Looking for a new at-home workout that’s both efficient and easy on your joints? The best rowing machines offer a full-body exercise at home in one compact piece of equipment—no gym membership necessary—won’t cause knee pain, back pain, and increase heart health.
As you invest in your home gym, it might be time to add a rowing machine alongside your treadmill, your weight set, and your fitness accessories for a great low-impact workout. Not fully convinced yet? Nick Karwoski, a Hydrow athlete and triathlete, swears by them—he says that even just 20 minutes a day can make a difference.
Meet the experts: Nick Karwoski, a Hydrow athlete and triathlete, and Jim White, R.D.N., A.C.S.M. Ex-P, owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios.
“Using a rowing machine is one of the most efficient ways to get a cardiovascular and strength training workout in a short amount of time,” he says. “We live in an ever-stressed world, where we’re constantly sitting and rounding our backs, but rowing helps correct this by engaging those lats and sitting upright.”
There are tons of rowing machines out there, though. From ones recommended by fitness studios and professional gyms to easy-to-fold (much like an under-desk treadmill) for those looking for an option that won’t take up precious space. With our experts’ help, we’ve corralled the best rowing machines for an at-home, full-body cardio, and strength workout below. You’ll never have to wait your turn at the gym again.
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If you’ve ever used a rowing machine at the gym, chances are it’s from Concept2. Gym owners love it which says a lot, since their business depends on having reliable units available.
“It has many options for you to customize it to your needs, like adjustable footrests and adjustable airflow, and it accommodates users up to 6.6 feet tall with a high maximum weight capacity at 500 lbs,” says Jim White, R.D.N., A.C.S.M. Ex-P, owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios
Prevention’s digital director Allie Early is also a fan. She uses this machine twice a week for a full-body workout. “The rower is lightweight and easy for anyone to move around, and the panel folds down so you can easily store the machine vertically in a corner,” she says, adding that it measures helpful stats, like stroke rate, and offers interval options.
What the reviews say: “This is a great product and really makes it easy to never miss a workout. Great full body exercise. The machine is big and sturdy enough for most body sizes yet small enough to be moved around when/if needed,” says one reviewer before adding, “Stop thinking about your fitness goals and make them happen.”
| Item Dimensions | 24” x 96” x 14” |
| Item Weight | 57 lbs |
| Resistance | Air |
| Maximum Weight Recommendation | 500 lbs |
This rowing machine layers on the resistance with an electromagnetic drag mechanism. It has an ergonomically designed seat for comfort and an industrial-grade strap for smooth strokes. You can follow along with more than 4,000 rowing workouts on the machine’s 22” touchscreen display, or pivot the screen for mat workouts to switch things up. When you’re not using the lightweight equipment, you can store it vertically to instantly get back your floor space.
“Hydrow offers an incredible, full-body workout in just 20 minutes,” says Karwoski. “It’s an immersive experience that makes on-the-water rowing available to everyone.” Along with the realistic rowing experience the machine provides, Karwoski loves its “super sleek” design and the fact that it’s “near silent.”
What the reviews say: “Best. Purchase. Ever. This is the quietest, sturdiest rowing machine I’ve used. The touchscreen display is high quality and delivers stunning videos. The athlete trainers are fantastic!” said one reviewer. “Best of all, the Hydrow rows like a dream.”
| Item Dimensions | 86“ x 25“ x 47“ |
| Item Weight | 145 lbs |
| Resistance | Magnetic |
| Maximum Weight Recommendation | 375 lbs |
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Often lauded as the quietest kind of rowing machines, magnet-driven devices keep noise to a minimum—ideal for using at home, any hour of the day. This affordable option (from a brand that also makes one of our favorite exercise bikes) boasts eight resistance levels, on top of an “incredibly quiet” design, according to Amazon reviewers; it’s even possible to watch TV while you use it.
Sturdy and durable, it’s made of quality, heavy-duty steel and has a maximum weight capacity of 350 lbs—not to mention, it has a foldable design and wheels that make it easy to move around your home.
What the reviews say: “This is the best rower I’ve ever used. I’ve used many brands of high end rowers in gyms. I typically need the hardest or near hardest setting to feel like I’m really working muscles. This machine is hard on four; I usually use three. It’s also very quiet….The mechanics are smooth and comfortable, nothing loose or jerking.”
| Item dimensions | 46.5” x 27” x 8.25” |
| Item Weight | 54 lbs |
| Resistance | Magnetic or Water |
| Maximum Weight Recommendation | 350 lbs |
Looking for a no-frills, compact rowing machine under $100? Try this simple, sliding machine that’s designed with 12 resistance levels. The handlebar doesn’t quite mimic rowing, but at this price, reviewers don’t really mind. It’s also designed with comfort in mind, providing foam handlebars, pivoting foot pedals, and a cushioned seat.
Plus, you can check up on your stats with a small forward-facing digital monitor that displays the time spent rowing and calorie count right on the handle–after which you can congratulate yourself on spending next to nothing.
What the reviews say: “I was skeptical of the quality of this product because of the low price, but was very surprised at how great this rower is,” raves one Amazon reviewer. “Perfect in a small area, and easy to store/lightweight. Worth every penny!”
| Item Dimensions | 20” x 54” x 23” |
| Item Weight | 20.5 lbs |
| Resistance | Hydraulic or Magnetic |
| Maximum Weight Recommendation | 220 lbs |
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If you’re looking for a reliable rowing machine, this model has all the essentials necessary for a powerful at-home rowing workout. Because it uses a magnetic tension system (complete with eight levels of resistance), this rowing machine is always quiet.
It also comes with a large LCD console that displays your meters rowed, calorie count, and time—so you can easily keep track of your workout. And bonuses like the fully padded seat, no-slip foot pedals, and handlebars make it comfortable to row so you can go the distance.
“All in all, this is a great option to think about when buying a rowing machine,” says White, who notes that this Sunny Health & Fitness rower is a step up from the RW5801 model that also made our list.
What the reviews say: “This is the quietest rower I’ve ever used,” says one reviewer. “It’s smooth and has decent number of levels of resistance. Very stable and doesn’t move on a wood floors during a vigorous workout…honestly, this rower is better than some I’ve used in professional gyms.”
| Item Dimensions | 46.5” x 27” x 8.25” |
| Item Weight | 54 lbs |
| Resistance | Magnetic or Water |
| Maximum Weight Recommendation | 350 lbs |
NordicTrack’s RW900 is the rowing machine to beat: With an ergonomic, molded seat made for comfort, an easy-to-use 22” touchscreen display, and powerful performance trackers, it’s a major upgrade on the rower you might be used to using at the gym.
Better yet, the iFit membership includes personalized training built upon 26 coach-controlled resistance levels. Even as you’re sweating like crazy, the RW900 works quietly. And when you’re done, it folds up and wheels away for easy storage.
What the reviews say: “The rower itself is very very smooth and sturdy…the iFit videos are excellent and make my workouts zip by!” writes one reviewer. “All in all, the NordicTrack rower is definitely the complete package!”
| Item Dimensions | 22” x 86.5” x 50.4” |
| Weight | 135 lbs |
| Resistance | Magnetic |
| Maximum Weight Recommendation | 250 lbs |
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This indoor rowing machine is hydraulic, delivering smooth, adjustable resistance that’s also budget-friendly. With 12 levels of adjustable resistance, the machine’s design ensures that it actually feels like the natural motion of rowing, with reviewers saying that it provides quite the workout.
Plus, it’s designed with comfort and convenience in mind: A deep, ergonomic seat and textured footplates allow you to row comfortably, and it also has a compact, foldable design, so that once you’re done, you can stow it away easily.
What the reviews say: “The machine is quiet, runs smooth; [I] never felt any excessive strain anywhere in my body. It never squeaked at all. The resistance was excellent and never lost resistance for me. I got a great work out on it,” writes one satisfied customer on Amazon.
| Item Dimensions | 18.8” x 81.8” x 23.6” |
| Item Weight | 60.9 lbs |
| Resistance | Magnetic |
| Maximum Weight Recommendation | 250 lbs |
This home rower will help you reach your fitness goals in style. Handcrafted from locally sourced cherry wood, the exterior is sleek and perfect for just about any room in your home. It also folds up for easy storage. The wheels on the back of the rower make it easy to move and store all by yourself (no need to call your neighbor to help you move your machine).
Plus, it has an android-powered touchscreen and is Bluetooth-enabled for both heart rate monitors and audio (though WiFi is required). Although this pick comes in at a steep price, reviewers say it’s worth it.
What the reviews say: “When I say we love this product, I mean we LOVE it. It’s beautiful, compact and gives you a rocket of a workout every time you strap in. The content options are endless and I love exploring new rows/challenges,” raves one reviewer.
| Item Dimensions | 86“ x 23” x 40” |
| Item Weight | 105 lbs with water |
| Resistance | Water |
| Maximum Weight Recommendation | 500 lbs |
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Though it’s listed for $300, this Merach Rowing Machine has just about everything you could want in an at-home rower. It uses a magnetic flywheel system and allows you to toggle between 16 levels of resistance with a straightforward knob that controls the tension. It also connects to an app via Bluetooth so you can track and measure you workouts and accomplishments.
Made with dual alloy steel slide rails, it’s stable and quiet. It can hold up to 350 lbs and accommodate people who are up to 6’ 2” tall.
What the reviews say: “This machine is incredible for the price! It is very responsive and has an amazing range on the resistance levels.”
| Item Dimensions | 65“ x 19.3“ x 24.8“ |
| Weight | 45 lbs |
| Resistance | Magnetic |
| Maximum Weight Recommendation | 350 lbs |
Details like a wide, ergonomic seat and a smooth, dual-rail glide make this machine a good buy, but it’s the aesthetics that catch your eye at first. You can definitely pay a lot for a solid wood rower, but this one starts at just $500.
An oversized water tank provides six customizable levels of resistance, and it also has adjustable non-slip pedals as well as a place to put your phone or tablet.
Made of quality solid oak and able to support up to 350 lbs, the machine folds in half neatly when you want to roll it away for storage. Don’t worry about the water tank, here. Reviewers say it hasn’t leaked on them yet.
What the reviews say: “Setup is super easy and took less than 30 minutes. First workout went great. I’m 5’11” and had plenty of space to fully extend, with several inches still behind me on the rail. Rowing is all about cardio and keeping a consistent pace, and for that, this machine has all the resistance you need and more.”
| Item Dimensions | 38.6″ x 18.1″ x 12.9″ |
| Weight | 48.9 lbs |
| Resistance | Hydraulic |
| Maximum Weight Recommendation | 250 lbs |
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Comment choisir le meilleur rameur

✔️ Choisissez votre mécanisme. Les rameurs proposent des résistances par eau, magnétique, hydraulique et air; chacun a ses avantages et ses inconvénients. L’eau et l’air offrent une résistance plus fluide, les aimants sont plus silencieux, et l’hydraulique est généralement moins coûteuse. Selon votre espace, votre niveau d’expérience et votre budget, chacun pourrait devenir une option idéale.
✔️Considérez la taille. Lors de votre décision finale, assurez-vous d’avoir suffisamment d’espace pour votre modèle idéal — il peut être plus long ou plus large que ce à quoi vous vous attendez, et il est pénible de ramener un rameur. (Nous vous conseillons de mesurer votre espace dédié à la maison avant de commencer votre recherche.)
✔️Équilibrez les caractéristiques avec le coût. Il existe des rameurs à pratiquement tous les prix, de 100 $ à plus de 2 000 $. Des fonctionnalités comme les écrans tactiles, les entraînements intégrés et les rapports de données coûtent plus cher, mais elles aident vraiment les débutants et les athlètes confirmés à améliorer leurs séances. Cependant, elles ne sont pas indispensables si cela dépasse votre budget. Certains rameurs haut de gamme nécessitent également des abonnements, méfiez-vous donc aussi de ces frais.
Comment utiliser un rameur

Forme correcte est la clé d’un entraînement de rame efficace et sûr. Voici comment utiliser un rameur, comme Prevention l’a déjà rapporté.
Étape 1 : Prenez la position d’accrochage. Dans cette position de départ, les pieds se placent dans les talonnières du rameur et la sangle est bien fixée sur les lacets. En tenant les poignées des deux mains et les bras tendus, les genoux fléchis et le torse penché légèrement vers l’avant, vous êtes assis sur le coussin du siège au devant de la machine.
Étape 2 : Tendez les jambes. Le premier mouvement du rameur vient des jambes. Poussez les deux jambes droit devant, en utilisant les fessiers et les quadriceps pour pousser le siège vers l’arrière de la machine.
Étape 3 : Penchez le torse en arrière. Une fois les jambes droites, penchez le torse plus loin qu’un angle de 90 degrés, en gardant le dos plat. Utilisez votre tronc pour maintenir la position et alléger le travail du bas du dos.
Étape 4 : Ramenez les bras vers la poitrine. Tout en engageant votre tronc et en vous penchant en arrière avec les jambes droites, tirez la barre vers votre poitrine. Terminez le mouvement en poussant les bras en avant et en inversant les trois premières étapes : penchez-vous en avant, pliez les genoux et revenez à la position de départ. Cela constitue une répétition. Vous répéterez ce mouvement jusqu’à atteindre votre objectif de temps ou de répétitions.
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What are the benefits of using a rowing machine?
Using a rowing machine regularly can provide numerous benefits throughout the whole body. “The rowing machine combines strength and endurance and as a cardio exercise can strengthen a person’s cardiovascular system as well with progressive use,” says White.
This type of exercise provides a full body workout, White says. “Consistency with this machine will bring about positive effects to not only your quads, calves, and glutes but also secondary benefits to the upper body muscles, such as pecs, arms, and abs as well,” he explains.
Check out more of the benefits of using a rowing machine:
- Full-body workout in a compact space
- Combination of strength and cardio means you’ll build power and boost endurance
- Effective even when used for short periods of exercise
- Low-impact exercise that’s easy on joints
- Practicing proper rowing form my help with posture, as it engages the lats and encourages sitting upright
- Accessible to most fitness levels and abilities
- Cardio element is good for your heart and lungs
Peut-on perdre du poids en utilisant un rameur ?

Rowing machines are a great calorie-burning exercise that strengthens your cardiovascular system—which means that yes, consistent exercise with a rowing machine may help with your weight loss goals, given that you’re pairing it with a proper healthy diet.
“The intensity of the workout mainly depends on the user, but performing the workout still burns a substantial amount of calories and adding this to your exercise routine along with maintaining a caloric deficit-based diet will certainly yield an increase in weight loss,” explains White.
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Quels muscles fait travailler un rameur ?

Bien que le rameur puisse sembler travailler surtout le haut du corps, vos jambes et vos fessiers forment en réalité les principaux muscles qui pilotent votre mouvement. « Le rameur est composé de 80 % de jambes et 20 % du haut du corps », déclare Karwoski. « Mais il vous oblige aussi à engager votre tronc et votre dos, pour une sensation de connexion des pieds jusqu’aux épaules. »
Contrairement à la course et à d’autres activités à impact élevé comme le HIIT, il s’agit d’un entraînement à faible impact qui ménagera vos articulations, faisant du rameur l’appareil idéal pour presque tout le monde, en particulier ceux qui se remettent d’une blessure ou qui débutent dans l’exercice.
Est-il sûr de ramer tous les jours ?

Bien que cela dépende de l’intensité avec laquelle vous vous exercez, vous pouvez généralement utiliser un rameur tous les jours. Cependant, comme pour tout autre entraînement, il est crucial de ne pas vous surmener ou pousser vos limites pour éviter toute blessure potentielle.
Si votre objectif est la perte de poids, Hydrow recommande généralement d’utiliser un rameur pendant au moins 30 minutes par jour, entre quatre et six fois par semaine. Toutefois, la fréquence et la durée de votre entraînement devraient dépendre de vos objectifs personnels, de votre niveau de forme et de votre expérience.
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Comment nous avons choisi les meilleurs rameurs domestiques

Nous avons consulté Nick Karwoski, athlète Hydrow et triathlète, ainsi que Jim White, R.D.N., A.C.S.M. Ex-P, propriétaire de Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios, pour identifier les meilleurs rameurs pour les entraînements à domicile. Nous avons également parcouru d’innombrables évaluations, avis et spécifications de produits afin de trouver les seuls rameurs à recommander pour améliorer votre routine de fitness.
Pourquoi nous faire confiance

Depuis plus de 70 ans, Prevention est une source fiable d’informations de santé, offrant aux lecteurs des stratégies pratiques pour améliorer leur bien-être physique, mental et émotionnel. Nos rédacteurs interviewent des experts médicaux pour guider nos choix de produits axés sur la santé. De plus, Prevention examine des centaines d’avis — et réalise souvent des tests personnels par notre équipe — pour vous aider à prendre des décisions éclairées.
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