Budget Rowing Machines Vs Expensive Models

When it comes to choosing a rowing machine, you should think carefully about what factors are important for you. Then decide whether you opt for a cheaper or more expensive one. If you’re not ready to spend a fortune on a rower, but want to get a model that will work for a long time, you’ll need to do some research and know what features are the most important to look out for.

Pick up a model of any resistance type, with a wide range of functions and programs available, so you’ll be able to track your progress over every training session.

Budget Rowing Machines Vs Expensive Models: Key Differences

What points you should know about cheap and expensive rowing machines before picking up a decent model that meets your goals? Rower’s price is a crucial aspect when purchasing such a training tool. You shouldn’t be misled by price rates because, in some cases, they don’t relate to the product quality.

Some best budget rowing machines can serve for a long time compared to a smart high-priced rower that can break down after several training sessions. When you define what type of rower is a better option for you – expensive or budget-friendly, look at the resistance system it provides. 

This aspect can make a difference when it comes to selecting a more affordable rower. For example, hydraulic rowers tend to be cheaper than air and water ones. Water-resistance machines are believed to be the priciest because they have a water tank and offer the most realistic feel while rowing. The same is for air rowing machines: such tools also imitate real-life rowing on the water.

Nevertheless, the price depends on each model and its extra features. Expensive models can offer more interaction and can be connected with fitness applications for tracking performance metrics. 

Everything depends on your needs, preferences, and financial capability: if you’re ready to invest a considerable amount of money on a rower, you’ll have a full-fledged multifunctional piece of equipment for your home gym.

3 Factors Affecting The Price Of A Rowing Machine

The more bucks you can spend on a rowing machine, the wider range of features you can get. If you want to get more comfort, make a rower more personalized, and enjoy smooth rowing in a group of like-minded rowers or being coached by a trainer, then pricier models may be your best option. 

Bear in mind that these factors affect the cost of a rowing machine and the quality of rowing generally.

1. Materials And Configuration

Usually, basic rowers have hard plastic details in the design like main panels covering a working mechanism, seat, footrests, and handles. Also, they have a basic console with default metrics, such as speed, time, and distance. Nothing interesting. Spend more and you’ll get better metrics showings, a more durable frame, and adjustable seats. 

2. Interactivity And Compatibility

Rowers of a higher price rate dominantly have larger displays and offer a wide range of built-in training programs and online classes led by fitness coaches. It’s possible to join these workouts and even compete with other rowers. You can create a customized training program, record, and track your progress after every workout and also sync and download on your device.

3. Frame Sturdiness

High-priced rowers are crafted from better and more durable materials. The manufacturers use specific technologies to provide users with exceptional quality rowing out of issues. Hydraulic rowers tend to be less durable and that is reflected in a lower price. If you want a long-lasting sturdy rowing trainer, choose a water, magnetic, or air-resistance rower. They’ll serve longer with no signs of wear as they come with construction components of a higher level.

Recomended Rowing Machine

ProForm 750R Rower

• Item Dimensions: 86.5” L x 22” W x 45.5” H
• Item Weight: 116.6 lb
• Resistance System: magnetic
• Display: 5” high-contrast monitor
• Slide Rail Length: no information   
• Weight Capacity: 250 lb
• Compatibility: Bluetooth, iFit app
• Warranty: 5 years for the frame, 1 year for the parts and labor

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This first-class rowing machine offers unlimited training opportunities without leaving your home. The machine is compatible with the iFit fitness application enabling you to join indoor rowing classes and coach-led outdoor training. By joining these workouts, a trainer will control the resistance and intensity of your rowing by himself considering your fitness goals and fitness level. 

ProForm rower comes with a high contrast 5” monitor with quick control buttons, and a shelf for your device up to 7.5”. The display shows all your metrics while rowing, that is time, distance, SPM, resistance level, and calories. It features adjustable multi-grip handles and a 90”-length pulling strap to accommodate users of all heights.

Also, it has pivoting foot pedals with velcro straps that move back and forth with each stroke. Such a feature can be useful for athletes with limited ankle mobility.

It has a magnetic resistance system, with 24 levels of adjustable tension. Inertia-enhanced flywheel and magnetic resistance generate quiet and smooth rowing that can be compared to air rower performance.

5 Benefits of Rowing Machines

No matter what type of rowing machine you prefer, it brings you a low-impact workout that is great for a wide range of users: both beginners and advanced athletes will find it beneficial for their body and mind.

Rowing has gained popularity due to being a great combo addition to cross-training workouts and also being a method of high-intensity interval training, which can improve your split time and speed of rowing.

Due to great power output, scaling up endurance, and technique, you’ll know the real water rowing feel during challenging indoor rowing sessions. Let’s enumerate the key benefits of budget rowers you’ll enjoy for sure.

✅ Engage the Whole Body

Despite some saying it’s totally leg or arm work, in fact, rowing involves almost all main muscle groups. You’ll work out shoulders, back muscles, core, and glutes alike. The vast volume of power is generated by the legs (for pushing motion), then the lesser ratio comes to your arms (for pulling), and the rest is for your core for extra stabilization.

✅ Enhance Overall Power and Endurance

By utilizing different muscles, rowing can build both strength and stamina. You can improve these indicators by combining rowing with weight and strength training. A good sample of a strength workout is using free weights, leg presses, and seated arm pulls to improve your repetition maximum. These exercises will help you to gain peak stroke power performance measures.

✅ It’s a High-Intensity Low-Impact Alternative to Other Exercises

Rowing is a low-impact workout that treats your joints gently. This is a worthy training option for people with injuries or who are in a rehab period. A great plus is that a person can regulate the tension and intensity of rowing by themselves by choosing milder or more intensive training.

✅ It’s Perfect for All-Fitness-Level Rowers

Rowing is easy to learn, but not every athlete can master it. All you need to control is the technique and body position ensuring stability during the entire rowing session. Beginners, recreational and professional rowers can get the same results with a consistent rowing regimen and overall physical activity. Rowing will meet your personal goals at any stage of your progress. You’ll become more confident in increasing your rowing speed and power with every training.

✅ It’s Superb Cardio Training

Rowing strengthens the cardiovascular system, namely your heart, vessels, and accelerates your blood flow. Make your rowing session more intensive by adding speed-ups, so your heart will work harder to transport oxygen throughout the body. As a result, your body will get a real challenge and you’ll improve your aerobic and anaerobic skills as well.

3 Benefits Of Budget Rowing Machines

Speaking about cheap rowers, you’ll get the following perks of using it:

✅ Low Price

If you’re a beginner in rowing and don’t want to spend a fortune on this tool, a cheap rowing machine is exactly for you. You can buy a good rower for $300 and it’ll fully meet your needs and fitness goals, without sacrificing the quality.

✅ Follow Key Metrics

With an affordable rower, you’ll be able to track key performance data like time, distance, calories, SPM, and split time. These indicators are enough for a starter.

✅ Easy Usage

As usual, budget-friendly rowing machines don’t have sophisticated construction and quite complex operating features. As it targets beginners in rowing or intermediate users who don’t need extra perks, it’ll be easy to adjust.

What to Look For in a Budget Rowing Machine?

Buying an inexpensive rowing machine isn’t an easy task, it requires a thorough investigation of the models you choose from. As you’re searching for this tool for home training, it’s important to consider its dimensions first and foldability. But, overall, there’s a huge list of specs you should keep in mind.

When picking up a budget rower you need to consider the following points:

1. Price/Quality

Price and quality ratio is one of the most important things you should check before the purchase. Despite the price tag being affordable, it shouldn’t translate to its quality and performance. Therefore, it’s better to consider rowers from reliable and trusted manufacturers responsible for their products. By the way, it’s possible to find rowers up to $400 that are a perfect option for home gyms.

2. Design

It’s obvious that a rower’s design and construction depends on its type, meaning whether you choose a magnetic, air, or water rowing machine. Although, the common features of all rowers are a steel rail, handlebars, foot pedals, and console. Then, depending on the resistance type, a rower can be equipped with a flywheel with a damper, or magnets, or a water tank.

3. Comfort

Check whether a rowing machine has a comfortable seat and adjustable handles. Also, look for rowers with a tilting monitor you can change the angle to fit your height – that will add more comfort for you while rowing and watching your speed and pulse is increasing. Don’t forget to check the seat height from the floor and the inseam length to accommodate your leg length.

4. Portability 

Sure, when choosing a fitting rowing machine you’d like to find a moderately lightweight tool you’ll be able to move around the apartment and store it in any tiny corner. The majority of rowers can be easily folded upright, so you’ll get a smaller footprint and it won’t take up too much space. Check also the availability of transport wheels.

5. Adjustability (Seat and Programming) 

Apparently all rowing machines have adjustable seats since you can simply glide backward or forward on the rail and fix the foot pedals in a position that feels comfortable and appropriate for your height and legs.

Another spec to check is built-in program availability. Generally, it’s a great advantage to have several training modes besides having access to specific fitness applications. Built-in programs, compatibility with different devices and applications will transform your training into a real rowing experience full of challenges.

6. Durability

Prefer rowing machines that have durable stainless steel components and construction elements, but not plastic parts. Steel construction adds up to more durability and sturdiness. Check the quality of the flywheel, damper, and pulling cable, which should bring you fluid motion and functionality.

Tips From the Champ

Check whether a rowing machine has a comfortable seat and adjustable handles. Also, look for rowers with a tilting monitor you can change the angle to fit your height – that will add more comfort for you while rowing and watching your speed and pulse is increasing.

Oleksiy Torokhtiy

Olympic Weightlifting Champion

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How to use a rowing machine properly?

Utilize a rowing machine correctly to get the maximum out of workout and strengthen your performance indicators. Set it up properly, and perform rowing with the right technique and body form.

The first-time rowing may be intimidating, but you’ll excel at this full-body workout in several sessions. Keep in mind that rowing is about strength, not speed, and most power is generated by your legs, not your arms.

When you start learning to row properly, focus on using the power of your lower muscles, i.e., glutes, hamstrings, and quads, to push yourself and glide back. Also, you should know the key terms to tune in your rowing, namely:

• SPM (stroke per minute) which should be around 30 strokes per minute.
• Split time means the amount of time you row 500 meters, you should aim to get 2 minutes or less.
• Stroke is a full range of rowing motion which includes catch, drive, finish, and recovery.

First, you need to choose the rowing machine concerning your height: mind the seat and inseam height, and sliding rail length, and check whether it’s possible to change or swivel the handlebars and the angle of the monitor. 

1. Start With a Warming-up

Each training requires warming-up exercises, i.e., some stretching, or light cardio, to activate your body. This short set of exercises will help you to avoid injuries and strains and also will set you to productive work. A dynamic warm-up will help you to prepare your body for a rowing session within a full range of motion without restrictions.

You can do squats, lunges, heel flicks, arm circles, or light jogging on a treadmill. It’s also useful to do a technical warm-up on a rowing machine: first, you can do pulling motions with your arms only by keeping your back and legs straight. Next, perform a body swing: lean forward and go back by engaging the trunk keeping the core tight, with a flat back and straight legs.

2. Adjust the Rower and Position the Body Properly

Secure your feet in the foot pedals and fix them with the straps. Now you’re ready to start rowing. Set up the proper resistance level: you can manage it by changing the tension of the damper that is placed on the side of the flywheel. A damper is a lever that regulates the amount of air that moves through the flywheel. 

Progressive load is a key to gradual strength development and muscle mass increase. Adding more tension over time is an effective way to become stronger.

3. Preserve the Rowing Technique

Next, you need to know all phases of the full stroke and how to perform each step correctly:

• Finish Phase: as usual, you start with the “finish” phase. You sit on the saddle with your legs fully straightened. Strap them on the foot pedals. Grab the handle, so it’s placed at your lower ribs with your palms facing down. Lean your body slightly back.
• Catch Phase: move your body forward to reach the position when you bend your legs in the knees and your shins are perpendicular to the ground with your knees in line over the ankles. The shoulders are in front of the hips. Your chest touches your thighs, avoid your body leaning too far. At this phase, the seat is as close as possible to the flywheel.
• Drive Phase: push your feet to straighten your legs. Then pull your trunk from the 1 o’clock position to the 11 o’clock position. Keep shoulders relaxed and back in the neutral position. Finish the movement by pulling the handle with your arms to your lower ribs, keeping your core tight.

4. Cool Down After Rowing

Like a warming-up part at the beginning, cooling down is also vital to calm your body gradually in order not to harm your cardiovascular system and help your pulse return to its stable rate. You’ll help your body to return to its usual state naturally without sharp jumps.

Cooling down with some stretching decreases muscle soreness and tension after an intensive workout. Even a few minutes of deep breathing, cool-down stretching, and muscle relaxation will enhance your post-training recovery and will result in greater physical success.

Static stretching is a perfect way to cool down after rowing: you can do tricep and bicep stretch, arm crossovers, trunk rotation, hamstring, and hamstring groin stretch. This set of movements will be enough to elongate your muscles, increase joint flexibility, and facilitate recovery.

FAQ

Is A Budget Rowing Machine Worth It?

Yes, if you’re new to rowing and want to get a low-impact full-body workout that will strengthen both cardiovascular capabilities and muscles, then a budget-friendly rower is a good option for your purposes. A cheap rowing machine will be enough for challenging and effective workouts.

Why Are Rowers So Expensive?

Some models of rowers can be more expensive because of the mechanism and resistance system it’s equipped with. Also, they can have larger displays with more interactive options and app compatibility. Material quality, the number of built-in programs, and the ability to sync with various devices can also influence the price rate.

Conclusion

Choosing between budget and expensive rowing machine is all about the balance between cost and features that match your fitness needs. Budget models can be a fantastic entry point because they offer basic functionality along with a good workout without breaking the bank.

But if you’re after advanced features, better durability, and a more comfortable rowing experience, you might need to loosen the purse strings and get a higher-end model. In the end, though, it boils down to your priorities.

If you want our recommendation, go for the ProForm to get the best of both worlds.

Want to get a more personalized consultation regarding the chosen model of a rowing machine? Feel free to contact us directly by leaving a comment below the article. We’ll get in touch with you in the shortest time possible to help you choose a decent rower that will meet your budget and fitness preferences.

References:

1. Effect of stroke rate on the distribution of net mechanical power in rowing // Tandfonline: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02640410600718046
2. Comparison of Rowing Performance Improvements Following Various High-Intensity Interval Trainings // Journals: https://inlnk.ru/9P5R6o
3. The effects of high-intensity interval training in well-trained rowers // Pubmed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19417232/
4. Relationships Among Muscle Characteristics and Rowing Performance in Collegiate Crew Members // Thesportjournal: https://inlnk.ru/agyml2
5. Strength, Power, and Muscular Endurance Exercise and Elite Rowing Ergometer Performance // Journals: https://inlnk.ru/57p85J
6. The effect of velocity‐specific strength training on peak torque and anaerobic rowing power // Tandfonline: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02640418908729841
7. Photos are made by Torokhtiy Media Team.