capabilities, however we did have a loud scraping sound on each step we took,” said our tester. “I’m not sure if this is a problem with this individual piece of equipment, or if it’s a problem more users are facing.”

Best Compact Commercial Stair Stepper: STEPR Classic

STEPR Classic

STEPR Classic

STEPR created this climbing machine to be able to fit in the average home — with dimensions that can both fit through typical doorways and a height that allows users to step when faced with ceiling heights as low as 8 feet tall. This is a more compact version of the stair climbers you tend to see in commercial gyms, with Bluetooth capabilities to connect and stream with the free STEPR app.

Shop STEPR

If you’re building out your itty-bitty home gym with the best compact exercise equipment, take a moment to peruse what the STEPR Classic has to offer. This stair climber is our choice for the best compact commercial stair stepper thanks to its rotating stadium step design, which is reminiscent of commercial gym stairmasters. There are 36 built-in programs on the center console, and users can also stream STEPR programming by stowing their phone or tablet on the media shelf.

“STEPR took commercial stair-climbing machines, shrunk them down so they could fit in most homes, and paired it with Peloton-style programming,” said our tester. “Best of all, this programming doesn’t carry a monthly subscription fee. It’s free.” Programming scored a 4 out of 5. 

When I took a class on STEPR, I was delighted to see Trace Gotsis — a former coach on Tonal — as one of their coaches. If you like good vibes and a tough workout, he’ll give it to you.

Its footprint of 8.05 square feet is smaller than the average coffee table, and can comfortably operate in homes with ceilings as low as 8 feet. (3) “People with a small home gym that are looking for cardio equipment will want to give this machine some consideration,” said our tester.

One limitation our tester noted was in the step height and amount of steps. “When you’re doing a stairmaster workout at the gym, you can typically skip a step. But because of the compact design on the STEPR, you can’t do that,” said our tester. 

Also, the 5.2-inch height of each step is less than the 6+ inches of height found on commercial stepping machines, so there’s the possibility that some may feel a bit cramped.

During my testing, I experienced a slight amount of wobble at higher speeds. I also would have liked some heart rate pulse sensors on the handlebars, just to help me keep track of how hard I was working. However, I love that there’s Bluetooth connectivity so I can pair the app with the STEPR unit to track my training. Tech capabilities scored a 4 out of 5.

Best Budget Compact Stair Stepper: Sunny Health & Fitness Stair Stepper

Sunny Health & Fitness Stair Stepper Machine

Sunny Health & Fitness Stair Stepper Machine

The adjustable handlebar and stabilizer ring provide stable workouts for users up to 250 pounds, despite weighing just 25.4 pounds. Keep track of your steps, time, calories, and more via the digital display. 

Shop Sunny Health & Fitness

The Sunny Health & Fitness Stair Stepper is not only one of the best mini stair steppers we’ve tested but also our choice for the best budget compact stair stepper. Its $139.99 price tag is one of the least expensive we’ve seen in a market where steppers can cost thousands of dollars. We also love how its compact profile only takes up 2.81 square feet — about the size of a dining chair. (4)

While budget equipment can often be lacking in the durability department, this stepper can accommodate users up to 250 pounds. It also includes a stabilizer ring at the base to provide a bit of added support.

Users can track stats — time, calories, and total steps — on the digital monitor. There isn’t an option to adjust resistance, but changing the step height can help make your workout easier or more challenging. 

Regardless of how you train on this stepper, the user manual suggests taking breaks after 15 minutes to allow the hydraulics and moving parts to cool down. I previously had a Sunny Health & Fitness stepper that was similar to this, and I can confirm that these machines get hot. I once smelled something burning and burned my finger when touching the stepper to investigate. 

I’ve owned a few pieces of Sunny Health & Fitness equipment over the years — shout out to the Sunny Health & Fitness exercise bike, which I’ve owned since the pandemic — and I think the company makes affordable machines that are fairly reliable. 

However, if you do have a problem with your purchase, getting in touch with customer service can be a struggle. “They don’t have a chat function on their site, and I was waiting over a week for an email response,” said Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1. As such, we scored the company’s customer service a 3 out of 5.

[Related: Sunny Health & Fitness Exercise Bike Review]

Best Compact Stair Stepper for Heavy People: Xiser Pro Trainer

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Xiser Pro Trainer

Xiser Pro Trainer

Its aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame provides a stable workout for users up to 400 pounds, despite weighing just 13.5 pounds. 

Shop Xiser

Our choice for the best compact stair stepper for heavy people is the hardy — yet impressively tiny — Xiser Pro Trainer, which is built from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy to support users up to 400 pounds. This sturdy build doesn’t come cheap, though, and you’ll be forking over $577 for this added durability. That’s several hundred dollars more than other mini stair steppers we’ve tested. 

For that price, you’re getting the most compact and lightweight option on our list, weighing just 13.5 pounds. It takes up a measly 2.04 square feet, and tops out at a height of 4 inches. If you’re in need of a stepper that can support a larger build, but need to be able to move it around with ease, this may be the choice for you.

There aren’t handlebars to hold onto for balance, but maintaining your balance throughout your HIIT cardio workout can help strengthen your core muscles. One thing we do feel is missing is a built-in digital monitor, as being able to track your time, distance, and step count can be a useful feature.

There are 264 reviews on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5. However, noise seems to be an issue with some users. “As other reviews state, it is extremely easy to set up and it is a good, smooth workout. However, as soon as the shocks get heated up a bit, there is a loud clicking and squeaking noise that comes from the shocks,” reads one customer review. “I basically have to lubricate the shocks on a weekly basis or this thing is so loud it is unusable.”

Best Compact Stair Stepper with Resistance Bands: Sportsroyals Stair Stepper

Sportsroyals Stair Stepper

Sportsroyals Stair Stepper

Its quiet hydraulic drive system and oversized pedals have made it a favorite on Amazon. Use the removable resistance bands to add upper body exercises while you step. Its LED monitor lets you keep an eye on your step count, calories burned, and time.

Shop Sportsroyals

The Sportsroyal Stair Stepper is a compact stepper that brings the upper body in on the cardio party with attachable resistance bands you can use while you step. Weighing only 19.8 pounds and measuring just 2.46 square feet, it takes up about the same amount of floor space as a bar stool. (5) Users who want a piece of cardio equipment that can target their total body, but need something that they can tuck out of the way when not in use, will definitely want to give this stepper a closer look.

The resistance bands attach to the base with included carabiners, and you’ll be able to crank out bicep curls, tricep extensions, and some of the best shoulder exercises, such as front and lateral raises, as you step. However, these bands and the stepper machine’s resistance are not adjustable to increase or decrease your workout intensity.

Customer reviews are mixed on the available resistance. Some say it’s too much and some say it’s too little. But, hey, perhaps you may find it’s just right. “The resistance, which isn’t adjustable, is very high… it takes effort to push the pedals down, so it’s a good muscle workout but it’s hard to go fast enough to get my heart rate up,” reads one customer review. “The resistance is not strong enough and I feel, after a couple of week’s use it would not be beneficial to me,” said another.

While mini steppers like this one can be noisy, there are shock-absorbing cushions to keep the pedals from clanking against the floor. Additionally, in line with other hydraulic steppers, parts can become hot with extended use and it’s suggested you let the unit cool down after 20 minutes of work.

The LED monitor tracks steps, time, distance, and calories burned, so you can set a target and work towards a time, distance or calorie burn goal for your workout. However, some customers have noted problems with the monitor. “The counter stopped working after less than a week,” mentioned one customer review.

[Related: How Many Calories Are Burned Walking?]

Benefits of the Best Compact Stair Steppers

“It’s easy to get caught up in the glitz and glamour of sparkly, massive home gyms, but the reality is that most people don’t have the space or funds to recreate a commercial home gym in their home,” says our expert reviewer, Amanda Caprittoo. Compact stair steppers provide a wealth of benefits while prioritizing smaller builds.

• Space Saving: “Many people are making do with what they have: A corner of their bedroom, a slice of living room, maybe a spare walk-in closet,” says Capritto. The steppers on our list have footprints that range in size from 2 square feet up to 13 square feet, helping to save floor space in your home.
• Convenient Cardio: “People who want to exercise at home but don’t have a lot of space to dedicate to a home gym can benefit from compact gym equipment. People who travel frequently can, too,” adds Capritto. Many steppers on our list are small enough to fit in a suitcase, while others can be carried or rolled from room to room.
• Glutes, Quads, and Calves: Getting your workout in on a stair stepper can lift your heart rate, increase VO2 max, and build strength in your glutes, quads, and calves. (6)

How Much Do Compact Stair Climbers Cost?

The best home gym equipment for you depends on what fits your space and your budget. From stair climbers with rotating steps that mimic climbing bleachers to bite-sized steppers that can fit under your desk, compact stair climbers can cost as little as $139.99 or as high as $3,999.99. Higher-priced machines tend to offer resistance adjustments and tech capabilities like Bluetooth connectivity, app pairing, and touchscreens, while budget-friendly picks can help you stay active with a basic, hydraulic-powered stepping motion. 

What to Consider Before Buying a Compact Stair Stepper

How much space do you have? How do you intend to train? Let these questions percolate as you peruse your options. The following are additional areas to consider before bringing a compact stair stepper into your home. 

Type of Workout

Stair steppers provide a low-impact at-home workout, but knowing what type of work you’re looking to tackle will help you navigate your options. If you want a machine that can provide you with a full-body workout, look for mini steppers with resistance bands so you can work your upper body while you step. If you want a serious lower-body workout, peruse stair climbers with adjustable resistance so you can choose the speed and intensity for your stepper workout.

Additionally, consider if you’re more inclined to do HIIT-style training or LISS cardio sessions. HIIT training requires you to pick up your intensity for short durations, and LISS cardio — low-intensity steady-state cardio — has you working for longer durations but with less intensity. If you’re interested in long LISS sessions, make sure the equipment you choose can be used for longer workouts. Some hydraulic mini-steppers can overheat after 15 to 20 minutes of exercise.

Available Space

While a stair stepper may look good on your browser or in store, if it doesn’t fit in your space you may be burdened with disassembling and returning it. “Check the overall length, width, and height of the machine in its assembled position and folded position if applicable. And triple-measure your space to make sure it will fit,” notes our expert reviewer, Amanda Capritto.

If you don’t have a dedicated area for a stepper, look for models that are either lightweight or have folding capabilities and transport wheels so you can get your workout in and then close up shop.

Mini Stepper Vs. Stair Stepper

Do you want a mini stepper or a stair stepper? Mini steppers tend to be the most compact options, with pedals that pivot up and down powered by hydraulics. They’re lightweight and portable, ideal for use at desks or wherever else you’d like to step from. They also don’t need to be plugged into an outlet to work. These cardio machines are ideal for small spaces and users of any fitness level — though likely best suited for beginner and intermediate athletes.

Proper stair steppers have larger steps that mimic walking, jogging, or running up a flight of stairs. Sometimes, they feature revolving steps that you climb. Other machines opt for footpads that cradle your feet as you step — like many of the best ellipticals. This fitness equipment tends to include adjustable resistance — useful for setting fitness goals and surpassing them — though these exercise machines are larger (and more costly) than mini steppers and will require a dedicated space for use and storage.

Best Compact Stair Steppers FAQs

References

1. Sharma, A., Madaan, V., & Petty, F. D. (2006). Exercise for mental health. Primary care companion to the Journal of clinical psychiatry, 8(2), 106. https://doi.org/10.4088/pcc.v08n0208a
2. Harper, N. G., Wilken, J. M., & Neptune, R. R. (2018). Muscle Function and Coordination of Stair Ascent. Journal of biomechanical engineering, 140(1), 10.1115/1.4037791. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4037791
3. Cocreativeinteriors. (2022, March 17). Standard Furniture Size Guide. CoCreative Interiors. https://cocreativeinteriors.com/2022/03/standard-furniture-size-guide/
4. Dining chair dimensions: How to choose the right size. (2020, March 11). AllModern. https://www.allmodern.com/sca/inspiration/inspiration/dining-chair-dimensions-how-to-choose-the-right-size-T5801#:~:text=The%20two%20most%20common%20dining,your%20chair%20and%20the%20tabletop.
5. Bar Stool Dimensions: How to choose the right size for your space. (2019, March 11). Wayfair. https://www.wayfair.com/sca/ideas-and-advice/guides/bar-stool-dimensions-how-to-choose-the-right-ones-T494
6. Zimmermann, C. L., Cook, T. M., Bravard, M. S., Hansen, M. M., Honomichl, R. T., Karns, S. T., Lammers, M. A., Steele, S. A., Yunker, L. K., & Zebrowski, R. M. (1994). Effects of stair-stepping exercise direction and cadence on EMG activity of selected lower extremity muscle groups. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 19(3), 173–180. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.1994.19.3.173
7. World Health Organization: WHO. (2022, October 5). Physical activity. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity

The post The 7 Best Compact Stair Steppers of 2024 (Personally Tested) appeared first on BarBend.

Naturally, finding an ideal elliptical for tighter training quarters involves more than the product dimensions alone. You’ll also need to account for your machine’s stride length, weight capacity, and available programming. To help guide you through the purchasing process, we’ve gotten hands-on with over 20 top-performing silhouettes and consulted with our in-house team of experts to compile this round-up of our favorite ellipticals for small spaces on the market today.

The 6 Best Ellipticals for Small Spaces in 2024

• Best Elliptical for Small Spaces Overall: ProForm Pro HIIT H14
• Best Adjustable Elliptical for Small Spaces: NordicTrack FS10i
• Best Budget Elliptical for Small Spaces: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3911
• Best Elliptical for Small Spaces for HIIT Workouts: Yosuda E9 Cardio Climber Stepping Elliptical Machine
• Best Foldable Elliptical for Small Spaces: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902SMART
• Best Elliptical for Small Spaces for Streaming: BowFlex Max Total 16

How We Tested and Chose the Best Ellipticals for Small Spaces

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To make our list of the best ellipticals for small spaces, we got hands-on with 23 different equipment silhouettes from top brands, using a multi-point methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) to determine our top picks. Below are some of the categories and components we looked at to make our list.

For further information on how we trial and test the products chosen for this guide and more, be sure to read the BarBend Equipment Testing Methodology page.

• Product Dimensions: Of course, an elliptical for a small space should feature a more compact design. We compared elliptical dimensions to that of your standard loveseat — any machine with a footprint smaller than 15.31 square feet was considered for this guide. (2)
• Dynamic Programming: Having dynamic programming available on your cardio machine — whether through preset modules or digital streaming services — can help maintain motivation throughout your fitness journey. We made note of which ellipticals were compatible with online training platforms, and highlighted silhouettes that at least featured a device holder for a DIY streaming setup.
• Stride Length: We’ve found that the standard stride length for most commercial ellipticals ranges between 16 and 20 inches, so we did our best to feature profiles that fit within that range. For ellipticals with shorter stride length, we made sure that they featured a vertical orientation — this not only saves space overall but can also help keep shorter steps more comfortable.
• Weight Capacity: Your elliptical’s weight capacity can be a good indication of its durability. As such, all ellipticals included in this round-up are rated to support at least 220 pounds, with some more high-end models capable of withstanding loads up to 400 pounds.
• Portability: If you’re already working around less floor space, it can help to have an elliptical that can be moved in and out of position in an effort to keep your training area as useable as possible outside of training. All of these ellipticals for small spaces either feature lighter frames that can be easily toted from one area to the next, or front transport wheels that can help take the strain out of rearranging your living area for a dedicated workout.

Best Elliptical for Small Spaces Overall: ProForm Pro HIIT H14

ProForm Pro HIIT H14

ProForm Pro HIIT H14

This unique profile combines a stair climber and elliptical for a space-saving, high-performance training experience. The Pro HIIT H14 is also integrated with the iFIT online workout program, giving you access to over 17,000 live and on-demand fitness classes.

Shop ProForm

If you’re looking for a low-impact workout that’s low on floor space, we recommend the Pro HIIT H14 from ProForm. Thanks to its vertical orientation, this cardio machine resembles a hybrid motion plane that’s closer to a stair stepper than your traditional rear-drive elliptical. As such, the total footprint of this cross trainer comes in at 10.47 square feet, which is less than a typical loveseat sofa that can take up 15.31 square feet of space. (2)

Aside from the space-saving profile, we also enjoyed the in-training experience of this elliptical trainer. Our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 instructor, rated the ergonomics at 4 out of 5, highlighting the easy-to-grip handlebars and approachable foot pedals. “ProForm claims the pedals are oversized and cushioned, but I didn’t get that sensation in training. They’re fine by my standards, but not something to write home about,” they stated.

Like other ProForm cardio machines, the Pro HIIT H14 is compatible with the iFIT training platform, which we’ve previously ranked as one of the best fitness apps. You can stream the library of over 16,000 live and on-demand workout programs across the 14-inch HD touchscreen which provides excellent picture quality. 

Plus, the iFIT integration brings AutoAdjust functionality to your machine — rather than toggling through the 26 levels of resistance on your own, the Pro HIIT H14 will automatically adjust your settings in-tune to your trainer-led courses.

While we rated the dynamic programming available via iFIT at 5 out of 5, we did score the available tech slightly lower at 4 out of 5. This is due to the lack of streaming versatility across the front console — you cannot pair entertainment streaming services like Netflix or Hulu to the machine.

Finally, the Pro HIIT H14 is a sturdy machine, but that doesn’t come without a little elbow grease. Be prepared to spend a whole day assembling this unit. We rated the overall setup at 2 out of 5, and recommend you have a helping set of hands at the ready to assist with getting everything together.

Read our full ProForm Pro HIIT H14 Review.

Best Adjustable Elliptical for Small Spaces: NordicTrack FS10i

NordicTrack FS10i

NordicTrack FS10i

This machine is a stair climber, elliptical and treadmill all in one. It has 24 levels of digital resistance, and you can change your stride to work with the resistance in tread, elliptical, or stair climber mode. 

Shop NordicTrack

Having an elliptical with an adjustable stride length can be great for keeping your cardio workouts as comfortable as possible without feeling cramped atop your machine. The FS10i from NordicTrack features a stride range up to 32 inches long and automatically adjusts to your gait and movement plane, which can be ideal when trying to take advantage of the FS10i’s step, glide, or run functionalities.

Our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 instructor, rated these customizations at 5 out of 5, stating, “While switching up motions between stepping and elliptical gliding was a learned skill set, I could quickly master it after just a few workouts. Regardless, I always felt like I had enough room for comfortable steps.”

The FS10i also features iFIT compatibility, which can provide high-quality workout modules to keep every session fresh and engaging. We also liked the SmartAdjust technology that automatically toggles your magnetic resistance settings to the instructions from your trainer-led courses.

There are also quick toggle buttons along the sides of the display for incline and resistance jumps, but our tester commented that the haptics require a firm press for them to actually work. “You definitely need to press hard on each button — a light tap won’t suffice,” they added.

In terms of durability, we scored the FS10i at 5 out of 5 thanks to sturdy construction that showed no swaying or jostling during workouts at varying intensities. We also recommend this NordicTrack offering as one of the best ellipticals for heavy people given the 375-pound weight capacity.

However, the brawn and stability of the FS10i does compromise its portability, which we scored at 3.75 out of 5. Our tester said moving the machine into place can be a workout in itself, even despite the front transport wheels intended to help with maneuverability. It can be wise to have some assistance when looking to rearrange this otherwise impressive cardio machine.

Read our full NordicTrack FS10i Review.

Best Budget Elliptical for Small Spaces: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3911

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3911

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3911

The SF-E3911 from Sunny Health and Fitness can be a budget-friendly pick for home gym enthusiasts thanks to its approachable price point and space-saving footprint. Plus, the lightweight 69.3-pound frame can be moved easily within your training space, giving you plenty of versatility to set up in a comfortable position.

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Finding a compact elliptical to fit your tight training quarters doesn’t necessarily mean stretching your finances. After all, most ellipticals for small spaces will cost roughly $1,250, on average. That said, a budget-friendly cardio machine can be beneficial for some athletes and, in our opinion, the SF-E3911 from Sunny Health and Fitness is the best of the bunch.

Coming in at roughly $380, this petite piece of fitness equipment falls well below the average price. I rated the value at 4 out of 5 given the savings at play, as well as the floor space needed to house the machine itself. The SF-E3911 carries a footprint of just 6.71 square feet, which is even smaller than some of the best exercise bikes on the market. We attribute this space-saving quality to the SF-E3911’s vertical orientation and front flywheel design.

However, this smaller frame does have its limitations in terms of durability. For one, the weight rating is just 220 pounds, which may be too low for some athletes. I’ve also used this elliptical in the past and have noticed some wobbling and sway during workouts, particularly when trying to up the intensity. As such, I scored the durability at 3.5 out of 5.

The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-E3911 also features an LCD display that can help you keep track of metrics like time, speed, distance, and potential calories burned. There are no preset training programs to choose from across the monitor, but I do like how the brand includes a small media shelf for streaming purposes.

In the end, though, you can’t really expect a sub-$400 elliptical to come with the latest digital features. Thankfully, if you like taking in your low-impact workouts with some form of entertainment, the SF-E3911 is lightweight at just 69.3 pounds, meaning you can easily set up for a session in front of your television. I scored the portability at 4.5 out of 5, too, thanks to the convenient front transport wheels.

[Related: Sunny Health and Fitness Exercise Bike Review]

Best Elliptical for Small Spaces for HIIT Workouts: Yosuda E9 Cardio Climber Stepping Elliptical Machine

Yosuda E9 Cardio Climber Stepping Elliptical Machine

Yosuda E9 Cardio Climber Stepping Elliptical Machine

With 16 levels of resistance, an impressive 300-pound weight capacity, and an electricity-free build, the Yosuda E9 can be a prime elliptical for high-intensity exercise. While some taller athletes may prefer a stride length longer than 15 inches, this can be a compact, engaging machine for tackling hard-nosed fitness goals.

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Granted, the low-impact workouts ellipticals offer are typically viewed as more leisurely than challenging. However, you can still achieve an intense workout with these machines — even those with more compact footprints. For high-intensity elliptical training, we recommend the Yosuda E9 profile thanks to a sturdy frame that can support weights up to 300 pounds, as well as its wide range of 16 magnetic resistance levels.

I’ve used this Yosuda elliptical in the past and have enjoyed how stable the frame is when pacing through tougher sessions. Plus, I like how the E9 doesn’t need electricity to operate smoothly, meaning there are fewer components that could run amok through extended wear. Overall, I rated the durability at 4.5 out of 5.

The footprint of the E9 measures 5.54 square feet, making it one of the smallest ellipticals we’ve tested. That said, I do feel this smaller design compromises the usability somewhat, namely in the stride length. Taller athletes may feel cramped across the vertical and horizontal motion plane, so I scored the ergonomics at 4 out of 5. There are better ellipticals for tall people out there, but for the right athlete, I still hold the Yosuda in high regard.

As far as tech and dynamic programming, you shouldn’t expect much from the E9. Yes, there are pulse sensors across the center handlebars for heart rate monitoring, but we’ve often found that these palm-centric sensors can be shoddy in terms of accuracy. The LCD monitor features clear readouts, too, but there are no preset programs to choose from.

I scored the available tech at 3 out of 5, too, given the placement of the media shelf across the center console. I do appreciate the inclusion, which can allow for a DIY streaming setup, but the holder is placed behind the center handlebars. Your view could be compromised, especially if you’re using a larger tablet. 

Best Foldable Elliptical for Small Spaces: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902SMART

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902SMART

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902SMART

The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-E902SMART is compact during operation, but truly shines as a go-to for small training spaces given its foldable frame that shrinks the footprint to 2.47 square feet. This AirWalk-style fitness machine also features resistance bands for added intensity in each stride to give your workouts a refreshing sense of challenge.

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The best folding ellipticals can be excellent options for athletes in smaller spaces, as they can be folded down and stowed away when not in use. The SF-E902SMART from Sunny Health and Fitness features a convenient foldable frame that, when stored, takes up just 2.74 square feet. Also, despite the compact profile, this elliptical still offers adjustable resistance, Bluetooth connectivity, and a device holder for streaming your favorite online workout programs.

Admittedly, we’ve spent more time with the original SF-E902, which forgoes the Bluetooth connectivity and adjustable resistance bands. Still, though, the designs are the same across the lightweight frame, LCD monitor, and non-slip pedals.

We scored the portability of this Sunny Health and Fitness profile at 5 out of 5 thanks to its easily maneuverable silhouette. Setting up for a workout is similar to bringing out an ironing board for laundry day. “The foldable perk makes it a clear standout amongst ellipticals, and it really adds some benefit to the exercise equipment’s already small stature,” added our tester.

While the tech can be underwhelming across the basic LCD monitor — which tracks time, count, and potential calories burned — the SF-E902SMART does come with a convenient device holder for creating your own streaming setup. Also, the ‘SMART’ callout means this foldable elliptical can pair via Bluetooth to your devices for following along to workouts through the Sunny Health and Fitness app.

There are resistance bands that clip from the frame to the pedals, and the multiple anchor points allow you to toggle the intensity to your liking. However, we scored the adjustability at 3.5 out of 5, as there are only five true settings to choose from, and the bands can begin to compromise your stride length.

Finally, we do want to note the one-year frame warranty for the SF-E902SMART, as well as the 180-day coverage for other parts and components. This is a much shorter warranty than other ellipticals out there, leading to our 3.75 out of 5 value rating. At less than $220, though, can you really expect much more?

Best Elliptical for Small Spaces for Streaming: BowFlex Max Total 16

Bowflex Max Total 16 Elliptical

Bowflex Max Total 16 Elliptical

This state-of-the-art elliptical offers personalized workouts based on your current fitness level that adapt over time and features automatic adjustments to the 20 levels of magnetic resistance. 

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While trainer-led workouts and interactive modules can be fun and engaging, there are times when burning some calories to the tune of your favorite movie or TV series can be enjoyable, too. While the BowFlex Max Total 16 features trainer-led sessions through the integrated JRNY app, the service is also compatible with popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, giving you options when it comes to on-screen entertainment.

The Max Total 16 is similar to other ellipticals in the BowFlex Max Trainer family, featuring a vertical orientation that blends the motion of an elliptical with that of a stair climber. What separates this particular profile apart, though, is its larger 16-inch HD touchscreen.

[Related: Elliptical Vs. Stair Climber]

While we have yet to actually take in a home workout with the Max Total 16, we do have experience with other Max Trainers from BowFlex, such as the M9 that features a similar, albeit smaller, HD touchscreen. Given the haptics of that component, as well as the crisp visuals and streaming variety, we rated the Max Total 16’s available tech at 5 out of 5.

I’ve also built one of these Max Total 16s for a family friend, so I can speak to the hardware and portability of the profile. While the 155-pound frame is sturdy, moving the cardio machine around your space is a breeze thanks to the front transport wheels. You just need to lift the back base to the balance point, and the wheels do the heavy lifting. I scored the portability at 4 out of 5 and feel most home gym enthusiasts could get this Max Total 16 into position without many issues.

Assembling this BowFlex home gym equipment, though, is a more involved task. The instructions are clear, but there are a number of parts, bolts, and wires that can take up a good chunk of your afternoon. I scored the assembly process at a conservative 3.75 out of 5 — you can do it on your own, but I recommend taking your time to ensure everything goes together smoothly.

Read our full BowFlex Max Total 16 Review.

Benefits of Ellipticals for Small Spaces

Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer, states, “People interested in an elliptical for home use will be pleased to find that ellipticals come in a wide range of sizes and styles, with many different options to suit different needs and budgets.” 

As such, the best ellipticals for small spaces can still provide promising workout potential despite their smaller footprints. Below are a handful of our favorite perks associated with low-impact cardio machines.

• Low-Impact Training: Training atop an elliptical can be less stressful on your joints, as you aren’t placing your knees and hips through harsh impacts that you’d experience in more taxing activities, like running or jogging. (3) “[Ellipticals] provide a way to get the heart rate up without stressing the joints,” adds Capritto.
• Full-Body Workouts: Elliptical workouts can also be a unique way to engage your upper body thanks to the extended handles that can be utilized in training. This can be helpful for athletes looking to maximize their training minutes with a more encompassing approach that targets the total body rather than just your legs.
• Space-Saving Dimensions: Ellipticals designed for small spaces feature a smaller footprint than the best commercial ellipticals, thus helping you maintain the livability of your home without sacrificing an entire room’s worth of space for training needs. Some ellipticals for small spaces even feature foldable frames for added storage convenience, allowing you to tuck your workout equipment away in-between sessions.

How Much Do Ellipticals for Small Spaces Cost?

The price of ellipticals for small spaces can vary from one exercise machine to the next depending on the amount of tech, adjustment settings, and conveniences featured across the profile. On average, though, most ellipticals for small spaces come in at a median price point of roughly $1,250. Read below to compare the price tags of all elliptical trainers featured in this round-up.

What to Consider Before Buying Ellipticals for Small Spaces

As with any piece of home gym equipment — from recumbent bikes to rowing machines, treadmills, and beyond — you’ll want to think through a few factors before purchasing an elliptical for your smaller training space. Naturally, product dimensions can play a major role in your decision, but here are a few extra considerations worth pondering over before adding a high-quality silhouette to your cart.

Product Dimensions

According to Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer, you’ll first want to ensure that your elliptical can actually fit within your home gym. “This is a good place to start, because you’ll be really frustrated if you buy an elliptical that doesn’t fit in your intended space or, if you need to be flexible with your space, isn’t easy to move,” she states. Break out your trusty tape measure and confirm the floor space you have available for your brand-new cardio machine.

Ellipticals for small spaces routinely list the product dimensions, but if you’re skeptical about the size in comparison to your floor plan, we recommend comparing your available space to something more digestible, like a piece of furniture. For example, your standard loveseat sofa takes up 15.31 square feet of space. (2) If you can comfortably house a new loveseat, you can likely accommodate an elliptical designed for small spaces. 

Training Preferences

Ellipticals can be a worthwhile exercise tool for a variety of fitness levels, and studies report that the caloric burn from a 30-minute workout can be on par with other, more intense disciplines, like running at a quick pace or vigorous cycling. (4) However, the low-impact nature of this fitness machine isn’t for everybody, so be sure that your training needs and want can be met with an elliptical before adding one to your home gym setup.

It’s also important to ensure your workout preferences align with an elliptical given that ellipticals (even ones for small spaces) feature fewer storage conveniences like foldable frames. This means that the footprint, while small, is constant, so you’ll need to account for the machine day in and day out as you navigate through your abode. If you’re less enthused to use your elliptical, it can quickly become an obstacle as opposed to a worthwhile training tool.

Available Programming

Another way to maintain the motivation to work out is through engaging programming and training sessions. Many ellipticals for small spaces are compatible with some of the best online workout programs, which can provide libraries of intriguing training modules led by some of the industry’s most trusted instructors and coaches. If you’re less enthusiastic about digital training platforms, it can still be wise to search for an elliptical with a handful of preset programs just in case you want to shake up your regular regimen now and again.

Choosing an elliptical with integrated streaming capabilities is up to you, but we do want to note that digital programming often comes with a required subscription cost. These monthly rates can vary between platforms, so be sure to account for this extra investment when looking at the overall price of your elliptical.

Price 

On average, the best ellipticals for small spaces can cost roughly $1,250. As such, there are still a range of price points across the category, which can be ideal for budget-minded athletes or home gym beginners not looking to sink a ton of coin into a singular piece of equipment. The best elliptical for your small space, though, is one that you can comfortably afford. Crunch the numbers and make sure your finances are in order before adding a unit to your shopping list.

Best Ellipticals for Small Spaces FAQs

References

1. Long, C. (2023, November 8). Elliptical benefits: Advice from an exercise physiologist. Hospital for Special Surgery. https://www.hss.edu/article_elliptical-benefits.asp 
2. Jaramillo, C. (2022, December 29). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/ 
3. Bosch, A. N., Flanagan, K. C., Eken, M. M., Withers, A., Burger, J., & Lamberts, R. P. (2021). Physiological and metabolic responses to exercise on treadmill, elliptical trainer, and Stepper: Practical implications for training. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 31(2), 135–142. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33477112/ 
4. Calories burned in 30 minutes of leisure and routine activities. Harvard Health. (2021, March 8). https://www.health.harvard.edu/diet-and-weight-loss/calories-burned-in-30-minutes-for-people-of-three-different-weights

The post The 6 Best Ellipticals for Small Spaces in 2024, As Chosen by Our Experts appeared first on BarBend.

Choosing the right Sole treadmill can be tough, so our team of certified personal trainers, coaches, and fitness fanatics put several models to the test by firing up sprint, hill, and interval workouts to give you the lowdown on these options. Check out what our experts had to say about the best Sole treadmills.

The 7 Best Sole Treadmills of 2024

• Best Sole Treadmill Overall: Sole F80
• Best Sole Treadmill With Incline: Sole F89
• Best Budget Sole Treadmill: Sole F63
• Best Sole Treadmill for Walking: Sole F65
• Best Sole Treadmill for Heavy People: Sole TT8
• Best Sole Treadmill for Running: Sole F85
• Best Non-Folding Sole Treadmill: Sole ST90

How We Tested and Chose the Best Sole Treadmills

The BarBend team of marathon runners, certified personal trainers, and CrossFit coaches has spent years assembling and running on over 40 of the top treadmills on the market — including models from Sole Fitness. We have hands-on experience with the F63, F80, TT8, and ST90, and combined our overall experience with Sole treadmills with research into the remaining three on our list — F65, F85, and F89 — to bring you our thoughts on their highlights (and lowlights). 

In line with BarBend’s Equipment Testing Methodology, our testers assigned each model ratings of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) across 13 categories, including adjustability, ergonomics, footprint, value, and more. Here are a few of the factors we prioritized when making our list of the best Sole treadmills.

• Price: Our picks range in cost from $1,199.99 to $3,999.99. We emphasized the differences between these models and noted how much each machine earns its price tag. 
• Fitness Goals:Everyone from beginners to marathoners can get the training variety they desire from the Sole’s treadmills on our list. We worked to convey which models are best suited to specific training goals, whether that’s endurance work, brisk walks, or HIIT workouts. 
• Footprint and Portability: Treadmills can take up as much room as a two- or even three-seater sofa, so we included the exact dimensions of each model so you can make sure your new machine will fit where you need it to.

Best Sole Treadmill Overall: Sole F80

Sole F80 Treadmill

Sole F80 Treadmill

The Sole F80 treadmill is full of modern touches. It can withstand long runs, offers an incline range up to 15 percent and speed range up to 12 mph, and has a cushioned deck that makes running 40 percent less impactful on your joints than the outdoors.

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All of Sole’s treadmills reach a maximum incline of 15 percent and a top speed of 12 miles per hour, but not every model features the interactive display and approachable price tag of the F80. Being able to reach 12 miles per hour — equal to a 5-minute-mile pace — can support multiple training modalities, from sprints and intervals to long-form endurance sessions. Whether you follow a free Sole+ workout, mirror your own device, or use one of the built-in apps, the clear 10.1-inch touchscreen is your command center and content vessel.

In 2023, the console of the F80 received an upgrade that included the addition of integrated entertainment apps like Netflix and Spotify. After logging into your existing account, you can stream shows, movies, and music, but our tester, a certified personal trainer, also appreciated another capability. “The previous model didn’t even have a touchscreen, but now you can mirror anything you want from your phone or tablet,” they said. 

Many of the best treadmills with screens lock you into using (and paying for) their native apps, so even though Sole’s treadmills offer integration with their free Sole+ app, this upgrade allows you to view any fitness or streaming app you have on your device on the touchscreen. 

When our tester, a certified personal trainer, rated their workout experience a 4.5 out of 5, they specifically noted its stability. “There was essentially no wobble when I ran on this treadmill,” they said. Sole claims that its Cushion Flex Whisper Deck can reduce impact on the joints by up to 40 percent compared to asphalt. While we can’t verify that number, our tester rated the F80’s ergonomics 4 out of 5 and shouted out its cushioning. “It’s not too plush or soft, yet not hard, either.”

Three of Sole’s pricier models — the TT8, F85, and F89 — feature a -6-percent decline, but our tester still thought the incline range on the F80 offered enough variability for intense training. “I do wish it had even a -3-percent decline,” they said, rating its adjustability 4 out of 5. “However, a 15-percent incline is more than enough for an extra burn.”

Read our full Sole F80 Treadmill Review.

Best Sole Treadmill With Incline: Sole F89

Sole F89 Treadmill

Sole F89 Treadmill

The incline range on the F89 spans from -6-percent to 15-percent, while its huge 21.5-inch touchscreen streams built-in apps and mirrors your device. It also features an above-average weight capacity of 375 pounds.

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Sole’s newest model — the F89 — matches the 15-percent incline on all of their models, but is one of only three to feature a (very deep) 6-percent decline. Both of these marks exceed our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto’s recommendations. “If you’re using your treadmill to train for a race (as opposed to just keeping fit), incline is a necessary feature and decline is nice to have,” she says. “Look for incline capabilities reaching 9 percent or higher. For decline, look for ranges negative 2 to 5 percent.”

Its 4.0 HP motor should be strong enough to power any hill training you want to take on. Plus, our tester, a certified personal trainer, noted that it was also very quiet. “Even when I would adjust across that big incline and decline range, it was still super quiet,” they said. “I obviously felt it raise and lower, but I barely heard it at all.”

Another eye-catching feature of the F89 is its touchscreen. Here, you can log into and stream content from its 12 preloaded apps, like Netflix or Max, as well as mirror your own device. This 21.5-inch touchscreen helped the F89 earn a 4 out of 5 for tech capabilities, but does it justify the treadmill’s $3,299 price tag? After all, that’s several hundred dollars more than even some of the best high-end treadmills we’ve tested.

Outside of the plus-sized touchscreen and $900 price increase, our tester didn’t see a major difference between the F89 and F85. “The F85 also has a -6-percent decline, so honestly, if you’re on a tighter budget, I’d say go with that,” our tester said. “But if you want a truly massive screen, the F89 clearly has the F85 beat.”

Best Budget Sole Treadmill: Sole F63

Sole F63 Treadmill

Sole F63 Treadmill

The Sole F63 is a high-quality, no-frills treadmill. The 3.0 HP motor can support up to 325 pounds, and the foldability is ideal for those tight on space. 

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The majority of treadmills we’ve tested cost between $1,200 to $2,000, which places the Sole F63 — their most budget-friendly model — at the low end of that average range. However, it hangs with the pricier models in the lineup in terms of incline and speed ranges. Its lighter overall weight and foldable deck can also make it easier to fit in your space.

After taking on multiple running and walking workouts on this folding treadmill, certified personal trainer and BarBend editorial member Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, rated its footprint and portability 5 out of 5. “Because it’s only 156 pounds — more lightweight than the average treadmill — it could easily be tucked away,” she said, noting that lifting up the deck was aided by the hydraulics in the folding mechanism.

Even some of the best budget treadmills can cut costs by offering shorter decks with limited joint support, but the F63 features the same Cushion Flex Whisper Deck as more expensive Sole models. Meier rated its ergonomics 4.5 out of 5 and highlighted the belt. “We had testers up to 6-feet tall try it out and the deck was spacious enough for all of them,” she pointed out. “While cheaper machines use a one-ply belt, the F63’s is two-ply — a nice upgrade.”

While that length meets our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto’s recommended 60-inch length for running speeds, Meier said that once she reached those speeds, she felt some wobbling. “I like that it has a 3.0 horsepower motor, but I did feel some shaking while I was running,” she described, rating its overall durability 3 out of 5. “Definitely not a deal-breaker, but it wasn’t exactly smooth.”

On the 6.5-inch LCD display, you’ll find seven preset workouts that can provide structure to your training, but won’t necessarily offer the immersive feel of the upgraded touchscreens of Sole’s higher-end treadmills. The F63 still earned a 4.3 out of 5 for its tech capabilities from Meier, who called out its device holder, USB charging port, and Bluetooth connectivity that lets you stream your own audio.

Read our full Sole F63 Treadmill Review.

Best Sole Treadmill for Walking: Sole F65

Sole F65 Treadmill

Sole F65 Treadmill

The Sole F65 is a high-quality treadmill that's available for a reasonable price. It features a max incline of 15 percent, a top speed of 12 miles per hour, and 10 programmed workouts. This treadmill can also fold to clear the floor in your personal space after use. 

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If you plan on using your treadmill primarily for walking, the 15-percent incline on the Sole F65 can help intensify up your training with steep pitches. BarBend editorial member and certified personal trainer Kate Meier hasn’t had the chance to test the F65, but has spent a lot of time on the F63. She said there are a lot of similarities, but two small upgrades that may make a huge difference.

First, Meier appreciated the extra 2 inches of width in the deck, especially if you do decide to take it for a jog or run. “The F63’s deck is the standard 20 inches wide, but the F65 extends that width by 2 inches,” she said.

[Related: Best Walking Treadmills]

“Having a 22-inch wide belt deck is ideal for users with longer strides,” she added. “It can keep you from having to alter your stride or hitting the side rails as you walk or run.” That extra two inches, along with the 15-percent incline range, earned the F65 a 4.5 out of 5 for adjustability and ergonomics from Meier. 

While the F63’s 3.0 HP motor meets the power output that we recommend for a solid running treadmill, the 3.25 HP motor on the F65 has a bit more bite. Meier said that this bodes well for stability, as well as durability — a 4 out of 5. “The motor on the F65 is stronger, so I’d suspect that the transitions between speed and incline settings would be as smooth — if not smoother — than I felt on the F63.”

A few key conveniences that Meier said can make your walks more enjoyable are the cooling fan and built-in Bluetooth speakers that are standard across Sole’s lineup of treadmills. 

“On the F63, I connected my phone to play my own music and was surprised how clear the sound was,” Meier said, rating its tech capabilities and conveniences 4.3 and 4.5 out of 5, respectively.

Read our full Sole F65 Treadmill Review.

Best Sole Treadmill for Heavy People: Sole TT8

Sole TT8 Treadmill

Sole TT8 Treadmill

This heavy-duty treadmill features a steel framework with a 4.0 HP motor and a weight limit of 400 pounds. The three-inch rollers are ideal for runners, and the combination of incline and decline settings allows for hill work. 

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The steel frame on the Sole TT8 supports users up to 400 pounds — far exceeding the 300-pound industry standard — making it one of the best treadmills for heavy people we’ve tested. “That weight capacity will allow a lot more people to use this treadmill,” our tester — a certified personal trainer — said when they rated its durability a 4 out of 5. 

BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto also notes that when you see a high weight capacity, it can be an indication of its durability. “Treadmills with high weight capacities are naturally more durable than those with low weight capacities,” she says. “This is because they are built with higher-quality, more durable components designed to increase the efficiency of the machine and reduce stress on the motor.”

The robust 4.0 HP motor on the TT8 helped mitigate any shaking or wobbling, even when adjusting its wide -6-percent to 15-percent incline range. “For avid runners or anyone wanting to do a lot of intervals and hill work, the TT8 is ideal for that type of training,” they said. “My run felt incredibly smooth, though, and the machine was sturdy.”

However, compared to high-end models like the NordicTrack X22i, our tester thought the tech capabilities left a little to be desired. “Something like the X22i is a good comp because they are around the same price, but it’s integrated with iFIT’s top-notch programming,” they explained. 

While the TT8 isn’t integrated with any apps, you can still screen your device to its touchscreen, which allows you to view any app on your phone or tablet on the screen. You can also access a handful of entertainment apps, like Netflix and Max. We scored the TT8’s tech a 3 out of 5. 

In terms of overall value, our tester scored the TT8 a 4 out of 5. “I really enjoyed running on this machine, but the cost is really high, especially considering there isn’t much tech involved,” they said.

Read our full Sole TT8 Treadmill Review.

Best Sole Treadmill for Running: Sole F85

Sole F85 Treadmill

Sole F85 Treadmill

With a 4.0 horsepower motor and an all-steel frame, this treadmill brings the quality expected from many commercial gyms into your home. It provides runners plenty of running space and is still foldable.

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The Sole F85 is our pick for the best running treadmill from Sole Fitness due to its roomy and cushioned deck, strong motor, and durable build, all of which support sprint and HIIT workouts. Our tester — a CrossFit Level-1 trainer — has extensive experience on the smaller F63, but based on what they see, the F85 looks like a beast of a running treadmill. They rated its overall value 4 out of 5.

“Its 4.0 HP motor and 400-pound weight capacity are both 33-percent higher than average,” they said. On the best treadmills for running, a powerful motor works to support smoother transitions across a treadmill’s incline and speed ranges. 

Our tester noted that decline capabilities can help mimic outdoor terrain, and also that decline training targets different muscles than incline work. “Having a 6-percent decline can help you strengthen your quads,” they noted, rating its customizations a 4.5 out of 5.

The F85’s running deck is 2 inches wider than the 20-inch standard width, and it features Sole’s Cushion Flex Whisper deck, which can help take some of the impact off your joints. And if you need a bit of structure in your running workouts, there are 10 preset programs loaded on the 15.6-inch touchscreen. 

You can also mirror your own device to follow along with other training apps. It also comes integrated with seven streamers, like YouTube and Netflix, if you’d rather zone out with a show or movie.

All these features start to add up, though, and its overall weight of 294 pounds means it’s probably better off staying in one spot. “It’s got Sole’s hydraulic folding mechanism to raise and lower the deck, but it’s still heavy,” our tester said, rating its portability 3.5 out of 5.

Read our full Sole F85 Treadmill Review.

Best Non-Folding Sole Treadmill: Sole ST90

Sole ST90

Sole ST90

The Sole ST90 stands out with its slat-style belt, solid frame, and 15.6-inch touch screen. It can stream from workout programs or entertainment apps like Netflix and YouTube, as well as stream content from your phone. 

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The hybrid design of Sole’s priciest model — the ST90 — combines the functionality of a traditional motorized treadmill with the slatted belt and user-powered operation of a manual treadmill. “Basically, you can disengage the motor and use it as a manual treadmill just by clicking ‘Free Mode,” they explained. This functionality requires a hefty, super-sturdy frame, so don’t expect the ST90 to fold up when not in use. 

Switching into the manual mode is useful for interval training, as you can speed up and slow down faster than you would on an electric treadmill. Conversely, a motorized experience is ideal for endurance training since you can set your target pace.

In practice, our tester thought that running in Free Mode didn’t live up to the feel of some of the best curved treadmills we’ve tested. “I really liked this feature, but to get the belt moving, I had to raise the incline to gain a little traction,” they said. “It feels closer to a sled push than a typical manual treadmill.” The ST90 earned a 4 out of 5 for adjustability.

Many manual treadmills feature curved decks that allow you to leverage gravity to create the momentum that spins the belt. Raising the incline on the ST90 — which can reach 15-percent in motorized mode and 8-percent in Free Mode — has a similar effect. 

Our tester also noted that in both motorized and Free Mode the belt itself provided plenty of support. “It’s a super cushioned belt deck and it felt like the combination of a traditional deck cushioning with the manual design of something like the AssaultRunner Elite,” they said, scoring it a 4 out of 5 for ergonomics. 

We also like that, unlike many manual treadmills, this model has a 15.6-inch touchscreen with mirroring capabilities and access to streaming apps like Netflix. 

However, the ST90 has a weaker warranty than Sole’s other treadmills. Sole’s other treadmills come with lifetime frame and motor warranties, but the ST90 comes with just five years on the frame and motor. 

When they factored in the price, our tester wasn’t sure that this unique tread is for everyone. “At $4,000, this thing is expensive,” they said. “The warranty also doesn’t match the price, so just make sure it fits your training regimen and budget.”

Read our full Sole ST90 Treadmill Review.

Benefits of the Best Sole Treadmills

Along with the diverse training possibilities made possible by Sole’s lineup of treadmills, BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto highlighted how the convenience of bringing home your own machine could help you stick to your routine. “Home treadmills offer the opportunity to run and walk in the comfort of your own home,” she says. “Having a treadmill at home may encourage a person to exercise more frequently, which is almost always a good thing.”

• Training Capabilities: Every Sole treadmill can reach speeds of at least 12 miles per hour and inclines of 15 percent, with some even offering a decline of -6 percent. This kind of functionality supports all kinds of training, from HIIT, hill, and sprint work to LISS and endurance. 
• Roomy, Cushioned Belt Decks: All Sole treadmills meet the belt deck length that our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto recommends. “A comfortable deck… for running, and especially sprinting, [should be] 20 inches wide by 60 inches long.”
• Warranty: Except for the ST90, all Sole treadmills include lifetime frame and motor warranties, offering the peace of mind that machine will be with you for the long haul. 

How Much Do the Best Sole Treadmills Cost?

Sole cardio machines can support just about any treadmill workout you’d desire, and the diversity of their lineup is reflected in the price range. While every model features 15-percent incline and a top speed of 12 miles per hour, only the pricier options offer decline capability and built-in touchscreens. Take a look at this chart to see where each treadmill lands within the $1,199.99 to $3,999.99 range.

What to Consider Before Buying the Best Sole Treadmills

According to BarBend’s expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, it’s crucial to have an idea of the available features and capabilities of treadmills like those in Sole’s lineup before committing to one. “Any treadmill can suffice for walking and maybe light jogging, but not every treadmill will perform for running, sprinting, and hill training,” she says.

“Treadmills come in motorized and manual options; with and without touchscreen displays; large and compact models; tech-infused and basic designs,” Capritto adds. “Finding a treadmill that’s just right for your needs — your Goldilocks — will require some research and knowledge of treadmill specifications.”

Tech Capabilities  

Five of Sole’s seven treadmills feature a touchscreen that comes preloaded with apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime video. Some of them also offer mirroring capabilities, which means you can stream content from the best fitness apps right on the console. 

Capritto thinks the technology onboard high-end models like these can help make your training more engaging. “These smart treadmills are more expensive, but the immersive component can keep you motivated to exercise. I wouldn’t call it a necessity, but it’s definitely a fun perk.”

Incline and Decline 

While all Sole treadmills feature a 0- to 15-percent incline range, Capritto recommends considering whether you really need to splurge for a model that offers decline. “If you plan to use your treadmill to train for outdoor events such as a marathon or a hike, incline is essential,” she says. Downhill running necessitates shorter, quicker strides to control your pace and keep your balance, while targeting the quadriceps.

Capritto also points out that this function is somewhat rare for treadmills. “Decline functionality is far less common, but is available on higher-end machines, down to negative 3-5 percent.” While the NordicTrack X22i matches the -6-percent decline of Sole’s TT8, F85, and F89 models, its $3,499 price tag eclipses those three by $200 to $1,600. Only a handful of models we have tested feature even a 3-percent decline and they typically come in around $2,000 — the top of the average range of $1,200 to $2,000 we usually see for treadmills. 

Footprint and Portability 

Sole’s treadmills are not known for being compact, but the hydraulic-assisted folding decks on some models can help reduce their footprint when not in use. Capritto also says to grab your tape measure before bringing home one of these treadmills. “Check the overall length, width, and height of the machine in its assembled position and folded position if applicable. And triple-measure your space to make sure it will fit!” she says. 

Best Sole Treadmills FAQs

The post The 7 Best Sole Treadmills of 2024, Expert-Tested, Expert-Approved appeared first on BarBend.

Naturally, a height-friendly rower will feature a longer slide rail to accommodate the longer strokes, but there are other components worth thinking through when looking to add one of these machines to your personal training space. To help you set the pace, our experts have gotten hands-on with a slew of top-performing profiles and consulted with our in-house team of experts to come up with a list of our favorite rowing machines for tall people available today.

The 10 Best Rowing Machines for Tall People of 2024

• Best Rowing Machine for Tall People Overall: Concept2 RowERG
• Best Compact Rowing Machine for Tall People: NordicTrack RW900
• Best Foldable Rowing Machine for Tall People: ProForm Pro R10
• Best Rowing Machine for Tall People with Air Resistance: Bells of Steel Blitz Air Rower
• Most Stylish Rowing Machine for Tall People: Ergatta Rower
• Most Durable Rowing Machine for Tall People: Assault Fitness AssaultRower Elite
• Best Rowing Machine for Tall People for Streaming: Aviron Strong Series Rower
• Best Budget Rowing Machine for Tall People: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515
• Best Rowing Machine for Tall People with Water Resistance: CITYROW Max Rower
• Best Rowing Machine for Tall People for Trainer-Led Workouts: Peloton Row

How We Tested and Chose the Best Rowing Machines for Tall People

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To make our list of the best rowing machines for tall people, we got hands-on with 15 different machines from top brands, using a multi-point methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) to determine our top picks. Below are some of the categories and components we looked at to make our list.

For further information on how we trial and test the products chosen for this guide and more, be sure to check out our BarBend Equipment Testing Methodology.

• Rail Length: The slide rail length can determine how long your strokes are in a given motion, so taller athletes should opt for a lengthier profile more often than not to better accommodate their frames. We compared all rowers included in this guide to the standard rail length of 95 inches — if a rower featured a shorter rail length, we tested our own comfort level to ensure full strokes were achievable.
• Dynamic Programming: Having a rowing machine that’s compatible with live and on-demand training courses can help you stay motivated via engaging instructors and interesting workout modules. We compared workout libraries across the rowing machines included in this round-up, as well as the subscription costs of each available service to ensure the monthly price was worth the investment.
• Storage Features: If you’re looking to add a rower (or any of the best cardio machines for that matter) to your home gym, it can be beneficial to seek out a profile with more convenient storage features, such as a foldable frame or upright storage capabilities. We made sure to note how each rower could be stored while not in use, as well as whether additional hardware was necessary to achieve such setups.
• Weight Capacity: Your rowing machine’s weight capacity can be a good indication of its durability — sturdier frames can support more weight, while lighter weight ratings may imply less stable materials. All of the rowers featured in this guide are rated to support at least 250 pounds, with some even capable of withstanding 500-pound loads or greater.
• Ergonomics: BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto states that while low-impact in nature, rowing can potentially exacerbate pain points like the lower back due to the seated body placement. We looked for rowing machines that could accommodate taller frames while still remaining comfortable enough for routine training needs.

Best Rowing Machine for Tall People Overall: Concept2 RowERG

Concept2 RowErg

Concept2 RowErg

The Concept2 RowErg is one of the most tried and true rowers on the market. The "erg" (as it's commonly known) provides a double-dose of conditioning and muscular endurance, and is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity and a nifty monitor to track meters rowed and calories burned. 

Shop Concept2

For taller athletes, the Concept2 RowERG can be an excellent indoor rowing machine. The slide rail measures 95 inches, giving you plenty of room to achieve a proper stroke. Plus, the RowERG (formerly marketed under the Model D moniker) features a user weight capacity of up to 500 pounds, ensuring athletes that the equipment is sturdy enough for regular use.

I’ve used this RowERG more times than I can count and scored the ergonomics at 4 out of 5. My 6’2” frame fits comfortably across the saddle and footplates, and every drive and catch feels efficient during training.

The RowERG can also be an optimal pick for taller athletes training in tighter quarters. We think it’s one of the best rowing machines for apartments thanks to a collapsible design that splits the footprint in two for easier storage. Combined with the sturdy frame and hefty weight capacity, we rated the overall construction at 4.75 out of 5.

Of course, though, there are some pitfalls with this otherwise impressive rowing machine. Lauren Keary, BarBend editorial team member and former collegiate rower, rated the noise factor at 2 out of 5. “I wouldn’t say it’s loud enough to drown out your headphones, but the air-powered flywheel is definitely loud enough to wake a sleeping household,” she adds.

This Concept2 rower is also more of a utilitarian cardio machine in comparison to others in the category given its bare-bones PM5 monitor. There are a handful of preset workouts and “games” available across the monitor for more engaging training sessions, but Keary notes that they are somewhat outdated in terms of their engagement. If you prefer a more immersive workout experience, we recommend opting for a rower that’s compatible with a streamable fitness app.

Read our full Concept2 RowERG Review.

Best Compact Rowing Machine for Tall People: NordicTrack RW900

NordicTrack RW900 Rower

NordicTrack RW900 Rower

The NordicTrack RW900 is a durable  machine that features a 22” touchscreen display, a quiet belt drive and large pivoting pedals to fit pretty much any shoe size. You’ll also get a free month of iFit classes with your purchase, which you can view on your tilting display as you row virtually across the globe. 

Shop NordicTrack

Yes, rowers designed for taller athletes tend to run on the larger side, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few compact options on the market that can make post-workout storage an easier endeavor. For example, the RW900 from NordicTrack measures in at 82 inches long, which is shorter than your average 3-seater sofa. (1) Despite these metrics, the rower still delivers an interactive training experience across a 22-inch display integrated with one of the best fitness apps we’ve tested — iFIT.

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, rated the RW900’s footprint and portability at 4 out of 5. “The entire profile doesn’t feature storage features like a foldable frame or upright capabilities, but I did enjoy the lightweight makeup of the machine itself,” they stated. “I could easily maneuver this magnetic rower into position for a workout, so as long as you have the space available to house the unit outside of training, it can be a solid pick.”

Like other NordicTrack fitness equipment, the RW900 is compatible with the iFIT platform for live and on-demand training modules. The library features over 16,000 workouts that go well beyond your typical rowing workout, and we like how the 22-inch HD touchscreen swivels and rotates for easier off-rower viewing. As such, we rated the tech capabilities at 5 out of 5.

We also enjoyed the AutoAdjust features that come via iFIT. Instead of pausing your workouts to adjust your instructed intensity, the machine automatically toggles to the direct settings for you in tandem with your trainer-led courses.

In terms of value, the NordicTrack RW900 is somewhat expensive at $1,999. We scored the value at 4 out of 5, though, given that a subscription to iFIT is required to operate this piece of home gym equipment. There are no manual modes to choose from, so you’ll need to subscribe to the $39 monthly service in order to even use this magnetic rower.

Read our full NordicTrack RW900 Rower Review.

Best Foldable Rowing Machine for Tall People: ProForm Pro R10

ProForm Pro R10

ProForm Pro R10

The ProForm Pro R10 has silent magnetic resistance, and it comes with one month of iFit classes for free. It also features a 10-inch touchscreen display, and has 24 levels of resistance. 

Shop ProForm

If you need to make the most of your smaller space when not in the throes of a workout, the ProForm Pro R10 can be a suitable indoor rower. The 86.5-inch length can comfortably accommodate taller athletes, but the footprint can be cut in half post-workout thanks to the convenient SpaceSaver design.

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, scored the footprint and portability at 4 out of 5, stating they appreciated the simplicity of the folding process. “The two handles along the slide rail and foot pedals make the hinging action quick and painless.” they added. “Plus, I like how the Pro R10 clips in during folded storage, so there’s no worry about it unfolding as you go about your day.”

During operations, we also enjoyed the 24 magnetic resistance levels that offered up plenty of challenges while remaining quiet. The fabric belt also kept the noise levels low, gliding effortlessly through our strokes with none of the feedback you’d experience with a heartier chain or cable system.

The ProForm Pro R10 also earned a 4 out of 5 for its tech capabilities thanks to the brand’s compatibility with the iFIT platform of live and on-demand workouts. The screen is somewhat smaller than other iFIT-enabled machines at 10 inches, but we had no issues in terms of picture quality or clarity.

[Related: iFIT Review]

Of course, you’ll need to pay for access to iFIT to the tune of $39 monthly, so be prepared to account for the extra expense when calculating your budget. Our tester also recommends a strong internet connection. “You need a trusty Wi-Fi signal if you don’t want to experience lags mid-workout,” they added.

Lastly, we had no qualms when it came to assembling this Pro R10 rower. The entire process took roughly one hour, and the pieces went together smoothly. However, while the lightweight components were a treat during install, we do wish they created a sturdier frame. We rated the durability at 3 out of 5, as the Pro R10 is only rated for athletes up to 250 pounds.

Best Rowing Machine for Tall People with Air Resistance: Bells of Steel Blitz Air Rower

Bells of Steel Blitz Air Rower

Bells of Steel Blitz Air Rower

The Bells of Steel Air Blitz Rower is one of the more affordable options on the market right now. This one is light and easy to roll around your home gym as needed or store away when you're expecting guests.

Shop Bells of Steel

For taller athletes looking for one of the best air rowing machines, we recommend the Blitz Air Rower from Bells of Steel. Similar in design to the Concept2 RowERG, this rower features a 95-inch length that can be great for taller frames, as well as a lower price point at roughly $850. Naturally, too, this air rower can be excellent for high-intensity training with 10 dampening levels to choose from for more challenging workouts.

Aside from having a lower price point than the RowERG, this Blitz Air Rower stands apart from other rowing machines thanks to its LCD monitor. Admittedly, our tester found the design to be somewhat basic, rating the available programming at 2 out of 5 since there are no preset workout programs available.

However, they noted, “I did enjoy how the monitor displays your dampener level for more informed training. Combine this fun metric with the tracked 500-meter split time, elapsed time, calories, and projected finish, and you can be well-informed throughout your entire session.”

The LCD monitor is also housed on an adjustable arm at the front, which can be excellent for creating an optimal viewing angle. Our tester noted that they routinely strain their neck on other rowers trying to read their stats mid-workout, so this adjustability was a nice perk during trials. Overall, we rated the adjustability at 4 out of 5.

The Bells of Steel Blitz Air Rower features a weight capacity of 320 pounds, which is lower than its Concept2 competition. This profile is also slightly heavier at roughly 91 pounds, but we found the silhouette to still remain plenty maneuverable given the front transport wheels. “The most difficult portion of moving this rower is getting the rail up into the air,” adds our tester. “Once you break the balance point, it moves easily over carpet and hardwood alike.”

As a final note, the Blitz Air Rower is not made to be stored vertically. This means you’ll need to plan accordingly to properly house this otherwise impressive air rowing machine.

Most Stylish Rowing Machine for Tall People: Ergatta Rower

Ergatta Rower

Ergatta Rower

The Ergatta rower is ideal for athletes who want an elevated home workout experience. You can choose from pre-programmed workouts, games, and competitions to make your row more interesting, or you can select an open row to simply push your limits. This machine will adjust as your strength and stamina increase to challenge you even further.

Shop Ergatta

Admittedly, rowing machines can be eyesores at times, especially when juxtaposed with your more luxe furniture and home design. The Ergatta Rower, on the other hand, forgoes the typical black metal design for a cherry wood frame that can add some style to your home gym setup.

Measuring 86 inches long, this water rower offers a comfortable rowing platform for tall and short athletes alike. Plus, we like the Ergatta Rower’s available workout library that brings a gamified experience to your fitness goals. “I feel like I’m back in my old arcade,” said our tester, a certified personal trainer. “I also enjoyed the scenic rowing modules that make you feel like you’re paddling through real-world environments. You can really transport yourself thanks to the water-based resistance, too.”

We did rate the available programming at 3.75 out of 5, though, since there are no trainer-led workouts to choose from across the library. While the gamified training circuits are fun, we understand that some may prefer a more regimented and structured class style.

The Ergatta Rower’s water resistance is also noteworthy, giving your sessions that natural stroke sensation that’s simply not accomplishable with air or magnetic rowing machines. That said, we scored the customizations at 3 out of 5 since the resistance cannot be changed during workouts. The water will also need to be changed routinely in order to prevent algae build-up within the tank itself.

Despite the extra maintenance, we still hold the Ergatta Rower in high regard, especially for athletes looking to spruce up their training space with heightened aesthetics. Even when you’re not using this water rowing machine, you can conveniently store the unit in a corner given its vertical storage capabilities. Just be sure to have enough clearance overhead to properly house the 86-inch frame length.

Read our full Ergatta Rower Review.

Most Durable Rowing Machine for Tall People: Assault Fitness AssaultRower Elite

Assault Fitness AssaultRower Elite

Assault Fitness AssaultRower Elite

The AssaultRower Elite is a beefed-up version of the AssaultRower Pro, featuring a longer frame design and a more robust warranty package that covers the frame, non-wear parts, and labor. This air rower can also be stored vertically for more convenient storage in-between sessions.

Shop Assault Fitness

As with any cardio machine, an expensive price tag can make one hesitant to make the purchase more than once. As such, searching for a high-quality profile can be a must, especially when trying to find a rower that accommodates your taller frame. The AssaultRower Elite from Assault Fitness is designed with a resilient powder-coated steel frame and corrosion-resistant hardware capable of supporting athletes up to 350 pounds.

We also like this durable air rower for its 143-pound overall weight. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, experienced no wobbliness or shaking during workouts, which they credited to the rock-solid profile. We scored the durability at 4.5 out of 5.

In addition to the well-built frame, we also like how Assault Fitness bolsters the deal with a well-rounded warranty package. The coverage includes five-year support for the frame, three-year coverage for non-wear parts, and one-year support for labor. We rated the package at 4 out of 5 as it’s a clear upgrade over the brand’s other rower — the AssaultRower Pro — that only offers warranty coverage for the frame (seven years) and moving parts (three years).

Like the AssaultRower Pro, this Elite profile features front transport wheels for better maneuverability. These are also a treat ,as you can set this rower up virtually anywhere you please since electricity isn’t required for operation. 

Our tester notes, though, “Be sure to have a good grip on the back handle when rolling this unit over carpet. I experienced a few catches that were minor inconveniences pre-training.”

The AssaultRower Elite also shares a similar performance monitor with the brand’s other exercise equipment. You can quickly keep tabs on metrics, including Time, Distance, Speed RPM, Watts, Heart Rate, and Calories. There are also some preset workout programs and intervals to choose from, although our tester stated they were underwhelming when compared to other training libraries out there. In total, we rated the available tech at 4 out of 5.

[Related: SkiErg vs Rower vs Air Bike]

Best Rowing Machine for Tall People for Streaming: Aviron Strong Series Rower

Aviron Strong Rower

Aviron Strong Rower

Sleek, modern and compact design coupled with a diverse workout content library and frequent new releases to get you motivated and keep you consistent for the long term. The Aviron Go Rower is the perfect at-home magnetic rower to invest in. 

Shop Aviron

Every now and again, regardless of your height, a low-thought workout can be enjoyable — just hop in the saddle, load up your favorite TV series or movie, and paddle away. The Aviron Strong Series Rower is our pick for streaming-centric athletes, as this smart rower’s 22-inch HD touchscreen is compatible with popular services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, ESPN, and even Spotify, giving you a plethora of options to zone out as you tone up.

The Strong Series Rower is my at-home rowing machine of choice, and in addition to the entertainment platforms, I also appreciate the array of workout modules. There are gamified programs that transport you into an arcade-like atmosphere with each stroke, as well as trainer-led sessions, racing modules, and scenic rows. 

I scored the programming at 5 out of 5, because all of the available workouts are approachable regardless of your expertise in the discipline.

In terms of the 22-inch display, I rated the component at 4.75 out of 5. I’ve experienced no lags or issues when trying to stream a workout, and navigating the home screen’s functionality is simple and reactive to each touch. Plus, the swiveling and pivoting nature of the display means you can adjust your viewing angle easily for added comfort in the saddle.

Despite its smaller dimensions — we’ve previously counted the Aviron Strong Series among the best compact rowing machines we’ve tested — this dual magnetic and air-powered rower features a sturdy design capable of supporting up to 507 pounds. 

However, I do have to rate the construction at 4 out of 5, as building the unit takes some doing. For example, the plastic shrouds that cover the joint where the flywheel meets the slide rail are tight — I had to pry the opening open to slide the rail into position.

Best Budget Rowing Machine for Tall People: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515

This Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 is perfect for athletes who are shopping on a budget. This one has a magnetic resistance and a small digital monitor to track your stats.

Shop Sunny Health & Fitness

Given their longer dimensions, you can expect to pay a little more for rowing machines for taller athletes. However, there are a handful of profiles on the market that can cater to budget-minded athletes, such as the SF-RW5515 from Sunny Health and Fitness. The roughly $400 price tag is well below the average $1,700 cost, making it one of the most affordable rowers available today.

I’ve used this wallet-friendly rower and can attest to the value baked into the silhouette. I rated this Sunny Health and Fitness offering at 4 out of 5 for the category thanks to its smooth operation during strokes, cushioned ergonomic saddle, and grippy handlebars that showed no signs of slipping or wear after multiple sessions.

This SF-RW5515 rower can also be ideal for taller athletes in small spaces thanks to the foldable slide rail. When folded for storage, this magnetic rowing machine can take up just 5.68 square feet of space, which is less than your typical coffee table. (2) As such, we rated the footprint and storage capabilities at 4 out of 5.

However, this is by no means a high-tech cardio machine. The digital monitor is very basic in its readouts, capable of tracking Time, Stroke Count, Total Stroke Count, and Calories Burned. I scored the available tech at 3.5 out of 5, too, given that there aren’t any preset workouts to choose from for more structured sessions — you’re constantly in manual mode while training.

Finally, I’ll say that the SF-RW5515 sits lower to the ground than other rowing machines I’ve used in the past. While this doesn’t necessarily compromise the performance of the machine, it can make getting into and out of the saddle a bit of a chore. If you have any joint issues or want a more accommodating setup, it may be best to opt for a taller rower.

[Related: Sunny Health and Fitness Exercise Bike Review]

Best Rowing Machine for Tall People with Water Resistance: CITYROW Max Rower

CITYROW Max Rower

CITYROW Max Rower

The CITYROW Max Rower offers a large 19.5-inch HD touchscreen, thousands of live and on-demand workouts, and connectivity with fitness trackers and Bluetooth headphones. 

Shop CITYROW

Looking for a cardiovascular training experience that mimics the sensation of paddling over water? A water rowing machine can be the perfect vessel, with the CITYROW Max Rower serving as our favorite in the category. This stylish, efficient indoor rowing machine uses a front-housed water tank to help each stroke mimic the natural, flowing nature of on-water rowing.

While there are no levels of resistance with this rowing machine style — you’ll need to pull harder if you want to up the ante — we still enjoyed the training opportunities with this impressive home gym addition. “In actuality, the natural motion of the flywheel against water and the sloshing sounds of the tank can be soothing during training,” added our tester who rated the workout experience at 4 out of 5.

The CITYROW Max Rower is also convenient thanks to its vertical storage capabilities. We scored the footprint at 4 out of 5 because of this feature, which can go a long way in helping you make the most of your training area, especially when trying to work out in a more lived-in room of your abode.

In addition to the rowing experience, this water rower pairs seamlessly to the CITYROW app for live and on-demand workouts. The classes are clearly projected across the 19.5-inch HD touchscreen, and we also liked the variety of modules available for different training disciplines, including yoga, HIIT, and others. The display also pivots and tilts, which can be helpful when taking in an off-rower session.

Like other water rowing machines, you’ll need to keep a regimented maintenance schedule to ensure your equipment stays in peak operating condition. The water will need to be changed routinely in order to prevent algae and bacteria from clouding up the tank interior. If you’re desiring the closest thing to paddling a canoe through your favorite waterways, though, we think the maintenance is worth the experience.

Read our full CITYROW Max Rower Review.

Best Rowing Machine for Tall People for Trainer-Led Workouts: Peloton Row

Peloton Row

Peloton Row

The Peloton Row utilizes the brand’s library of trainer-led workouts for an engaging at-home fitness experience. Additionally, this rower can be great for beginner athletes thanks to real-time form feedback notes that can help you make each stroke as efficient as possible.

Shop Peloton

Taller athletes looking to pair their rowing experience with an abundance of trainer-led programs have more options than ever these days. In our opinion, though, the “Peloton Experience” available through the Peloton Row is one of the most engaging platforms available, loaded with a plethora of energetic, experienced instructors that can make every sweat session a challenging yet enjoyable sensation.

In addition to the live and on-demand courses — available through the $44 monthly Peloton All-Access Membership — we liked the Row for trainer-led workouts thanks to its large 23.8-inch HD touchscreen. This wide monitor is one of the largest we’ve found in the category and can provide clear, crisp visuals every time you log in for a cardio workout. The display also pivots and swivels, which can be ideal for off-rower workouts available through the platform.

[Related: Peloton Bike Review]

Another cool feature that led to our 5 out of 5 tech rating for the Row is the real-time form feedback. As you power through your rowing stroke, the Row analyzes your form, providing quick callouts during your streamed workouts to help you achieve a more comfortable, efficient rowing motion. This can be helpful for beginners that may not understand the ins and outs. 

We also scored the footprint at 4 out of 5 for this Peloton rowing machine. The overall length is 94 inches, which is just under the standard 95-inch metric for most rowers. However, we do want to note that there are no present storage features that can help shrink the footprint while not in use. The Peloton Row can be stored vertically, but an additional wall anchor kit is required on top of the expensive $2,995 price tag.

Speaking of its cost, the machine is roughly $1,200 more than the average rowing machine for taller athletes, and that’s not accounting for the required membership. Be sure to analyze your financial standing before signing up.

Benefits of Rowing Machines for Tall People

Rowing machines can be an effective way to train at home, especially for taller athletes that may feel too cramped atop an exercise bike or those looking for a more approachable form of cardio. Below are some of our favorite perks associated with the fitness equipment category.

• Low-Impact Training: Rowing can be a more comfortable workout experience given the low-impact nature of the movement. Unlike running on a treadmill, where you’re constantly putting your joints and body through different stressors in each step, rowing has you seated and moving back and forth along a guide rail, eliminating gravity from the equation and keeping your knees, back, and hips in a more comfortable setup.
• Full-Body Workout: According to BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, rowing can be an exciting, efficient way to train multiple muscle groups in one given session. “I particularly like rowing because it engages the majority of the body’s muscles and can develop power and explosiveness in the glutes and hamstrings in addition to improving cardiovascular endurance,” she says. 
• Engaging Fitness Experience: A number of rowing machines come equipped with access to live and on-demand workouts, which can be helpful in creating a fresh, new training experience each time you hop in the saddle. While access to these platforms can require an additional monthly subscription, having the ability to change up your routine and regimen can help keep spirits high throughout your fitness journey.

How Much Do Rowing Machines for Tall People Cost?

Rowing machines for taller athletes can vary in price depending on their dynamic programming, display size, resistance type, and more. On average, though, we’ve found that most worthwhile silhouettes will cost roughly $1,700. Read below to compare the price points of every rowing machine featured in this round-up.

What to Consider When Choosing a Rowing Machine for Tall People

Like any piece of home gym equipment, buying a rowing machine (regardless of your height) is a multilayered process. BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto notes that there are a slew of components worth thinking through beyond the product dimensions alone. Here are some of the factors we recommend pondering over before ultimately deciding on a rower for your space.

Product Dimensions

Your rowing machine’s dimensions should accommodate your personal height, but a large machine can be rendered useless if you cannot house it within your training space. The standard rowing machine length is 95 inches, which can be an excellent starting point for your search. However, you can be fine with a shorter rail length — we’ve included a handful of rowers measuring between 82 and 86.5 inches in this guide.

If you need a lengthier rower but don’t have the available space to constantly house the machine itself, it can be wise to look for a profile with some form of storage convenience. Common setups that allow for easier storing include vertical or upright capabilities, as well as foldable slide rails.

Available Programming 

While every training preference is different, having a rowing machine that’s compatible with an online workout library can be helpful when looking to maintain a sense of intrigue across your training schedule. Additionally, these platforms can oftentimes include fitness classes for off-rower training, too, giving you a sense of variety beyond your daily strokes.

[Related: Best Online Workout Programs]

When looking for a rower to match your needs, be sure to read up on the available programming to ensure the modules are aligned with your goals. Be mindful, though, that access to these services can require an additional subscription charge which will need to be factored into your budget.

Resistance Type

When it comes to rowing machines, there are three main resistance types to choose from. Water rowing machines can provide a natural stroke feel that is reminiscent of on-water rowing. However, the intensity of your resistance cannot be adjusted, and the water housed in the tank will need to be changed routinely to prevent any algae or bacteria build-up.

Air rowers, according to Lauren Keary, BarBend editorial team member and former collegiate rower, “are sturdy and provide adjustable resistance that can emulate the resistance you’d feel on the water. They’re a bit noisy, but when it comes to a reliable and affordable machine, an air rower is the way to go.”

Finally, magnetic resistance rowing machines can offer smooth, quiet operations as well as differing levels of in-training intensity. However, the added tech can increase the price of the machine itself.

There is no right or wrong answer between the three rower styles, so look for a silhouette that interests you most. All are plenty capable of delivering a worthwhile workout experience.

Price

On average, you can expect to pay roughly $1,700 for a suitable rowing machine for tall athletes, with a number of profiles coming below and above this median price tag. Of course, though, every budget is different, so it’s best to look for a rowing silhouette that fits your finances best.

Best Rowing Machines for Tall People FAQs

References

1. Jaramillo, C. (2022, December 29). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/
2. The Ultimate Guide to end table & coffee table sizes. Wayfair. (n.d.). https://www.wayfair.com/sca/ideas-and-advice/guides/the-ultimate-guide-to-end-table-coffee-table-sizes-T12889 

The post The 10 Best Rowing Machines for Tall People of 2024, As Chosen by Our Experts appeared first on BarBend.

But the best part? These rowing apps make rowing exciting. You can challenge your friends, join in on contests, and meet other rowers from around the globe. It’s like being part of a big team, working towards your fitness goals. So whether you’re a beginner or a pro looking to up your rowing workout game, BarBend has found the best rowing apps to enhance your rowing journey and make it fun and rewarding. 

[Related: Best Personal Training Apps]

9 Best Rowing Apps in 2024 

• Best Rowing App Overall: iFIT
• Best Rowing App for Scenic Rowing: Hydrow
• Best Rowing App for Beginners: Ergatta 
• Best Rowing App with Concept2 Rower: ErgData
• Best Rowing App for Live Classes: Echelon Fit
• Best Rowing App with On-Demand Classes: Peloton
• Best Rowing App for Water Rowers: CITYROW App
• Best Rowing App for Advanced Training: Asensei Rowing
• Best Rowing Apps for Detailed Metrics: EXR Game

How We Chose the Best Rowing Apps

The BarBend team consists of gym lovers and fitness experts, including certified personal trainers, who thoroughly tested over 55 individual training apps to discover the top choices for indoor rowing machines. Our equipment testing methodology includes factors such as how easy they were to use, pricing, user experience, and workout variety. Each app was rated on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the best. From this process, we compiled a list of the best rowing apps. 

• Price: In our review of the best rowing apps, we’ve covered a range of options, from free to $50 a month. The pricier ones offer personal trainers or coaches for tailored programs, while the budget-friendly ones still provide value with plenty of workouts and basic customization.
• Long-term Success: We prioritized rowing apps built for a long-term commitment, offering tools like personal coaching and community support. Remember, significant changes require dedication beyond quick results, so focus on developing lasting habits. Choose apps that align with your long-term fitness goals for sustainable progress.
• Workout Variety: We evaluated these personal training apps based on their diverse workout offerings, encompassing programming types, difficulty levels, session lengths, workout styles, and suitability for various fitness objectives.
• Connectivity: Without good connectivity, you won’t be able to even reach the App Store, let alone any other apps. So, we found a few rowing apps that can connect to both iPhones and Androids, ensuring you can access them regardless of your device.
• User Experience: The best rowing apps are easy to use and understand. You can figure it out without needing a guide. Its simplicity makes it enjoyable to use, which is why it ranks highly. Plus, it looks good, works smoothly, and doesn’t get stuck mid-row.

Best Rowing App Overall: iFIT

$25 Off

IFIT Class Subscription

IFIT Class Subscription

The iFit app features a library of over 16,000 live and on-demand classes that range from mental health and recovery to rowing, running, HIIT and strength classes. You can get the full studio experience virtually through iFit, and is a great boost to any home gym set-up — with or without equipment.

Shop IFIT

Finding the best rowing app means it should guide, engage, and connect easily. Our top choice, iFIT, scored a solid 4.2 overall, impressing our team with its fresh fitness approach. 

Setting up iFIT is a breeze, earning a perfect 5 out of 5. “Downloading the app was quick, and I signed in within minutes,” shared our tester. iFIT works with various machines like NordicTrack and ProForm, though your experience might differ based on your device.

Once you’re all set, iFIT offers many classes to explore. Our tester found it a bit overwhelming, but they appreciated the variety. Whether it’s a scenic row or a journey through Glacier National Park, there’s something for everyone. If scenic workouts aren’t your thing, iFIT also offers studio row classes for that gym-like atmosphere, with instructors cheering you on. With an instruction score of 4.5, their guidance is clear and motivating.

[Related: Best Workout Apps for Women]

Can you monitor your heart rate while rowing? Strap on the ActivePulse arm strap for accurate tracking. Even though it’s an extra step, it still scored 4 out of 5 from our team, keeping you in control of your workout. Plus, the machine logs important metrics like distance, time, rowing strokes, and more.

Looking to switch things up? iFIT’s extensive workout library has you covered. Whether it’s high-intensity interval training, outdoor runs, or strength exercises, there’s plenty to keep your fitness journey exciting and engaging.

Unfortunately, iFIT’s automatic adjustment feature is only applicable to machines compatible with its system. This means that if you happen to own a rower that isn’t iFIT-compatible, you won’t be able to benefit from this functionality. In such cases, users may miss the convenience of automatic adjustments during workouts.

Read our full iFIT Review.

Best Rowing App for Scenic Rowing: Hydrow

Hydrow App

Hydrow App

The Hydro App is the perfect companion for those investing in the best rowing apps. With various programs to meet all levels of expertise, it's a game-changer. 

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Imagine rowing at breathtaking landscapes, gliding along tranquil waters, or amidst awe-inspiring scenery, taking your workout to new heights. Doesn’t that sound incredible? Our team certainly thought so, so we gave the Hydrow app a stellar score of 4.25 out of 5, deeming it the best app for rowing with stunning views.

As you mull over whether to subscribe to the app, it’s essential to consider your options. With a monthly subscription, you get a complimentary 30-day trial to test its features and offerings.

Now, the big decision: will you opt for the comprehensive $44 package or the more budget-friendly $19.99 basic access? The latter grants you access to both live and on-demand content, while the former provides the added benefit of progress tracking and unlocks a vast library of over 4,000 workouts led by expert instructors in picturesque locations like Miami, London, and Scotland.

Our in-house tester, Jake Herod, says, “With this membership, you can join classes led by instructors and athletes, including those from the esteemed U.S. National Rowing team. You’ll feel like you’re rowing alongside them as they navigate real rowing routes.“

Lauren Keary, senior editor at BarBend further emphasizes, “In addition to rowing, the app offers a variety of other workouts including yoga, strength training, and Pilates. Rowing is beneficial for everyone, especially those seeking low-impact exercise, athletes looking to diversify their training, and individuals aiming for a comprehensive full-body workout.” 

[Related: Best Water Rowing Machines] 

While there may be limited reviews of the app, and some users have reported occasional slowdowns, it’s a factor worth considering. Nevertheless, with Hydrow, your workout transforms into an exhilarating adventure without ever needing to leave the comfort of your home.

Best Rowing App for Beginners: Ergatta

Ergatta App

Ergatta App

The Ergatta App is a membership-only way to access additional on-demand classes, instructor training, and more from the comfort of your own home. 

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New to rowing and want a chill workout? Ergatta’s your go-to, with our team giving it a thumbs-up. And its easy-to-use app makes it the best rowing app for beginners.

Starting with Ergatta is simple – just download the app on your iOS or Android device. The membership costs $29 a month, with discounted rates available for longer commitments, covering all household members.

[Related: Best Magnetic Rowing Machines]

“Ergatta’s game-based fitness platform offers diverse workouts, programs, competitions, and challenges to maintain motivation,” says our tester. The app’s intuitive navigation, including features like intervals, competitions, and open rows, makes it beginner-friendly.

Additionally, you can sync your Ergatta account with Strava for seamless workout tracking. While it lacks virtual coaches or group fitness classes, Ergatta’s straightforward design is tailored for beginners.

Our tester was so impressed that they might add  Ergatta Lite to their home gym. “I’m considering Ergatta Lite for my own home gym. I believe my kids would enjoy it, particularly with the engaging game-based workouts,” they added. This showcases Ergatta’s versatility and suitability for beginners tackling their fitness journey.

Best Rowing App for Concept2 Rower: ErgData

ErgData

ErgData

The ErgData by Concept2 is a great addition to anyone looking to take their rowing indoors. 

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ErgData is a free Concept2 Rower app compatible with iPhones and Androids. It seamlessly syncs with your Concept2 Performance Monitor, enhancing your rowing experience and fostering a sense of connection. Rated 4 out of 5 by our team, ErgData stands out as our best rowing app for Concept2.

One standout feature is the Real Time Loop, which allows you to virtually row alongside others whenever you wish, creating a more interactive and engaging workout environment. Also, this free app lets you continue racing alongside others when skiing or riding.

However, there’s more to ErgData than just social rowing. It also simplifies adjusting your workouts. Whether you enjoy interval training or have a fixed routine, making adjustments is as simple as tapping your phone screen. Moreover, ErgData integrates with the Concept2 Online Logbook, enabling you to participate in challenges and share your progress on platforms like Strava and Garmin Connect.

Our team appreciates how ErgData empowers you to customize your rowing adventure. It’s compatible not only with Concept2 RowErgs but also with SkiErg and BikeErg, catering to all your indoor training needs. Even if you have an older PM3 or PM4 monitor, you can still enjoy ErgData’s features by upgrading to a PM5.

With various display options, you can tailor the app to your preferences: pace graphs or simple interval tables.  This flexibility makes it easy for beginners looking to elevate their fitness journey. 

Best Rowing App with Live Classes: Echelon Fit

Echelon Fit

Echelon Fit

The Echelon App seamlessly integrates with popular health and fitness platforms, keeping all your workout metrics at your fingertips. Great for all levels from beginner to expert, it's compatible with your current Echelon equipment or other third-party items. 

Shop Echelon

If you can’t make it to a live class, don’t worry. The Echelon Fit app has you covered. Rated 3.9 out of 5 by our team, it’s ideal for iOS or Android users keen on rowing, with over 40 live classes available year-round. With plenty of options, it’s a great fit for anyone looking to diversify their workouts with live classes.

The Echelon app offers plenty of variety with over 30 instructors, each with their own unique style. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rower, you’ll find a class that suits your preferences. Envision yourself rowing through stunning landscapes or dancing to lively playlists – it’s like escaping to a different realm altogether.

Even better, this app isn’t just about exercising – you’re grooving to the latest hits. We partner with top music labels to create the perfect playlist for your workouts. Whether you’re into indie vibes, country beats, or nostalgic tunes like Nelly’s ‘Hot in Here,’ Echelon’s live classes have something for you.

When it comes to class size, it changes from session to session. Some classes might have 20 people, while others could have over a hundred. However, most reviewers observed an average of about 50 participants, which is noticeably smaller than Peloton’s usual larger groups.

This smaller size means more opportunities for personalized attention from the instructor. One reviewer even mentioned an instructor enthusiastically noticing, “We have Coco in the house!” Who wouldn’t feel energized with that kind of enthusiasm? 

While some reviewers mention occasional lagging issues with this app, it’s common. However, it’s important to weigh this against the fact that the Echelon Fit app works seamlessly with Echelon rowers, in addition to Echelon bikes, treadmills, rowers, and fitness mirrors.

Best Rowing App with On-Demand Classes: Peloton

Peloton App

Peloton App

No need to have Peloton equipment when you can have access to the app with a subscription. Take classes from popular coaches to help you get your run done and dusted.

Shop Peloton

Can’t swing Peloton’s expensive rowing machine? Don’t sweat it. They offer a more budget-friendly solution with their rowing app. It’s not just about saving money—it’s the best rowing app for on-demand classes, giving you awesome workouts without breaking the bank.

Here’s the deal: For $12.99 a month, you can access workouts like strength training, yoga, outdoor running, and gym sessions. But if you want to step it up with bike, treadmill, and rowing workouts, go for the $24/month plan. And, you can try it free for two weeks before committing. Plus, they offer annual plans and discounts for teachers, veterans, and more.

Already have a Peloton Bike or Tread? Lucky you, because your membership already includes access to the app. But if you’re starting fresh and keen on those rowing workouts, go for the $24/month membership.

The cool part? If you have a rowing machine at home, just sign up for the Peloton App membership. It connects smoothly with third-party rowers using Bluetooth from your phone or device, giving you access to various classes.

Whether you’re new to rowing or a pro, Peloton’s got you covered. Start with beginner classes to learn the ropes, or challenge yourself with advanced options to up your game. They even have themed classes for holidays or music lovers.

And, for a more personalized workout, you can set your own pace or enjoy scenic routes that make every workout feel like an adventure. It’s worth noting that some users mentioned these workouts occupy a considerable amount of storage on their smartphones and devices, which may not be ideal for their data plans.

[Related: Best Peloton Alternatives] 

Not sure about the instructors? Give them all a try. “If you’re worried about the instructors talking too much, don’t be. Some chat more than others, but it’s usually with stories or words of encouragement,” says our tester. They recommend trying out each instructor to find your perfect match. With reviews like that, it’s tough to argue that this isn’t the best on-demand rowing app out there.

Best Rowing App for Water Rower: CITYROW App

CITYROW App

CITYROW App

The CITYRow offers a variety of classes, tutorials, and instructors to achieve your fitness rowing goals, while using one of the best rowing apps. 

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Water rowers aren’t just for exercise—they’re also stylish home additions. And, when you team one up with the CITYROW app, which we believe is the best rowing app for water rowers, your workout routine gets a serious upgrade. 

Inspired by the famous CITYROW studio in New York City, this app brings that top-notch workout to your living room. Our team gave it a solid 4.1 out of 5 because it works like a charm with CITYROW rowers.

With the WaterRower Bluetooth Commodule, hooking up your WaterRower PM4 performance monitor to the app is a piece of cake. This means you get real-time stats to keep you pumped up as you row.

You can track how far you’ve rowed, your speed, your personal bests, and even earn cool badges. If you’re sporting an Apple Watch, you can keep tabs on your heart rate. And with live tracking, you’ll always know where you stand and how much progress you’ve made—keeping you motivated every stroke.

For those dead set on crushing their fitness goals, the CITYROW app is your ultimate sidekick. It lets you row at whatever pace suits you best and tweak your workout to your liking—all while keeping an eye on your progress.

One of our testers loved how versatile it is, saying, “You can mix things up with endurance sessions, speed drills, HIIT workouts, or even combo classes that throw in some strength training, yoga, Pilates, or core exercises.” Bottom line? This water rower has your water rower fitness needs covered, every time. 

Best Rowing App for Advanced Training: Asensei Rowing

Asensei Rowing

Asensei Rowing

The Asensei rowing app is claimed to be one of the best rowing coaching app connecting you with some of the best rowing coaches available. The pay-monthly basis subscription is recommended for those expert rowers looking to elevate their skillset. 

Shop Asensei Rowing

Asensei is the go-to app for advanced rowers seeking to refine their skills and enhance their fitness. Its specialized tools are designed to cater to experienced rowers, aiding them in perfecting technique and reaching their fitness objectives. With an impressive rating of 4.4, it’s hailed by our team as the best rowing app for advanced training.

Central to Asensei’s success is its team of instructors, which includes Olympic medalists like Eric Murray. Their expertise isn’t just a title; it’s a game-changer for users. Guided by these experienced professionals, users learn techniques, personalized training plans, and the motivation to overcome obstacles. Drawing from their careers, these instructors offer insights and strategies, elevating Asensei’s reputation for top-tier coaching.

Beyond coaching, Asensei excels in working with Bluetooth-enabled rowing machines such as Concept2, WaterRower, and FluidRower. This feature tracks workout metrics directly from the app, providing feedback and insights to monitor progress and adjust training as needed. It breaks down rowing of all skill levels, stressing Asensei’s commitment to effective workouts.

[Related: Best Rowing Machines] 

Furthermore, Asensei doesn’t stop at tracking progress; it offers an in-depth analysis of rowing techniques and delivers constructive feedback to enhance proficiency. This personalized coaching approach ensures users receive tailored guidance, fostering continuous improvement. Additionally, Asensei provides, enabling users to follow structured workouts aligned with their goals and abilities.

However, it’s worth noting that Asensei is currently exclusive to the iOS app store, leaving Android users unable to access its advanced training features. This limitation may disappoint users without iOS devices and eager to use  Asensei.

Best Rowing Apps for Detailed Metrics: EXR Game

EXR Game

EXR Game

The EXR Game app is a great app for those looking for something that's offered worldwide. Excellent for ramping up your rowing fitness goals, it caters to all levels of expertises. 

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Could this be the best of the best? Very likely. The EXR is a standout in the realm of rowing apps. Of all the rowing apps on our list, this is the best for those seeking detailed metrics during their workouts. 

Branded as an “innovative exergame” by its creators, EXR offers a captivating 3D interactive experience unlike any other. Everything you need is right at your fingertips: connect your rowing machine and heart rate monitor, and explore three main training modes with over 100 workouts. Receive real-time feedback to track your progress while seamlessly syncing your data with third-party apps like Strava.

One standout feature is the real-time feedback feature. As you row, you can monitor your performance instantly. Plus, with the smooth integration of popular apps like Strava, you’ll have thorough tracking, so you stay on top of your progress like never before. But EXR doesn’t stop at tracking numbers — it makes exercising into a game.  

As you row, watch your avatar progress through unlockable items and boats, delivering rewards for your hard work and dedication. With each stroke, you’re not just exercising, you’re getting closer to your objectives.

While some users have mentioned concerns about the $9.99 monthly price point being expensive for what they perceive as just a regular virtual game, and others have experienced occasional lag in the app, these factors haven’t been major issues for the majority of users who have found EXR to be a game-changer in their fitness routines.

Benefits of the Best Rowing App

Our top picks all have one similar purpose: to help people meet their fitness goals. While some rowing apps are not as expansive, others check all of your boxes for cardio or strength training (or both). Regardless of your decision, you’ll notice when using your rower you suddenly have an extra boost of confidence, a healthier lifestyle, and a sense of community. 

• Confidence Booster: We all benefit from occasional boosts in confidence, and with a supportive community behind you, you’ll feel empowered in your actions (both physically and symbolically). This increased confidence will enable you to navigate both successes and failures simultaneously.
• Lifestyle Change: Beginning a new exercise plan or habit can be tough at first, but once you understand it, you’ll start to feel better suddenly. There’s a sense of needing to be responsible that makes you suddenly want to make time in your day to fit in a workout. Gradually, you’ll begin to notice positive changes in your lifestyle.
• Sense of Community: Certainly, there will be days when you lack the motivation to begin or finish your workout. These apps effectively merge two powerful motivators: accountability and a sense of community. Discovering a supportive community of fellow rowers who share your goals can significantly enhance your journey towards achieving fitness milestones.

How Much Do the Best Rowing Apps Cost?

A rowing app subscription starts with ErgData’s free version and goes up to EXR’s $83.99/yearly plan.  Typically, the more money you spend, the more options and access you’ll have for workouts

What to Consider Before Buying a Rowing App

Navigating the dozens of rowing apps available can be challenging to identify the best one. To assist you in selecting the most suitable app, here are some key factors to consider before investing in one.

• Metrics: Not everyone prioritizes metrics, but certain ones are essential: total time elapsed, 500-meter split times, and stroke rate (strokes per minute). For advanced training, additional metrics like heart rate, projected finish, and watts for power output measurement prove invaluable. 
• Connectivity: An application capable of syncing with platforms like Apple Health, Strava, Garmin Connect, or Training Peaks can provide a comprehensive overview of your fitness and wellness journey. While not obligatory, it adds a valuable dimension to your experience.
• Workout Classes: Adding variety to your workouts is key for progress and motivation. iFIT stands out as a top pick due to its diverse offerings, including rowing sessions alongside strength and core workouts. With this app, you can ensure a well-rounded fitness regimen that keeps you engaged and continually improving. 

Best Rowing Apps FAQS 

The post 9 Best Rowing Apps in 2024 for Your Home Gym appeared first on BarBend.

Our team of gym owners and certified fitness professionals has years of experience assembling and maintaining treadmills, ellipticals, rowers, and more. Whether you are the attentive parent of your first treadmill or a seasoned manager of multiple machines, we think these options are your best bet to keep your treadmill in tip-top shape. Keep scrolling to check out our picks for the best treadmill lubricants.

The 6 Best Treadmill Lubricants of 2024

• Best Treadmill Lubricant Overall: Horizon Fitness 3-Pack Silicone Treadmill Lubricant
• Best Treadmill Lubricant with Maintenance Kit: NordicTrack Treadmill Maintenance Kit
• Best Treadmill Lubricant With Applicator Tube: Noosa Life Treadmill Belt Lubricant
• Best Squeeze Bottle Treadmill Lubricant: Impresa Products Treadmill Belt Lubricant
• Best Treadmill Lubricant Aerosol Spray: DuPont Teflon Multi-Use Aerosol Treadmill Lubricant
• Best 100% Silicone Treadmill Lubricant: Essential Values Silicone Treadmill Belt Lubricant

How We Tested and Chose the Best Treadmill Lubricants

The BarBend team of gym owners, certified personal trainers, and marathon runners has been assembling and maintaining treadmills for years. In addition to following BarBend’s Equipment Testing Methodology, we leaned on our personal experience and research to make sure the treadmill lubricants on our list are safe and effective for your machine. 

We also asked BarBend expert reviewer and gym owner Kate Meier to provide insight from her decades of experience as a fitness professional. Below are some of the factors we looked for when choosing the best treadmill lubricants.

• Lubricant Type: Always check the manufacturer’s instructions first, but we recommend using a pure silicone-based lubricant to protect your treadmill’s parts from damage. Nontoxic silicone lubricants tend to be safe for the vast majority of treadmills, including models from NordicTrack, ProForm, Sole, Horizon, and more.
• Application Method: From squeeze bottles and applicator tubes to aerosol sprays, the options we picked have a variety of application methods to suit your needs.
• Value: Because you’ll only need to lubricate your treadmill every few months, there’s no sense in overspending. These lubricants offer the best bang for your buck.

Best Treadmill Lubricant Overall: Horizon Fitness 3-Pack Silicone Treadmill Lubricant

Horizon Fitness 3-Pack Silicone Treadmill Lubricant

Horizon Fitness 3-Pack Silicone Treadmill Lubricant

This 100-percent silicone lubricant can help prolong the life of your elliptical without needing to re-up anytime soon. Customers report that it effectively reduces noise during use. Because it is thicker than other lubricants, a small drop can effectively lubricate your machine.

Shop Horizon

Grab your calculators, students. Each bottle in the Horizon Fitness 3-Pack contains a little more than one and a half ounces, but you’ll just be squeezing a small spot on with each use. Since you’ll be lubricating your treadmill every three months or so, each three-pack contains enough for (calculating…calculating…) nine applications — or 27 months. That’s more than two years’ worth of lubricant for $24. 

This 100-percent silicone formula helps keep your belt and rollers spinning smoothly and can help cut down on the squeaks and squeals of a neglected treadmill. Its thick consistency makes for easy application, too, as it will exit the bottle more slowly. 

However, some customers reported that its viscosity may be a little too thick, noting in Amazon reviews that they had trouble getting it out. This could be an issue if your treadmill is in a crowded space. Straining just to squeeze the lubricant out of the bottle may be more difficult if you’re already contorting your body to reach under the belt.

This silicone formula is also safe to use on the best cardio machines that aren’t treadmills — like ellipticals and exercise bikes. For $4.70 per ounce, it’s pricier than some other options, but having three bottles on hand will be useful for gym owners or those with well-stocked home gyms.

Best Treadmill Lubricant with Maintenance Kit: NordicTrack Treadmill Maintenance Kit

NordicTrack Treadmill Maintenance Kit

NordicTrack Treadmill Maintenance Kit

This all-in-one maintenance kit contains lubricant packets, a replacement safety key, cleaning spray, and towel. It's lubricant formula is 100-percent silicone.

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If your search for treadmill lubricant has you thinking broadly about how to clean treadmills, the NordicTrack Treadmill Maintenance Kit is a one-stop shop. In addition to the lubricant and applicator tube, you’ll get an 8-ounce bottle of cleaning spray, a cleaning guide, and a towel to help prevent any buildup of dust and debris.

While NordicTrack markets this kit for its own treadmills, the treadmill lube itself matches the 100-percent silicone formula we recommend for most machines. One customer reported that, after keeping their treadmill in storage for a year, this lubricant prevented it from stalling. “After about 10 to 15 minutes, it would stall. I was told to get lube for the belt. Got this stuff and applied it, now I can run the treadmill’s full workout programs with no stalls,” they wrote in an Amazon review. 

The applicator tube spans the width of most treadmill belts, but some customers noted its flimsiness. “The applicator was a little weak. I thought it was going to break a few times but it held up,” said one customer. Another user wasn’t so fortunate, writing, “The applicator strips broke into three pieces on the first slide of the first use.”

We think this kit is suited for new treadmill owners who need to stock up on basic maintenance supplies, like cleaning spray or a replacement safety key. If you only need the lubricant, $39 is too high. But to round out your treadmill care tools, the NordicTrack Treadmill Maintenance Kit is a good option.

[Related: How To Clean Treadmill Belts]

Best Treadmill Lubricant With Applicator Tube: Noosa Life Treadmill Belt Lubricant

Noosa Life Treadmill Belt Lubricant

Noosa Life Treadmill Belt Lubricant

The applicator tube assists in applying this 100-percent silicone lubricant to hard-to-reach areas. Its formula is odorless and nontoxic and can reduce noise, while prolonging the life of your fitness equipment.

Shop Noosa Life

Whether your floor space is being overtaken by fitness gear or Bluey toys, the applicator tube on the Noosa Life Treadmill Belt Lubricant can save you some of the contorting required to reach under the tread belt.. Since most treadmill belts are around 20 inches wide, the extra 10 inches the tube adds to your reach might be the answer for spaces crowded with the best home gym equipment. 

Customers not only loved the lubricant, which is odorless and nontoxic, but they also reported that the tube can make all the difference. “This lubricant worked much better than what was supplied with my treadmill. The long tube made it easy to apply,” one five-star Amazon review reads. “That it is American-made is a plus for me. The treadmill runs very smoothly and is quieter. Quality is definitely good. Good service on delivery from Amazon.”

While the quality of the tube itself is reportedly solid, the connection point between the tube and the bottle presented issues for some users. “The overall design in theory is great and simple,” one customer wrote. “Except the screw cap with the applicator leaks when I use it. I put it on as tight as I can, and it’s still not watertight.”

While the tube seems to be higher quality than some other options we’ve seen, one customer had difficulty pinpointing where the lubricant was going. “The flexible tube was a bit difficult to keep straight and to tell exactly where the lubricant was going,” they said. “I put on a headlamp and the extra light helped me see what was going on.”

Best Squeeze Bottle Treadmill Lubricant: Impresa Products Treadmill Belt Lubricant

Impresa Treadmill Belt Lubricant

Impresa Treadmill Belt Lubricant

The EZ-Squeeze bottle and precision twist top allow for simple application. Its 100-percent silicone is both odorless and nontoxic, and one four-ounce bottle can last for a long time.

Shop Impresa

If using an applicator tube seems unnecessary or awkward, the EZ-Squeeze bottle and precision twist top of the Impresa Treadmill Lubricant may be your answer. The silicone formula is odorless and nontoxic, and customers praise the design of the bottle. “I was very impressed with the bottle,” reads one Amazon review. “It was a lot easier to squeeze out than one I had purchased from someone else. I will definitely purchase this again.”

The thick consistency earned high marks from many customers who reported that it will boost its longevity. “I highly recommend this for anyone with exercise equipment since it’s affordable and long-lasting,” said another customer. “I think this is a must have.” For $9.99, you’ll receive one 4-ounce bottle, which should be enough for about eight applications.

Other customers did report some leaking, including one three-star review that said, “I would have given 5 stars if it came with a longer applicator. They tell you the product will leak and it does — not terribly, but annoying.”

This silicone formula can also be applied to many of the best exercise bikes and ellipticals. If you maintain multiple treadmills or other cardio machines, the Impresa Treadmill Belt Lubricant is also available in a two-pack. Opting for two 4-ounce bottles should be enough for about 16 treadmill belt applications.

Best Treadmill Lubricant Aerosol Spray: DuPont Teflon Multi-Use Lubricant Aerosol Spray

DuPont Teflon Multi-Use Aerosol Treadmill Lubricant

DuPont Teflon Multi-Use Aerosol Treadmill Lubricant

This aerosol spray comes with straw nozzle for easy application. Its water-resistant formula protects against rust and can be used in other settings.

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If you prefer using an aerosol spray over treadmill oil or gel, DuPont’s Teflon Multi-Use Aerosol Treadmill Lubricant may help with the application process. The straw nozzle assists in targeting the spray in the precise location where it’s needed under the walking belt. 

Its water-resistant formula contains corrosion-resistant additives, as well as Teflon, which may cause damage to certain treadmills. As such, take the time to double-check your user manual to see if this could damage your machine. 

One customer did exactly that when they applied it to their NordicTrack treadmill. “After much research, this was purchased for an older NordicTrack treadmill,” they wrote. “Do your research on your treadmill brand, as some suggest silicone and others a non-silicone lubricant (i.e. Teflon). Comes with a small red straw to help direct the spray in smaller areas. Worked well to help reduce treadmill belt friction.”

Some users noted that after application, they noticed a lingering unpleasant smell. “The only thing I don’t like about it is the smell,” one customer said. “[It] resembles shoe polish, but is stronger and lingers for a long time.” 

Best 100% Silicone Treadmill Lubricant: Essential Values Silicone Treadmill Belt Lubricant

Essential Values Silicone Treadmill Belt Lubricant

Essential Values Silicone Treadmill Belt Lubricant

It's 100-percent silicone formula is safe for most treadmills and is inherently odorless and nontoxic. This lubricant comes with a money-back guarantee.

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The 100-percent silicone formula of the Essential Values Silicone Treadmill Belt Lubricant is made in the U.S. and inherently nontoxic and odorless. While Essential Values recommends using an entire 1-ounce bottle — roughly the size of an eye-dropper bottle — to lubricate your treadmill, we’ve found that half an ounce is typically just right. 

Three 1-ounce bottles should be enough for around six applications, meaning this three-pack should last about 18 months if you stick to a lubrication schedule of once every three months. Customers report that it works across multiple brands, but always check your manufacturer’s instructions before applying any lubricant. In our experience, 100-percent silicone lubricants like this are ideal for treadmill belts.

[Related: Best Budget Treadmills]

One user reported in an Amazon review that this Essential Values lubricant remedied some sputtering in their belt. “The lube itself seems to work well. My treadmill was giving me issues, not having been waxed in quite a while,” they said. “After using this product, the belt again seems smooth and there is no catching or slipping.”

Many options are sold in larger bottles and while using a smaller bottle may be easier to apply under tight belts, one customer reported that was actually an issue. “I figured I would like the single-use bottles but fitting them under the tight belt and then trying to tip them enough to get all the liquid out is difficult,” they wrote.

Benefits of Treadmill Lubricants

According to BarBend expert reviewer Kate Meier, “It only takes about 5 minutes to properly lubricate a belt, and doing so can extend your treadmill’s lifetime. The lubrication minimizes the friction between the belt and the treadmill deck, preventing belt damage over time.”

When he broke down how to lubricate a treadmill, BarBend’s lead reviewer, Jake Herod, NASM-CNC, said, “Lubricating the belt may be the most important component to ensuring it operates at peak performance for years.”

• Prolonged Use: Regularly lubricating your treadmill can prevent your belt, deck, and rollers from wearing out prematurely.
• Maintain Peak Performance: Without proper lubrication, your motor, rollers, and other components need to work harder to perform. Lubricating the belt and deck every three months can keep your treadmill operating in top condition.
• Value: Because regular lubrication can prevent or prolong expensive repairs, these inexpensive lubricants — as low as $9.99 — offer tremendous value. One purchase can last several years on a standard lubrication schedule. 

How Much Do the Best Treadmill Lubricants Cost?

Whether you prefer a squeeze bottle with a twist cap or an aerosol spray, the best treadmill lubricants can cost anywhere from $9.99 to $39. Here is a breakdown of the price range of our picks.

What to Consider Before Buying the Best Treadmill Lubricants

Before clicking add to cart, consider the type of treadmill lubricant that will best serve you by asking a few questions: “Do I need an applicator tube? How often do I use my treadmill? Did I trash that user’s manual?” Whether you manage a commercial gym or are still figuring out where to position your treadmill, here are a few things to consider as you peruse our list.

Application Method 

When you consider the available methods of application — squeeze bottle, applicator tube, or aerosol spray — think about how you’ll reach under the belt. If you’re in a cramped garage gym or climbing over your kid’s toys, an applicator tube may keep you from having to contort your body too much. However, if you have plenty of room around your treadmill, a spray could be more comfortable.

Frequency of Use 

The frequency with which you use your treadmill is a major factor in how often you’ll need to lubricate it. Some treadmill manufacturer’s and lubricant brands offer mileage ranges or timeframes for regular lubrication. Absent specific instructions from the manufacturer, Meier says that, in most cases every few months should do the trick. “A good rule of thumb would be to use about half of an ounce of a lubricant on your machine every three months.”

User Manual Recommendation 

Before snagging one of these lubricants, Meier recommends consulting your treadmill’s user manual (that you definitely kept) or finding it online. “To properly lubricate your machine, it’s best to first check your owner’s manual to see if there is a set amount of lubricant to use or how often,” she says. Many treadmills require a silicone lubricant, but make sure you know exactly what type your machine needs.

Best Treadmill Lubricants FAQs

The post The 6 Best Treadmill Lubricants of 2024, Approved by Our Experts appeared first on BarBend.

That price for a piece of heavy workout machinery may seem too good to be true, but we’ve personally tried and tested many of these rowers and can vouch that they get the job done. We’ve found options that provide everything from a low-impact workout to a full-body workout, and accommodate all fitness levels. So, if you’re looking to add a rowing machine to your home gym without paying an arm and a leg, keep reading to scout our top picks for the best rowing machines under $500.

The 6 Best Rowing Machines Under $500 of 2024

• Best Rowing Machine Under $500 Overall: Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine 
• Best Water Rowing Machine Under $500: Yosuda Water Rowing Machine
• Best Magnetic Rowing Machine Under $500: XTERRA ERG180 Smart Rower
• Best Hydraulic Rowing Machine Under $500: Stamina BodyTrac Glider Hydraulic Rowing Machine
• Best Folding Rowing Machine Under $500: Marcy Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machine
• Best Rowing Machine Under $500 for Small Spaces: Fitness Reality Magnetic Rowing Machine

How We Tested and Chose the Best Rowing Machines Under $500

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. We’ve gotten hands-on with more than 20 of the market’s top rowing machines, using a multi-point methodology to rate each model on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) in areas like footprint, portability, tech capabilities, and more. Below are some of the key factors we looked at to come up with our picks for the best rowing machines under $500.

• Workout Performance: Even budget exercise equipment should do its job, and allow your rowing experience to safely allow you to break a sweat. In selecting these rowers, we looked for machines that have the necessary specs to perform (i.e. various levels of magnetic resistance, a smooth glide, and ergonomics that lend themselves to good rowing form) and provide a machine that is perfect for home use for years to come.
• Footprint and Portability: Unlike other pieces of workout equipment, many rowers can be stored upright and out of the way when not in use. We looked for machines with a small footprint, vertical storage capability, and that aren’t a pain to move.
• Adjustability: Rowers aren’t as adjustable as other workout equipment like the best exercise bikes — and budget models are even less so. Still, we sought out the essentials, including a comfortable seat and various levels of magnetic resistance. 
• Price and Warranty: No home rowing machine here is over $500, but we judged each one to see if the product is worth what you’re paying. Since these are budget machines, we also looked at the warranties that back up your purchase: Most of our top picks on this list cover the frame for at least one year and parts for several months.

Best Rowing Machine Under $500 Overall: Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine 

Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine

Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine

This compact and foldable Sunny Health & Fitness rowing machine can provide a challenge with 16 levels of magnetic resistance. A budget, bare-bones unit, this well-made rower is ideal for those tight on space but with a desire to sweat. 

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If you’re looking for a budget-friendly rower, it’s hard to beat this pick from Sunny Health & Fitness, which landed our top overall spot and comes in well under $500. (It goes for $300 full price, and is often marked down for less.) Our tester, a certified personal trainer, gave it a 4 out of 5 for value. “It’s a solid deal for people who just want to row and don’t need bells and whistles,” they said. 

The 16 levels of magnetic resistance match higher-end models like the Echelon Row (nearly $1K). Our tester found the resistance challenging, saying, “Despite the low price tag and small size, I was surprised I could get a pretty good workout on this thing. My legs were burning after just a few minutes on the higher settings.” 

This rower also has a small footprint: It’s 9 inches shorter in length than the Ergatta Rower, for example. It scored a 4.25 out of 5 for footprint and portability with our tester based on its handy transport wheels, lightweight, and the fact that it can be folded up. Unlike other rowers which pivot to be completely vertical, just the slide rail folds, reducing the length from 77” to 36.3”.

The seat is wide and comfortable, and the foot cradles can pivot, but can’t adjust for length, so people with relatively large feet may feel constricted. Plus, our 5’9” tester said they don’t think anyone much taller could be comfortable on the machine. Though the brand advertises it as having a 43” slide rail (accommodating a 43” inseam, which should be plenty for people well over 6’ tall) some reviewers note that the actual usable length is significantly less; one Amazon reviewer with a 34” inseam reports hitting the end of the rail while rowing. These factors scored the rower 3 out of 5 for customizations and 3.5 out of 5 for adjustability and ergonomics. 

The LCD monitor shows basic metrics like calories, total strokes, and time, but is missing stats often cued in rowing workouts like stroke rate, 500m/split pace, output, and even distance. Though it doesn’t come with any programmed workouts, there’s a device holder that can support a tablet or smartphone, and a water bottle holder within reach. Finally, it has one of the lengthier warranties on this list: three years on the frame and 180 days on parts and components.

[Related: Hydrow Wave Rower Review]

Best Water Rowing Machine Under $500: Yosuda Water Rowing Machine

Yosuda Water Rowing Machine

Yosuda Water Rowing Machine

This foldable Yosuda rowing machine works to replicate the experience of rowing in water. A built-in monitor allows you to track your calories, time, speed, strokes, and distance, and you can connect with apps like Kinomap thanks to its Bluetooth compatibility.  

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Water rowers are pretty glorious pieces of home workout equipment. As you row, the flywheel spins within the water tank, creating resistance and momentum. It sounds a meditative whooshing noise and simulates the feel of rowing a boat in actual water. The downside, however, is that they typically go for upwards of $1,000. Thankfully, we found a couple of the best water rowers at more affordable price points, including this one from Yosuda. 

Reviewers are impressed with the machine, saying it’s easy to set up, sturdy, and that the comfortable seat glides smoothly while you row. “I’ve never owned a rower, but due to a foot injury, I am forced to find something low impact in the interim to replace my workout. This very reasonably priced rower is AWESOME!” one reviewer writes on the Yosuda site. “It has a series of 8 tension settings that allow you to control how hard your row is… I had been looking at the [really] real expensive ones and just wanted to see if I would even like the rowing workout so didn’t want to blow the budget on a spendy one. This fits the bill. Worth every penny!”

One of the complaints is the lack of adjustable foot cradles; you can tighten the straps as needed to hold your feet in, but the cradle length is fixed. As a budget rower, this machine doesn’t come with a built-in touchscreen or workout programming, but the LCD monitor does offer a fair amount of stats and connect via Bluetooth to the Fitlog and Kinomap apps, the latter of which offers scenic rowing workouts. (Try it for free for 14 days, then the app costs $12 per month.) Some customers report issues with the Bluetooth connection, and trouble reaching Yosuda’s customer service. 

That said, while it can be stored upright, some reviewers note that the water tank can leak in that position, dripping water onto the floor. If you lose a lot of water, refilling the tank is easy; however, the leakage is something to keep in mind if you plan to put this on carpet or hardwood, as it may damage your flooring. While the company offers warranties on its stationary bikes, it doesn’t appear to offer coverage for any of its rowers, including this one. 

All budget rowers come with compromises, but this rower has landed the title as one of Amazon’s #1 best-sellers (and a 4.4 out of 5 overall rating). All budget-friendly rowers come with compromises, but this indoor rowing machine is one of Amazon’s #1 best-sellers (and a 4.4 out of 5 overall rating) for a reason. If you don’t care much about the Bluetooth connection, and you like the idea of a water rower, and you intend to leave the rower set up in your home gym, you might be pleasantly surprised with what you get with this price tag. 

Best Magnetic Rowing Machine Under $500: XTERRA ERG180 Smart Rower

XTERRA ERG180 Smart Rower

XTERRA ERG180 Smart Rower

A budget-friendly smart rower, the XTERRA ERG180 is equipped with Bluetooth so you can connect with FTMS-enabled third-party apps like Kinomap. Eight levels of resistance offer variety, while its slim, lightweight frame and built-in transport wheels help to ease the burden of storage. 

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Unlike air rowing machines or water rowers, which ask you to push a flywheel through water or air, magnetic rowers produce resistance via magnets that interact with a metal flywheel. As you tweak the resistance, it changes the distance between the magnet and flywheel, making it easier or harder to row. Magnetic rowers come with a few distinct perks: They’re quieter than air or water rowers and typically take up less space for easy storage. That said, the slim and affordable model from XTERRA is our top pick for a magnetic rower under $500.

[Related: Best Budget Rowing Machines]

Though the frame is about the same length and width as other models on this list, the Xterra lacks a bulky water tank or air flywheel, making it lighter and easier to move and store. Speaking of which, the ERG180 has transport wheels and can tip onto its side for vertical storage, taking up no more floor space than a doormat.

Besides its smooth, quiet magnetic resistance and lean design, the rower’s next best feature is its Bluetooth FTMS connectivity, which allows you to pair it with heart rate monitors and third-party apps like Kinomap or Zwift. As a result, you can better capture your workout stats and take classes right on the rower. It also has a built-in tablet mount and a basic LCD display. You can’t adjust the food cradle length (a feature you’d be hard-pressed to find on a budget rower), but you can adjust the angle of the display and tighten your feet into place with fabric straps. So, there’s both good and bad. 

Unfortunately, there are hardly any reviews of this rower online, so it’s hard to know how the machine fares in the wild. It does come with a 1-year frame warranty and 90-day coverage of parts. It’s not a lot compared to the 3, 5, or 10 years offered on other rowers (including XTERRA’s fancier machines), but it’s decent for a budget buy.

Best Hydraulic Rowing Machine Under $500: Stamina BodyTrac Glider Hydraulic Rowing Machine

Stamina BodyTrac Glider Hydraulic Rowing Machine

Stamina BodyTrac Glider Hydraulic Rowing Machine

The Stamina BodyTrac Glider works to simulate natural rowing movements, offering 12 levels of hydraulic cylinder resistance that can bring the whole body to the cardio party. It's also foldable and super compact, making it ideal for those sweating in tight spaces. 

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Unlike rowers that source resistance from water, air, or magnets, hydraulic rowing machines use pistons filled with air or fluid. These cylinders are typically connected to the rower’s handles, two separate arms on either side of the rowing beam that move in a fixed motion. Overall, hydraulic rowers — including this Stamina Body Glider — are generally a more affordable and simpler rowing machine option.

Some people may find the handle movement uncomfortable, while others enjoy it. “It’s really easy to hop on and start, and it mimics rowing in a boat, which seems unique,” says our tester, a certified personal trainer. You adjust the 12 levels of available resistance via a dial on the piston, which allows for variation but may not be enough for well-conditioned people. “The highest resistance wasn’t that challenging for me. Fit people will probably find it even easier than I did,” they said.

[Related: Best Rowing Machines Under $1,000]

One notable perk of this rower is that it’s really compact, making it a great option for people with limited space who just want to move. You can fold in the handles and store it upright in a corner or closet. “There are no wheels to move it, but it shouldn’t be too difficult for most — I found it easy to lift,” our tester says, giving the rower a 4.5 out of 5 for footprint and portability. 

However, that lightweight nature gave our tester concerns over durability, which they scored a 2 out of 5. It comes with a 1-year warranty on the frame and a 90-day warranty on parts, which isn’t much, but it’s not bad for workout equipment under $200. As for value, our tester scored it 3.5 out of 5. “Despite being basic, it has a ton of good reviews, and a lot of people say their rower lasted years,” they said. “That said, a lot of people also modified theirs in some way, like lengthening the foot cradles or replacing straps.”

The rower accommodates athletes from 4’9” to 6’4” tall and weighing up to 250lbs. It’s not the most inclusive, but is decent for a budget rower. It doesn’t have a shelf for a device like a phone or tablet, which makes taking advantage of the free müüv app — a smart audio coaching app compatible with the machine — more difficult. The app has an assembly video, and workouts for any Stamina equipment you own, and is compatible with iHeartRadio, Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.

Best Folding Rowing Machine Under $500: Marcy Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machine

Marcy Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machine

Marcy Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machine

The Marcy Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machine has multiple levels of magnetic resistance, hook-and-loop foot straps, and a sturdy steel frame capable of supporting 300 pounds. Would you also believe it can fold up when not in use? It even has a set of built-in transport wheels to assist with transport. 

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This rowing machine from Marcy folds right behind the footrests, going from 71” long to just 24”. This compact footprint makes it easy to store in closets, in a corner, or along a wall to make more room in your home gym for training. 

It’s earned a 4.2 out of 5 on Amazon, where many reviewers are happy with their purchase. They report that it’s easy to store and move, even at 64 pounds, because of the folding feature and transport wheels. They say it’s pretty good for what you’re paying, but is a better choice for beginner rowers or those looking to keep their workouts relatively low-intensity. 

“[The rower] glides easy, feels sturdy even though I’m pushing the weight limit on it,” writes one reviewer. “The only ‘issue’ I have is that the tension isn’t super strong. I have it on the maximum 8 and find it to be like a 3-4 on most gym machines. It’s almost too easy for me […]… Great intro machine though to see if you like rowing enough to buy a Nordic or higher-end rower.”

[Related: NordicTrack RW900 Review]

The small LCD display shows distance, time elapsed, speed, total count, and calories burned, but is missing other important metrics like strokes per minute and 500-meter split, so it may be difficult to follow guided rowing workouts. 

One reviewer also notes that the setup isn’t ideal for optimizing your form: “The feet are in line with the [flywheel], which short changes your stroke by about the length of your forearm. I loved this machine until I tried the machines at the gym,” they wrote. Ideally, when in the catch position (the part of the stroke where your knees are bent and you’re closest to the front of the machine), you want your arms straight, back tall, and shoulders slightly in front of your hips. However, if the handle can’t reach any further back than the foot cradles, you won’t be able to get that deep in your catch.

‎Additionally, some reviewers have concerns over durability and issues with parts arriving broken or missing. Marcy offers a two-year limited manufacturer warranty on the frame only, which is typical for a budget rower but disappointing if you’re spending hundreds of dollars. If you’re looking to try an intro rower with magnetic resistance that doesn’t cost you a ton and takes up even less space, the Marcy could be a fit for your home gym. 

Best Rowing Machine Under $500 for Small Spaces: Fitness Reality Magnetic Rowing Machine

Fitness Reality Dual Transmission Fan Rower

Fitness Reality Dual Transmission Fan Rower

This foldable rowing machine utilizes a combination of fan and magnetic resistance across its 14 levels of resistance. Its aluminum slide rail promotes a quiet stroke, and a wide set of handlebars and large foot pedals help ensure you feel secure during rows. 

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This Fitness Reality rower is a solid pick if you’re squeezed for cash and space. When not in use, the machine fold up to 53.5″ L x 21.5” W x 39.5” H — about the footprint of a weight bench — and even when you’re rowing, the lack of a bulky water tank or large fan flywheel means the rower is compact.

Amazon reviewers have given it an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5, and say it’s a great entry-level rower for the price, well-suited to those who want to fit workout equipment in their living space or small home gym. “This isn’t the best rower, certainly not a Concept2, but for the price, [it’s] a really good option for home gym use. I have a small condo and it fits well and doesn’t make a lot of noise. Assembly was easy,” writes one reviewer. 

Customers’ biggest concerns are the lack of resistance — some say they aren’t challenged even at the highest of the 14 levels — and the durability. Some report that their rower leaks oil or that parts have come apart after months of use. (Note: It comes with a one-year limited warranty, and you have the option to add more protection via Amazon.)

“It’s limited in terms of how strong the resistance will get. I have to max it out for HIIT reps, and even then it’s not as heavy a pull as I’d like,” writes a reviewer. “If you’re space-limited and looking for one thing that will get you in better shape, I’d say this might be all you need. It’s good enough at what it does to improve fitness, but at some point, you’ll want a more robust rower or better weight training equipment.”

For a budget rower, it also has decent tech capabilities; the display is basic, but Bluetooth compatible. It connects with the MyCloudFitness app, which allows you to see workout metrics, track progress, and take instructor-led and scenic workouts. (There’s a free version with limited access or a premium subscription for $0.99 per month.)

That said, many customers have concerns that the metrics aren’t accurate, saying that the numbers reported by the machine are way off. These discrepancies, combined with the light resistance, make this rower better for beginners or those who just want to move rather than athletes looking for a challenge or to improve their rowing performance.

Benefits of Rowing Machines Under $500

Rowing may not be as popular as other types of cardio workouts, like running or cycling, but it deserves plenty of recognition. “As an exercise professional, I think everyone can benefit from rowing as a form of exercise,” says Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer and our expert reviewer. Research shows that rowing can help improve muscle groups and aerobic capacity, increase bone density, prevent age-related muscle loss, and have brain health benefits. (4) You’ll get all those benefits no matter what type of machine you row on — but choosing a budget rower can have the following specific benefits:

• Approachable Price Points: There are a lot of obstacles to working out, from injury and time constraints to a lack of energy or know-how. With budget equipment like these rowers, price isn’t one of them; many indoor rowing machines cost less than you’d likely pay for a year’s gym membership.
• Low-Impact Cardio: Since your bodyweight is supported by the rower’s seat and your legs are on an even plane with your hips, rowing puts much less stress on your joints than other cardio workouts. It’s a great alternative for activities like using exercise bikes or doing strength training. This makes rowing especially friendly to beginners, older adults, and those recovering from injury — or people who live in apartments and don’t want to disrupt neighbors. 
• Suitable for Small Spaces: Budget cardio machines, including rowers, tend to be smaller than their pricier counterparts, partially because they don’t have bulky displays. It may seem like a downside, but it’s actually a perk for those looking to fit a machine into a small living space or the corner of a home gym.

Types of Rowing Machines

Just like there are different types of exercise bikes or treadmills, there are various rowers. You’ll spot the difference by looking at the flywheel: the wheel at the bulky end of a rower that turns when you pull the handle and creates momentum and resistance as you row. 

“The flywheel mechanism dictates the rower type: Air rowers use fan flywheels; water rowers use fan flywheels against the resistance of water in a tank; magnetic rowers use electromagnetic resistance; and hydraulic rowers, which are less expensive but functionally limited compared to the other three types, use hydraulic cylinders in the handles to create resistance,” explains Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer and our expert reviewer.

Magnetic

Magnetic rowers pile on resistance using magnets and a metal flywheel. Adjusting the resistance changes the space between the magnet and the flywheel as it spins, making it easier or harder for you to pull the rower’s handle.

They’re typically smooth and quiet since the pull of the magnets doesn’t make any noise or create friction, and the lack of a water tank or big air flywheel means they’re generally slimmer than other types of rowers.

Water

Water rowers have a flywheel inside a round tank of water. Pulling the rower handle pushes the flywheel through the water, which acts as resistance and gains momentum as you build up speed; the more powerfully you’re rowing, the harder it gets. This type of rower makes a gratifying whooshing sound as the flywheel spins through the water, and feels the most like rowing an actual boat.

With water rowers, you generally can’t adjust the resistance, though you can change the feel of the rower by adding or removing water from the tank. The meditative experience comes with more maintenance than other rowers; remember to periodically empty, clean, and refill the tank with purified fresh water.  

Hydraulic

Hydraulic rowing machines are typically the smallest, cheapest, and most foldable of the bunch. They offer resistance using pistons filled with air or fluid. They’re connected to the rower’s handles, which move in a fixed motion (unlike other rowers which use a freely moving handle attached to a strap or cable). The rowing motion typically doesn’t feel as smooth as other rowers, but they’re often more budget-friendly.

Air

The best air rowers work similarly to air bikes; they get resistance from a fan flywheel that spins through the air as you row. Like with water rowers, the harder you row, the more resistance you’ll feel. They tend to be loud, producing a fan-like sound as you push air out of the way with the flywheel. 

Air rowers typically have adjustable dampers, changing the amount of air that can flow into the flywheel cage. Most have about 10 settings, with lower settings allowing less air in, and higher settings doing the opposite. More air generally gives you more resistance, but it also depends on how hard you’re rowing.

How Much Do The Best Rowing Machines Under $500 Cost?

Premium rowing machines can go for around $1,000 up to several thousand — but all these budget models here fall well below $500 and still get the job done. You’ll generally need to pay at least $300 for a rower with any type of flywheel; anything below that will likely be hydraulic.

What to Consider Before Buying a Rowing Machine

Exercise equipment purchases are highly personal. All of Reddit might swear that a certain rower is the absolute best, but if that’s not feasible for your budget, the recommendation won’t help much. Here are some things to consider as you determine which rower might be best for you.

• Type of Rower: Water rowers require more maintenance but offer a soothing experience, while air can be loud but allow you to easily up the intensity. Magnetic is quiet but less dynamic, and hydraulic is affordable but not as ergonomic. 
• Features: Do you need a rower with adjustable resistance? How about one with a digital monitor? What about logistics — do you need a smart rowing machine over a basic version? Or what about handlebars? Do you need an adjustable handlebar? This can all help determine which rower is best for you. 
• Your Ergonomic Needs: Consider whether or not a machine can comfortably accommodate your height, foot size, and weight.“Tall people should check the overall length of the rower, but more importantly, the length of the slide rail, to determine whether they’ll be able to achieve full range of motion,” says Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer and our expert reviewer. “It’s common for budget rowers to be shorter, which makes them unideal for tall individuals.” 
• Contraindications: Despite being low-impact, rowing isn’t an accessible workout modality for everyone, and that’s OK — but you should know if that’s you before you spend your money on a rower. Those with back pain, limited mobility, existing injuries, or who’ve never rowed before may want to check with their doctor or an exercise professional first to see if rowing is suitable for them. For example, “the seated exercising position combined with the hip hinging involved in the rowing stroke is not ideal for individuals with lower back pain,” Capritto says. In this case, a recumbent bike or elliptical may be a better fit.
• Available Space: Do you have room for a rower? In addition to the length of the machine, you’ll need space to stretch out your elbows and lean back at the end of your stroke. Take extra care to measure the area and check the dimensions you’re considering. “Size, weight, and portability are important, as you’ll need to ensure the machine will fit in your space and it’s relatively easy to move if you won’t be able to leave it stationary,” says Capritto.

Best Rowing Machines Under $500 FAQs

References

1. Kang, S. R., Yu, C. H., Han, K. S., & Kwon, T. K. (2014). Comparative analysis of basal physical fitness and muscle function in relation to muscle balance pattern using rowing machines. Bio-medical materials and engineering, 24(6), 2425–2435. 
2. Kawano, H., Iemitsu, M., Gando, Y., Ishijima, T., Asaka, M., Aoyama, T., Ando, T., Tokizawa, K., Miyachi, M., Sakamoto, S., & Higuchi, M. (2012). Habitual rowing exercise is associated with high physical fitness without affecting arterial stiffness in older men. Journal of Sports Sciences, 30(3), 241–246.
3. Shin, K. Y., Choi, E. H., Lim, J. Y., Cho, A. R., & Lim, Y. H. (2015). Effects of Indoor Rowing Exercise on the Body Composition and the Scoliosis of Visually Impaired People: A Preliminary Study. Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine, 39(4), 592–598.
4. Araujo, R. C., Rodrigues, G. D., Ferreira, L. F., & Soares, P. P. D. S. (2023). The Time Course of Cardiorespiratory Adaptations to Rowing Indoor Training in Post-Menopausal Women. International journal of environmental research and public health, 20(4), 3238. 
5. Arumugam, S., Ayyadurai, P., Perumal, S., Janani, G., Dhillon, S., & Thiagarajan, K. A. (2020). Rowing Injuries in Elite Athletes: A Review of Incidence with Risk Factors and the Role of Biomechanics in Its Management. Indian Journal of Orthopaedics, 54(3),246–255. 

The post The 6 Best Rowing Machines Under $500 of 2024 appeared first on BarBend.

A proper apartment-ready rower is more than a smaller silhouette, however. You’ll need to confirm additional specs like weight capacity, streaming capabilities, and more. To help you get the most out of your strokes, we’ve gone hands-on with multiple popular rowing machine profiles and consulted with our in-house team of experts to determine our favorite rowing machines for apartments available today.

The 11 Best Rowing Machines for Apartments in 2024

• Best Rowing Machine for Apartments Overall: Concept2 RowERG
• Best Compact Rowing Machine for Apartments: Hydrow Wave
• Best Rowing Machine for Apartments for Trainer-Led Workouts: NordicTrack RW900
• Most Quiet Rowing Machine for Apartments: ProForm Pro 750R
• Best Rowing Machine for Apartments with Air Resistance: Bells of Steel Blitz Air Rower
• Best Rowing Machine for Apartments with Upright Storage: Hydrow Rower
• Best Rowing Machine for Apartments with Water Resistance: Ergatta Rower
• Most Durable Rowing Machine for Apartments: Assault Fitness AssaultRower Pro
• Best Foldable Rowing Machine for Apartments: Echelon Row-S
• Best Rowing Machine for Apartments for Streaming: Aviron Strong Series Rower
• Best Budget Rowing Machine for Apartments: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515

How We Tested and Chose the Best Rowing Machines for Apartments

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To make our list of the best rowing machines for apartments, we got hands-on with 15 different machines from top brands, using a multi-point methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) to determine our top picks. Below are some of the categories and components we looked at to make our list.

For further information on how we trial and test the products chosen for this guide and more, be sure to read the BarBend Equipment Testing Methodology page.

• Product Dimensions: We know that apartments are less spacious than a garage gym or traditional home, so to think through sizing, we compared every rowing machine to the size of your typical 3-seat sofa measuring 90 inches. (1) Nearly all of the included rowers in this round-up showcase a length shorter than your traditional couch, while those longer contain storage features for easier housing, such as upright capabilities or foldable frames.
• Available Programming: Like running on a treadmill, the constant nature of rowing can get monotonous. We highlighted rowers offering integration with some of the best fitness apps and streaming services, which can provide a more engaging workout experience either through intra-rowing entertainment or performance-pushing instruction.
• Storage Accommodations: You’ll likely need your rowing machine to share space with your other furniture and living arrangements across your apartment layout. To make this relationship less of a burden, we emphasized rowers featuring some form of storage accommodations, including upright capabilities or foldable framing for smaller footprints outside of training.
• Ergonomics: Regardless of your available space, a rowing machine can be rendered useless if it’s uncomfortable. All the included rowers in this guide were comfortable enough for regular use, as determined through our testing trials and personal experiences with the cardio machines.
• Price: We understand that every budget is different, so we did our best to showcase different rowing machines that hover around, below, and above the average $1,500 price tag. We also made note of the value presented in each silhouette to help you better determine if the cost was worth its weight when it comes to your personal fitness goals.

Best Rowing Machine for Apartments Overall: Concept2 RowERG

Concept2 RowErg

Concept2 RowErg

The Concept2 RowErg is one of the most tried and true rowers on the market. The "erg" (as it's commonly known) provides a double-dose of conditioning and muscular endurance, and is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity and a nifty monitor to track meters rowed and calories burned. 

Shop Concept2

Sure, the Concept2 RowERG typically finds its place within lists outlining the best CrossFit equipment, but it’s still a worthwhile rower for apartments, too. Thanks to a frame design that breaks down into two pieces for easier storage, and a lightweight profile that makes maneuvering your cardio machine into and out of position a breeze, we feel it’s one of the best workout additions you can make to your apartment layout.

The RowERG features a sitting length of 95 inches, which is longer than your standard 3-seat couch. (1) However, we still think it’s ideal for apartment dwellers given its storage capabilities. Unlike other rowers, the RowERG breaks down into two pieces that can be easily stored in a corner when not in use.

Additionally, this parceled design doesn’t sacrifice durability, as this Concept2 rower is still rated for weights up to 500 pounds. Overall, we rated the construction at 4.75 out of 5.

Having used the RowERG in previous workouts, I also enjoyed how lightweight it is. This can be great for apartment-dwelling athletes as getting set up for a training session can be less of a chore overall — no bulky equipment to rearrange across your space.

As far as ergonomics, our tester, a former collegiate rower, rated the RowERG at 4 out of 5. “I liked the contoured seat, and the handlebar is comfortable enough for regular training. As with any sturdier saddle, though, you can expect some soreness after lengthier workouts,” they added.

The PM5 monitor is also worth mentioning. You can easily track multiple metrics including distance, time, strokes per minute, wattage, and more. However, we rated the monitor at 4.25 out of 5, as there are no options for streaming on-demand workouts or entertainment services mid-workout. If you’re an athlete who prefers this in-training experience, you’ll likely want to choose a different rower.

Lastly, this rower uses an air resistance system. While we like the feature for its smooth operation, it can be loud. For noisy neighbors, a magnetic or water rower may be a better solution.

Read our full Concept 2 RowERG Review.

Best Compact Rowing Machine for Apartments: Hydrow Wave

Hydrow Wave Rower

Hydrow Wave Rower

This luxury rower is equipped with a 16-inch touchscreen display and offers automatic adjustments to the resistance based on your rowing efforts.

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If space is your main concern when planning your apartment’s home gym, the Hydrow Wave can be an excellent option. Measuring 80 inches long and just 19 inches wide, this magnetic rowing machine takes up less space than your standard 3-seat sofa. (1) Plus, this rower’s available programming allows for on-demand workouts, scenic rowing experiences, and more.

According to our tester, a former collegiate rower, the Hydrow Wave makes for a great compact rowing machine thanks to its smaller dimensions as well as its durability. “Despite its smaller frame, I was really pleased with the sturdiness across the design,” they said about their 4 out of 5 rating for construction. “My dog has even nibbled at some of the base corners, and there are barely any scratches.”

[Related: Best Compact Rowing Machines]

The Hydrow Wave employs an electromagnetic resistance system, which we rated at 4 out of 5. Not only does this keep your rowing workouts quiet — a blessing for apartment dwellers living with thin walls — but the resistance is easy to change, too, according to our tester.

This magnetic rower can also be stored vertically for even more convenience, although the anchoring kit is sold separately. When considering the already hefty $1,695 price, it may be too much of a final cost to unlock this feature.

Workout-wise, we scored the dynamic programming at 5 out of 5. “I really enjoyed the available programming with this cardio machine. The scenic rows are simply beautiful, and there are a ton of instructor-led workouts to choose from,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer. Be mindful, though, that access to these immersive training experiences will cost an extra $44 monthly.

Another perk of the Hydrow Wave is its availability in multiple colors outside the traditional black or gray. This can be great for those wanting more vibrancy in their apartment space, especially when trying to maximize tight spaces. 

Read our full Hydrow Wave Rower Review.

Best Rowing Machine for Apartments for Trainer-Led Workouts: NordicTrack RW900

NordicTrack RW900 Rower

NordicTrack RW900 Rower

The NordicTrack RW900 is a durable  machine that features a 22” touchscreen display, a quiet belt drive and large pivoting pedals to fit pretty much any shoe size. You’ll also get a free month of iFit classes with your purchase, which you can view on your tilting display as you row virtually across the globe. 

Shop NordicTrack

If you’re a fan of instructor-led training classes, the NordicTrack RW900 could be your go-to rower. We’ve previously ranked this as one of our favorite magnetic rowing machines, most notably due to its compatibility with the iFIT platform for live and on-demand workouts.

The iFIT integration can be excellent for apartment-dwelling athletes, as the over 16,000 workouts go beyond just indoor rowing. We rated the programming at 5 out of 5 thanks to the abundance of available programs for strength training, yoga, HIIT, and more worthwhile fitness disciplines.

Additionally, our tester, a certified personal trainer, appreciated how the 22-inch HD touchscreen display rotates for better off-rower viewing. “I love this rower as a cross-training tool, and the swiveling screen makes following along that much easier,” they added.

[Related: iFIT Review]

The RW900’s iFIT connectivity also gives this rower AutoAdjust technology. Rather than pausing your instructor-led workouts to toggle through the magnetic resistance levels, the machine automatically adjusts your settings. In my experience, this can be great for maintaining focus mid-workout — no need to worry about your adjustments as you’re trying to hone in on performance.

However, all of this tech does come at a price — $39 monthly, to be exact. We’ve also found that the RW900 doesn’t feature a manual mode, meaning a monthly subscription to iFIT is required to use this rower to its full potential.

While the tech featured across the RW900 sets it apart from other rowers (we rated the technology at 5 out of 5, by the way) the construction can be somewhat questionable. The frame has a listed weight capacity of 250 pounds, which is on the lower side of other apartment-friendly machines and could be too low of a metric for larger athletes. 

We also scored the construction at 4.25 out of 5 for the footrests. “The foot pedals are almost too large, and while there are adjustment points for a better platform, I struggled to find the right setting,” adds our tester.

Read our full NordicTrack RW900 Rower Review.

Most Quiet Rowing Machine for Apartments: ProForm Pro 750R

ProForm 750R Rower

ProForm 750R Rower

The ProForm 750R Rower is integrated with iFIT and offers twenty preloaded rowing workouts. Its foldable steel rail reduces length by nearly half and the twenty-four magnetic resistance levels provide quiet operation.

Shop ProForm

Needing to train around pesky neighbors or fellow apartment dwellers? A quiet magnetic rower will likely be your best bet. For these situations, we recommend the Pro 750R rower from ProForm. In addition to its 24 levels of resistance, this rowing machine also features a foldable frame that can make for easy storage — a true treat when turning your apartment into a bonafide fitness studio.

In testing, we appreciated how quietly the Pro 750R moved throughout the available intensity levels — a major reason why we’ve previously ranked this rower among the best magnetic rowing machines. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, said that each stroke was smooth and barely made a peep as they powered through their full-body workouts. “I’m accustomed to louder air rowers, so switching through the resistance range with this ProForm offering was a big switch,” they added.

For durability, we rated the Pro 750R at 4 out of 5. While our trials didn’t showcase any weak points across the build, we did notice that the weight capacity is lower at just 250 pounds. This can potentially be a sign of less durable materials across the sliding rail and base, so larger athletes may want to opt for a different profile. That said, the SpaceSaver technology does mean this cardio machine folds up for easier storage, so it can still be worthwhile for those training in smaller spaces.

The ProForm Pro 750R is also compatible with iFIT, which unlocks over 16,000 live and on-demand classes across various training disciplines. We rated the available programming at 5 out of 5, as there are plenty of sessions to choose from regardless of whether you’re looking to stretch, stroke, or lift your way through a day’s workout.

However, unlike other iFIT-compatible devices, the Pro 750R does not come with an included display. You’ll need to bring your own device if you want to tune in, and the embedded media holder can only support devices up to 7.5 inches in width.

Read our full ProForm Pro 750R Review.

Best Rowing Machine for Apartments with Air Resistance: Bells of Steel Blitz Air Rower

Bells of Steel Blitz Air Rower

Bells of Steel Blitz Air Rower

The Bells of Steel Air Blitz Rower is one of the more affordable options on the market right now. This one is light and easy to roll around your home gym as needed or store away when you're expecting guests.

Shop Bells of Steel

Air rowers can be a great addition to your home gym as they’re fairly simple yet uniquely challenging — the harder your strokes, the greater the resistance. For apartments, we recommend the Air Blitz Rower from Bells of Steel. Not only does this impressive rowing machine showcase a durable frame and beginner-friendly design, but the roughly $850 price tag also makes it more approachable than other air-powered rowing machines on the market.

One of the easiest comparisons to this Air Blitz Rower is the Concept 2 RowERG. While both air rowing machines feature an air-powered flywheel and similar 95-inch long frames, the Bells of Steel offering is nearly $150 cheaper. Overall, we rated the value at 4.5 out of 5.

In trials, our tester, a certified personal trainer, also appreciated the air-powered flywheel and its 10 varying dampener settings for higher or lower intensity. “I particularly like how the included monitor shows you your dampener setting during training. This is a unique feature that’s quite the convenience — I’ve used other air rowers before, and getting out of the saddle to check your settings can be a pain at times,” they added.

Speaking of the monitor, we scored the available tech at 3 out of 5. Yes, this Bells of Steel rower can provide worthwhile metrics for more informed training, but there are no preset programs to choose from across the interface, meaning we were stuck in manual mode for all of our trials. There is a media shelf at the base of the monitor for DI streaming, although a setup of this nature completely covers the existing screen.

While the Air Blitz rower is lengthier than other rowers we’ve tested, we still rated the footprint at 4.5 out of 5 given its impressive portability. Our tester could easily move this into and out of their dedicated training space thanks to the front transport wheels. Be mindful that you’ll need to store this rower in its horizontal positioning — the Air Blitz rower cannot be stored vertically for more convenience. 

Best Rowing Machine for Apartments with Upright Storage: Hydrow Rower

Hydrow Rower

Hydrow Rower

The Hydrow is a high-tech rower with a library full of live and on-demand workouts, a smooth drive and electromagnetic resistance. It’s a quiet machine and provides a great full-body workout for both beginning and advanced rowers.

Shop Hydrow

If your apartment lacks a dedicated fitness space, an indoor rowing machine with vertical storage capabilities can help you regain some of your floor plan post-workout. The original Hydrow Rower is capable of such conveniences, along with being one of our favorite high-quality rowers, period.

When you’re done with a workout, you can shrink this rower’s footprint from 14.93 square feet to 5.73 square feet through upright storage — a difference that can make navigating through your abode much easier. As such, we rated the footprint at 4 out of 5.

Be mindful, though, that to achieve vertical storage capabilities, you’ll need to purchase the appropriate vertical storage kit for an extra $80. When you’re already shelling out nearly $2,500 for a rowing machine, we doubt that an extra $80 will have you turning your nose at such a high-quality piece of fitness equipment.

Like the Hydrow Wave — the original Hydrow’s smaller cousin — this workout machine uses the brand’s electromagnetic resistance system creating a stroke experience that’s very close to the real-world sensation of rowing on water. Additionally, the Hydrow app is loaded with over 5,000 live and on-demand workouts along with scenic rowing modules that can take you to over 100 stunning waterways from around the globe.

Our tester, who rated the programming at 5 out of 5, also appreciated the layout of the trainer-led courses. “Your instructor is rowing in tandem with you, but they’re actually on the water rather than in a studio like you’d see with, say, a Peloton class,” they added. “Plus, there’s a leaderboard to the side of your display, which I enjoyed. Healthy competition is always a go-to motivator for me.”

We understand, though, that all these perks may be too rich for some budgets. We scored the value at 3.5 out of 5 as a $2,495 price tag is, well, pricey, in addition to the $44 monthly subscription to the Hydrow app. If it’s financially sound for your situation, we think the Hydrow Rower is worth every penny.

Read our full Hydrow Rower Review.

Best Rowing Machine for Apartments with Water Resistance: Ergatta Rower

Ergatta Rower

Ergatta Rower

The Ergatta rower is ideal for athletes who want an elevated home workout experience. You can choose from pre-programmed workouts, games, and competitions to make your row more interesting, or you can select an open row to simply push your limits. This machine will adjust as your strength and stamina increase to challenge you even further.

Shop Ergatta

For those looking for a unique rowing experience close to the real thing (you know, actually rowing on water) the best water rowing machines could be perfect additions to your apartment-based home gym. The flywheels in these pull against water housed in a front tank, creating a consistent challenge in each stroke without the noisy spin of other rowers. We think the Ergatta Rower is the best in this rowing machine category thanks to its appealing aesthetics and unique training modules.

Unlike other rowers that use a metal slide rail and base, the Ergatta Rower features a cherry wood design that gives this cardio machine a refreshing sense of style. We rated the construction at 4 out of 5, too, because this profile backs up its looks with functionality capable of supporting up to 500 pounds.

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, also enjoyed the programming available across this rower, which focuses more on gamified workouts rather than trainer-led sessions. “It feels like you’re back in your hometown arcade, and I feel this can be a more approachable workout style for a variety of fitness levels,” they added.

However, we did score the programming at 3.75 out of 5 since there are no instructor-led courses that may be more appealing to different athletes. Additionally, our tester noted that the “Race” workouts aren’t real-time events. “Rather than competing against other users, you’re simply racing against their previous times. It sort of took the fun out of it, in my opinion.”

As with other water-powered rowing machines, you cannot adjust the resistance with this Ergatta Rower, making this less ideal for HIIT training where you’ll want to change your intensity for certain circuits. Plus, we recommend planning a maintenance schedule for your machine — the water needs to be replaced in the water tank every few months to maintain a sense of cleanliness. We doubt you’ll want to row through a session if you can’t even see the flywheel through all of the built-up algae and gunk.

Read our full Ergatta Rower Review.

Most Durable Rowing Machine for Apartments: Assault Fitness AssaultRower Pro

AssaultRower Pro

AssaultRower Pro

The AssaultRower Pro features a powder-coated, steel frame that can withstand the elements and support users up to 350 pounds. This air rower is also human-powered, so you won't need to plug anything in before you take off on your ride.

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Let’s face it — laying out your apartment for gym equipment is a task you’ll likely only want to do once. As such, having a rower that fits your space but can last you throughout your fitness journey is essential. With a commercial-grade, powder-coated steel frame and simplified operation requiring little maintenance, we recommend the AssaultRower Pro from Assault Fitness for athletes prioritizing durability in their cardio equipment.

In testing, we found the slide rail and base of this air-powered rowing machine to be sturdy with no shakes or wobbles as we powered through our strokes leading to our 4.5 out of 5 rating for the category. We also appreciate that there are no electrical requirements for operation — the basic LCD monitor is battery-operated, so you don’t have to worry about electrical issues down the road. 

[Related: The Best Rowing Machines Under $1,000]

The manual operation can also be great for your floor plan since there’s no need to station the AssaultRower Pro near an outlet. However, our tester, a certified personal trainer, did score the portability at 4 out of 5 given the front transport wheels and their tendency to catch when rolled over carpet. “It’s not a major concern, but it could be somewhat frustrating when you’re just trying to set up for a quick rowing session,” they added.

The LCD monitor at the front of the AssaultRower Pro is pretty simple. There are no preset programs to choose from, so you’ll basically be in a manual training mode each time you hop in the saddle. However, we rated the tech at 4 out of 5 thanks to its clear readouts that kept us well-informed of our performance. The performance monitor can track your time, distance, pace, stroke rate, and even your heart rate provided that you’ve connected a heart rate monitor via Bluetooth to the display.

As a final note, we want to call out the noise factor of this rowing machine. The large fan-driven flywheel can make a ruckus during revolutions, which may not be the best for those with pesky neighbors or roommates.

Best Foldable Rowing Machine for Apartments: Echelon Row-S

Echelon Row-s

Echelon Row-s

Designed with optimal rowing form in mind, the Echelon Row-s offers a comprehensive and low-impact workout that engages over 85% of your muscles. With its foldable design, sophisticated engineering, and a 22" HD touchscreen display accompanied by a all-new soundbar, the Echelon Row is equipped with everything you need for an effective workout. 

Shop Echelon

If you’re looking to train in a really small space, a foldable rowing machine can be an excellent pick to maximize your floor plan for training and living. With a hinging slide rail that shrinks the footprint to 5.83 square feet — less than your standard coffee table — the Echelon Row-S can be a convenient training tool when available space is scarce. (2)

In addition to its foldable frame, we also like this rowing machine for its built-in tech capabilities. The companion Fit app features a high-quality library of on-demand workouts, including sessions for non-rowing activities like strength training, HIIT, yoga, and more. “The 22-inch pivoting display can also swivel up to 180 degrees for easier viewing when taking on off-rower workouts,” adds our tester, a certified personal trainer, who rated the tech capabilities at 4.5 out of 5.

In addition to the display, the Echelon Row-S also features a unique resistance adjustment system. Rather than pausing your workouts to operate the touchscreen to your desired intensity, the resistance controls are housed directly on the handlebars. This can be great for making adjustments on the fly rather than starting and stopping your progress. Our tester did state, though, that viewing your chosen resistance on-screen is only possible if you subscribe to the app, which will cost you an extra $39.99 monthly.

[Related: How to Use a Rowing Machine]

While the tech was a clear standout during trials, we did notice that some of the onscreen instructors showcased improper rowing forms. “This was a big concern of mine, especially for beginner athletes that may not know the true ins and outs of rowing from the start,” noted our tester to their 3.75 out of 5 rating for the available dynamic programming.

Thankfully, the monitor offers other intra-workouts, including entertainment platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. I’ve turned to these services when getting my strokes in was the only goal rather than a specific time or wattage. However, just note that access to these services will require additional subscriptions alongside the Fit app (and the rower’s cost).

[Related: Echelon Row Review]

Best Rowing Machine for Apartments for Streaming: Aviron Strong Series Rower

Aviron Strong Rower

Aviron Strong Rower

Sleek, modern and compact design coupled with a diverse workout content library and frequent new releases to get you motivated and keep you consistent for the long term. The Aviron Go Rower is the perfect at-home magnetic rower to invest in. 

Shop Aviron

Okay, so manual workouts and trainer-led courses aren’t always worthwhile endeavors with your apartment-friendly rower. Sometimes, it helps to zone out and take in a circuit while catching up on your favorite TV show or series. The Aviron Strong Series Rower is compatible with several entertainment platforms including Netflix, ESPN, Hulu, Disney+, and more, making it a perfect solution for these less-intense workout sessions.

The Aviron Strong Series Rower is my personal go-to for indoor rowing, and I love the features this smart rowing machine offers. . The app integration is great for keeping my workouts fresh and enticing. Plus, the interface is compatible with Spotify, meaning my workout playlists can be controlled directly on-screen rather than through a separate device like my smartphone. In total, I rated the available tech at 5 out of 5.

This smart rower features gamified and trainer-led workouts, furthering the available programming for days when you want a little instruction. The games are intuitive yet efficient, and you can easily achieve some hard-earned sweat while trying to beat your high score. Given the variety of training modules available across the app — which costs $24 monthly for the family plan of unlimited profiles — I rated the dynamic programming at 5 out of 5.

The construction of this indoor rowing machine is also quite impressive thanks to its sturdy frame and dual air and magnetic resistance system. Granted, this flywheel silhouette can be loud at times through the rush of air, but I’ve yet to encounter any mechanical issues across my months of training.

The Aviron Strong Series Rower can also be stored vertically for added convenience, and I like how this can be accomplished without extra anchors or hardware. However, I rated the assembly at 4 out of 5, due to the tight fitment on certain parts.For me, it took some doing to get the slide rail to the front flywheel, but the overall process was still achievable alone.

Best Budget Rowing Machine for Apartments: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515

This Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 is perfect for athletes who are shopping on a budget. This one has a magnetic resistance and a small digital monitor to track your stats.

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Rowing machines for apartments don’t need to break the bank. Case in point: the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW5515 features a magnetic resistance system, foldable slide rail, and ergonomic saddle for the low price of $399.99. For reference, that’s nearly one-quarter of the price of the average $1,500 rowing machine.

I’ve used this budget-friendly rower before and feel it’s a good solution for those looking to keep their finances in check. I rated the value at 4 out of 5, too, given the rower’s integration with Sunny Health and Fitness’s free training app which features a worthwhile library of on-demand workouts.

While there is an app integration with this rowing machine, I recommend streaming said services through a television or nearby monitor, since there is no device holder across the frame. Additionally, the basic LCD monitor is limited in its readouts, capable of only tracking time, stroke count, total stroke count, and calories burned. As such, I scored the available tech at 3.5 out of 5.

[Related: Best Budget Rowing Machines]

The SF-RW5515 may not be a proper pick for more tech-enthused athletes, but I’m willing to look past the more utilitarian build quality to save hundreds of dollars. Plus, the footprint is prime for apartment dwellers thanks to the folding slide rail. When placed in its storage setting, the SF-RW5515 takes up just 5.68 square feet of space, which is less than your typical coffee table. (2)

I also like the lightweight 60.9-pound frame of this indoor rowing machine, which can be great when trying to maneuver your fitness equipment in and around your existing furniture for a workout. However, to achieve this portability (which we rated at 4 out of 5), Sunny Health and Fitness did have to make cuts to the durability of this machine. According to the brand, the SF-RW5515 is rated for weights up to 250 pounds, which may be too low for larger athletes.

Benefits of Rowing Machines for Apartments

Rowing machines can be a versatile piece of fitness equipment, whether you’re looking to spruce up your smaller apartment or add another layer to your powerlifting home gym. Below are some benefits that stand out when searching for high-quality, apartment-friendly rowers.

• Full-Body Workout: According to Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, “Rowing is a fantastic full-body workout. I particularly like rowing because it engages the majority of the body’s muscles and can develop power and explosiveness in the glutes and hamstrings in addition to improving cardiovascular endurance.”
• Space-Saving Dimensions: Apartment-friendly rowing machines can also be beneficial for athletes given their smaller dimensions, which typically fall shorter than your average 3-seat sofa. (1) This can help you create a high-quality workout environment without suffocating your entire living space — living in a bonafide training center will likely get old after just a few weeks.
• More Convenient Storage: In addition to the smaller dimensions, you can find apartment-friendly rowers with added storage features for more compact footprints outside of training. This can be especially beneficial for athletes looking to make the most of their floor plan, as your workout equipment doesn’t consume your living room, home office, or bedroom, more than necessary while in the throes of training.

How Much Do Rowing Machines for Apartments Cost?

Rowing machines can vary in price greatly, especially when comparing a budget-minded silhouette to a tech-riddled profile. On average, you can expect to pay roughly $1,500 for a worthwhile rower, with (natural) fluctuations below and above this median price. Read below to compare the price points of every apartment-friendly rowing machine featured in this guide.

What to Consider Before Buying a Rowing Machine for Your Apartment

According to Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, “Rowing is an effective form of exercise, engaging most of the body’s muscles and significantly working the cardiovascular system.” However, not every rowing machine will meet your needs, especially when trying to make the most of your smaller floor plan within your apartment. Below are some of the factors we recommend in your search for that ideal apartment-friendly rowing machine.

Available Space

One of the first things worth considering when deciding whether a rowing machine is right for your apartment is whether your living space has the room needed to house this equipment. A good way to determine whether your floor plan is ready for a rowing machine is by seeing if you could fit a normal 3-seat couch into your available area.

Your standard 3-seat sofa measures 90 inches in length and 38 inches in depth. (1) Apartment-friendly rowing machines are (oftentimes) shorter in width and length, so if you can afford to add another couch to your training space, you can house a rowing machine.

[Related: The Best Treadmills for Apartments, Chosen by Experts]

Noise

Every best cardio machine makes some noise during operation, but for apartment dwellers, it could be a deciding factor between one rowing machine and the next. If you need to keep your training setup as quiet as possible, it can be smart to invest in a magnetic or water-powered rower, instead of one with air resistance. Air resistance rowing machines essentially feature a large fan at the front end, which can spin noisily through those hard-nosed strokes.

Dynamic Programming

Like any piece of cardio equipment, you can quickly get into a rut with training if there isn’t an engaging factor available, either in the form of entertainment or interactive workout instruction. If you’d rather take part in a livelier rowing workout, it can be beneficial to seek out a machine that’s compatible with an online training platform. These digital fitness tools can vary in style — from trainer-led sessions to scenic rowing routes, gamified workouts, and more — so be sure to look for a rower that matches your preferences from the start.

We also want to point out that access to these digital training libraries often requires a subscription to the service, so be sure to look at the pricing (often structured in a monthly billing cycle) and confirm that your budget can afford the extra cost on top of the rowing machine itself.

Storage Capabilities

​​Capritto states that, in addition to the working dimensions of your apartment-ready rower, “You’ll also need to ensure that the machine is relatively easy to move if you won’t be able to leave it stationary.” If your space cannot house a rowing machine in conjunction with your present furniture or floor plan, be sure to opt for a silhouette featuring some transport feature, which means wheels along the front base for easier portability.

In these circumstances, it’s wise, to opt for a rowing machine with some added storage benefits including a foldable or upright-capable frame. This can help you maintain a walkable layout across your apartment while keeping your workout setup just a few steps away.

Price

Like other rowing machines on the market, you can expect to pay over $1,000 for a well-equipped machine — roughly $1,500, to be exact. That said, though, we know that every athlete’s budget is subject to their financial standing. In the end, think about how much you can afford to spend, and look for a rowing machine that fits this metric, but your available space.

Best Rowing Machines for Apartments FAQs

References

1. Jaramillo, C. (2022, December 29). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/
2. The Ultimate Guide to end table & coffee table sizes. Wayfair. (n.d.). https://www.wayfair.com/sca/ideas-and-advice/guides/the-ultimate-guide-to-end-table-coffee-table-sizes-T12889 

The post The 11 Best Rowing Machines for Apartments in 2024, Reviewed by Our Experts appeared first on BarBend.

Our team has tried and tested more than 20 rowers on the market in search of the best machines for senior athletes. While navigating our recommendations, you’ll want to consider your ability and what you want from a rower. What type of resistance will best suit your home? Will a rower with a touchscreen display and programming support your training, or would you prefer to forego monthly membership fees? Do you want a rower that can fold or be stored vertically to save on space? Keep these questions in mind as you peruse our top picks. 

The 7 Best Rowing Machines for Seniors of 2024

• Best Rowing Machine for Seniors Overall: Concept2 RowErg 
• Best Rowing Machine with Screen for Seniors: Hydrow Wave
• Most Sturdy Rowing Machine for Seniors: NordicTrack RW900 Rower
• Best Rowing Machine for Seniors in Small Spaces: Echelon Row
• Most Comfortable Rowing Machine for Seniors: WaterRower A1 Oak Rowing Machine
• Best Budget Rowing Machine for Seniors: Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine
• Best Water Rowing Machine for Seniors: CITYROW Max

How We Tested and Chose the Best Rowing Machines for Seniors

The makeup of the BarBend team includes certified personal trainers, former D1 athletes, and lifelong fitness fans, and we’ve personally tested nearly 20 rowing machines in our search for the best equipment for your home. Utilizing the BarBend equipment testing methodology, we scored each profile in categories such as portability, durability, and ergonomics on a scale from 1 (not impressed) to 5 (we love it). We focused on the following areas of interest when testing and selecting the top machines for your home gym.

• Resistance Type: “There are several types of rowing machines, including water rowers, air rowers, magnetic rowers, and hydraulic rowers, and each type offers a different experience,” notes BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC. Options on our list include air, water, and magnetic rowers, providing a variety of options regardless of your preference.
• Ergonomics and Comfort: Many rower seats tend to be made from hard plastic, but we looked for machines with molded and padded seats for a more comfortable ride. We also made an effort to include rowers with adjustability to dial in an ergonomic fit for a variety of different body types.
• Rowing Motion: We tried to highlight machines with a smooth rowing motion, with seamless seat glides and no jerk in the pull during each stroke. When a machine felt less consistent than we’d like, we made sure to note it. 
• Price: To accommodate a wide range of users, we’ve included options that range from $299 up to $2,199. While higher-priced models tend to offer more tech capabilities, the best budget rowing machines on our list will still help you work up a sweat. 
• Workout Programs: Our picks support manual rows, but we also made sure to test out a rower’s built-in programming when available. When rowers included subscription services with trainer-led programming, we noted whether we thought this service was worth the subscription fee.

Best Rowing Machine for Seniors Overall: Concept2 RowErg

Concept2 RowErg

Concept2 RowErg

The Concept2 RowErg is one of the most tried and true rowers on the market. The "erg" (as it's commonly known) provides a double-dose of conditioning and muscular endurance, and is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity and a nifty monitor to track meters rowed and calories burned. 

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Our pick for the best rowing machine for seniors is the Concept2 RowErg. Used by Olympians and in nearly every CrossFit, this tried-and-tested rower has a steel and aluminum build that can support up to 500 pounds. We also like that it costs less than $1,000. “This is a great rower for the price, especially considering the durable build and the pre-programmed workouts from the PM5 monitor,” said our tester. Footprint, portability, durability, and ergonomics scored a 4.5 out of 5.

[Related: Best CrossFit Equipment]

I dabbled in CrossFit for two years before realizing I don’t like throwing weights over my head, and logged several workouts on this high-quality rower. While I found spending more than 10 minutes on it to be a literal pain in my butt due to the hard plastic seat (and my bony butt), there is an option to purchase a padded seat for a reasonable $3.50 from Concept2’s website. 

For those tight on space, this 57-pound rower can be split into two pieces should you want to stow it out of the way, transforming from 15.83 square feet down to 5.27 square feet. 

“This rower is pretty big, but when split in two or stowed vertically, you’re saving a bunch of space,” said our tester. However, while vertical storage is common when it comes to rowers, Concept2 advises against this to avoid the danger of the equipment falling over. Footprint and portability scored a 4.5 out of 5.

This rower is accessible to a wide range of users. I’m 5 feet 5 inches and another one of our testers is 6 feet 7 inches, and we were both able to fit comfortably on the RowErg. Adjustability and ergonomics scored a 4.5 out of 5. If you struggle with mobility and the 14-inch leg height is too low to the ground, you can also opt for 20-inch legs for an additional $165. 

“This rower uses air resistance, controlled by your effort and a damper attached to the fanned flywheel,” added our tester. As such, you can expect this to be a noisier machine than what you’d find with a water or magnetic rower. If you like to watch TV or use this machine while others are sleeping, this may not be the rower for you. 

Read our full Concept2 Rower Review.

Best Rowing Machine with Screen for Seniors: Hydrow Wave

Hydrow Wave Rower

Hydrow Wave Rower

This luxury rower is equipped with a 16-inch touchscreen display and offers automatic adjustments to the resistance based on your rowing efforts.

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The Hydrow Wave Rower utilizes magnetic resistance, which provides a smooth and, when compared to air and water rowers, quieter rowing experience for users up to 375 pounds. We also like its 16-inch HD touchscreen, which provides access to over 5,000 on-demand and live classes. Tech capabilities, dynamic programming, and customizations earned a 5 out of 5.

Viewed on the crystal-clear touchscreen, the Hydrow app’s immersive classes are led by expert coaches, from Olympians and former D1 rowers to members of the U.S. national team. There are also over 100 destinations available for scenic rows, from Norway to Los Angeles.

In addition to rowing, you’ll also be able to access off-rower workouts. “You’ll have access to strength training, yoga, pilates… and there’s even circuits that incorporate rowing and strength training at the same time,” says Jake Herod NASM-CNC, our lead video reviewer. Dynamic programming earned a 5 out of 5. 

Check out what else Herod had to say about the Hydrow Wave Rower in his video review below.

While we love this programming, it does require a monthly $44 subscription fee, which is on par with Peloton but more expensive than iFIT ($39 per month) or Ergatta ($29 per month). “It’s fairly pricey, but the programming is so good, I’d still recommend it,” said our tester. Herod agreed, “You’re going to have more classes… than you’ll know what to do with.” Without a membership, there isn’t any programming available on this rower.

For those tight on space, the compact footprint takes up a reasonable 10.56 square feet, making it about 3 to 5 square feet smaller than the average rower we’ve tested. Our tester gave footprint and portability a 4 out of 5. “Tipping it up to roll it around was a little awkward because of the screen,” they said. Additionally, vertical storage isn’t recommended without the use of a wall anchor kit, which will cost you an additional $190. 

“This is one of my favorite rowers on the market, but that definitely comes with a price tag,” concludes Herod. At $1,695, plus the monthly Hyrdow subscription, the price can definitely add up. However, if you’re looking for a rower with a screen to view programming that doesn’t take up your entire home, the Hydrow Wave Rower is worth your consideration. 

Read our full Hydrow Wave Rower Review.

Most Sturdy Rowing Machine for Seniors: NordicTrack RW900 Rower

NordicTrack RW900 Rower

NordicTrack RW900 Rower

The NordicTrack RW900 is a durable  machine that features a 22” touchscreen display, a quiet belt drive and large pivoting pedals to fit pretty much any shoe size. You’ll also get a free month of iFit classes with your purchase, which you can view on your tilting display as you row virtually across the globe. 

Shop NordicTrack

Forged from aluminum and steel, the NordicTrack RW900 Rower is “incredibly stable,” per our testers, and provides access to iFIT — one of the best fitness apps we’ve tried — via the 22-inch HD touchscreen. Durability scored a 4.5 out of 5, while tech capabilities and dynamic programming scored a 5 out of 5.

The seat rail is made from steel and the frame is largely constructed from aluminum parts. “While there are some plastic parts on this rower, such as on the foot plates, they’re a thicker and more flexible plastic than what I’ve seen on budget-friendly fitness equipment,” noted our tester. “This machine feels like it will hold up to wear and tear over a good long time.” 

Additionally, the 10-year frame warranty is a good indicator that this machine will last, and that NordicTrack will step in to assist if you do happen to come across a structural problem.

“This is a solid, high-tech rower for anybody looking to spice up their cardio efforts,” says Jake Herod, NASM-CNC, in the video review below.

The 22-inch HD touchscreen is compatible with iFIT, giving you access to over 17,000 on-demand classes that you can take both on and off of the rower. “iFIT is crazy good,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer. “There is a huge variety of classes you can take, interesting locations you can visit around the globe, and knowledgeable, engaging instructors to keep you entertained while also maintaining good form.” Dynamic programming earned a 5 out of 5. 

A $39 monthly subscription to iFIT is necessary to utilize this screen and take advantage of the app’s SmartAdjust functionality, which can automatically adjust your resistance and training intensity during your workout. However, if you’re uninterested in programming or a screen, there’s no need to drop nearly $2,000 on a rower.

The biggest mark against the NordicTrack RW900 is its footprint and portability, which scored a 4 out of 5. Our tester noted, “While it doesn’t feel heavy when I’m rolling it around, it does weigh 163 pounds, so this may be too heavy for some individuals.” This rower can’t be folded or stowed upright, so you’ll also want to have a dedicated area where this rower can live.

Read our full NordicTrack RW900 Rower Review.

Best Rowing Machine for Seniors in Small Spaces: Echelon Row

Echelon Row

Echelon Row

This Echelon rower is more compact than others and it's budget-friendly. You can choose from 16 levels of resistance and mount your tablet on the device holder.

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If you’re searching for the best compact exercise equipment for your home workouts, you’ve come to the right place. The foldable Echelon Row can shrink its 12.25 square feet footprint down to 5.83 square feet. We also appreciate that it’s a smart rower without a cumbersome touchscreen, allowing users to sync the machine with Echelon Fit programming from their own mobile device. Durability, customizations, and ergonomics scored a 4 out of 5.

Measuring 84 inches long and 21 inches wide, it’s on par with the average rower’s footprint. “It can’t be stowed vertically, but it basically folds in half to save you some space when you’re not working out,” mentioned our tester. 

This foldability is ideal for older adults or those with limited mobility, since you won’t have to struggle with raising and lifting the equipment whenever you want it out of your way.

This smart rower is compatible with the Echelon Fit app. With a $39.99 Premier subscription, you’ll have access to trainer led workouts both on and off the machine. “The production value is nice, but I didn’t like the coaches as much as the ones on Hydrow or CITYROW,” noted our tester, who scored dynamic programming a 3.75 out of 5. 

Additionally, while there is Bluetooth connectivity with this rower, it can only be used to pair with Echelon Fit. The Bluetooth handlebar, however, is a great feature, as it makes it easy to cycle through the rower’s 32 levels of resistance. 

“The Echelon Row provides a ton of value, with access to lots of classes in the app, and it’s often on sale for less than $999.99,” concluded our tester, who scored value a 4.5 out of 5. If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, and a smart rower that can be folded to save space, this may be the pick for you.

Read our full Echelon Row Review.

Most Comfortable Rowing Machine for Seniors: WaterRower A1 Oak Rowing Machine

WaterRower A1 Oak Rowing Machine

WaterRower A1 Oak Rowing Machine

The WaterRower A1 Oak Rowing Machine uses water resistance to fuel your ride. This machine offers a quieter experience when compared to air rowers, and the lapping of water against the jug can be both calming and meditative. Unlike typical rowing machines, the A1 features a build constructed out of oak wood, providing an aesthetically pleasing focal piece for your home.

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Unlike magnetic, air, or hydraulic rowers, the best water rowing machines utilize water tanks to create resistance against your stroke. The WaterRower A1 Oak Rowing Machine is our choice for the most comfortable indoor rowing machine for seniors due to its molded seat, smooth pull, and aesthetically-pleasing wooden frame that’ll leave all of your house guests saying, “Oh, my, that looks fancy.” Durability scored a perfect 5 out of 5, with footprint, portability, setup, and tech capabilities right behind with a 4 out of 5.

The seat is molded for comfort during long rides, and many customer reviews agree. When an owner of the Ergatta Rower complained about the seat being uncomfortable, one commenter suggested this machine’s seat instead. “Try the A1 seat,” they said. “More comfortable per my butt-o-meter.” 

The A1’s seat includes a cut-out for your tailbone and grooves for both cheeks, but if your butt-o-meter still disagrees with the molded plastic, you can upgrade to a seat with more cushioning for $35.

We like the whooshing of the water on this rower during use, though your mileage may vary. It’s at least more pleasant than the loud fan whirl on even the best air rowing machines. “While this isn’t loud, it does make some noise,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer. “It’s not as loud as an air rower, and the noise it made was actually really calming.”

“You can’t [easily] adjust the amount of resistance on a water rower,” added our tester, scoring customizations a 3 out of 5. The amount of water in the water tank is what controls resistance, so you can increase resistance by adding more water or lower resistance by draining the tank. Also, to keep the tank from getting gross, you’ll want to use purification tablets every three to six months. 

The tech capabilities on this rower are limited, so you won’t find app compatibility, Bluetooth capabilities, or even a device holder to store your phone or tablet. However, there is a simple LCD display with basic training stats, like stroke rate, distance, time, and intensity.

Best Budget Rowing Machine for Seniors: Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine

Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine

Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine

This rower features 16 levels of quiet magnetic resistance and a comfortable, cushioned, and wide seat. When not in use, this machine can fold up for easy storage.

Shop Sunny Health & Fitness

We think the Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine is one of the best rowing machines under $1,000. For just $299.99 — roughly $600 to $900 less expensive than the average rowers we’ve tested — you get a foldable rower with a lightweight build that is perfect for those tight on space. Delivery, setup, and value scored a 4 out of 5.

“This thing carries a super reasonable price tag, and it’s a great consideration if you’re just looking to row without the fancy tech features found on pricier machines,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer. Value scored a 4 out of 5.

This rower has 16 magnetic resistance levels, a 285-pound user weight capacity, and folding capabilities that can transform it from 12.30 square feet down to just 5.80 square feet. Footprint and portability earned a 4.25 out of 5. “This thing is really small, and when you need it out of the way, you can fold it up in half,” noted our tester.

Don’t expect budget equipment to last you as long as mid or high-end rowers would. “It doesn’t shake while in use, but there are a lot of plastic parts which, from my experience, tend to break on budget-friendly equipment,” concluded our tester. As such, durability scored a 3 out of 5.

It’s safe to assume that even the best budget home gym equipment will have to make sacrifices in one area or another, but when it comes to comfort, you may be as impressed as our tester. “The seat reminds me of a recumbent bike seat. It’s really wide and so, so comfortable,” they said. 

However, users with limited mobility will want to be aware that the seat height may make getting on and off of this rower a struggle. “The seat sits right above the ground, so I had to do a deep squat just to get on it,” they said.

Best Water Rowing Machine for Seniors: CITYROW Max

CITYROW Max Rower

CITYROW Max Rower

The CITYROW Max Rower offers a large 19.5-inch HD touchscreen, thousands of live and on-demand workouts, and connectivity with fitness trackers and Bluetooth headphones. 

Shop CITYROW

The CITYROW Max is our choice for the best water rowing machine for seniors due to its smooth pull, large HD touchscreen, top-tier programming, and stylish build, which incorporates aluminum and American ash wood. Footprint, portability, setup, ergonomics, and dynamic programming all scored a 4 out of 5.

“The large 19.5-inch HD touchscreen gives you access to CITYROW’s app, featuring high-quality studio programming for classes both on and off of the rower,” noted our tester, who scored tech capabilities a 4.5 out of 5 after their HIIT rowing workout. 

It also packs a pair of high-fidelity 10-watt speakers to fully immerse yourself in your training, as well as Bluetooth connectivity so you can pair your wireless headphones when you want to keep the volume down.

The CITYROW app provides thousands of trainer-led on-demand classes and keeps track of your training metrics, so you can see how your efforts impact your progress over time. A CITYROW app subscription ($29.99 a month or $299.99 for the year) is needed to utilize this touchscreen, so if you’re not interested in this programming, we’d suggest opting for a more simplified water rower.

“Most importantly, it’s easy to use,” noted our tester who also appreciated the comfortable seat and handlebars, “And there aren’t many adjustments needed before you can get to your workout.” Adjustability and ergonomics scored a 4 out of 5. 

However, CITYROW recommends this rower for users with a max inseam of 39 inches, which might not be suitable for athletes over 6 feet tall. Additionally, the resistance isn’t adjustable, as is the case with most water rowers.

While water rowers like this one are often considered more aesthetically-pleasing than typical rowing machines, we appreciated this machine’s vertical storage capability. “Most of the weight is on the backend, so it was easy to tilt up. Plus, it didn’t hurt that it looks good stored up or left out,” said our tester, scoring the footprint and portability a 4 out of 5. When titled up, its footprint transforms from 13.21 square feet to less than 4 square feet. 

Benefits of Rowing Machines for Seniors

“Rowing is 100-percent effort-based,” says Jacqueline Owens, former D1 rower and current Row House instructor. “When you strap in, you can get the workout you want by either going all in and pushing off the [pedals] as hard as you can, or you decrease the power you push off with to move slower up the drive.” Regardless of your age, fitness level, and ability, here are some of our favorite benefits of rowing machines.

• Versatility: “Rowers are also versatile pieces of equipment,” notes BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC. “You can use them for high-intensity interval training and steady-state cardio exercise. They can also be used for some strength-training exercises, like pikes, for added versatility.”
• Low-Impact: “Because a rowing machine is a low-impact workout, not only will it avoid pounding on your joints, but it’s also often recommended by doctors post hip and knee surgery,” mentions Owens. This is ideal for senior athletes looking to reduce impact on their joints and knees when compared to running or jogging. (2)
• Full-Body Workout: Capritto appreciates how rowing offers a full-body workout, targeting muscle groups in the upper and lower body. “I particularly like rowing because it engages the majority of the body’s muscles.”
• Cardio and Strength: We love cardio for its heart-strengthening capabilities, but strength training is also important, especially as we age. (3) ”[Rowing] can develop power and explosiveness in the glutes and hamstrings, in addition to improving cardiovascular endurance,” says Capritto.

How Much Do the Best Rowing Machines for Seniors Cost?

Our picks for the best rowing machines for seniors range in price from $299.99 up to $2,199. When price is a strong determining factor for your purchase, be sure to consider any additional fees you’ll incur with your new equipment, such as monthly app subscriptions, wall anchor kits, or cushioned seats. Check out the chart below to see how each model’s price compares to the next.

What to Consider Before Buying a Rowing Machine for Seniors

Whether you’re on the prowl for the best cardio machines for weight loss or are looking to tackle fitness goals by adding rowing into your routine, consider the following areas before making that purchase.

Rowers vs Treadmills, Ellipticals, and Exercise Bikes

“Unlike other cardio machines, rowing will target your glutes, quads, back, lats, and shoulders with every stroke you take,” says Jacqueline Owens, former D1 rower and current Row House coach. Treadmills, ellipticals, and exercise bikes can provide you with a solid cardio workout — and ellipticals can also work your upper body — but they won’t hit the same muscle groups as a rower. When deciding between these machines, consider what’s best for your body, training goals, and comfort. 

Grip Comfort

If you struggle with grip strength or suffer from tennis elbow, pulling on the handle of a rowing machine can be painful or uncomfortable. I struggle with tennis elbow, so when I want to get a rowing workout in, I like to use weight-lifting straps to assist with my grip and take some strain off of my elbow. Try out a rower at your local gym to see if it accommodates your grip — if not, you may be better served by a treadmill or one of the best ellipticals for seniors.

Air, Water, Magnetic, or Hydraulic

There are a variety of rowers on the market, and each type has its own pros and cons. Here’s a quick general pros and cons chart for your options.

“Air rowers use fan flywheels; water rowers use fan flywheels against the resistance of water in a tank; magnetic rowers use electromagnetic resistance; and hydraulic rowers, which are less expensive but functionally limited compared to the other three types, use hydraulic cylinders in the handles to create resistance,” says BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC. 

Tech Capabilities

If you’re anything like my parents, you might not care about tech, Bluetooth connectivity, and streaming capabilities — I’ve spent many phone calls with my father talking him through how to use Instagram. It’s important to consider how much tech you want with your rower and how much tech you’re willing to spend your time figuring out how to use. 

We’ve included options that run the gamut, from basic machines with limited tech to rowers with all of the bells and whistles. If you’re keen on tech capabilities, built-in touchscreens with app integration can help with motivation, developing a routine, and stat tracking. Plus, Bluetooth capabilities can allow you to pair headphones with your programming, control resistance from the handlebar, or sync the machine with mobile apps.

Available Space

“Size, weight and portability are important, as you’ll need to ensure the machine will fit in your space and it’s relatively easy to move if you won’t be able to leave it stationary,” says Capritto. Rowers can often measure between 7 and 8 feet in length, which can be a lot for those in close quarters, so be sure to measure your space so you can compare what you have available to the footprint of these machines. 

Additionally, look for rowing machines with transport wheels, folding features, and the ability to stow vertically. However, if you have limited mobility, you may want to forego vertical storage since you’ll need to be capable of placing your equipment upright and lowering it back down when you want to row.

Back Pain

“Rowing may exacerbate pain in people who struggle with low back pain. The seated exercising position combined with the hip hinging involved in the rowing stroke is not ideal for individuals with lower back pain,” says Capritto. If this is your predicament, the best recumbent bikes can keep you in a more upright position while taking stress off of your knees and joints. Ellipticals can do the same while providing a load-bearing workout to help strengthen bones. (4)

Best Rowing Machines for Seniors FAQs

References

1. Mora, J. C., & Valencia, W. M. (2018). Exercise and Older Adults. Clinics in geriatric medicine, 34(1), 145–162. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cger.2017.08.007
2. Lane N. E. (1996). Physical activity at leisure and risk of osteoarthritis. Annals of the rheumatic diseases, 55(9), 682–684. https://doi.org/10.1136/ard.55.9.682
3. Nystoriak, M. A., & Bhatnagar, A. (2018). Cardiovascular Effects and Benefits of Exercise. Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine, 5, 135. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2018.00135
4. Lanyon L. E. (1992). Control of bone architecture by functional load bearing. Journal of bone and mineral research : the official journal of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, 7 Suppl 2, S369–S375. https://doi.org/10.1002/jbmr.5650071403

The post The 7 Best Rowing Machines for Seniors of 2024 (Expert Tested) appeared first on BarBend.

After racking up strokes on more than 20 rowing machines, our team of collegiate rowers, certified personal trainers, and all-around fitness fiends know how to spot durable, quality machines. With weight capacities that far exceed the industry standard, our picks can help facilitate your first step (or paddle) towards your fitness goals.

The 8 Best Rowing Machines for Heavy People of 2024

• Best Rowing Machine for Heavy People Overall: Hydrow Wave Rower
• Best Rowing Machine for Heavy People for Beginners: Concept2 RowErg
• Best Foldable Rowing Machine for Heavy People: Echelon Row-S
• Best Water Rowing Machine for Heavy People: Ergatta Rower
• Best Interactive Rowing Machine for Heavy People: Aviron Strong Rower
• Most Durable Rowing Machine for Heavy People: Vulcan Scull Rower
• Best Rowing Machine for Heavy People with a High Weight Capacity: WaterRower Oak Rowing Machine With S4 Monitor
• Best Budget Rowing Machine for Heavy People: Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine

Best Rowing Machines Video Review

BarBend’s lead video reviewer, Jake Herod, NASM-CNC, broke down some of the best rowing machines we’ve tested, including the Hydrow Wave Rower, Concept2 RowErg, Ergatta Rower, and more. Check out what he likes — and doesn’t — about these machines below.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Rowing Machines for Heavy People

The BarBend team of collegiate rowers, certified CrossFit coaches, and personal trainers has tested more than 20 rowers. As part of BarBend’s equipment testing methodology, we used a multi-point scale of 1 (boo) to 5 (yay) to rate each machine across 11 categories, including durability, footprint, portability, and more. Check out some of the key factors we prioritized when rounding up the best rowing machines for heavy people.

• Weight Capacity: The industry standard in terms of weight capacity on rowers is around 300 to 350 pounds. While we have picks that meet that standard, we prioritized models that exceed it — one of our options supports up to 700 pounds.
• Durability: The rowers here are made of steel and aluminum, with some hard plastics to house internal components. Each of the rowers on our list earned at least a 3.5 out of 5 from our team.
• Type of Resistance: We featured rowing machines with three types of resistance — air, water, and magnetic — to accommodate the preferences of a wide variety of athletes.
• Footprint and Portability: At around 7 to 8 feet in length, most rowers are not exactly “compact.” However, we made sure to include a handful of machines that are lightweight enough to be stored vertically or flexible enough to fold in half.
• Dynamic Programming: Many of the options on our list are integrated with apps that offer virtual trainer-led rowing machine workouts, engaging gamified experiences, and scenic rows from around the world.

Best Rowing Machine for Heavy People Overall: Hydrow Wave Rower

Hydrow Wave Rower

Hydrow Wave Rower

This luxury rower is equipped with a 16-inch touchscreen display and offers automatic adjustments to the resistance based on your rowing efforts.

Shop Hydrow

Between its effortless resistance adjustment and engaging virtual rows, the Hydrow Wave Rower was an easy choice for our top spot. With an aluminum and steel build supporting users up to 375 pounds, it earned a 5 out of 5 for durability from collegiate rower and BarBend editorial member Lauren Keary. 

After spending a month using the Wave for cross-training, long distance, and interval training, she said it can stand up to the most high-intensity of workouts (and the hungriest of pets). “This machine is one of the more sturdy machines I’ve landed on. I’ve even caught my puppy chewing on it, and he didn’t even leave a scratch,” she said. 

As BarBend video reviewer Jake Herod, NASM-CNC,  explains, the resistance can be adjusted manually, but it may be easiest to allow this magnetic rowing machine to adapt to you. “The default setting of 104 provides the most natural feeling. While rowing, you’ll notice the resistance automatically adjusts based on how hard you row,” he said. “It directly correlates to your overall effort.”

Check out what else Herod had to say about his time on the Hydrow Wave Rower in the below video review.

Herod and Keary both thought the quality of the Hydrow app’s scenic rows separate this rower from the competition. “Professional rowers row in single and double sculls across waters all around the world,” Keary said. “You’ll find classes anywhere from Italy to Alaska. They talk you through intervals, training techniques, and sometimes even history of the lands and waters surrounding them.”

Keary scored both its tech capabilities and dynamic programming a 5 out of 5, noting the clarity of the 16.1-inch HD touchscreen. And while both she and Herod think the $44 monthly subscription is worth the additional cost, it’s still high compared to options like iFIT ($39.99 per month) and Ergatta ($29 per month). “This is pretty pricey compared to a lot of other membership plans out there,” Herod says. “But… you’re going to have more available classes at your disposal than you’ll know what to do with.”

Read our full Hydrow Wave Rower Review.

Best Rowing Machine for Heavy People for Beginners: Concept2 RowErg

Concept2 RowErg

Concept2 RowErg

The Concept2 RowErg is one of the most tried and true rowers on the market. The "erg" (as it's commonly known) provides a double-dose of conditioning and muscular endurance, and is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity and a nifty monitor to track meters rowed and calories burned. 

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Unlike many other air rowers, the Concept2 RowErg has a spiral damper that allows newcomers to adjust the amount of airflow to the flywheel, thus allowing them to more easily find a stroke feel that can help ease them into a routine. Combine that with its straightforward assembly and approachable price tag, and we think the RowErg is the ideal machine for beginners.

“This machine uses air resistance and you can adjust how much air enters the machine with each stroke with the adjustable dial on the flywheel,” our tester said, rating its customization a 5 out of 5. “Like a gear on the bike, you can move this dial to adjust how much effort you need for each stroke. So you can really customize the challenge.”

[Related: Best Air Rowing Machines]

Unlike walking on a treadmill or pedaling on an exercise bike, perfecting a rowing stroke requires a bit of practice.  BarBend Senior Editor and collegiate rower Lauren Keary knows the importance of solid technique. “Since you are using most muscle groups (around 85% of the muscles in your body) in each stroke you take on a rowing machine, form is super important.”

After using the Concept2 RowErg, the stability afforded by its aluminum and stainless steel construction stood out to our tester. “There wasn’t any shaking or jostling, plus it has a 500-pound weight capacity,” they said. That exceeds the average capacity by over 100 pounds, which helped it earn a 4.5 out of 5 for durability. 

If you’re looking for trainer-led virtual courses, however, you’ll need to look elsewhere. While we liked that the LCD monitor can be adjusted to meet your eye level, the lack of a screen or interactive programming cost it a point for tech capabilities — a 4 out of 5 from our tester.

The speedy assembly, however, earned a 5 out of 5 from our tester. “Attaching the rail is easier with two people, but the whole process took about twenty minutes.” 

Read our full Concept2 Rower Review.

Best Foldable Rowing Machine for Heavy People: Echelon Row-S

Echelon Row-s

Echelon Row-s

Designed with optimal rowing form in mind, the Echelon Row-s offers a comprehensive and low-impact workout that engages over 85% of your muscles. With its foldable design, sophisticated engineering, and a 22" HD touchscreen display accompanied by a all-new soundbar, the Echelon Row is equipped with everything you need for an effective workout. 

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Although rowing machines tend to be rather narrow — around 20 to 25 inches wide — their lengthy frames have a way of intruding on your floor plan. The Echelon Row-S can help you save some precious floor space when not in use thanks to its folding rail. By folding it in half, you shrink its footprint down to roughly the size of a coffee table — 5.83 square feet. (1) “It’s similar in size to other rowers, but being able to just fold it up makes it ideal for anyone that can’t just leave a rowing machine out all the time,” our tester said.

With rowing workouts for beginners and experts streaming on its immersive 22-inch touchscreen the Echelon Fit app makes the Row-s one of the more tech-forward rowers we have tested. On top of the on-demand training, you can also stream mid-workout entertainment from apps like Netflix and Hulu, though you’ll need your own subscription.  

Our tester rated the tech onboard the Row-s a 4.5 out of 5. After rowing along with some of the trainer-led classes, however, they scored the programming a 3.75 out of 5. “I noticed that a lot of the trainers weren’t showcasing proper rowing form, which could mislead some beginner athletes looking to follow along with instructor-led courses,” they said. 

With an active Echelon Fit membership — $39.99 per month — you’ll also get an extended five-year warranty. The price did seem a bit high compared to other options out there. “I like that there are new live classes every day, plus streaming apps like Netflix while you row is a huge bonus,” our tester said. “I think the studio classes are nice, but they can’t really compare to the on-water workouts you’ll find on the Ergatta Rower.” 

Editor’s note: If you’re looking for a lower price point, the Echelon Row trades the Row-S’ 22-inch touchscreen for a device holder.

Best Water Rowing Machine for Heavy People: Ergatta Rower

Ergatta Rower

Ergatta Rower

The Ergatta rower is ideal for athletes who want an elevated home workout experience. You can choose from pre-programmed workouts, games, and competitions to make your row more interesting, or you can select an open row to simply push your limits. This machine will adjust as your strength and stamina increase to challenge you even further.

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Even water rowers can’t quite replace the feeling of taking an actual boat out on the open water, but we think the Ergatta Rower comes pretty close. As opposed to fighting the resistance of a magnetic system or a powerful fan, this machine evokes the feel of rowing downstream with the “unlimited” resistance that only water can offer. 

BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, highlighted the two features you’ll find in many of the best water rowing machines. “Water rowers also provide unlimited resistance, and can also better replicate the feeling of an IRL rowing experience,” she said. “They do, however, tend to be louder and take up more space than magnetic rowers, which provide more consistent resistance while making less noise.”

Our tester noted the loud “whooshing” sounds of the water, but considered it a feature, not a bug. “It’s almost meditative,” they said. 

The elegance of the cherry-wood design also enhanced the aesthetics, but earned just a 3.5 out of 5 for durability. “I’m not sure the wood will hold up as long as an aluminum build,” they noted. “That said, the weight capacity is 500 pounds, so Ergatta seems to believe in it.”

Apps like Hydrow ($44 per month) and iFIT ($39.99 per month) offer trainer-led rows in waters around the world, but Ergatta ($29 per month) takes a different approach with competition-style rows and gamified workouts. “I actually prefer Ergatta’s style of programming,” our tester said, rating its tech capabilities a 4 out of 5. 

“I think the system is really clever, using games and competition to keep you pushing yourself,” they continued. “It’s also a more simple programming, which is appealing. There isn’t too much to mess with and I get all the most important data.”

Read our full Ergatta Rower Review.

Best Interactive Rowing Machine for Heavy People: Aviron Strong Rower

Aviron Strong Rower

Aviron Strong Rower

Sleek, modern and compact design coupled with a diverse workout content library and frequent new releases to get you motivated and keep you consistent for the long term. The Aviron Go Rower is the perfect at-home magnetic rower to invest in. 

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For a high-tech rowing experience, it’s tough to beat the Aviron Strong Series and its buffet of on-demand classes, gamified workouts, and scenic rows from across the globe. It also offers the ability to log in and stream apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video while you work. With its 22-inch touchscreen bringing all this interactive goodness to life, it’s no wonder BarBend editorial member Ben Emminger rated its tech capabilities 4.75 out of 5.

“The Aviron Strong Series is actually my at-home rowing machine of choice, so I’m very experienced with the available media suite,” he said. “Aside from the streaming apps, I also appreciate how Aviron is compatible with Spotify, allowing me to pick and choose my workout playlist directly on the machine instead of controlling my tunes via smartphone. The display itself is also pretty responsive, with no lagging or loading issues.”

On top of the $2,199 price tag — roughly $500 higher than the average rower — access to these trainer-led rows and video game-like workouts adds an additional $29 per month to your tab.

Compared to the monthly fees of some of the best fitness apps like iFIT ($39.99) or Hydrow ($44), we think Aviron is a relative bargain. “This is a really competitive membership fee compared to other fitness subscriptions,” said a BarBend tester.

They also noted the motivational nature of its gamified programming. “For someone more interested in video games than working out, this might be a holy union,” they said, rating the dynamic programming a 3.75 out of 5. The pivoting immersive screen can also swivel in four directions so you can tackle some of Aviron’s strength and mobility workouts off the machine.

Most Durable Rowing Machine for Heavy People: Vulcan Scull Rower

Vulcan Scull Rower

Vulcan Scull Rower

The steel and aluminum construction makes this durable rower stable during use, even at maximum resistance and effort. The padded, contoured seat offers comfort during long sessions, while its lightweight design and front wheels offer easy maneuvering.

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With a combination of steel, aluminum, and hard plastic, the Vulcan Scull Rower offers the stability needed to pump out intense rows. After spending several months taking on sprint, long-distance, and HIIT rowing workouts, our tester, a certified personal trainer, thinks this rower is in it for the long haul.

“As long as you take care of the chain drive system, this thing should last a long time,” they said, rating its durability 4 out of 5. “It has just a bit of plastic, but it is a super solid machine. Even at max resistance and max effort, there was zero shaking.” 

While the 350-pound weight capacity meets the industry standard, it still cost the Scull Rower a point in our tester’s rating. “Compared to the 500-pound range on something like the Concept2 RowErg, it leaves a tad to be desired,” they noted. “It was also a bit louder than the RowErg.” 

A highlight for users across that weight range is the design of the seat, which helped it earn a 4.5 out of 5 for ergonomics from our tester. “OK, I really love this seat. It’s just barely contoured and has firm padding, which I think is perfect — even for long sessions.”

At 101 pounds, it’s not quite one of the best compact rowing machines we’ve tested, but our tester still had no issue maneuvering it around our gym. “It actually feels relatively light and if you use the wheels, I don’t think many people would have trouble moving it around,” they said.

For $849.99 — roughly $150 less than the average range — we think the Vulcan Scull Rower offers a solid rowing experience. That said, it lacks the app-connected flash of its tech-minded brethren. “My least favorite part of the Scull Rower is definitely the screen,” our tester said, rating its tech capabilities 1 out of 5. “It’s just a basic LCD screen with a couple target and time programs.”

Best Rowing Machine for Heavy People with a High Weight Capacity: WaterRower Oak Rowing Machine With S4 Monitor

WaterRower Oak Rowing Machine With S4 Monitor

WaterRower Oak Rowing Machine With S4 Monitor

This water rowing machine uses water as resistance to make you feel more like you're rowing on water. This machine also has a high quality oak wood frame.

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The beautiful oak wood construction of the WaterRower Oak Rowing Machine offers both style and substance. Its 700-pound weight capacity should give you the peace of mind that it can hold up to the most intense indoor rowing workouts. “There was never a moment where I felt rocking or shaking at all,” said our tester, a certified personal trainer, who scored durability a 5 out of 5. 

They added, “Just by looking at the high-quality oak in person, you can tell this machine is well made. Also, it’s also surprisingly quiet.”

Ergonomics and adjustability 4.5 out of 5. “Within just the first few strokes, I noticed this rower felt extremely smooth and comfortable the entire workout,” our tester said. “The seat also moves really smoothly, the cushioned seat is comfortable even after a long workout, and you can hold the handle several different ways.”

As far as onboard technology goes, the built-in S4 monitor keeps tabs on your metrics, including time, distance, stroke rate, and, if you spring for the additional monitor, heart rate. Tech capabilities earned a 4 out of 5, but our tester also noted the lack of interactive workouts. “There are basic programs like intervals, time, and distance,” they said, scoring its programming 2 out of 5. “But nothing interactive like iFIT or Peloton.”

While our tester loved the contoured seat, they noted that the handlebars were short. “The seat is incredibly comfortable. It’s sturdy, but has enough give to help make it through longer workouts,” they said. However, the handles cost its ergonomics rating — 3 out of 5 — two whole points. “They’re only 15 inches longer, which is a bit narrow.”

[Related: Best Rowing Machines Under $1000]

Best Budget Rowing Machine for Heavy People: Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine

Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine

Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine

The $249.98 price is roughly $750 less than the average rower we’ve tested. Its foldable sliding rail reduces footprint by more than half, while its magnetic resistance creates quiet operation.

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As one of the most budget-conscious rowers we have tested, this rower from Sunny Health & Fitness is a solid option for users up to 285 pounds looking to cash in on the benefits of rowing machines. It earned a 4 out of 5 for value from our tester, a certified personal trainer, who noted that not everyone needs the razzle dazzle of high-priced rowers. “At only about $250, this budget-friendly rower is great for people who want this cardio machine but don’t need all the bells and whistles you get with some of the pricier options,” they said. 

Our tester scored its tech capabilities a 1 out of 5, though that’s not a big surprise on a budget machine. However, its digital monitor can still track your stroke count, calories burned, and time.

Other categories fared much better, including its adjustability and ergonomics, both of which scored a rating of 3.5 out of 5. “I was surprised by how comfortable the seat is, especially compared to other rowers,” they said. “The seat is wide and reminds me of a recumbent exercise bike seat because it has a lot of padding.” 

However, climbing in and out of the seat may be difficult for those with limited mobility, as the seat sits pretty low to the floor. 

While its 285-pound weight capacity is around 15 to 65 pounds less than the average rower, its alloy steel rail was durable enough to earn a 3 out of 5 from our tester. “The flywheel housing and footplates are both plastic, but even at high speeds I didn’t feel any shaking,” they said. “I wouldn’t expect it to last for a decade, but it’s not going to just break down unexpectedly.”

[Related: Best Budget Home Gym Equipment]

Benefits of Rowing Machines for Heavy People

As BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, explains, rowing machines are having a moment. “Once reserved for rowing athletes as a way to train indoors, rowing [machines] have made it mainstream, and that’s for a lot of good reasons,” she says. “Rowing is an effective form of exercise, engaging most of the body’s muscles and significantly working the cardiovascular system.” (2)

• Accessible Low-Impact Cardio: “As an exercise professional, I think… rowing machines will prove particularly beneficial for people who need a low-impact form of cardio.” Also, their high weight capacities — some up to 700 pounds — make these machines accessible to a wide array of athletes. 
• Total-Body Workouts: “Rowing is a fantastic full-body workout,” Capritto says. “I particularly like rowing because it engages the majority of the body’s muscles and can develop power and explosiveness in the glutes and hamstrings in addition to improving cardiovascular endurance.”
• Versatility: “Rowers are also versatile pieces of equipment: You can use them for high-intensity interval training and steady-state cardio exercise. They can also be used for some strength training exercises, like pikes, for added versatility,” Capritto says.

How Much Do The Best Rowing Machines for Heavy People Cost?

No matter if you’re eyeing one of the best budget rowing machines or a high-end model, dropping this kind of dough is a big investment in your fitness. The best rowing machines for heavy people can support users up to 700 pounds, but the models we included span a wide price range — from $249.98 to $2,499.

What to Consider Before Buying The Best Rowing Machines for Heavy People

After ensuring that the rower you’ve been eyeballing can support your bodyweight, consider the type of training you prefer and the space you have available in your home. Whether you’ve been rowing for years or are still figuring out how to use a rowing machine, here are a few factors to keep in mind.

Weight Capacity 

Before falling in love with your dream rower, ensure that it is durable enough to support your body. Look for materials like steel and aluminum as indicators of a machine’s durability and stability. The rowing machines on our list have weight capacities that cap out anywhere from 285 to 700 pounds, so first check that your current weight falls within a particular model’s range before digging into the rest of its specs and features.

Type of Rowing Machine

Rowing machines utilize one of four types of resistance. Each has a different feel and generates varying levels of noise. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Air: No set range of resistance and the loudest of the four. 
• Water: Unlimited resistance and can better replicate the feeling of real-life rowing.
• Magnetic: Consistent and quieter than other types with adjustable resistance levels.
• Hydraulic: Uses pistons filled with air or fluid and are typically compact machines.

BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, offers a bit more detail. “The flywheel mechanism dictates the rower type,” she explains. “Air rowers use fan flywheels; water rowers use fan flywheels against the resistance of water in a water tank; magnetic rowers use electromagnetic resistance; and hydraulic rowers, which are less expensive but functionally limited compared to the other three types, use hydraulic cylinders in the handles to create resistance.”

Preferred Training Type 

As some of the versatile pieces of home gym equipment, rowing machines allow for both steady-state cardio workouts and pulse-pounding interval training. Whether you prefer the engagement and motivation served up by virtual rows or just like to close your eyes and imagine gliding down the Potomac, Capritto advises users to consider how the technology onboard your rower will affect your training.

She says, “You can also choose between a smart rowing machine and a “not smart” one, meaning one that has a fancy screen that streams stuff or one that has a simple LCD screen that reads out basic metrics. Smart rowing machines are more expensive and usually require a monthly subscription to access full functionality.”

Available Space 

Most rowing machines tend to be rather narrow — around 20 to 24 inches wide — but can reach up to 7 to 8 feet in length. Comparing the dimensions of the spot you plan to use your rower with the dimensions we listed in the specs is one of Capritto’s top recommendations, especially for taller users. 

“Size, weight and portability are important, as you’ll need to ensure the machine will fit in your space and it’s relatively easy to move if you won’t be able to leave it stationary,”  she says. “Tall people should check the overall length of the rower, but more importantly, the length of the slide rail, to determine whether they’ll be able to achieve full range of motion. It’s common for budget rowers to be shorter, which makes them unideal for tall individuals.”

The Best Rowing Machines for Heavy People FAQs

References

1. The Ultimate Guide to end table & coffee table sizes. Wayfair. (n.d.). https://www.wayfair.com/sca/ideas-and-advice/guides/the-ultimate-guide-to-end-table-coffee-table-sizes-T12889
2. Relationships among muscle characteristics and rowing performance in collegiate crew members. The Sport Journal. (2022, January 14). https://thesportjournal.org/article/relationships-among-muscle-characteristics-and-rowing-performance-in-collegiate-crew-members/

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