Best Rowing Machines for Cardio Workouts to Buy in September 2025
YOSUDA Magnetic Rowing Machine 350 LB Weight Capacity - Rower Machine for Home Use with LCD Monitor, Tablet Holder and Comfortable Seat Cushion-New Version
-
TRUSTED BY 3M+ FAMILIES FOR 20 YEARS OF QUALITY EXERCISE MACHINES.
-
ENJOY A SILENT WORKOUT WITH OUR ADVANCED NON-CONTACT MAGNETIC SYSTEM.
-
EFFORTLESS ASSEMBLY IN 25 MINUTES, DESIGNED FOR USER-FRIENDLY STORAGE!
Water Rowing Machine for Home Use, WENOKER Wooden Foldable Rower Machine with Dedicated Monitor & Bluetooth APP, Large Water Tank & Comfortable Seat for Immersive Water Rower, 350LBS Weight Capacity
- MAXIMIZE MUSCLE ENGAGEMENT: ADJUST RESISTANCE FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS!
- SPACE-SAVING DESIGN: FOLDS EASILY FOR SLEEK HOME STORAGE SOLUTIONS.
- DURABLE & STYLISH: CRAFTED FROM SOLID WOOD, SUPPORTS UP TO 350LBS.
Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine - PM5 Monitor, Device Holder, Adjustable Air Resistance, Easy Storage
- SMART DEVICE HOLDER: SECURELY USE 40+ APPS DURING WORKOUTS.
- QUIET, SMOOTH INDOOR ROWING: FULL-BODY WORKOUT WITH MINIMAL NOISE.
- EASY STORAGE & MOBILITY: SEPARATES INTO TWO & FEATURES CASTER WHEELS.
Merach Rowing Machine, Magnetic Rower Machine for Home, 16 Levels of Quiet Resistance, Dual Slide Rail with Max 350lb Weight Capacity, App Compatible with LCD Monitor, Q1S
-
ELEVATE YOUR ROWING WITH MERACH APP COURSES & KINOMAP INTEGRATION.
-
QUIET WORKOUTS WITH CUSTOM MAGNETIC FLYWHEEL-NO NOISE WORRIES!
-
STABLE DUAL SLIDE RAIL SUPPORTS UP TO 350 LBS FOR ALL FITNESS LEVELS.
Hartwares Rowing Machines for Home, Foldable Magnetic Rowing Machines with 77 LBS High Resistance, 16 Levels Adjustable, Quiet Rower Machine for Home Use App Compatible, Max 300 LBS Weight Capacity
-
WHISPER-QUIET OPERATION: EXERCISE UNDER 20 DECIBELS-PERFECT FOR ALL.
-
16 MAGNETIC RESISTANCE LEVELS: TAILORED WORKOUTS FOR EVERY FITNESS LEVEL.
-
SMART FITNESS TRACKING: BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY FOR PERSONALIZED PROGRESS!
WENOKER Rowing Machine, Magnetic Rowing Machine for Home, Upgraded 32-Levels Quiet Resistance with Smart Electronic Knob, 350 LBS Weight Capacity, Compact Rower Machine Easy Assembly, App Supported
-
SMOOTH 32-LEVEL RESISTANCE: TAILORED WORKOUTS FOR ALL FITNESS LEVELS.
-
REAL-TIME FITNESS TRACKING: MONITOR YOUR PROGRESS WITH SMART LCD DISPLAY.
-
COMPACT & QUIET DESIGN: PERFECT FOR SMALL SPACES AND PEACEFUL WORKOUTS.
Using a rowing machine for cardio is a great way to get a full-body workout while also improving your cardiovascular fitness. To use a rowing machine effectively for cardio, start by adjusting the foot straps so that your feet are secure. Sit on the seat and grab the handle with both hands, keeping your arms extended in front of you.
Push off with your legs while keeping your back straight, then lean back slightly as you pull the handle towards your chest. Once you've fully extended your arms, reverse the motion by bending your knees and leaning forward to return to the starting position.
To maximize the cardiovascular benefits of rowing, aim for a consistent and steady pace throughout your workout. Start with a moderate resistance level and gradually increase it as you build stamina and strength.
Remember to engage your core muscles throughout the exercise and focus on proper form to prevent injury. Incorporating rowing into your regular cardio routine can help you burn calories, improve your endurance, and strengthen your muscles.
What is the importance of proper footwear for rowing machine cardio?
Proper footwear is essential for rowing machine cardio for several reasons:
- Support: Proper footwear provides the necessary support to help prevent injuries and ensure proper alignment of the feet and ankles during rowing. This is especially important as rowing puts pressure on the feet and ankles.
- Stability: Rowing requires a stable base to push off from and maintain balance. Proper footwear helps provide stability and traction, reducing the risk of slipping or falling during rowing.
- Comfort: Rowing can be a high-intensity workout that puts a lot of pressure on the feet. Proper footwear with cushioning and support can help reduce discomfort and fatigue, allowing you to focus on your workout.
- Performance: Wearing the right footwear can also improve your performance by allowing for smoother and more efficient movements while rowing.
Overall, wearing proper footwear for rowing machine cardio is important to ensure safety, comfort, and optimal performance during your workout.
How to mix up your rowing machine cardio routine to prevent boredom?
- Variation in intensity: Instead of rowing at the same speed and resistance level for the entire workout, mix it up by incorporating intervals of high intensity followed by periods of recovery. This can help keep your workouts challenging and engaging.
- Change up the rowing style: Try different rowing styles such as steady-state rowing, sprint rowing, or rowing with your arms only. This can work different muscle groups and add variety to your routine.
- Add strength training exercises: Incorporate bodyweight exercises or use resistance bands while rowing to engage different muscle groups and make your workouts more dynamic.
- Set goals: Challenge yourself by setting specific goals for each rowing session, such as increasing your distance or rowing time, or hitting a certain number of strokes per minute. This can help you stay motivated and focused during your workouts.
- Mix in other cardio exercises: Include other cardio exercises such as running, cycling, or swimming into your routine to add variety and prevent boredom. Cross-training can also help improve your overall fitness and prevent overuse injuries.
- Listen to music or podcasts: Create a motivating playlist or listen to your favorite podcasts while rowing to keep yourself entertained and distracted from the repetitive motion of rowing.
- Join a virtual rowing class: Joining a virtual rowing class or challenge can provide a sense of community and accountability, as well as introduce new workout routines and exercises to keep your workouts interesting.
- Try rowing on different settings: Experiment with different resistance levels, damper settings, and rowing techniques to keep your workouts challenging and engaging.
By incorporating these tips into your rowing machine cardio routine, you can prevent boredom and stay motivated to reach your fitness goals.
What is the ideal stroke rate for rowing machine cardio?
The ideal stroke rate for rowing machine cardio generally ranges from 18 to 24 strokes per minute for beginners and up to 32 strokes per minute for more experienced rowers. It is important to find a stroke rate that is comfortable and allows you to maintain good form while still challenging your cardiovascular system. Ultimately, the best stroke rate will vary depending on individual fitness levels and goals.
What is the recommended frequency of rowing machine cardio sessions per week?
The recommended frequency of rowing machine cardio sessions per week depends on your fitness level, goals, and overall health. In general, most experts recommend starting with 2-3 sessions per week, with the option to increase to 4-5 sessions per week as you become more experienced and conditioned.
It is important to listen to your body and avoid overtraining. Make sure to also incorporate other forms of exercise into your routine to ensure overall fitness and to prevent burnout. It is always best to consult with a fitness professional or healthcare provider before starting a new exercise program to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.
What are common mistakes to avoid when using a rowing machine for cardio?
- Poor form: One of the most common mistakes people make when using a rowing machine is using incorrect form. This can lead to injury and reduce the effectiveness of your workout. Make sure to keep your back straight, engage your core, and use proper rowing technique.
- Setting the resistance too high: It can be tempting to crank up the resistance on the rowing machine to make the workout more challenging, but setting it too high can lead to poor form and strain on your muscles. Start with a lower resistance and gradually increase it as you get stronger.
- Ignoring your breathing: Proper breathing technique is important when using a rowing machine for cardio. Make sure to breathe in as you slide back, and exhale as you come forward.
- Not warming up: Just like any other workout, it's important to warm up before using a rowing machine. This helps prevent injury and prepares your muscles for the workout ahead.
- Holding onto the handle too tightly: Gripping the handle too tightly can lead to tension in your arms and shoulders. Focus on keeping a loose grip and using your legs and core to power the movement.
- Rowing too fast: While it may be tempting to row as fast as possible to burn more calories, rowing too fast can lead to poor form and reduce the effectiveness of your workout. Focus on maintaining a steady pace and using proper technique.
How to properly breathe during a rowing machine cardio session?
Proper breathing technique is important during any cardio workout, including rowing machine sessions. Here are some tips for breathing properly during a rowing machine cardio session:
- Breathe deeply: Focus on taking deep breaths that fill your lungs fully with oxygen. This will help improve your endurance and energy levels during your workout.
- Coordinate your breathing with your strokes: Try to time your breathing with your rowing strokes. Inhale as you slide forward, and exhale as you push back on the handle.
- Relax and avoid holding your breath: It's common for people to hold their breath during intense workouts, but this can actually decrease your performance and make you feel more fatigued. Focus on staying relaxed and continuously breathing throughout your rowing session.
- Listen to your body: Pay attention to how your body feels and adjust your breathing accordingly. If you start to feel out of breath, slow down your pace and take deeper breaths.
- Practice diaphragmatic breathing: This type of breathing involves using your diaphragm to take deep breaths, rather than shallow breathing that only uses your chest muscles. Practice diaphragmatic breathing to improve your lung capacity and oxygen intake during your rowing workouts.
By focusing on proper breathing technique during your rowing machine cardio sessions, you can improve your performance, endurance, and overall workout experience.