Best Water Rowing Machines

Water rowing machine buyers guide

Water rowing machines give you an excellent full body workout that can burn a ton of calories whilst strengthening your upper and lower body muscles along with your abdominal core. They are considered an all-in-one piece of fitness equipment for helping you achieve your fitness goals, whether that is to lose weight, build muscles or just stay in shape.

The main difference between a magnetic rowing machine and air rowing machine, is that water rowing machines tend to provide a more realistic rowing experience that feels more like being out on the water. They can also make less noise and deliver a smoother stroke.

What are the best water rowing machines?

Here we will take a look at our best water rowing machines from the hundreds of water rowing machine reviews that we have researched and analysed in great detail.

How to choose the best water rowing machine for you

Water rowing machines can give you an enjoyable yet challenging full-body workout all from the comfort of your own home. They utilise a wheel that acts as a paddle along with a tank of water which creates the resistance.

From the wooden rowing machines to those with a modern steel construction, there is a range of water rowing machines that can cater to all different user needs, shapes and sizes. Keep in mind, that the best water rowing machines do not run cheap but they will provide a quiet and smooth workout that is the closest feeling you will get to being out on the water.

Here we will be taking a brief look at some of the most important features that you will want to keep an eye out for if you are in the market for a water rowing machine;

Size

You will want to check the rower’s dimensions to make sure that it will fit in your home gym space. You can have the best water rowing machine in the world but it won’t be of any use to you if you haven’t got anywhere to put it.

Weight Capacity

Check the maximum weight capacity that the rowing machine can hold. It should be sufficient enough for anyone who plans on using it. Generally speaking, the more weight that the rower can hold, the more stable and secure it will feel when you are working out.

Height Range

The height of the water rowing machine is an important factor, especially for the shorter or taller users. The reason being is that you want to be able to reach the handles and read the display with relative ease. You also want to ensure that if your legs are long, the rower will support a full range of motion without causing any pain to your joints.

Physical Limitations

We strongly believe that everyone deserves a chance to exercise in a variety of ways without any discrimination. If you have any injuries, disabilities or you are in rehabilitation, you may want to shop around for a specialist water rowing machine. There are options that have been designed specifically to cater for users with physical limitations.

Comfort

One of the most important aspects to consider is how comfortable the water rower is. If it feels comfortable then you are more likely to enjoy exercising and use it for sustained periods of time.

Things to consider when it comes to the comfort of a water rowing machine are the size and material of the seat, handlebars, pedal size and pedal grip. The best water rowing machines will be fully adjustable so that you can set them in a position that is comfortable for anyone who will be using it.

Resistance

Water rowing machines can have varying levels of resistance. This will determine how easy or difficult the rowing sessions will be. For those new to fitness who are just looking to get in shape, then any amount of resistance would probably suffice. However, the experienced athletes amongst you may want to consider the rowers that will give you more of a challenge. In general, the more levels of resistance that the rower has, the more diverse a workout you can get.

Display Monitor

The premium water rowing machines should have a computer display that gives you all of the important statistics from your workout. You will want to make sure it clearly displays performance data such as calories burned, distance travelled, speed, heart rate, time, etc.

Keeping track of your rowing session can be a good way to help you reach your fitness goals and look at the areas in which you can improve.

The location and user-friendliness of the display monitor are also worth consideration. You would ideally want it in a place that makes it easy to view and consider if it has any pre-programmed workouts for you to choose from.

Budget

Let’s be honest, a big part of your decision will come down to your budget. Water rowing machines are not cheap for a reason. They can give you an outstanding full body workout from home. The more you are willing to spend, the more features you are likely to get. That being said, even the entry point water rowers will be sufficient enough for most users.

Other Key Features

Now that we have covered some of the main features to look for in a water rowing machine, here are some other things worth considering;

• Are there any pulse grip sensors so that you can track your heart rate?
• Is there any water bottle holder to stay hydrated as you row?
• Is there a stand to place your phone or tablet?
• Does the rower have any specific safety features?
• Is there anything underneath to protect the floor from getting damaged?
• Will you be able to assemble the rower yourself or will you need help?
• Are there setup instructions included or any video tutorials online?
• Does the rower come with a warranty and if so, what does it cover?
• How good is the customer support?
• What do other customers have to say about the rowing machine?
• Is there any future resell value?

Benefits of water rowing machines

Water rowing machines no doubt provide an excellent way to get in shape and keep fit. They combine cardiovascular activity along with strength exercise, giving you an all-in-one workout from one machine. You can lose weight and build muscles in your legs, core, arms, chest, shoulders and back.

Keep in mind that you can burn more calories by exercising in the same amount of time as you would on a standard treadmill or exercise bike. If there is a piece of fitness equipment worth considering, rowing machines are definitely up there.

Here are some of the primary benefits of water rowing machines;

• Burn calories
• Lose weight
• Build your upper and lower body muscles
• Strengthen your abdominal core
• Increase your stamina
• Improve your mental health
• Improve your co-ordination
• Fun workout from the comfort of your own home!

Tips for using your water rowing machine

If you have taken the plunge and decided to go all out for the best water rowing machine possible, here are a few tips to help you make the most of it;

• Take time to adjust the rower into a comfortable position
• Practice your rowing form, watching video tutorials if required
• Make sure that you warm up and warm down for a few minutes
• Choose a realistic fitness programme depending on your goals
• Increase the rowing difficulty as your fitness improves
• Keep hydrated throughout your rowing session
• Stop rowing if you feel any pain or discomfort

Conclusion

For anyone who is looking to improve their health and fitness, a water rowing machine is a great solution for a smooth, quiet, realistic and effective workout, all from the comfort of your own home. You can target your upper and lower body muscles whilst strengthening your core and burning calories to help you lose weight.

Hopefully this water rowing machine guide has provided you with the information that you need to find the best water rowing machines for your home gym. Whichever rower you opt for, enjoy the journey to achieving your fitness goals!

Happy rowing!

Rich

Rich is an avid bodybuilder who has dedicated over 20 years of his life to the sport. He has a strong passion for health and fitness, living a clean lifestyle with a commitment to helping others educate themselves and fulfil their true potential.