When the topic of working out arises, many of us think about walking or weights. Both are great, there is however another form of exercise worth looking into: rowing. Along with the perk of remaining seated throughout an entire workout, rowing provides a number of benefits. Zinc heightens your stamina, sculpts muscles, and fights stress. If you're thinking you couldn't possibly pay the price or space for one, reconsider. We've gathered the best rowing machines for seniors currently available on the market, and you'll be amazed at the choice available.

Can you get fit just by rowing?

A well-rounded fitness routine incorporates three elements: cardiovascular, strength, and adaptability. When rowing, you knock two out – cardio and strength – in one sitting (pun completely intended).

Indoor rowing machines generally is one of the first pieces of exercise equipment ever invented. Sometimes known as ergometers, or “ergs,” rowers began being produced commercially within the mid-1800s for college students who practiced crew. The eighties, AKA the golden age of fitness, made the sport well-liked by everyday exercisers.

Rowing is a full body workout. Based on the American Fitness Professionals Association (AFPA), rowing machines engage 25 to 35 % of your upper body and 65 to 75 percent of your legs. To help keep proper form and protect the rear, users must utilize their core muscles. One can market to your hamstrings, quads, deltoids, biceps, and rectus abdominis (the six-pack region).

Is rowing a great home workout?

Absolutely! Rowing machines are a great choice if you are seeking home workout equipment. They are multifunctional and allow you to avoid cluttering your home with a couple of large machines.

Another benefit of having a rower? Avoiding the germs available at the typical gym. It's also nice to know that no matter the time or weather, you may still exercise.

When purchasing a rower, consider price and size. Typical ergometers measure around eight feet, but home versions can be as tiny as five feet long. The cash you'll spend will depend on the type of rowing machine you purchase, the brand, and the tech it offers. While rowing machines can be over $2,000, there are plenty that come under $1,000.

Is Half an hour of rowing enough?

Doctors often stress the importance of cardio for heart health. The very best rowing machines for seniors help to improve circulation, cut the chance of type 2 diabetes, and can help manage blood sugar levels if you are already diabetic. According to Johns Hopkins, to boost heart health, you ought to strive for Half an hour of rowing a day, five days a week. Rowing is fantastic for getting your heartbeat up, while also increasing strength and muscle. Women should strength train a minimum of 2 days per week, for thirty minutes, according to the Mayo Clinic. When rowing is part of your workout routine, hitting that goal is straightforward.

If you're looking to decrease pounds or just manage unwanted weight, rowing is a superb option. A study published in Frontiers showed that regular exercise, like using a rowing machine, improved metabolism and reduced stomach fat. Weight loss ultimately is dependant on calories in versus calories out, so choosing the activity that burns probably the most energy in the least amount of time in a no-brainer. According to ACE, a 150-pound woman burns 238 calories in 30 minutes of moderate rowing. Alternatively, a moderate walk (about 3.5 mph) burns 129 calories within the same amount of time. This is a huge difference!

Combining rowing having a healthy diet (if you're not big on cooking, check out these meal service delivery kits) can't only help you hit fitness goals, but result in feeling better overall. In a single 2022 study, researchers found that both light and intense exercise correlated with less depression in seniors.

What are the most useful rowing machines for seniors?

The best rowing machines for seniors are lightweight, easy to assemble, easy to transport, and also have built-in security features. You will find four different types: hydraulic, magnetic, water, and air.

Air rowers use air to produce resistance as it moves within the internal flywheel. The chain is linked to it, and the faster you row, the larger the resistance becomes. If you are seeking a rower similar to what you'd find in a gym, this is actually the type for you personally. They may be noisy, but they're even the industry standard.

Rowing machines that use water get their flywheel in a tank. Whenever you pull the handle, it creates a drag, much like rowing a real boat. They're quiet, and are the best machine for seniors who want to exercise without disturbing others.

Magnetic rowers have magnetic inside the flywheel, which creates resistance. They will not become harder to pull the faster you go, but the seat can be adjusted to create more of a challenge. You may also add resistance via the user interface. From the four kinds of rowers, magnetics would be the most typical in homes, and one of the greatest rowing machines for seniors.

Hydraulic rowers get their resistance from pistons. They're not expensive, which makes them one of best rowing machines for seniors on a budget. Some can have a wonky glide, however they complete the job, plus they fold away for simple storage.

Are rowing machines great for people over 50?

Rowing machines are ideal for people Fifty years old or more. Since the workouts are done seated, it's considered low impact, meaning it is easy on the joints. Bone health is always important, but especially as we age. A study published in BioMed International showed that strength training improved the bone strength and density of postmenopausal women.

When you're looking for the best machine for seniors, you'll want to choose one that's safe and encourages proper form. This helps minimize the risk of injury and help give you the most from your exercise routine. And remember to continually seek advice from your doctor when starting a new fitness routine – for those who have back issues, rowing may not be the best exercise for you.

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Best Rowing Machines for Seniors

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rower

Best rowing machine for beginners

44% off!

Buy from Amazon, $224 (was $339)

Why we like it:

  • Easy to move
  • Adjustable foot straps
  • Easy to see monitor

If you're in love with the benefits of rowing but they are new to the workout, the Magnetic Rowing Machine from Sunny Health & Fitness may be the way to go. The fully padded seat is easy around the tush, and the pivoting pedals are anti-slip, permitting natural movement, while providing extra protection. Large handles assist you in finding your ideal grip while you row your way to your workout goals. Select from eight resistance options, watching your distance on screen included in the leading of the flywheel. It easily slides over the floor if you want to move it to a new location, and folds up for storage. Users rave about its straightforward functionality: “This rower is exactly what I desired; a great, simple workout machine. Works like a charm and easy to put together.”

Concept2 RowErg

Best rowing machine for home

Save $200!

Buy from Amazon, $1,034 (was $1,236)

Why we like it:

  • Detaches for simple storage
  • Smartphone holder
  • Durable

Branded like a machine “built for rowers, by rowers,” the Concept2 RowErg is perfect if you have hopes for elite-style training. The bestselling machine uses air resistance, which may be controlled through its damper. Your ride is going to be smooth and quiet, no matter how hard you row. Its performance monitor is loaded with games, workout options, and may connect with fitness apps, and bluetooth. Assembly isn't complicated (it takes only eight screws), and the base of the rower detaches when ever you need to store it of sight. It's slim and fits neatly in corners or a closet.

Hydrow Rower

Best interactive rowing machine for seniors

Buy from Hydrow, $2,295

Why we love to it:

  • Sophisticated design
  • Live workout capable
  • Sturdy

The Hydrow Rower may function as the Bentley of rowing machines. Sometimes known as the Peleton of rowers, it comes with all of the bells and whistles imaginable. It has a 22-inch touchscreen, where you can follow rowing live and on on-demand workouts (these should be purchased separately) or be careful about your metrics. The magnetic machine is heavy, but that also means it's not going to budge if you are rowing fast. No wonder it managed to get onto Oprah's Favorite Things 2022 list!

XTERRA ERG600W Water Rowing Machine

Best water machine for seniors

Buy from Dick's Sporting Goods, $649

Why we love to it:

  • Folds
  • Elevated seat
  • Large LCD console

Want to seem like you're out on outdoors water? The XTERRA ERG600W Water Rowing Machine will do exactly that. There are six levels of resistance, each dependent on the quantity of water placed in the tank. The seat is 13.5 inches high, making it easier to obtain off and on. Row at the own pace or select from 5 programs available. A sizable adjustable LED screen enables you to track time, quantity of strokes, calories expended, distance, and more. Measuring at six feet and seven inches when assembled, and can be folded away keep. Users love the soothing sound the water makes. One writes: “[It's] easy to assemble, sturdy, water resistance (the swooshing water sound is really relaxing), has a smooth resistance, and fairly compact.”

AirRow Rowing Machine

Best Machine for seniors from Row Warrior

Buy from Amazon, $997

Why we like it:

  • 10 resistance settings
  • Separates into two pieces for simple storage
  • Versatile workout options

Boredom will not be an issue using the Row Warrior AirForce Rowing Machine. Use the rower traditionally for a full body workout, or switch things up by performing standing exercises, such as deadlifts or assisted lunges. It can even be employed for stretching. Manually adjust resistance with the lever on the flywheel. Monitor automatically turns on once you begin rowing.

Fitness Reality 4000MR Magnetic Rower

Best rowing machine for seniors

24% off!

Buy from Amazon, $649 (was $849)

Why we love to:

  • Customizable workouts
  • Independently moving handles
  • Height

This machine from Reality Fitness is taller than traditional ones, but that's why it's one of the best rowing machines for seniors. The contoured seat from the 4000MR Magnetic Rower is 21 inches off the floor, which makes it a perfect option for people that have issues with bending. We're also obsessive about the rubber grip handles that can move independently, giving a more authentic rowing experience. The big pedals have straps that are adjustable for feet and heels. There are 10 preset workouts, but you can program your own or row based off of an objective, for example calorie burning or time. Resistance can be kept low or cranked up to 16 if you're just feeling it!

Stamina Conversion II Recumbent Bike and Rower

Best machine for back support

28% off!

Buy from QVC, $570 (was $799)

Why we like it:

  • Doubles as a bike
  • Seated back
  • Pulse sensors

Cross-training is a great way of preventing plateaus, and if it can be done with one machine, all of the better. The Stamina Conversion II Recumbent Bike and Rower does just that. Part bike, part rower, you can enjoy the advantages both devices offer without sacrificing extra space. The handlebars have built-in heart rate sensors, and also the large aluminum rail makes for an easy slide motion. The seated back provides extra comfort and posture control, making it a great option if you're concerned about injuries. The rower is quiet, and one happy purchaser noted how easy the hybrid made it for her to stay active: “Glad I purchased this instead of just a workout bike. It's not hard to switch modes from rowing to cycling after which standing positions. The opportunity to do the 3 exercises keeps me interested in an exercise routine.”

TRUNK Water Rowing Machine

Best wooden water Rowing Machine

Buy from Amazon, $479 – Save $25 with coupon on Amazon!

Why we love to it:

  • Price
  • Classic look
  • Slim upright storage

I always appreciate a simple design, and you will too with regards to this rower. The TRUNK Water Rowing Machine has a vintage feel, but operates as seamlessly as tech driven models. It's constructed with timber wood, and it has a monitor that displays split time, stroke count, and calories. The footrest is adjustable, and the anti-pinch roller means your seat won't jostle. Resistance is self-regulated, so donrrrt worry about fiddling with knobs or buttons. All you need to do is row!

SNODE Water Rowing Machine

Best Rowing Machine under $500

Buy from Amazon, $459

Why we like it:

  • Free app
  • Adjustable monitor
  • Sturdy

Exercising in your own home is excellent, but same with the motivation which comes from working out with a trainer. What we love concerning the SNODE Water Rower is that it may be used using the Fitlog app (it's free!) to gain access to fitness tutorials and personalized workout plans. The flywheel has 16 fan blades, assisting to create a geniune drag experience that can make you feel like you're gliding via a peaceful lake. The display tracks calorie, time, distance, and may move to meet your eye level for easy viewing. Foam grips are gentle on hands, and the steel frame means won't seem like you are in a rocky boat.

Lanos Hydraulic Rowing Machine

Best machine for small spaces

20% off!

Buy from Amazon, $159 (originally $199)

Why we love to it:

  • Straightforward design
  • Compact
  • Manual resistance

Like your fitness equipment simple and unassuming? You'll love the LANOS Hydraulic Rowing Machine. It doesn't connect with Bluetooth and have fancy accessories, but i am not saying it won't make you sweat. Remember whenever we mentioned that the best rowing machines for seniors were lightweight?This rower is just 34 pounds! It's also durable, and measures 23 inches wide when upright. Pull while watching TV and prepare for time to fly by. The monitor tracks calories, and there is a resistance knob that permits you to control the intensity of your session. Buyers on Amazon love its efficiency and compact design: “This machine is excellent. Easy around the joints, especially knees. Sometimes longer and harder about this than I would a treadmill or running. Doesn't find a large amount of room.”

Merax Folding Magnetic Rowing Machine

Best plus size Machine for seniors

Buy from Amazon, $175 (originally $199)

Why we love to it:

  • Solid construction
  • Velcro foot straps
  • Raise cushioned seat

This Folding Magnetic Machine from Mermax is robust and eye-catching. You'll enjoy the way the foam handle creates an appropriate grip, and how supportive the sculpted seat is. Large Velcro straps keep feet securely in place, and the built-in monitor enables you to track your progress. There's also built in base wheels, so you can move it easily. Choose from eight levels of resistance.