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    18 Rowing Machines That Beat Getting A Gym Membership

    For the days you can't make it — or don't feel like going to the gym

    1. A rowing machine that uses magnetic resistance (so none of that constant whirring like some other exercise machines) to give you a~quiet~ workout that both you and your neighbors can appreciate.

    2. A portable rowing machine for those looking to ditch their couch potato tendencies. It was also designed to be more lightweight, so you can move it around easier — did we mention it's also under $200 for those on a budget?

    3. A foldable rowing machine to help those short on space still fit their morning workout in. Now, you can actually have that home gym you've been dreaming of.

    4. The reviewer-favorite Concept2 RowErg Rower, which boasts all of the bells and whistles you could want in an at-home rowing machine. It's equipped with ergonomic handles, adjustable footrests, two leg length and seat height options, and a flywheel for smooth movement with minimal noise.

    person using the black concept2 machine
    the black concept2 rowing machine
    Rogue

    But wait – there's more! This durable rower also features a high-end, Bluetooth performance monitor that tracks your distance, speed, pace, calories burned, and watts. It also allows you to connect your fitness apps and trackers to the machine. And when you're all done, it can be broken down into two, easy-to-store parts with wheels for even easier move-out-of-the-way-ability. 

    Promising review: "I love this rower! It helps me with my regular activities, because I feel better and I can walk straight, and up and down stairs better! I subscribed to the daily C2 workouts, the button sequences are provided so I can just program that in, plus it pairs with my Suunto phone app via my Android smartwatch, and my Strava fitness app. Love the programming instructions in the daily email for short, medium, and long workouts." –MamaBear

    Get it from Rogue for $990+ (available in two sizes). 

    5. A rowing machine for beginners who want to row, row, row their way towards a healthier lifestyle. The display screen will also track calories burned, total strokes done, total time spent working out, and more.

    6. A smartphone-compatible rowing machine because who wants to listen to themselves panting while they work out? Get ready to turn on the sweat-inducing playlist and pretend you're rowing on a gentle lake.

    7. An Echelon Smart rowing machine with a variety of resistance levels that allow you to customize your workout so it's never the same (particularly helpful on those days when you're feeling a little bit lazy).

    8. A wooden rowing machine elegantly crafted to give you that authentic rowboat feel. After a long day, close your eyes and just imagine you're gliding down a peaceful stream. The best part? It's super compact and can easily be folded away for storage.

    9. A slip-proof rowing machine ideal for anyone who wants to avoid that annoying moment when your feet keep missing the pedals. Along with a padded handlebar, you can be as comfortable as possible during your workout.

    10. A full motion rowing machine to allow your arms and shoulders a longer range of motion during your workouts. It also has 12 resistance levels, anti-slip pedals, and a padded seat and handles to make your sessions even better. 

    reviewer photo of the full motion rowing machine
    reviewer photo of the full motion rowing machine

    Reviewers love this machine for beginners and casual rowers. It may not be the flashiest, but it certainly allows users to work up a sweat and reach new goals using the various resistance levels. 

    Promising review: "This is exactly what I was looking for. The machine offers a full body workout. You can work both arms, upper body, and legs, or just the legs or just the arms and upper body. I have a bad knee so I can adjust my workout to suite. This machine can give a decent workout with the adjustable resistance and will be enough resistance for most people. If your strong and are looking for very strong workout this might not be enough for you. I have a 34” inseam and I still have a good 5” of travel left for the seat to go back. I’m so glad I purchased this model of a rowing machine." –Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $129.

    11. A magnetic resistance rowing machine with 16 resistance levels to choose from for almost anyone from a newbie to the most experienced of rowers. No matter the skill level, post-workout soreness is a pain everyone can learn to enjoy!

    12. A rowing machine that may just convince you to limit your screen time. Don't worry though, the LCD display screen can help with your withdrawals — especially since it's customizable.

    Product image of black and red rowing machine against white background

    13. A rowing machine for when you're feeling too lazy to go to the gym, but still motivated enough to work out. Most reviewers suggest using this for a light workout or if you're just starting out.

    14. A programmable rowing machine so you can be your own at-home fitness trainer. Choose between pre-set routines or get creative and make your own!

    15. A rowing machine with eight magnetic resistance levels that'll make it easy to up the ante during your workouts. Its large LCD panel will display your time, calories burned, and anything else you need to track your ever-expanding rowing journey.

    reviewer photo of the rowing machine on a pink mat
    model using the rowing machine

    This machine also has slip-resistant pedals, handlebars, and wheels that make it easy to set up and put away (if your at-home workout space is less of a gym and more of a "I'll take those out when I need them" type of deal). 

    Promising review: "It wasn't an easy decision, high end with all the bells and whistles or a basic unit. I chose basic not certain if I would get much use out of it. I LOVE IT! This is the perfect machine for my workouts. I throw on my headphones and enjoy the ride. Easy flow, quiet, and comfortable. I've had it a few days and look forward to my daily workouts. The instructions were so simple and detailed, putting it together was a breeze. I did it myself. I highly recommend this affordable machine." –Theresa Reich

    Get it from Amazon for $249.99.

    16. A DripeX magnetic rowing machine whose foldable design seamlessly stows away post-workout (because no one, not even you, wants to maneuver around a rowing machine to get to the couch at the end of a long day). The 16 levels of quiet resistance, LCD monitor, and tablet-holder are just some bonuses!

    reviewer photo of a rowing machine
    reviewer photo of the top view of a rowing machine

    Promising review: " Great machine! This is a steal for this type of quality. Machine provides a great workout and can be stored vertically in a small space. I wish I purchased this earlier!" –Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $299.99+ (also available with a silver wheel).

    17. A NordicTrack RW600 that has 26 resistance levels (functioning between manual and digital resistance), as well as quick-adjust pedals, bluetooth connectivity, a space-saving design, and a huge archive of workouts with professional trainers via iFit.

    a model adjusting the pedals of a rowing machine
    a model using a rowing machine
    NordicTrack

    Promising reviews [from using the rower with the iFit workout series): "Totally enjoyed that! Slower but deliberate strokes made me really focus on my core. Loved it!" –Donna R

    "Good, short, back-to-basics workout to get back to rowing after doing other workouts for a while! Thank you." –John J P

    Get it from NordicTrack for $999.

    18. A splurge-worthy Hydro Rower with an ergonomically designed cushion with 10-roller system for extra smooth operation, adjustable footbeds, and a large HD display screen to track your workouts, or for personal coaching (included) and fitness classes (not included). 

    model using the hydro rowing machine
    the hydro rowing machine
    Hydro

    For a limited time, you'll receive free one-on-one coaching with your Hydrow purchase. You can also check out their all-access membership subscription for information on their library of 3,000+ classes and sessions. 

    Promising reviews: "We recently purchased a Hydrow and I am finding that I am looking forward to my row daily. The machine itself is sturdy and it rows beautifully. The rowing videos are beautiful and entertaining and the beginner classes such as Learn to Row and the Fitness Builder are so helpful with learning correct form and building up stamina. The Hydrow company has an excellent customer service staff that has been great when we had some questions that needed to be answered. I highly recommend the Hydrow!" –Pam

    Get it from Hydro for $2,495.

    That post-workout feeling:

    Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.