If you’re looking for a fun, effective way to get in shape, interval rowing could be the answer you’re looking for. And if you’re trying to lose weight, this workout can help you shed pounds fast. But before we dive into why interval rowing is so great for weight loss, let’s talk about what it is and how it works.

Interval rowing is a form of aerobic exercise that involves performing high-intensity sets of intervals with rest periods between them. These two components are key: they allow your body to burn fat while simultaneously building muscle tissue—which means that your body will look leaner as well as being more fit overall!

Right here on Buy and Slay, you are privy to a litany of relevant information on rowing machine benefits, best rowing machines of 2022, rowing machine buyer’s guide, and so much more. Take out time to visit our catalog for more information on similar topics.

Is Rowing A Good Exercise For Weight Loss

Rowing is a great way to burn calories and develop a lean, muscular physique. Even if you hate cardio, you’ll quickly see the benefits of rowing workouts. All it takes is a quick warmup and you’ll be sweating thoroughly.

“In only 10 minutes you’re going to hit the upper and lower body while getting your energy up and your blood pumping,” says Tom Brock, a coach at the Row House in New York City. “Rowing may not be for everyone, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself trading up from that warmup to a full workout.”

We asked a few coaches at the Row House in New York City to put together five killer workouts to make your time on the rower a portal into shredded-dom. Gretchen Raddatz, Bethany Flora, and Dre Mihaylo all pitched into share these lung-burning, leg-crushing workouts. Try one each week—or maybe even twice a week, if you want to be a lean machine.

How to Do These Rowing Workouts

The rowing machine—or “erg,” as it’s known—has only a few variables, but they play an important role in your workout. You’ll notice that most ergs have resistance “gears” that adjust the difficulty of each stroke. Don’t assume that you should hike up the resistance all the way to 10. Anything from 5 to 7 will be much easier for a relative beginner on the rowing machine.

The speed of your rowing is called “rate.” You can find your current rowing rate on your rower’s LCD screen. “Rate 26” equates to 26 strokes per minute, or spm.

We asked a few coaches at the Row House in New York City to put together five killer workouts to make your time on the rower a portal into shredded-dom. Gretchen Raddatz, Bethany Flora, and Dre Mihaylo all pitched into share these lung-burning, leg-crushing workouts. Try one each week—or maybe even twice a week, if you want to be a lean machine.

Rowing Machine

How to Do These Rowing Workouts

The rowing machine—or “erg,” as it’s known—has only a few variables, but they play an important role in your workout. You’ll notice that most ergs have resistance “gears” that adjust the difficulty of each stroke. Don’t assume that you should hike up the resistance all the way to 10. Anything from 5 to 7 will be much easier for a relative beginner on the rowing machine.

The speed of your rowing is called “rate.” You can find your current rowing rate on your rower’s LCD screen. “Rate 26” equates to 26 strokes per minute, or spm.

The Basic

Warmup:
2 min. at rate 22, then 2 min. at rate 24

Ladder:
Rate 26-28-30-28-26-24 (1 min. each)
5 min. at rate 26
1 min. recovery at rate 24
2 min. at rate 28
1 min. recovery at rate 26

Intervals:
Do eight sets of: 30 sec. @ rate 30, then 30 sec. recovery @ 26 rate

Cooldown:
1 min. at rate 24
Stretch 2 min.

5×500+5

Row:
500m sprint at rate 26

Circuit:
1 min. air squats
1 min. pushups
1 min. shoulder taps
1 min. situps
1 min. V-ups
500m sprint at rate 28 + circuit
500m sprint at rate 30 + circuit
500m sprint at rate 28 + circuit
500m sprint at rate 26 + circuit

3. 1 to 10

100m at 100%
100m at 60%
200m at 100%
200m at 60%
Continue pattern, adding 100 meters each time. Your last set is 1,000m for 100% and 1,000m for 60%.

5×1000 with 1-minute Rest

Set 1: Row 1,000 meters at 100% intensity, followed by 1 minute of active rest in between.
Set 2: Same pattern at rate 28
Set 3: Same pattern at rate 30
Set 4: Same pattern at rate 28
Set 5: Same pattern at rate 26

5. 30-minute Basic

Ladder:
30 sec. of work at each of the following rates: 22-24-26-28-30-28-26-24-22

Drill 1:
30 sec. sprint
10 power strokes at rate 30
1 min. at rate 30
20 sec. sprint
12 power strokes at rate 28
2 min. at rate 28
15 sec. sprint
15 power strokes at rate 26
3 min. at rate 26

Drill 2:
4 x 2 min. at 22, 24, 26, 28
10 seconds off in between.

Drill 3:
5 x 20 sec. sprint; rate cap at 30.

Drill 4:
Row as hard as you can for 3 min.
Row as hard as you can for 90 sec.
Finish with 45 sec. max effort.

Rowing Machine Benefits

For a powerful, low-impact full-body workout that can both build strength and develop cardiovascular fitness, there’s no better machine than the rower. Far from just targeting your arms (a popular misconception), the rowing machine works your legs (quads, gastrocnemius, soleus and hamstrings), your glutes, back (lats, traps and rhomboids) and your core. Small wonder you feel tired afterwards.

According to Pelé Zachariah, head trainer at fitness studio ROWBOTS(opens in new tab), the rower can provide more benefits than other pieces of gym equipment.

“The rowing machine is the piece of equipment in the gym that gives you the biggest bang for your buck by far,” says Zachariah. “One of my favourite things about the rowing machine is that it does not matter how fit or strong you are – it will push your mind and body to its absolute limits.”

One of the great things about the rower is its flexibility. It offers an endless variety of workouts, so you can adapt your session to your goals, whether that’s building strength, burning fat or maximising your cardiovascular fitness.

Tom Eastham, a strength and nutrition coach, believes that the best way to get fitter and healthier is to work on your weaknesses – which for most people means more time on the rower once you’ve mastered the correct form.

“There’s tremendous cross-over benefits to other activities,” Eastham says. “To get better at weightlifting, for instance, you need good triple extension of the ankle, knee and hip joints, which you’ll work on with every single stroke of the rower. It can also make a huge improvement to your aerobic fitness to build endurance, and your anaerobic fitness for more speed. And because up to 85% of your muscles are involved when rowing, you can also build muscle size, strength and power.”

But Eastham’s favourite thing about the rower is the performance feedback you get with every stroke. “The machine’s display details all the information you need to ensure that your planned session is right on track, so you know that you’re always moving closer to your fitness objective,” he says.

Zachariah recommends isolating your fitness goals and finding the right workout to suit them. “If your aim is to build a strong aerobic base, then you should be rowing for longer while aiming to keep your strokes per minute (SPM) between 18 and 24. If your goal is to build serious power in the legs, try an interval session focusing on ten strokes at maximum watts, followed by 60 seconds of active recovery.”

Below are some of Eastham and Zachariah’s favourite rowing sessions to help you achieve various fitness goals, but first here’s how to use the rowing machine correctly.

ROWING MACHINE FORM

“Before you start any session you need to know how to use the rower correctly and safely so that every stroke is effective,” says Eastham. “So many of us spend all day sitting down – on the way to and from work, and hunched over a desk when we are there – which causes tight hamstrings, rounded shoulders and switched-off glutes. That’s a bad start. Work on your posture, and correct any muscular imbalances and weakness, and you’ll be ready to row.”

Make sure the machine is set up right for you. If the monitor can be adjusted, make sure it’s at head height so you’re not straining your neck to see it. If there’s a damper or dial to adjust resistance, set it at a low to medium setting (between 3 and 5 on a Concept2 RowErg) unless the workout you’re planning suggests otherwise. Make sure your feet are firmly secured with the strap across the widest part of your foot.

The stroke

Each stroke is divided into two parts: the drive and the recovery. The drive is the work portion of the stroke, while the recovery is the “rest” portion of the stroke where you prepare for the next drive.

Start the drive by pushing your feet down to straighten your legs, keeping your arms and back straight and your shoulders in front of your hips (the equivalent of about one o’clock on a clock face).

When your legs are almost fully straight, swing your body back to 11 o’clock, then drive your elbows back to bring the handle powerfully towards your chest (your hands should reach your sternum – around the height of a heart rate monitor or bra strap).

At the end of the drive your torso should be leaning back slightly with your elbows behind your body.

The recovery portion begins as you reverse the movement to the start. First extend your arms, then rock your body over to the one o’clock position, bend your knees and slide the seat back towards your heels.

It can be helpful to repeat the following cues in your head: legs-body-arms (for the drive) and then arms-body-legs (for the recovery).

Common mistakes in the drive include opening up your body before straightening your legs. This puts strain on your lower back and can lead to injury.

On the recovery, the most common error is to bend your knees first. You’ll know you’re doing this if you have to raise.

If you have space for only one cardio machine in your house, it’s difficult to make a case for anything other than the rowing machine. Owning one of these means you can get a low-impact, full-body workout as well as improving your cardiovascular fitness, any time you want. 

There’s also one straightforward stand-out pick which isn’t the most expensive rowing machine – the Concept2 RowErg. It’s used by Olympians and is hardy enough to feature in commercial gyms.

You can still find a good machine for less, and rowing machines have also caught up with the best exercise bikes and best treadmills by connecting to subscription apps for follow-along video workouts. These are especially useful if you need a primer on rowing form and could do with some help planning your workouts (although our rowing workout plan does the same and it’s free). Hydrow is our top pick of this type of rowing machine, but Echelon and ProForm offer a similar experience for less money. Peloton has also teased its connected rowing machine so we expect that to arrive this year, and the brand’s exercise bikes and treadmills really are best in class.

If you’d like to know more about the types of rowing machines available and the range of features on offer we have a buying guide below which is full of expert advice and the benefit of our experience reviewing rowing machines.

We review rowing machines in our homes rather than in testing “labs”. We believe this approach is better because we discover those little details which can help you differentiate between models to find the best rowing machine for you and your living arrangements. Things like how it sits in a living room. How long the lead is if you need one. Whether it moves when you’re going all-out, and whether the noise is going to make you nervous about disturbing your neighbours first thing on a Sunday morning.

As well as the rowing machines we’ve reviewed, we’ve added some extra recommendations in case the models we’ve tried don’t quite suit your budget or needs.

THE BEST ROWING MACHINES OF 2022

1. Concept2 RowErg

The best rowing machine

SPECIFICATIONS

RRP: $900 / £860

Resistance: Air

Folding: Separates into two pieces for storage, 25in x 32.9in x 54in / 63.5cm x 83.8cm x 137.2cm

Connectivity: ANT+ and Bluetooth

Size: 96in x 24in x 41.9in / 244cm x 61cm x 106.5cm (L x W x H)

Max user weight: 500lb / 227kg

REASONS TO BUY

+ Professional grade

+ Exceptional value

+ Reliable

REASONS TO AVOID

– There are better connected rowing machines

– Overkill for casual rowers

If you’re really into indoor rowing, the chances are you’ll have spent most of your time on a Concept2 RowErg, formerly known as the Model D. It’s the best-selling rowing machine in the world and a good shout for the best rowing machine full stop. It’s the obvious pick for a home gym.

The RowErg is built to handle multiple intense workouts every day for years on end (that’s why so many gyms have them). Concept2 is also great at giving advice on maintenance, and it can supply spare parts so there’s every chance your rower will last as long as you’re fit to use it.

The RowErg is fitted with a PM5 console. The LCD screen looks a bit old-fashioned compared with modern connected rowers with built-in touchscreens, but the monitor is backlit, easy to read, and displays advanced information such as watts and your force curve. It also connects with a smartphone and new models come with a device holder so you can add an extra screen. The machine also separates into two parts, which stand up on their ends for easier storage.

You’ll also find a lively community of Concept2 owners on Facebook and if you track your workouts in the Concept2 logbook you can pit yourself against others over standard distances like 2K. There are also challenges to enter every month.

The RowErg is also the standard machine for indoor rowing competitions, so if you’re going to compete, it’s the obvious choice.


2. Hydrow

The best connected rowing machine

SPECIFICATIONS

RRP: $2,495 / £1,995

Resistance: Water

Folding: No, can be stored upright (with purchase of storage kit), 33in x 25in x 85.8in / 84cm x 63.5cm x 218cm (L x W x H)

Connectivity: Bluetooth / Wifi connected, App

Size: 85.8in x 25in x 33in / 218cm x 63.5cm x 84cm (L x W x H)

Max user weight: 375lb / 170kg

REASONS TO BUY

+ Great for beginners

+ Live and on-demand workouts

+ Companion smartphone app

REASONS TO AVOID

– There are cheaper alternatives

– Large and bulky

– Noisy

It’s simplistic to say the Hydrow is the Peloton Bike of rowing machines, but it does explain it pretty succinctly: it’s expensive (with a continuing $38/£38 monthly subscription to the app), but the experience is a polished one and ultimately worth it if you have the budget. The expansive 56cm HD touchscreen makes for an immersive experience, especially if you set the screen to one of the many real-world scenic rivers to row down. The technique sessions for beginners are extremely well done and ensure you’ll get the most out of the machine, and there are live classes along with on-demand workouts of varying lengths and goals to keep you coming back for more. The app also contains other types of exercise sessions like yoga and Pilates.

While it can be stored on its end (which requires an extra bit of kit for an additional $70/£70), it’s noticeably bigger and heavier than other options, so ideally you’ll have a dedicated space for it. That space must have a nearby power source, because the Hydrow needs to be plugged in, but also needs to be secluded since it can get a little loud in use.


3. Echelon Smart Rower

A more-affordable connected rowing machine

SPECIFICATIONS

RRP: $999 / £1,199.99

Resistance: Magnetic

Folding: Yes, 39.9in x 20.4in x 60.6in / 101.5cm x 52cm x 154cm (L x W x H)

Connectivity: Connects to Echelon Fit app, pairs with HRM

Size: 84.6in x 20.4in x 40.9in / 215cm x 52cm x 104 (L x W x H)

Max user weight: 300lb / 136kg

REASONS TO BUY

+ Beginner-friendly

+ Easy to assemble

+ Good all-round build quality

+ Quiet operation

REASONS TO AVOID

– Big footprint

– Heavy

– Experienced rowers/exercisers may feel it is lacking

Echelon is well established in the world of connected home cardio machines and features in both our best exercise bikes and best treadmills round-ups. Its schtick is to forgo the built-in screen, so as long as you already have a tablet or smartphone to use you save considerable money on the hardware. The rower itself offers a combination of cardio machine and live and on-demand classes via a subscription app. 

We found it to be a high-quality, easy-to-use machine with, in a stroke of design genius, buttons to change the level of magnetic resistance on the handle. While there aren’t as many rowing classes as spinning ones, the Echelon Row still delivers the same slick and enjoyable experience we’ve come to expect. The classes also focus on developing your rowing technique, which is very welcome, and you can also choose to row virtually along scenic rivers of the world if you fancy a change of pace.

You’ll have to pay handsomely with a continuing app subscription and supply your own screen – ideally a tablet, although our reviewer found using a phone was still engaging.

While the experience doesn’t match that of the Hydrow, it costs significantly less and still supplies a great experience.


4. ProForm 750R

An even more affordable connected rowing machine which folds

SPECIFICATIONS

RRP: $799 / £799

Resistance: Magnetic

Folding: Yes, 44.5in x 21.7in x 28.8in/ 113cm x 55cm x 73cm (L x W x H)

Connectivity: Connects to iFit appSize

Size: 86.6in x 22.1in x 45.7in / 220cm x 56cm x 116cm (L x W x H)

Max user weight: 250lbs / 113kg

REASONS TO BUY

+ Wide range of resistance levels

+ Sturdy and stable

+ Foldable

+ Connects to iFit app for rowing and non-rowing workouts

REASONS TO AVOID

– Basic on-board workouts

– No built-in screen

– Heavy

– Design is underwhelming

If the price of the Echelon still makes you wince, we can vouch for another option that costs even less. The ProForm 750R costs less than Echelon, but more importantly the monthly subscription for the iFit app is much cheaper at $15/£10 a month. 

There are plenty of on-demand workouts to choose from, and the resistance on the rower is adjusted automatically in line with the trainer’s demands. However, there are no live classes to join so if you find live leaderboards motivating, it may be worth paying more for the Echelon Row or Hydrow.

The machine itself is sturdy and the toughest of the 24 magnetic resistance levels provides a stern test. It doesn’t shift when you’re giving it your all but perhaps its most appealing feature, for apartment dwellers at least, is that the 750R folds up easily – although it’s a little unwieldy to move once folded. The other design oversight is that the device holder can press a smartphone’s buttons when you don’t want it to, so you’re better off using a tablet.

While it’s not perfect, the savings on the rowing machine and the monthly app subscription make it a compelling option.


5. JTX Freedom Air

Best budget rowing machine with air resistance

SPECIFICATIONS

RRP: £495

Resistance: Magnetic

Folding: Yes, 51.2in x 21.7in x 61.9in / 130cm x 55cm x 157cm (L x W x H)

Connectivity: Connects to heart rate monitor

Size: 90.6in x 21.7in x 34.7in / 230cm x 55cm x 88cm (L x W x H)

Max user weight: 298lb / 135kg

REASONS TO BUY

+ Looks great

+ Straightforward set-up

+ Good value

+ Self-powered

REASONS TO AVOID

– Basic workout programmes

– Highest level of resistance is a little lacking

– Noisy

This is a solid and stylish mid-range rower, with a good-sized screen and a comfortable seat with a smooth action. Its one frill is a good one – it will easily and reliably connect to a Polar heart rate monitor (sold separately) so you can add heart rate training to your repertoire, keeping tabs on your pulse rate and zone on the clear back-lit display. 

The eight levels of magnetic resistance – on top of that provided by the fan – will provide more than enough of a challenge for beginners and casual rowers, although we found it shifted a bit on a hardwood floor when we gave it some welly. One other feature we like is that it’s self-powered so you don’t have to set it up near a plug or run wires a long way – ideal if you plan to use it in a garage.

JTX also sells a more expensive rowing machine, the Ignite Air, with just air resistance and a handle on the flywheel to adjust the damper setting. That’s a similar set-up to the Concept2, and one which gives a more natural feel to the stroke. The Ignite Air lacks the connectivity of the Concept2, however.


6. WaterRower Performance Ergometer

Best water rowing machine

SPECIFICATIONS

RRP: $1,499 / £1,2750

Resistance: Water

Folding: No, can be stored upright

Connectivity: Bluetooth with multiple apps

Size : 86.2in x 22.1in x 36.3in / 219cm x 56cm x 92cm (L x W x H)

Max user weight: 695lb / 315kg

REASONS TO BUY

+ Iconic design

+ Natural stroke feel

+ Connects with multiple apps

REASONS TO AVOID

– Tank needs to be drained to be stored

Yes, this is the rower the Francis Underwood character uses in House of Cards, but it doesn’t just have luxe looks and pop-culture kudos, it’s got the British Rowing seal of approval too. There are a few types of WaterRower available but we recommend this one, which comes equipped with Bluetooth and a power meter (you can pick accessories to add to the basic model if you like, or choose the model in the type of wood you prefer). 

That opens access to SmartRow, a free app (Hydrow, Echelon et al take note) to help you monitor and develop technical aspects like your force curve, as well as follow workouts and compete against other SmartRow owners. If studio classes are more your thing, you can pay a subscription to the CityRow app (the CityRow rowing machines are made in partnership with WaterRower) and get your fill of boutique classes. If good looks are a factor for you, opt for one of the sleek and classy solid-wood models and accessorise.

The main downside of the WaterRower is that you can’t alter the resistance without adding or removing water from the drum. All that water also makes it pretty heavy, too, so don’t plan on moving it in and out of a corner every time you want to use it.


7. DKN H2Oar Water Rower

A well-built and more affordable water rower for the UK

SPECIFICATIONS

RRP: £699

Resistance: Water

Folding: No, can be stored upright

Connectivity: Bluetooth connects to heart rate monitor and app

Size (cm): 83.7in x 20.3in x 36.7in / 212.5cm x 51.5cm x 93cm (L x W x H)

Max user weight: 331lb/ 150kg

REASONS TO BUY

+ Great rowing experience

+ Connects to heart rate monitors or apps over Bluetooth

+ Easy to build and store

REASONS TO AVOID

– Uninspiring design

This rower impressed us with its combination of smooth action, comfortable seat and challenging feel. There’s also Bluetooth connectivity so it can be used in tandem with the Kinomap app for guided workouts and live-action videos to row along with. The H2Oar didn’t slip or shift even when we were giving it some welly, but despite its heft it can also be easily wheeled around and tipped on its end without draining the tank, allowing you to store it out of sight between workouts. It’s not as attractive as a wooden water rower, but it’s cheaper than the best-known brand, WaterRower.


8. RP3 Model S

The best dynamic rowing machine

SPECIFICATIONS

RRP: $2,450 / £2,175

Resistance: Air

Folding: No, can be stored upright, 19.7in x 19.7in x 98.5in / 50cm x 50cm x 250cm (L x W x H)

Connectivity: Wireless BLE or cabled connection

Size : 98.5in x 19.7in x 48.1in / 250cm x 50cm x 122cm (L x W x H)

Max user weight: : 9,259lb / 4,200kg

REASONS TO BUY

+ Professional grade

+ Tracks advanced metrics

+ Can sync multiple machines

REASONS TO AVOID

– Expensive

– Overkill for most people

The easiest way to understand a dynamic rower – as namechecked by our expert below – is to see it in action.

The ability of the flywheel and machine to move gives a better feel for being on the water and is great for working on your technique if you are a competitive rower. The monitor is a cut above and includes extras like a force curve of each stroke. RP3s can also be linked into boats and then raced online against others.

Rowing Machine Buyer’s Guide

Types of rowing machine

Rowing machines can be categorised by the type of resistance they offer – air, magnetic or water. Each has a distinctive feel and sound.

When you row on an air rower, air passes through a flywheel, and typically the amount of air allowed to flow through is controlled by a damper at the side of the wheel, which can be moved up and down. Having the damper on high enables you to use the rower for a strength workout, whereas a low setting gives a lighter, faster feel that’s great for cardio. The main drawback of air resistance rowing machines is that they can be noisy.

The resistance in magnetic machines is provided by – wait for it – electromagnets. This type of resistance is often found at the cheaper end of the market, although some high-end magnetic rowers have appeared in recent years. They have the advantage of being quiet enough to not disturb your neighbours, and you can change the resistance using a dial. However, the uniform action, where the feeling of pressure stays the same throughout the stroke, isn’t to everybody’s taste so it’s a good idea to try one before committing.

The third and most stylish option is a water rower – the solid wood ones in particular can look great in your living room. They have a smooth feel and a distinctive whooshing sound which many people love. The disadvantages are that they can be heavy and expensive. There’s no easy way to alter the resistance, either – you have to pour more water into the tank or drain it.

Elite rowers tend to favour air resistance machines, according to world champion rower Matthew Tarrant, who is the founder of rowing training platform RowElite(opens in new tab). In part that’s because of the feel of the stroke. “You tend to feel most of the resistance during the first half of the stroke as you build the acceleration and move the flywheel,” he says.

Tarrant points out that the rowing machines most widely used by international rowing teams are the Concept2 and the RP3, both of which use air resistance. “Water rowers and magnetic machines are more for commercial use at the moment.”

What are the key features to look for on a rowing machine?

“My three main features are a comfy seat that slides up and down, a clear monitor that displays the relevant information, and the ability to check my resistance level [on an air rower] using the drag factor,” says Tarrant. “Having a seat that moves freely will help alleviate any excessive pulling on the hamstrings, a clear display helps you to stay consistent and accountable, and being able to see your drag factor means you can be certain that you’re always working with the same level of resistance rather than just trusting a damper setting.”

In truth, most casual exercisers won’t need (or want) to set a specific drag factor, which measures the speed at which the flywheel slows down. A low to medium damper setting an air rower will suffice (between 3 and 5 on a Concept2).

Check which statistics are displayed on the monitor before buying, especially if you are serious about rowing. If you will be taking part in indoor rowing competitions where there are standard metrics, the industry-standard Concept2 is your best bet. Keep an eye out for the inclusion of a heart rate metric as well: this indicates the machine can sync with a heart rate monitor. This can be a highly useful feature, especially when training to improve your cardio fitness.

How much do you need to spend?

The price range of rowing machines is wide, going from low three figures up to several thousand. Unusually, it’s not the case that the best rowing machine is the most expensive. The Concept2 RowErg doesn’t hit four figures, yet is considered among the best on the market. That’s not half bad for a machine that Olympians train on and that is used for setting world records in indoor rowing.

So why pay more? The more expensive rowing machines offer HD touchscreens, sophisticated companion apps, online fitness and rowing programmes, and interactive classes, although it’s possible to find pretty decent free resources online. Much will depend on whether you want a highly reliable, no-frills rower, or a slick and immersive experience, although bear in mind the latter will entail a monthly app subscription on top of the purchase price.

If you row on the water as well as indoors, you’ll probably have come across dynamic rowing machines. Instead of moving your body backwards and forwards on a monorail, these machines are designed so that your feet come towards you, mimicking the feel of rowing on the water. Some rowers swear that they are kinder to your back too.

The best-known dynamic rower, the RP3, costs a lot more than most static rowers but is radically different and may be worth the money if you take competitive rowing on water seriously. If you’ll only be rowing indoors and haven’t had rowing training, you might well struggle to master the distinctive motion and probably wouldn’t find the hefty price worth paying.

If you’re looking to spend as little as possible, you can still pick up a pretty decent rowing machine for half of what the Concept2 costs. If you just want to sweat, these rowers fit the bill, though do try to have a go on them before buying because some cheaper models can be a bit uncomfortable.

Other features to look out for

Some machines fold up or stand on end for storage. If you don’t have much space, this could be a game changer. Some rowers can be very heavy too. It’s something to bear in mind when considering delivery options, especially if you live in a top floor flat.

Finally, think about the sound of the machine. If you want something that just purrs gently, a magnetic rower is your best option, though you may find the sound of the water or air rower pleasingly mesmeric.

Whatever kind of machine you have in mind, and whatever budget you have, we’ve got the perfect rower for you in this round-up, ordered from least expensive to most.

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