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Best air rowers
Best air rowing machines include rowers such as Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5. While these machines are expensive costing just under $1000, they’re well worth every penny for the quality of workout you can expect. Seasoned rowers can comfortably use these at home for gym-quality workouts. These machines experience very little wear and tear, expect them to last you a lifetime with minimal maintenance. When choosing the best air rowing machines, consider factors such as; user weight limit, adjustable resistance, space-saving designs, rail length, and quality of the monitor. Some air rowing machines such as the BodyCraft VR500 Rower come with an impressive library of preset workout programs to help you make the most of each session.
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If you’re curious or in a hurry:
Concept2 Model D Rowing Machine is our top pick for the best rowing machine under 1000!
Best air rowing machine
- Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5
- Stamina ATS Air Rowing Machine
- Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5
- Marcy Foldable Turbine Rowing Machine
- BodyCraft VR500 Rower
1. Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5
Promising review; “I have owned the Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine for two years. It is the best piece of workout equipment I have ever owned.”
Specifications;
- 500 lbs max user weight capacity.
- Adjustable 10-level air resistance.
- Extra-long slide rail.
- Advanced PM5 monitor
What we like;
- High-weight bearing capacity.
- Assembly is a breeze
- Collapsible.
- Long-lasting.
What we didn’t like;
- Seat is uncomfortable
Concept2 Model D Rower with PM5 is the best-in-class rowing machine. While you certainly can buy the more expensive rowers, it is the gold standard against which all others are measured. It’s a great addition to any home gym providing a low-impact for users of all ages. Besides, it’s one of the best heavy-duty rowers available as it can handle an impressive 500 lbs user weight capacity. Assembly is a breeze as all tools needed for assembly are included. Expect to spend less than 15-minutes putting it together. While this rower does require a bit of space, it is collapsible. Take it apart after each workout and store it in a corner to save up on floor space. Besides, it takes less than 10-seconds to disassemble it.
This air-working machine is best suited for seasoned rowers looking for a serious workout at home as resistance is very dynamic. It comes with 10-levels of adjustable resistance to change the feel of the stroke. Adjust your difficulty from easy to difficult for a workout that will have you working out engaging all muscles in your legs, core, arm, and back. The movement of the chain drive is as smooth as butter. Expect no jerky motions even as the chain coils and recoils. The seat is comfortable with plenty of room for users of all heights and weights. The extra-long rail on this rowing machine provides great leg extension for taller users to exercise comfortably.
The Concept2 Model D performance monitor provides the right mix of technical sophistication and ease of use. It keeps you updated with second to second feedback on your workouts in real-time. Make use of the phone app to make your workouts interesting. Learn more about rowing from the app, to improve your postures and position. Also, take part in online competitions, enjoy beautiful virtual sceneries, and get answers to all your rowing questions. Foot pedals are well-made and easy to adjust making for multiple family members to exercise comfortably. Overall, this is one of the best commercial-quality rowing machines you can use at home.
2. Stamina ATS Air Rowing Machine
Promising review; “This is an excellent rower, especially at this price point.”
Specifications;
- 250 lbs max user weight capacity.
- Adjustable air resistance.
- Multi-functional display monitor
What we like;
- Foldable frame.
- Budget-friendly
- Low-impact workout
- Space-saving design.
- Great for all ages
What we didn’t like;
- The fan can be a little loud
- The display is simple and basic.
Stamina ATS Air Rowing Machine is a welcome addition to any home gym as it’s well-constructed, fun, and easy to use. If you’re on a tight budget but want an air rowing machine, consider this machine. While it comes with no extra bells and whistles like other machines on this list, it will get the job done. Despite its budget price, it’s extremely well-made with a steel exterior. Assembly takes less than 30-minutes as the instructions are very clear with detailed diagrams. Resistance is excellent and just like otehr air rowing machines, the tension is very dynamic. The harder and faster you row, the higher the resistance. Start slowly to warm up and increase your pace for a true cardio session that will leave you out of breath
After just 30-minutes on this Stamina ATS Air Rowing Machine, you will feel the burn in your arms, legs, glutes, and core. The rowing mechanism is smooth and very quiet. The strap extends and retracts smoothly while movement feels very natural. Exercise early in the morning or late at night without fear of waking up roommates or your spouse. While the display monitor is basic as best, it does a good job at keeping track of your times, miles and calories burned. Its velcro foot straps keep your feet secure at all times as you row. A removable pin makes it easy to fold for easy storage. Besides, the front wheels make it easy to move around.
3. Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5
Promising review; “This is the best investment that I’ve ever made in a piece of exercise equipment. It will literally last a lifetime.”
Specifications;
- 500 lbs max user weight capacity.
- Extra-long slide rail.
- Adjustable 10-level air resistance.
- PM5 monitor
What we like;
- High-weight bearing capacity.
- Great seat height
- Assembly is a breeze
- Collapsible.
- Quality workmanship.
What we didn’t like;
- Requires a lot of space.
- The seat is a bit too hard.
WithConcept2 Model E Rower, you get an elevated rowing machine suitable for users of all ages especially those with mobility issues or back problems. It’s the same level as a regular chair. Getting on and off this rowing machine is as easy as can be. Just like its predecessor, the quality of the Model E rowing machine is unquestionable, the finest I have seen. It’s extremely well-built and is sure to last you a lifetime. Assembly isn’t too difficult or time-consuming. Be warned, this machine is immense and requires a good amount of space as it is very long. However, it does disassemble into two separate sections for easy storage. The difficulty is determined by how fast you row. Seasoned rowers might find themselves feeling nostalgic on this rowing machine as it gives a good workout.
It is the same machine you find in gyms and high-end health clubs. The seat slides along the monorail in total silence while the noise of the fan is very minimal. The catch on this rowing machine feels light while the drive and finish are very smooth. The Adjustable foot straps with inserts keep your feet secure at all times. While the performance monitor is not flashy, it’s responsive and provides feedback on your technique and other workout metrics. Make use of the active online community to get the most out of each workout. Compete against others to keep yourself motivated and push yourself. Or better yet, use it to get all your questions answered by seasoned users. Overall, the Concept2 Model E Rower is a solid piece of cardio machine and certainly one of the best rowing machines ever made.
4. Marcy Foldable Turbine Rowing Machine
Promising review; “The Marcy rower is much affordable, and the quality of the system is quite nice.”
Specifications;
- 300 lbs max user weight capacity.
- Extra-long slide rail.
- Adjustable 8-level air resistance.
- PM5 monitor
What we like;
- Compact design.
- Affordable
- Assembly is a breeze
What we didn’t like;
- No media/phone holder.
- LImited resistance.
Consider the Marcy Turbine Rowing Machine for a budget-friendly cardio machine that won’t break the bank. Assembly is easy and takes less than 30-minutes with all the included tools. This rowing machine requires about 86-inches in length when in use. However, the slide rail folds up for easy storage after each workout. The resistance feels good, and just like other air rowers, the difficulty is very dynamic. The harder or faster you pull, the higher the resistance. It does generate a fan breeze as you row that’s very pleasing and soothing. Even though this air rowing machine is best suited for beginners, it will have you sweating and out of breath in minutes. The seat is soft and comfortable as it glides smoothly along the rail. While the battery-operated display is nothing fancy, it does a good job tracking your workout metrics in real-time.
5. BodyCraft VR500 Rower
Promising review; “If you’re looking for a quality rower, the BodyCraft VR500 is an excellent choice.”
Specifications;
- 250 lbs max user weight capacity.
- Adjustable air resistance.
- Heavy Duty Mono-Rail.
- Comfort Grip Handlebar with Controls
What we like;
- Foldable design.
- Compact design.
- Assembly is a breeze.
What we didn’t like;
- No media/phone holder.
If you’re looking for a quality at-home rowing machine, the BodyCraft VR500 is an excellent choice. While it might be more expensive, it’s well worth every penny as it moves smoothly, is easy to use, and makes exercising very enjoyable. Besides, it is a beautiful piece of fitness equipment, expect to get lots of compliments on it. While it does require a good amount of space once assembled, it does fold for easy storage. In addiiton, the folding process takes less than 3-seconds. Store it under the bed or in a closet to save on floor space.
It’s very quiet when in use. Watch TV as you exercise or keep motivated with inspiring music. There are 36 preset workouts available on the BodyCraft VR500. More than enough variety to spice up your workouts. The handlebar comes with a 4-button resistance control. Adjust the resistance pull right on the handlebar. The mono-rail is well-built with high-strength T13 aluminum. The LCD is easy to read with a backlight display and keys.
