The idea of exercising at home instead of going to the gym is a frequent occurrence for modern people. Rowing machines are ideal for home training because they are designed to be an analogue to rowing, which works for all muscle groups. 

Comfortable for keeping fit, pumping the back and shoulders, correcting posture, cardio, and even losing weight, these shells have won customers’ trust. But there are some nuances to consider when looking for the best exercise machine. 

The rankings provide valuable information on selecting and analysing the best models.

Advantages and disadvantages of hydraulic rowing machine

Advantages

Rowing machines compare favourably with the leaders in whole-body exercise – skis and ski simulators. More than 80% of muscles can be exercised with regular training and optimal loading of this kind of sports equipment (the only problem is the correct execution of movements, body position and sufficient load to be provided by the machine). Here are some of the top benefits:

  • Effectively pump the upper shoulder girdle, arms, back and increase muscle volume.
  • Helps you lose weight or tone up your body.
  • Improve coordination and endurance.
  • Helps to correct posture.
  • Give your body a good and comfortable exercise routine.
  • Many folding and silent models can be hidden under a bed, in a cupboard, between a wall and furniture, etc.
  • They are characterised by reliability.
  • Suitable for the whole family (if users pass the weight limit).

Disadvantages

The hydraulic ones are very noisy, and the cylinders do not immediately enter the operating mode, which is felt as inhibition of work and an inconvenience to training.

Other varieties may require regular lubrication of the rollers. Here are some disadvantages:

  • Rather bulky even when folded.
  • Do not always give the expected workload.
  • Many models cannot pump all muscle groups or promote weight loss.
  • Cheap shells need a backing mat.
  • There are no adjustments to the seat, pedals, etc.

Types of rowing machines

You need to know the types of rowing machines before you buy one. Two main types of traction are distinguished according to the principle of interaction with the projectile:

  • Scandinavian (Latin): closest to regular paddling with the paddles, requiring more concentration and coordination, the main load is on the back and arms, more suitable for professionals;
  • Central: simulates rowing not through the stroke, but through loading the same muscle groups from the tension of the central handle, easier to work for people of all athletic levels.

Several types of rowing machines are available on the market according to the kind of loading:

  • hydraulic (mechanical);
  • magnetic;
  • electromagnetic;
  • aeromagnetic;
  • aerodynamic;
  • water;
  • air.

All varieties find their user. The last four types are more commonly used in gyms or at home, but by professionals. Hydraulic and magnetic rowing machines are cheaper and easier to learn, so they are often purchased for home maintenance exercise or for weight loss.

What is the right way to exercise on a hydraulic rowing machine?

It’s essential to understand the correct posture and learn to hold the proper body position to work specific muscles. 

Budget-priced, inexpensive exercise machines rarely have detailed instructions on how to do the exercises. 

Owners have to search for information on their own. The explanation is usually found on the internet: in articles, on forums, by reviews and watching videos on YouTube.

If you don’t know for sure wherever you should exercise intensively on this machine, if there are any health-related restrictions, recommendations, etc. Please contact a physician first.

You should have your first workout at the gym under the guidance of a trainer who will teach you the correct movement technique, breathing, how to warm up, and how to load different muscle groups with a projectile. This will help to avoid difficulties in-home lessons.

There are some general tips on rowing and rowing machine technique:

  • The body should be inclined towards the floor at a 45º angle for the optimum load on the back;
  • your back should always be straight;
  • you have to lean back hard every time you move;
  • bend and unbend your legs as much as possible;
  • Don’t put your body weight only on your knees: distribute it on your hips and buttocks;
  • The number of strokes is essential for endurance, while speed, i.e. the number of strokes per minute, is essential for weight loss;
  • The exercise time together with the warm-up, should not be less than one hour.

What to consider when choosing the best hydraulic rowing machines

Selecting a home gym for beginners is very difficult. Often people are guided only by the price segment – whether they can afford the model or not, and by the photo – whether the exerciser is beautiful and compact or bulky. 

Some look for feedback from owners willing to share their opinions, others analyse experts’ views, watch reviews, others ask a salesman or a trainer. We recommend considering the following when buying a hydraulic rowing machine:

  • Weight limit and height range, whether you or family members can work out on the machine and whether there are adjustments so that people of different heights and weights can work out comfortably;
  • The level of exertion: the thing will be useless if its power is insufficient, it is better to test it in a shop or at the gym to check the feel and also to get a feel for whether the exerciser is comfortable to use (smooth running, ergonomic seat, handles, comfort and informative display);
  • Noise level: how critical the noise and clanking of the mechanism is (ideally, if there is a separate room for exercise, but in a one-room flat, in a family with children, it is better to consider a silent model);
  • Dimensions when folded (if you plan to store the equipment somewhere, measure in advance where you want to keep it);
  • Reliability (check the reviews, see the quality of the plastic parts, compare warranty periods for different models);
  • The need to measure and monitor your heart rate during exercise (if this is important for your health, look for fitness equipment with heart rate monitoring and sensors, heart rate dependent modes);
  • The need for maintenance (some models need to be reworked to avoid deafening the noise of the cylinders, others need to lubricate those rollers, others will require backing or mat so as not to spoil the floor).

The best mechanical rowing machine

KETTLER 7978-900 Favorit

A durable and reliable hydraulic rowing machine from a renowned German brand. These machines are often purchased not only for home exertion but also for halls. 

The metal body, plastic fasteners and rubber parts will last a very long time. It’s an assembly-and-forget-it sport, nothing comes loose, nothing bursts, the electronics are battery-powered and work reliably. 

Suitable for people of different weights and sizes, the legs are firmly secured with straps. It is advisable to place an anti-slip mat underneath to protect the floor covering. 

The display shows all the information you need to keep track of your exercise: time, distance, number of strokes, kilojoules used to calculate calories lost from exercise, heart rate (if you attach a unique sensor to your earlobe). 

The more expensive model is suitable for those who work out professionally, lose weight quickly and choose reliable and functional items.

Advantages:

  • a brand with a reputation for high-quality products;
  • reliable;
  • Quiet, not rattling;
  • comfortable;
  • the hydraulics go into operation almost immediately;
  • apparent fixation of the legs;
  • pumps the back, shoulders, arms, buttocks, abs and legs a little less, i.e. almost all muscle groups;
  • adjustable load;
  • electronic display with training information;
  • scan mode;
  • clip for pulse measurement;
  • upper heart rate control;
  • Can be folded in an upright position and does not take up much space.

Brumer TF 403-B1

A quality rowing machine suitable for athletes weighing up to 100 kg. The model features an interesting 360º swivel function, and lightweight aluminium handles to reduce the rowing machine’s overall weight. 

There’s a handy battery-powered electronic display that shows workout data, such as training time, several strokes, distance travelled and calorie expenditure. 

The Scandinavian type of traction allows you to adjust the loads. Works all muscle groups, but especially the shoulder girdle, back and arms. 

The glutes, legs and abs also work out, just not as actively, they need to be pumped up differently. But there is a cardio effect, so you can really lose weight with this model.

Advantages:

  • affordable price;
  • does not rattle;
  • there is an information display;
  • scan mode;
  • can easily track health information;
  • pumps the muscles well;
  • Brumer can be easily folded away or placed against the wall.
  • the swivel function around the axis;
  • A reliable mechanism.

The downside:

  • is not suitable for large men;
  • there is a weight limit for the athlete;
  • the hydraulics have to be pumped in a few strokes.

Torneo Golfstream V-117

A cost-effective hydraulic rowing machine for home rowing lessons to pump up the upper shoulder girdle, arms and back. Gives a small cardio exercise effect, but no great exercise to help weight loss. 

There is a lot of steel in the design, but little attention to detail. A very noisy model, activities can be uncomfortable for others. The display is not the most informative and does not track training progress. Not a wrong way to start, but not for constant exercise to achieve results.

Advantages:

budgetary;

load adjustment;

scan mode;

takes up little space when folded down;

Suitable for pumping the upper body and arms;

adjustable leg position;

display with standard training information.

The downside:

  • noisy, as the rollers under the seat rumble strongly;
  • all the steel joints are very rattly and squeaky;
  • The hydraulics take a long time to pump up to operating condition, sometimes they never return to normal mode;
  • it is imperative to protect the floor;
  • more work on the arms, shoulders and slightly on the back, rather than all the muscles in the body;
  • the display resets after 1.5 hours of use;
  • not for big men;
  • the weight limit of the athlete is 100 kg.

Conclusion

As with any workout, regular exercise remains the most essential condition for achieving results even at home. 

It is advisable to schedule a workout in advance and dedicate about 1 hour to it (fat starts burning intensively after 30 minutes of exercise, training for more than an hour leads to fatigue). 

Compared to the popular treadmills and exercise bikes, rowing machines have a smaller selection of models. However, there are always plenty to choose from. And the most important criterion for selection should be your personal experience of using the rowing machine. 

Rowing can only benefit you if you are as comfortable and functional on the machine as possible.