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LAVERA STEWART
Editor-in-Chief of the Gym Expert
Sunny Health & Fitness Adjustable Rowing Machine Rower
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine
Stamina Body Trac Glider Rowing Machine
Merax Magnetic Exercise Rowing Machine
Sunny Health & Fitness Adjustable Rowing Machine Rower
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine
Stamina Body Trac Glider Rowing Machine
Merax Magnetic Exercise Rowing Machine
Lanos Hydraulic Rowing Machine
Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine Rower
Stamina Orbital Rowing Machine
Lanos Hydraulic Rowing Machine
Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine Rower
Stamina Orbital Rowing Machine
Best Overall: Sunny Health & Fitness Adjustable Rowing Machine Rower Review
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Sunny Health & Fitness Adjustable
If you are new to exercising, have limited workout space, and on a tight budget, this Sunny Health & Fitness Adjustable Resistance Machine Rower is just ideal for you. Exercising on your own has never been convenient and fun. Aside from being compact and a good value for money, this rower packs some good features to ensure a more productive workout.
This simply designed machine has a heavy-duty steel frame construction made of commercial grade steel and comes with 12 resistance levels. This means you can easily adjust your fitness routine’s intensity. It even has an LCD computer display that shows the calories burned, time, total rows and rows.
Even though its seat is thickly padded and has an artificial leather cover, it is not adjustable so you cannot raise or lower it or move it forward or backward. However, since it has an ergonomic design, it feels comfortable.
Why We Like It
- 12 hydraulic resistance levels
- Stable and robust
- Affordable
- Easy to read electronic monitor
For Quiet Magnetic Resistance: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine Review
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Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic
Just like its brother above, this Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Machine is another quality product at a perfectly reasonable row machine price. It has a large enough size, long footprint, and big foot pedals. With these features, it can accommodate fully extended rowing movement for almost all heights and can cater to a wider range of users. Also, this cheap rower’s magnetic resistance is quiet and has 8 different intensity levels that you can adjust with just one quick turn of its knob.
What is not so great about this machine though is its very basic console since there are now so many similar machines out there with more flashy features. Nevertheless, this screen gives you the information you need. Bottom line, this is a solid and good product that earned its right as best rowing machine under 500$.
Why We Like It
- Relatively quiet
- Good value
- Great size
- 8 magnetic resistance levels
For those in Budget: Stamina Body Trac Glider Rowing Machine Review
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Stamina Body Trac
Although the Stamina Body Trac Glider Rowing Machine is one of the lowest-priced rowers, its quality is definitely far better than its price. In fact, it can outlast most of its competitors in the same class. Its surprising durability stems from its foldable, lightweight and compact steel frame, pivoting footplates and five hydraulic resistance levels.
This lightweight rowing machine pivoting footplates support your lower body’s natural motion, while its padded seat ensures comfort. Its hydraulic resistance, on the other hand, remains smooth and quiet even after months of use. Besides, it comes with an LCD that shows the time, distance, speed, miles rowed, row count and calories burned.
Our complaint about this product is that it is susceptible to overheating, which you can avoid by checking its cylinder while exercising. If you think about it, that is a small inconvenience for one of the best budget rowing machine.
Why We Like It
- Quiet and smooth
- Steel Frame
- Affordable
- Compact size
Good for Entry-Level Rowers: Merax Magnetic Exercise Rowing Machine Review
Merax Magnetic
If you want a well-built rower for your home gym, you may want to put this Merax Magnetic Exercise Rower Machine on your list. It has a good aesthetic design, excellent construction, budget-friendly, offers a decent full-body cardiovascular workout. No wonder it is one of our top picks for the best rowing machine under 500$.
This best rowing machine for home gym also features a foldable and lightweight steel frame with a contoured, non-slip padded seat equipped with three sets of smooth wheels. To add to that, it offers 8 resistance levels. This rower even has an LCD screen to keep track of your workout.
The LCD screen does not have any LED backlight though so it can be a little harder to read and monitor when your room lighting is not good. What is important though it helps with your workout training.
Pros
- Lightweight
- 8 resistance levels
- Non-slip seat
- Excellent Aesthetics
Cons
For Larger-Built Users: Lanos Hydraulic Rowing Machine Review
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Lanos Hydraulic
If you are on the taller side or a larger-built size and looking for the best rated rowing machine under 500$ for your home, we found one for you. You can bet on this Lanos Hydraulic Rowing Machine. This is one of the only few rowers that can accommodate bigger folks.
This compact rower has a robust frame with motion arms and adjustable resistance piston that allows you to control your workout. Just choose from any of its 12 resistance levels. Its built-in digital monitor will let you keep track of your workout as it shows RPM (rate per minute), count, calories burned and time.
Pros
- Larger weight capacity
- Compact
- 12 Resistance Levels
- Affordable
Cons
For Full Motion Rowing: Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine Rower Review
Sunny Health & Fitness
Just like its brothers mentioned above, this Sunny Health & Fitness Machine Rower also has very good quality at a low price. What is their key difference? It is their weight capacity. This Sunny Health & Fitness Machine Rower can handle a heavier weight capacity of up to 350 pounds.
Now, this rower is a full-motion rowing machine that allows you to move your arms in the same way as when you row for real. This full-motion rowing mimics the action of pulling back on oars so compared to the traditional single handle rowers, this exercise works on your arms, shoulders and upper back better. You can adjust its 12-level resistance based on your needs.
This inexpensive rowing machine, however, is not suitable for intermediate or experienced rowers. Granted, it has 12 resistance levels but even its maximum resistance is not enough for fit or strong rowers. With its price and features though, it is just perfect for beginners.
Pros
- 12 Resistance levels
- Full motion action
- Heavier Weight capacity
- Suitable for beginners
Cons
- Not for experienced users
The Most Lightweight: Stamina Precision Rower Review
Stamina Precision
The Stamina Precision Rower features 12 levels of hydraulic resistance that you can adjust with a manual knob. You can do a full range of motion, even circular rowing ones with its foldable arms. Since those are foldable and lightweight, they store quite easily and save space.
This rower comes with a multi-function monitor that displays relevant information so you can keep track of your workout. Just like most products on this affordable rowing machine review, it also does not make much noise even with its hydraulic resistance. The downside to this rower though is its uncomfortable seat when used for a longer time, however, you can always just add a cushion.
Pros
- Steel Frame
- Lightweight
- Foldable and Easy to store
- 12 Resistance levels
Cons
Good Free Motion Arms: Stamina Orbital Rowing Machine Review
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Stamina Orbital
This Stamina 35-1215 Orbital Machine is a budget-friendly, compact, hydraulic resistance indoor rower that comes with free-moving oars. These oars try to mimic the feeling of rowing in the water. By doing so, it allows you to hit your upper body muscles such as your back, abs, shoulders, and arms. Just like any best rowing machines under $500, it gives a good workout.
One of its most attractive features is its storage profile and a compact footprint that allows it to work even at small spaces. Since it is hydraulic, it uses air pressure to create 12 resistance levels without much noise. Did we mention it is one of the best rowing machines under $500?
What is not so great about this product is that it may require maintenance sooner than other rowers but Stamina can easily help you out with their warranty.
Pros
- Good storage profile
- 12 resistance levels
- Budget-Friendly
- Free-moving oars
Cons
Bets Water Rowing Machine for Home - MARNUR Rowing Machine Review
MARNUR Rowing Water Resistance Rower with Large Multifunctional LCD Monitor
- 【 WATER RESISTANCE ROWING MACHINE】 The water rower machine with a large water tank can fit up to 18L of water, completely sealed water tank, pure water resistance, smooth running, evenly distributed. The water resistance level of the home rowing machine is based on water capacity, dimensions of the paddle and rowing speed. No matter how fast you decide to row, you can do aerobic exercises by adjusting your rowing frequency to achieve desired workout results.
- 【DOUBLE TRACK DESIGN & LARGE WEIGHT CAPACITY】The water rowing machine with double-track aluminum structure design for better stability, Aluminum structures of the rower machine enable a smoother, more quiet seat movement and are more durable. Compared to the single track rowing machine, The home rower machine has a larger weight capacity. Max user weight: 300LBS; recommended to be placed upright against the wall for storage.
- 【LARGE LCD MONITOR 】 The rowing machine comes with the 9 inches large size LCD monitor, which can be adjusted to face different ways based on different height. Last but not least, the ergonomically designed monitor is multifunctional, which shows exercise time, calories burned, rowing frequency, stroke count, actual rowed distance, distance goal and so on.
- 【ANTI-SLIP FOOT PEDALS & ERGONOMIC SEAT CUSHION】The rowing machine with the Excellent quality anti-slip foot pedals ensure a firm step even during the hardest and the most intense exercises. Foot straps of the rower machine can be adjustable based on your shoe sizes, and it further stabilizes your lower body to enable you to focus on the workout. Ergonomically designed seat (the size is 14*11 inches) which is to closely fit your hip curve, The rowing machine seat is very comfortable to use.
- 【EASY TO MOVE & STORAGE】 The double-track aluminum structure rowing machine is equipped with porting wheels at the bottom. No matter if you want to use this rower machine indoor or outdoor, the portable design can satisfy all your needs. Last but not least, The row exercise machine can be stored vertically - the anti-slip bottom can safely support the machine, largely reduces footprint and ensures the safety of you and your family.
Buyer’s Guide: Best Rowing Machine Under 500$
As you might have heard from a lot of the rowing machine reviews and scientific sources, this device has a lot of benefits for your body. So you differently won’t miss out if you choose it. But the price and confusion is what usually holds people back. And that is understandable – nobody wants to spend a fortune, only to purchase something that doesn’t fit/works for them. But don’t worry, we will help you learn what you need to pay attention to and how you can choose some of the best rowers below $500. That way you won’t spend a fortune, choose an option perfect for you, and will reap some amazing benefits!
Best Rowing Machine Under 500$ Types
There are 4 different types of the best rowing machines under 500$ and all of them are categorized by how they produce resistance.
- Piston-Resistance Rowers – This machine has hydraulic pistons connected to its handlebars. These pistons provide resistance to the machine and are usually adjustable.
- Water-Resistance Flywheels – A machine with this type of resistance normally has an enclosed water tank with suspended paddles inside. These paddles spin once you pull their handlebars. It then uses the water in the tank to provide resistance that feels like you are rowing in the water.
- Air-Resistance Flywheels – This type of machine comes with a flywheel that looks like a fan blade. Just like the water type, the blade spins when you pull the handlebars. However, this uses the air rather than water to provide resistance and you get more resistance the faster it spins.
- Magnetic Resistance Flywheels – This type of best budget rower also has a flywheel, but it uses electromagnets in providing braking resistance. This is the most smooth and quiet type. On the other hand, a magnetic resistance type rowing machine requires more space, so it might not be an ideal option for those living in smaller homes.
Which Type of Rowing Machine is the Best?
The answer to this question would depend on your needs and goals. You need to ask yourself – “What do I want to accomplish while using a rowing machine?” and when you have the answer, choose the type accordingly.
For beginners or those who just want a simple workout, a magnetic resistance or hydraulic piston might be good enough. Not to mention it has a better price. For more experienced users air or water-resistance machines are usually a great choice.
How to Choose the Best Rowing Machine Under 500$?
Price
Price can help narrow down your options in choosing the best rowing machine to buy, not to mention it is one of the most important factors to consider. Of course, the lower your budget is, the fewer options you have. Keep in mind that for rowers, you get exactly what you paid for. If you spend time searching or if you know where to look, you will definitely find a good value rowing machine. Overall, you CAN find the cheap rowing machine, it just all comes down to the quality of how it’s made.
Resistance
One of the most important factors to pay attention to is resistance since this is what guarantees you get the max out of your exercise. There are many types of resistance you can choose from: water, air, magnetic e.t.c. Two of the latter are especially one of the types you can choose from because they are the most adjustable, smooth, and low-maintenance.
Monitor Functions
The screen display of your rowing machine helps you keep track of your workout. Of course, one with a better monitor is more expensive than a basic rowing machine. If you are not concerned with your data, you can go with the cheaper ones but if you want a record of your every workout, you need to invest in a higher-quality model.
FAQ
There are many misconceptions and questions regarding the best rowing machines under 500$. So we’ve decided to clear the air once and for all and answer some of these most common questions.
Can You Lose Belly Fat on a Rowing Machine?
Technically, no exercise can target one certain spot of your body to lose weight. When you exercise on your rowboat exercise machine, you burn calories and lose fat from your body as a whole, so rowing will not burn any more belly fat than other exercises. Rowing, however, is a high-intensity activity. It is a combination of cardio workout and resistance training; thus, it burns more calories than other cardio activities. As such, you lose body fat, including your belly fat.
What is the Best Exercise for Seniors?
Exercising is not just for losing weight but also for overall health, especially for seniors. As long as there is no restriction from your doctor or a medical condition, age is never an obstacle in exercising. You can try out some of these exercises for seniors, or if you have limited mobility or not much time – the best pedal exerciser will be a great helper.
- Cardiovascular endurance – for a healthier heart and lungs. You may want to try: Brisk-walking, jogging, swimming, climbing stairs, cycling, and even dancing.
- Flexibility exercises – to prevent aching joints and stiff muscles. Yoga or simple stretching exercises are a great help in this matter.
- Balance exercise – to improve physical balance and avoid falling. You can try Tai chi, yoga, or posture exercises.
- Strengthening exercises – to build stronger muscles. You can try elastic bands, body weights, or other functional training.
What are the Best Rowing Machines for Home Use?
Before buying anything these days, we always hear the advice “You must choose wisely”, but that is not as easy as it seems. Even choosing a rowing machine is hard nowadays. With the number of different brands and models available in stores or online, finding the best home rowing machines for home use is difficult. Let us share with you our best picks just based on these 3 factors: Price, resistance and monitor functions:
Concept2 Model D Indoor Rower – This is a favorite among professional athletes.
Stamina ATS Air Power – This rower uses wind-resistance to give you a great workout with low impact. Compared to Concept2, this is not as pricey. Our list of products above does include Stamina rowing machine reviews but for models below $500.
Stamina Avari Magnetic Rowing Machine – This is a popular magnetic rower at a fair price. What sets it apart from the rest is that it is programmable. If you want a non-programmable but also adjustable model, you can read our stamina body trac glider 1050 rowing machine reviews above.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 – Now, this one is below $500. Check our full review of this product above.
Are Rowing Machines good for Seniors?
An indoor rowing exercise is a cardiovascular workout with a low impact. Therefore, it is good even for aging bodies. Both seniors and young people alike can enjoy the benefits of indoor rowing machines since it builds stamina and strengthening of muscles. It also helps in keeping your lungs and heart healthy. The only thing you need to keep an eye out for are the intensity of the workout and if you have certain medical conditions. To be more sure and safe it’s best to consult with your doctor since they know about your health way more.
What is the Best Exercise for over 60?
Even though age is not an obstacle to exercise, older adults obviously would have a different workout routine than younger adults. As much as anyone can do anything, certain activities can be inappropriate and no longer safe for these older adults. The best exercises for them are a combination of cardio and weight training. Other great options are step-through bikes since you can use them outside, which is even healthier for people of all ages, not just seniors.
Our Recommendation for 2021
All and all, choosing the best rowing machine under 500$ is not as difficult as it seems, as long as you know what to pay attention to. And we certainly hope that now you know how to do it, and pick the device that will be the best for you, personally. All the options mentioned above are top options in this segment, and we think you won’t regret choosing one of them. A noteworthy option among all of them is the Sunny Health & Fitness Adjustable Resistance Rowing Machine Rower, which we at Gym-Expert consider to be the best rowing machine under 500$ in 2021. All for its adjustable resistance levels, good features, and excellent, affordable price. You do not need to be a gym-expert to know that much.
So whichever you choose, we hope that we helped you find an option perfect and helpful for your body and fitness goals. Feel free to share which model you decided to choose, and why. Or perhaps you’re already a happy owner of one of them? If so, what are your thought about it? We would love to know!