More and more people give preference to a healthy lifestyle - they give up various bad habits, enroll in a gym, start walking and moving more. Unfortunately, in the conditions of the high pace of modern life, it is far from always possible to find the necessary amount of time for a full-fledged lesson in a gym. The creators of the simulators went to meet the needs of customers and created many installations that occupy the minimum amount of free space, so they can be installed even at home.
This is also true for equipment such as a rowing machine. It is a device that simulates rowing. With its help, it is possible to successfully combine strength and cardio exercises. With the help of such an installation, you can quickly and efficiently work out the muscles of the body, starting from the upper shoulder girdle and up to the press. Calories are burned quite actively. A rather large selection of this technique is on sale, so getting confused in it is quite simple. So that this does not happen to you, we decided to make a rating of the best rowing simulators of 2019. In it, we not only analyze the useful characteristics of all the models included here, but also talk about what you should pay attention to when buying this device.
Summary of the rating:
How to choose a rowing machine?
In general, all rowing simulators according to the principle of operation can be divided into three large groups - mechanical, magnetic and aerodynamic. The first is driven by the body movements of the person involved, and the load is transmitted by the piston system or by means of belts. The second variety is equipped with a powerful magnet, creating a decent resistance field. A rotating flywheel is placed in it, which will evenly transfer the load to all working elements. Aerodynamic models are equipped with a special fan. During operation, it will blow air and create a load selected by the user.
When choosing such equipment, the maximum weight of the user must be taken into account. Depending on this parameter, you should also purchase a simulator. Its weight should be equal to the actual weight of the person plus 15-20 kg. With this approach, the simulator will work effectively with all muscle groups and at the same time practically will not wear out. The most modern models are equipped with a large number of various programs, they have touch sensors that monitor the human condition.
It is advisable that the unit is equipped with a display. The screen will show the dynamics of the training process. The user himself will be able to see what progress he managed to achieve during classes. On sale today you can find folding types of simulators. They are very convenient to use in conditions of lack of free space in the apartment, since when folded they occupy a minimum amount of space. Be sure to pay attention to the ergonomics of the product. The position of the seat must be adjusted so that the lesson takes place in the most comfortable conditions.
When choosing models to include in our review of the best rowing machines, we were guided by all the above principles, and also took into account the price-quality ratio of products. We tried to include not too expensive models in the rating so that each of our readers could choose the most suitable thing for themselves. Another point that influenced the choice of models is user reviews and professional trainers. For each simulator, we tried to collect an exhaustive amount of information so that you can choose the optimal unit for yourself.
The best mechanical devices
3. DFC R7103
The maximum load on this simulator is 100 kg - quite enough for most users. The model effectively combines a whole range of cardiological loads, and is also able to work with a significant number of muscle groups - back, chest, arms and legs. In the process of training, large muscles are involved, so a person will spend quite a lot of energy. With the help of classes on this device, it is possible to reduce the amount of fat, instead of which an attractive and embossed muscle corset will be created. The design is equipped with a very convenient and reliable folding mechanism, which makes the simulator optimally suitable for use at home. Its overall dimensions are 54x124x68 cm when folded and 50.5x46x174 in a ready-to-use form. There is a handle for adjusting the load. The load is adjusted using the original magnetic system - in total there are as many as 10 operating modes.
The device has a liquid crystal LCD display. This displays information on the duration of the lesson, the number of strokes per minute, the number of calories burned. The model is absolutely safe to use. There is a special anti-slip coating on the handles, large stops are provided for the legs, equipped with reliable fixing straps.
Benefits:
- There is a folding mechanism;
- Long service life;
- The presence of a liquid crystal display;
- Very comfortable to use.
Disadvantages:
- The user weight limit is 100 kg.
2. Kettler Favorit 7978-900
The model is equipped with a very convenient loading system, which is a pair of cylinders. Using this original technology, it is possible to smoothly change the degree of load, preventing the occurrence of excessive loads on the joints or spine. The frame has increased strength, a person with a mass of 130 kg can work on this simulator. The overall dimensions of the product are 124x78x26 cm, a folding mechanism is not provided, however, such products already do not take up a lot of free space. The seat here is soft, orthopedic, which allows you to make the training process as comfortable as possible while not causing unpleasant or painful sensations in the lower back. The foot rests are equipped with an anti-slip coating; they have Velcro straps.
A special sensor clip is supplied with this product. In addition to it, you can buy a chest cardiac sensor. They transmit data on the state of a person to the display, and the error here will be minimal. The products are equipped with a monochrome LCD display, it is equipped with anti-reflective coating, it also has several informative sections. At the same time, the simulator does not connect to the mains - the display and all sensors operate on the most ordinary batteries or on batteries. A system for constant monitoring of the upper threshold of the pulse is provided. If the heart rate reaches this indicator, the user will be informed about this by a special sound signal.
Benefits:
- High quality production and assembly of products;
- Ease of doing exercises and adjusting the load;
- The presence of sensors and a display;
- Able to withstand a significant mass of the user.
Disadvantages:
- Efficiency is calculated in kilojoules - not everyone understands what kind of data it is and how to work with it.
1. Torneo Golfctream V-117
It has a fairly compact overall dimensions and low weight, so this product is optimal for installation in an apartment. The original point associated with this product is the availability of its own training computer of a full-fledged type, and not a simple display, as was the case with previous models included in the review. With it, the user will have complete control over the number of strokes, the duration of the lesson, the total distance traveled, and will also be able to find out exactly how many calories were spent. The load adjustment is mechanical here. It is quite convenient for both beginners and experienced athletes. If desired, the effort can be done more directly in the training process. The load is generated by a pair of hydraulic cylinders, one of which is installed on each side of the device.
Thanks to this system, it is possible to achieve silent operation of the equipment, so you can do it at any time, day or night. The design of the developers turned out to be as ergonomic as possible - using this simulator will be comfortable for any person, regardless of his height and build. There are special notches on the levers, providing a high level of comfort during the training. The simulator has a reinforced frame that provides the longest possible life of the product. For its production, only materials were used that excellently resist wear.
Benefits:
- Small overall dimensions;
- The folding mechanism is provided;
- There is a full-fledged on-board computer;
- It takes up a minimum of free space;
- It works absolutely silently.
Disadvantages:
- Withstands the weight of a person up to 100 kg.
The best magnetic products
4. Xterra ERG200
Designed specifically for active use at home. With the help of this device, it will be possible to work out almost all the major groups of large muscles as quickly and efficiently as possible, to form the correct posture, to establish the work of the cardiovascular system. The design here is quite simple, a folding mechanism is provided, due to which the product is quite convenient to store and transport from one place to another. It uses a magnetic load system, made using the latest Magnetic Single Resistance technology, with a flywheel mass equivalent to 10 kg. The movements on the simulator are smooth and very stable. This positively affects the coordination of movements and the balance of the body. In total there are 8 levels of load, so the complexity of the work on the simulator is adjustable.
There is a fairly informative display on which all the information the user needs will be displayed. Double aluminum rails equipped with stiffeners act as the basis here, thanks to which the simulator will withstand the user's weight up to 110 kg. The seat is very comfortable, adjustable for the length of the legs, the pedals are also adjustable, so the person will feel as comfortable as possible during training. The product has shipping rollers, there are compensators for uneven floors.
Benefits:
- Very compact overall dimensions;
- 8 degrees of load;
- The increased strength of the frame;
- Adjustable seat and pedals;
- Manual load adjustment system.
Disadvantages:
- Some users are distrustful of the fact that these products are assembled in Chinese factories.
3. Sport Elit SE-104
Using this simulator, you can provide the most smooth movements, as in the process of real rowing. Users could not detect any jerks or failures during classes. Like most devices included in our review of the best rowing machines, there is a very convenient and informative display with all the necessary data for a person involved.It combines immediately two types of sports equipment: designed to develop and stabilize the cardiovascular system and get rid of excess adipose tissue and mass, used to fully develop the muscle frame and provide an attractive appearance. The device provides a load on all major muscle groups. The device does not need a lot of free space, so it can easily fit even in a small apartment.
Steel pipes and channels reinforced with stiffeners are used here as a basis, thanks to which people with body weight up to 120 kg can do this simulator. The seat is large enough; it glides along the aluminum tire very easily and silently. The pedals have decent overall dimensions, the legs on them are fixed using special fasteners. It is not necessary to connect to the mains.
Benefits:
- Absolute autonomy of the product;
- High strength and reliability of this simulator;
- Insignificant overall dimensions of the device;
- The presence of a folding mechanism;
- Conveniently adjustable all the necessary parameters.
Disadvantages:
- The display could be made larger.
2. DFC R8001
It is a fairly versatile product that is perfect for both people who are just starting to take care of their health and already very experienced athletes. Depending on his own physical preparation, the user may prefer one of 16 levels of load. In addition, the developers laid down in this simulator immediately 20 different programs. Each of them represents an optimally selected number of different parameters, you can set them all in manual mode. The comfort from training is greatly enhanced thanks to the existing compensators for uneven floors, anti-slip stops and leg straps are also supplied. The maximum permissible load on the device is 120 kg, so even fairly large users can engage in it.
The functionality of the computer is quite wide, and it reads all the data as accurately as possible, does not distort them during processing. Here levers are installed that are completely independent of each other, capable of rotating 360 degrees, so the workouts are quite diverse. The seat has an ergonomic shape, it can sit for quite a long time, and it has a special anti-slip coating. The simulator’s display is monochrome and has a high-brightness LED backlight, so the data will be very well readable even in direct sunlight.
Benefits:
- A large number of various built-in programs;
- Suitable even for fairly large people;
- Informative LCD display;
- The original appearance.
Disadvantages:
- Quite expensive compared to other similar models.
1. INFINITI R70
The device is a structure equipped with an air loading system. In total, the manufacturer provides as many as six load levels, the user will have to choose the most suitable mode for himself from them. Thanks to its compact overall dimensions, this model fits perfectly into the interior of even a small apartment. If necessary, the simulator can be folded - for this there is a special mechanism. The system of rollers is of high quality, provides a smooth course of all moving elements, which not only makes the occupation as comfortable as possible, but also allows you to perform exercises correctly. This gives the muscles a uniform load; no jerks were noticed. The model has a liquid crystal display with adjustable angle, so you do not have to peer at the data. The computer turns on and off automatically, turning on immediately after the first sweep, and turning off after a couple of minutes of inactivity. It is powered by ordinary finger batteries.
The simulator is able to withstand a user weighing up to 100 kg.In the folded state, it has overall dimensions of 128x77x25 cm, in the working position - 198x46x86 cm. If necessary, the user can additionally purchase a chest cardiac sensor, which will measure the remote control. There is a ventilation system, adjustable air flow. The simulator is based on a steel frame, a frame made of aluminum. The seat and pedals are made of fairly durable plastic.
Benefits:
- Compact design, equipped with a convenient and reliable folding mechanism;
- Six levels of load, you can combine aerobic and strength exercises;
- High strength and good reliability of the model;
- There is a built-in blowing system.
Disadvantages:
- In addition to a rather high cost was not found.
Aerodynamic devices
3. FITEX PRO
The first in our review of the best rowing simulators is a professional model, which, at the same time, is highly versatile, so it can be used both in the gym and at home. The maximum load on the simulator can reach 180 kg, and the device can easily be adjusted to almost any user, regardless of its height, physique and level of muscle training. The manufacturer here provided immediately 10 levels of load. Sensors for reading the pulse are located in the handles, so the user does not have to attach anything to their own clothes. All the necessary information is displayed on an informative high-brightness liquid crystal display. Everything that the user needs to know during training will be displayed here.
The simulator is characterized by a rather simple design, which is characterized by a high level of convenience and simplicity. The model, like most others in our review, has compensators for uneven floors. This ensures the stability of the position of the structure during direct operation. The ergonomics of the simulator is thought out as carefully as possible. The foot stops are equipped with fixing straps, so you can not be afraid to get injured during classes. The product practically does not make noise, therefore use at home will not create discomfort for anyone. Ideal for beginners and for quite experienced athletes.
Benefits:
- High level of durability and usability;
- There is a large selection of operating modes;
- It works almost silently.
Disadvantages:
- It is quite expensive.
2. NordicTrack RX 800
This simulator provides a completely new approach to traditional training. The aerodynamic load of this device can be regulated in manual and automatic mode. The contour seat, users note its superior ergonomics. The arms are quite soft, do not begin to slip in the hands even during a long workout. The output power is displayed on a liquid crystal display, the viewing angle of which is adjusted if necessary. If you wish, you can even connect a player to this simulator and listen to your favorite tracks during class. Using the chest sensor does not work, because there is no receiver. This device has 5 load levels at once, and the developers put in it 20 automatic programs: ten of them are aimed at ensuring a uniform load of the cardiac system, the rest are designed for thorough and quick burning of excess calories.
A very strong steel rail is used as the frame. Maximum user weight must not exceed 130 kg. The pedals are not very large, but the fastening of the straps is thought out in such a way that the legs will not slide off them even with very intense training. There are two rather powerful speakers here - in total they give about 12 watts of power. You can use not only traditional mp3-players, but also products from Apple - iPod. There is no holder for the tablet here, but there is still a special shelf where you can put it. The products can work both on batteries and on a standard power supply.
Benefits:
- Simple and fairly effective products;
- A large number of built-in operating modes;
- Well-designed ergonomics;
- Thoroughly loads all the muscles, providing complete fat burning and muscle growth.
Disadvantages:
- Will have to be located in the immediate vicinity of the outlet.
1. Concept 2 E PM5
This model will be able to appreciate even the most demanding and picky users. The products are distinguished by excellent versatility and practicality: they will organically look both at home and in the home. The product belongs to premium products. When developing the simulator, close attention was paid to every detail, so even strength training becomes most effective without loss in the field of comfort and safety. All technical solutions are aimed at ensuring that a person as soon as possible can assess the benefits of classes. In particular, the landing height here is 51 cm - the best indicator for training people and athletes suffering from pathology of the knee joints. In addition, this height significantly reduces the load on the muscles that have been injured.
The design uses a nickel-plated chain, which during operation does not have to be regularly lubricated. There is also a special finish that prevents scratches and prevents damage to clothing. Outside, the simulator is covered with special compounds that are not sensitive to physical influences, so even after several years of active use, the device will look like new. The product has a quick-detachable collar that allows you to disassemble the unit within a few seconds. The foot support is adjustable, suitable for all sizes of feet. The monitor here turns on automatically immediately after the start of the lesson. It works either from the network adapter supplied in the kit, or from batteries. The interface is quite simple, you can figure it out in just a couple of minutes. There is a wireless communication system that allows you to combine up to eight exercise machines into one network, which is very convenient when conducting group trainings.
Benefits:
- Adjustment of resistance is provided;
- The excellent quality of materials and assembly allows the device to maintain its original appearance for a long time;
- Disassembled in a few seconds;
- Ideal for professional athletes and beginners.
Disadvantages:
- The high cost of the product.
Finally, a useful video
So we have finished considering the best rowing machines. We hope that you were able to choose the most suitable product for yourself. If you still have any questions or want to share your experience of buying and operating similar devices, then you can always express your point of view in the comments to this article.