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Best Magnetic Rowing Machine – Reviews 2022 – 2023

Last Updated on January 24, 2023

Best Magnetic Rowing Machine

Top Choice
Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine
9.8
  • ERGONOMIC FOOT PEDALS: Engage your quads as you propel your legs back and forth on the pivoting foot pedals with adjustable straps. Slip resistant handlebar ensures secure grasp.
  • OVERSIZED SEATING: Large padded seating smoothly glides along the 109 cm slide rail inseam. Heavy-duty frame holds 17 stone (250 lbs) while stabilisers promote stability.
  • MAGNETIC TENSION: 16 Levels of tension ensure a versatile and challenging workout with virtually no maintenance.
  • FOLDABLE ROWER: Convenient folding rower machine folds upright. Great for smaller in home gyms
  • SPM MONITOR: Cheque out all your fitness stats on the easy to read monitor displaying Scan, Time, Count, Calories and Total Count.
Bluefin Fitness BLADE Home Gym Foldable Rowing Machine
9.6
  • SMOOTH BELT DRIVE: Simulates natural rowing motion. Feel the abdominal exercise & health benefits of rowing on the water, without the splash. Optimum 10° incline offers added resistance without compromising the recovery phase.
  • MAGNETIC RESISTANCE & BRAKING SYSTEM: 8 x levels of tension control for all grades of personal exercise. Choose the level to suit you & increase the tension over time as your rowing fitness improves.
  • SMARTPHONE APP: The rower is compatible with fitness app so you can track & record your workout in real-time. Place your mobile device on the eye-level tablet shelf / stand provided.
  • LCD DISPLAY: Measure time, distance, calories burned & strokes per minute on the multifunctional LCD display. Push yourself even more & work towards targets to achieve your workout goals.
  • TRAIN IN COMFORT: Ergonomic grip handlebars, anti-slip secure foot pedals & a padded cushioned seat provide extra comfort for your home fitness rower workout.
Bluefin Fitness BLADE Home Gym Foldable Rowing Machine
9.3
  • SMOOTH BELT DRIVE: Simulates natural rowing motion. Feel the abdominal exercise & health benefits of rowing on the water, without the splash. Optimum 10° incline offers added resistance without compromising the recovery phase.
  • MAGNETIC RESISTANCE & BRAKING SYSTEM: 8 x levels of tension control for all grades of personal exercise. Choose the level to suit you & increase the tension over time as your rowing fitness improves.
  • SMARTPHONE APP: The rower is compatible with fitness app so you can track & record your workout in real-time. Place your mobile device on the eye-level tablet shelf / stand provided.
  • LCD DISPLAY: Measure time, distance, calories burned & strokes per minute on the multifunctional LCD display. Push yourself even more & work towards targets to achieve your workout goals.
  • TRAIN IN COMFORT: Ergonomic grip handlebars, anti-slip secure foot pedals & a padded cushioned seat provide extra comfort for your home fitness rower workout.

Short On Time?

Our Recommended Best Rower is The Fitness Reality 4000MR Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine with 15 Workout Programs!

This product may be unavailable,

Our recommended alternative to this product is Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine SF-RW5801!

Alternative Option

 

  • Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine SF-RW5801

What Exactly Is A Magnetic Rower?

The flywheel of a magnetic rower employs magnetism rather than an air rower, although it nevertheless functions similarly to an air rower. Eddy currents, electric currents, serve as magnetic resistance and travel past one another. A current that moves in closed loops is an eddy current.

How Does a Magnetic Rowing Machine Work?

A magnetic rower employs a magnet in its flywheel to produce resistance.

Similar to an air rower, a magnetic rower produces resistance that you must overcome by pushing the handlebar that is strapped to the fan flywheel. Magnetic rowers employ a magnet’s eddy current to prevent the flywheel from spinning, whereas air rowers move the air around the flywheel to provide resistance. Therefore, the flywheel of a magnetic rower contains a magnet for braking.

A dial that allows you to increase (or reduce) the braking force or resistance level will be used to adjust the resistance. However, one aspect of these rowers that sets them apart from air rowers is the resistance level variation.

A Magnetic Rowing Machine’s Structure

Flywheel

Magnets interacting with a metal flywheel in magnetic rowers provide resistance. The distance between the magnet and the flywheel changes when the resistance is changed. Magnetic resistance settings on magnetic rowing machines typically range from 10 to 16.

Damper

Unlike air rowing machines, magnetic rowing machines have a dial that you may turn to manually adjust the resistance. The magnets get closer to the flywheel as you crank it higher, increasing resistance. The resistance decreases as you turn it down because the magnets pull away from the flywheel.

Digital Monitor

For magnetic rowing machines, there isn’t a common LCD monitor. Some include a basic monitor that shows the essentials, while others have a full HD touchscreen that lets you participate in intense workout programs that are guided by an instructor. The display is based on the complexity—and typically the price of the device.

Integrated Programming

The model affects the programming that is installed on a magnetic rower. Entry-level equipment, like plenty of options from Sunny Health Fitness, may come with a few Preset workout programs, but smart rowers allow you access to training plans and instructor-led sessions, both live and recorded (again, depending on the machine).

The Advantages of Magnetic Rowers

Among the advantages of using a magnetic rower over other exercise equipment are the following:

  1. Magnetic rowers can be used as indoor rowing machines because they are quite quiet.
  2. They are ideal for use as indoor rowers because they are typically smaller than air and water rowers.
  3. These devices frequently weigh little.
  4. With the magnetic system, you can measure resistance type to a very fine degree.

The Drawbacks of Magnetic Rowers

Having read about the advantages of a magnetic rower, you might think that it is a compact rower for a home gym. One significant drawback is that they don’t accurately simulate the sensation of rowing on water.

Some people who are merely searching for solid cardio pre-programmed workouts may not care that the machine lacks a real rowing experience. Having said that, these machines might not be for you if you are an avid water rower or someone who is practicing for a competition.

You can experience simulated rows on well-known lakes and oceans thanks to some clever magnetic rowers. Remember that you need to subscribe to the brand’s fitness platform to access these services.

The best magnetic rowing machines are listed below:

Editor’s Choice: Fitness Reality 4000MR Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine with 15 Workout Programs

The Fitness Reality 4000MR rowing machine is a full-motion rower, which means it produces an accurate sculling motion using separate, realistic oars. Although most rowers utilize single foam-padded handlebars, which doesn’t accomplish this, it doesn’t important if you’re seeking a cardiovascular workout program. While utilizing this model, your arms will move in a circular motion, which will require you to use more upper body major muscles.

When you first open the package, assembling this machine could seem a little intimidating, but all the necessary tools are included, and the directions are straightforward. When you get on and row for the first time, it feels like the time spent by our man was worthwhile.

Resistance

The 4000MR is a magnetic rowing machine, which means it uses an adjustable resistance, as the name suggests.

There are four different types of resistance used by rowing machines, and these are hydraulic, air, water, and magnetic (many also combine air and magnetic systems).

The 4000MR is a magnetic rower that generates resistance using magnets and a rotating flywheel.

Digitally adjusting the resistance shifts the magnets’ position about the metal flywheel, which is spinning: bringing the magnets closer increases resistance while moving them farther away decreases resistance.

This is also how magnetic resistance workout machines like ellipticals and bikes operate.

In the case of rowing machines, many people also value that this form of resistance system offers consistent resistance. It is fantastic because it is quiet and smooth.

You will experience smooth resistance regardless of how quickly or forcefully you row.

The 4000MR has 16 resistance levels that can be changed from the console; this is a respectable number of levels, especially for a rower with a low price bracket.

However, since you must press a button on the console to change the settings, you will need to briefly stop rowing each time.

Most customers concur that the 4000MR can deliver enough resistance to give a respectable built-in workout in terms of overall output.

Overall, the 4000MR is a quiet magnetic rower that offers constant resistance regardless of your rowing speed. It has plenty of room to expand as you gain stronger with 16 levels to select from.

Design

For a rower in this price range, the 4000MR’s 300 lb. body weight capacity is respectable. Additionally, it weighs far more than the majority of rowers in this category with an assembled weight of 116 lb.

These figures suggest that you shouldn’t be concerned about the rowing machine feeling flimsy or unstable as you exercise.

Additionally, this rowing machine may fold in half for storage if floor space is a concern. With its ability to fold vertically, the design effectively reduces its footprint in half. It also has built-in transport wheels, making it simple to move to any location.

It is also shorter than many conventional rowing machines to begin with, so if your cardio workout room is limited in space, this could be a good option.

Display

The 5′′ LCD screen that comes with the 4000MR is rather basic.

Although there is absolutely nothing special about this, at least it is backlit, making it easier to see in most lighting conditions.

All of the conventional rowing measures, including distance, time, row count, calories, rate, and watts, are shown on the console.

A lot for any rower, this console also has 15 exercise routines (10 preset and 5 unique).

The major omission is that this console is not heart rate monitor compatible, thus you won’t be able to track this number while working out.

Overall, the 4000MR’s interface is straightforward to operate. It offers a wide variety of training alternatives and tracks all the parameters you’d anticipate, except heart rate.

Assembly

If you do decide to buy this rower, don’t worry about the assembly process because it’s a rather simple process.

The 4000MR requires several steps to set up and use, but Fitness Reality does a nice job with its assembly manual, so it shouldn’t be too difficult.

Even though this rower comes equipped with the necessary tools and hardware, grouping the hardware for each phase is even better.

Pros

  • Rowing motion with two oars
  • Small frame
  • Magnetic resistance levels are at 16
  • 300 lb. maximum weight
  • Folds for simple storing
  • 15 exercise routines
  • Simple assembly
  • Outstanding warranty

Cons

  • Heart rate tracker incompatibility
  • Users’ complaints regarding the resistance’s malfunction

This product may be unavailable,

Our recommended alternative to this product is Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine SF-RW5801!

Alternative Option

 

  • Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine SF-RW5801

Runner Up: CIRCUIT FITNESS Deluxe Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machine

Circuit Fitness’ rowing machine is made to provide you with the workout you require. People of various abilities may get the workout they want from the comfort of their own homes thanks to the 11-pound flywheel and 8 degrees of resistance.

This rowing machine is extremely adaptable because it enables you to work in different body regions, go to new levels, and improve your overall fitness journey.

Various Resistance Levels

Rowing is an excellent cardio workout to start since you can get better at it. This machine has 8 distinct levels of resistance that you can progress through. This is ideal for people who wish to start slowly and go up after they find their groove. For those who wish to row for a long time, it’s also fantastic.

It keeps your exercise journey fresh and entertaining every day. You may quickly increase or reduce the resistance as needed by pulling a lever located next to your feet.

Convenient Handlebars

Making sure your hands and arms are in the right positions when rowing can help you focus on the right body components. This rowing machine has strong and comfortable handlebars. To ensure that they won’t degrade over time, they are wrapped with sturdy foam.

The anti-slip material also ensures that you remain relaxed and focused throughout your workout.

Assembly

Many consumers reported that assembling the Circuit Fitness Rowing Machine took them between 1.5 and 2 hours and that there is an instruction booklet included.

A few customers have mentioned that the instructions were ambiguous in several parts and that they were forced to choose the expert assembly offered by Amazon. But most reviewers agree that you can assemble this equipment on your own as long as you take your time.

Adjustable Fit

A wide range of users can be accommodated by the rowing machine from Circuit Fitness. The adjustable foot straps may adapt to accommodate users of various sizes and heights. Regardless of the rider’s size, the seat is roomy, contoured, and comfy, so they will always feel comfortable.

This enables them to pay closer attention to what they are doing, such as getting in a decent rowing workout routine.

Display

The big LCD screen is excellent. It includes certain helpful functions for a computer of this type, is simple to read, and uses.

It shows workout information like distance in meters, duration, stroke rate, and calories burned (obviously calculated), and it is compatible with a chest strap so it may also show your heart rate. The chest strap is not included, take note.

We loved having the option to create a fitness journey based on time, distance, stroke rate, calories, or pulse. You could, for instance, set a goal of 2,000 meters and watch them decrease until they reach zero.

Pros

  • The silent magnetic resistance
  • The special features on the console are good.
  • Good, robust equipment
  • Supports users weight up to 300 lbs(Maximum user weight capacity)
  • Contoured, comfortable padded seat
  • Suitable height from the floor for the seat
  • Easily put together
  • Two-year guarantee

Cons

  • No chest strap is provided.
  • In low light, the LCD’s lack of a backlight makes reading difficult.

Overall, you may target all of your major body parts with this rowing machine to obtain a full-body workout. That’s because it has anti-grip handlebars, 8 degrees of resistance, a stable seat, and strong pedals to keep you in place.

For those looking for a rowing machine that will look great in their home, this one is ideal. The fact that this rowing machine can be folded and carried away for convenient storage is one of its key advantages over competing models.

This product may be unavailable,

Our recommended alternative to this product is Bluefin Fitness BLADE Home Gym Foldable Rowing Machine | Magnetic Resistance Rower!

  • Bluefin Fitness BLADE Home Gym Foldable Rowing Machine | Magnetic Resistance Rower | 8 x Tension Levels | Smooth Belt Drive | LCD Digital Fitness Console | Smartphone App | Black & Grey Silver

Air & Magnetic Rowing Machine with On Demand Coaching|14 Levels Dual Resistance| by Fitness Reality

A fantastic way to work out is to use a rowing machine, which works out your entire body.

You are gaining strength, developing your arms and legs, and getting an excellent aerobic workout all at the same time. Unfortunately, a lot of people misuse their rowing machines, which prevents them from enjoying the full workout and advantages.

It is the only rower that has extra exercises for working your thighs, forearms, biceps, shoulders, and more. With this machine, you’ll always know if you’re getting a good workout since you’ll feel it all over.

Additionally, this rowing machine accommodates a wide range of body types. The seat is wide and shaped for the best support.

Smart Cloud Fitness

There is no other Bluetooth rower available. Both iOS and Android users can download the suitable fitness app for free. You may use it to keep track of your workouts, create goals, and see how far you’ve traveled and how many calories you’ve burned.

To monitor your body and what you’re doing, you don’t need to mess around with cords or connect sophisticated devices. Bluetooth is used to handle everything instead.

The MyCloudFitness software records your information, including speed and distance, and it lets you monitor your development. In this manner, you can always see how far you’ve come and how much further you still need to go.

14-LevelMagnetic Tension

When compared to all the other rowers on the market, this one is excellent. Compared to others, it has more resistance levels.

Rowers who are serious about the sport crave daily challenges. Because the levels are higher than others, this machine will provide them with that. Thanks to the various levels offered, you can enjoy a different experience every day. As you row harder and use more effort, the magnetic tension enables a silent shift.

Additional Foot Pads

You have more options on this rowing machine than merely exercising your arms and legs. Bent-over rows, front raises, shrugs, triceps and leg extensions, and other exercises are made easier by the front stabilizer foot pads. This gadget is incredibly adaptable.

It’s crucial to offer more than just two different types of exercise since it keeps someone from getting bored. This implies that you might push yourself each day by focusing on a different body region.

This product may be unavailable,

Our recommended alternative to this product is SportPlus Rowing Machine for Home Use, Foldable, Magnetic Resistance with 8 Levels!

 

  • SportPlus Rowing Machine for Home Use, Foldable, Magnetic Resistance with 8 Levels, Computer and Pulse Receiver, max. 150 kg

Marcy Foldable 8-Level Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machine with Built-In Wheels

It’s not too difficult to put together, but if you’re not familiar with flat-pack furniture or basic DIY, you might need some help.

After getting those tasks done, you’ll see that the seat is quite comfortable. We’ve tried a lot of cheap rowing machines with seats that need more padding, but this one is a comfortable and contoured seat while still offering the proper level of support.


The rowing position is advantageous, but if you are a 6-feet taller user, you can discover that the beam is insufficient to perform a full drive (the pullback), which means you won’t receive the entire cardiovascular and muscular benefits.

There are average footrests. The velcro strap will need to be cleaned from time to time even though they are a fair size and will fit most feet; otherwise, they won’t keep your feet securely, which is aggravating when your foot comes loose in the middle of a workout.

Although the magnetic flywheel that provides the resistance is inherently silent, we discovered that the seat squeaks when moving up and down the beam.

The knob located under the handle allows the selection of one of eight resistance levels. The range is wide enough to allow for a relaxing row at low levels and a demanding row at the highest setting unless you’re used to very intense exercises.

Pros

  • Looks good
  • Angled beam gives a good workout
  • Ergonomic seat
  • Sturdy machine
  • 8 resistance levels
  • Well-padded handle
  • Easily Foldable Rower with wheels
  • Built-in transport wheels
  • Battery-powered, so no mains required
  • Good warranty for a budget model

Cons

  • Only a few workout statistics are shown
  • Feet may become entangled in the foot pedals.
  • Not appropriate for more than 6′ 2″ taller people.
  • Squeaky seat mechanism

  • Marcy Foldable 8-Level Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machine with Transport Wheels NS-40503RW,Grey

Teeter Power10 Rower with 2-Way Magnetic Resistance Elliptical Motion

In reality, Teeter is a family-run business that began by offering high-quality inversion tables to clients with back discomfort. Because using the Power10 can provide both cardio machines and strength training advantages, it can be categorized as both.

Resistance

Although it incorporates a rowing movement pattern, it is also very different. Although the resistance on this machine is entirely different, I believe it is most similar in operation to a hydraulic rower.

Similar to a hydraulic rower, the Power10 has a very small frame (more on that below). Additionally, similar to a hydraulic rower, you pull fixed grips rather than a handle connected to a wire or chain.

But the Power10 uses a weighted flywheel with magnetic resistance options, not one or two hydraulic pistons like a hydraulic rower does.

The Power10’s flywheels weight is 22.7 pounds, which is a lot for an elliptical in this price category. For home ellipticals, cycles, and even rowers, heavier flywheels are typically recommended since they feel smoother. This is because a heavier flywheel generates more momentum.

Although most customers seem to agree that this machine’s rowing motion is extremely smooth, others have noted that when momentum rises during use, the handles continue to move, making your job a little bit simpler.

This is understandable given the heavier flywheel, but it also demonstrates that you shouldn’t anticipate the Power10 to feel exactly like other conventional rowers you may have previously used.

Assembly

You can pay for expert assembly, but if you have some basic DIY abilities, you shouldn’t have any trouble putting it together other than a few parts being a touch heavy.

Remember that it is a big machine compared to most rowing machines, with a weight of 180 lbs., which is three times the weight of the Concept2, the Concept2’s replacement as the gym workhorse. In light of it, it is recommended to assemble it close to the area where you intend to use it.

Hardware

This is one of the most pleasant machines to use when in the rowing position. The seat is wonderful; it is beautifully sculpted and supportive.

The seat’s very comfortable 22.5″ height from the ground is beneficial for people with knee or lower back problems. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about getting up from a low seat when you’ve finished your workout because you could be exhausted.

The rowing machines’ typical handles are not present here. You can use the various handholds provided by the contoured handles to exercise various muscle areas. They have a good diameter and are also quite well-padded, which I appreciate because they are comfortable to hold.

Display

The interface is simple and intuitive, and the advanced monitor features a sizable LCD screen that I found easy to read. It shows all the information you’d anticipate, like the duration of your activity, calories burned (though keep in mind that these numbers are estimates as with most models), distance rowed, and smooth rowing strokes per minute.

Frame

This rower requires a floor area of 62.75″ x 37.5″ to operate. Although the frame is roughly 30′′ shorter, the Power10 is actually about a foot wider than most full-size rowers.

This rower also has the option of being stored upright, which is a convenient feature. However, despite its small size, it still has 300 lb. of weight. weight capability, making it safe for most people to use.

Additionally, according to Teeter, the Power10 can accommodate users who are 4’8″ to 7’0″ in height comfortably, but I’d take that claim with a grain of salt.

Particularly because some users, who were just 6’1″ taller people, reported being unable to completely extend during the rowing activity. With a fully constructed weight of 180 lb., the Power10 is a fairly robust machine.

Pros

  • 7 levels of extra levels of resistance are covered by the excellent range.
  • Very sturdy, but keep in mind that the weight of the machine is 180 pounds.
  • Possesses a comfortable seat and is a good height from the ground at 22.5 “
  • No subscription is needed for the FREE training software.
  • Large grips to work various muscles
  • Due to a special action, short workouts can still be beneficial.
  • Adequate rowing position

Cons

  • A poor warranty considering the price
  • It’s big and heavy equipment; make sure to check the specifications before purchase, and if in doubt, make sure your floor can handle it.
  • Not for conventional rowers because you can’t get a catch and finish.

This is not for you if you are an outside rower seeking for a machine to supplement your rowing. However, if you’re looking for multipurpose piece of home equipment, this is a great choice. The Teeter Power10 is a fantastic piece of equipment for general physical fitness goals.

It engages more muscle groups than a traditional rower does, and it even convinced some of my most skeptical reviewers.

It contains some positive attributes that ought to inspire you and keep you coming back for more. In conclusion, it’s a terrific addition to your home training equipment and offers decent value for the money.

This product may be unavailable,

Our recommended alternative to this product is Neezee Rowing Machine with 16 Levels Magnetic Resistance!

  • Neezee Rowing Machine with 16 Levels Magnetic Resistance, Super Silent Rowing Machine with LCD Monitor, Aluminum Slide Rail, Tablet Holder, Space Saving Design Perfect for Home Gym Training

Our #1 Magnetic Rowing Machine: Fitness Reality 4000MR Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine

Our number one magnetic rowing machine is the Fitness Reality 4000MR Magnetic Rower Rowing Machine

This product may be unavailable,

Our recommended alternative to this product is Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine SF-RW5801!

Alternative Option

 

  • Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine SF-RW5801

When you first open the package, assembling this machine could seem a little intimidating, but all the necessary tools are included, and the directions are straightforward. When you get on and row for the first time, it feels like the time spent by our man was worthwhile.

In comparison to the more popular single-handle rowing machines, the full motion action of the oars exercises more upper body muscles. It offers some useful features and is a well-built, durable machine, so you should keep using it.

Some other reviews you would find useful:

About the author 

Kieran
A star athlete during his school days, Kieran quickly excelled at sports and in particular; football. Kieran's true passion lies in home exercise equipment, and so FitnessHomeHQ.com was born.FitnessHomeHQ.com was built as a source for all of Kieran's thoughts to be put down on a medium. Here he guides you through various nuances of working out at home, tips, guides, reviews and more.The only other thing Kieran enjoys more than working out, is writing about it.
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