Rowing is one of the best full-body workouts that engages all major muscle groups while providing an intense cardio exercise. Rowing machines effectively simulate the rowing motion and are a convenient way to get a complete workout at home.
With a wide variety of rowing machines now available in India, it can get confusing to decide which one to buy. This comprehensive guide covers the top 15 rowing machines in India along with their key features, pros and cons, and feedback from experts and users. Additional sections provide guidance on choosing the right rowing machine, the different types available, and tips on usage, maintenance and care.
This magnetic resistance rowing machine from Femiro Fitness has 10 levels of adjustable resistance controlled through a large LCD console that tracks essential workout data. It comes with free installation assistance.
The Femiro Fitness rowing machine is a budget-friendly option with adequate resistance levels and a decent LCD console to track your workouts. The free installation service further adds to the value. The build quality is satisfactory but not meant for very intense use. Overall a decent option for light to medium intensity cardio workouts.
The Flexnest Flexrower Lite is an innovative Bluetooth-enabled rowing machine with magnetic resistance and connectivity to the Flexnest app that provides on-demand workout classes and virtual races. It comes in a dual-tone Black & Natural color finish.
The Flexnest Flexrower Lite brings interactive workouts and entertainment to your rowing sessions along with smooth & quiet magnetic resistance to give you an effective full-body cardio workout. The build quality is reliable and strong enough for intense workouts for average-built users. At its budget price point, it’s among the top smart rowing machines out there.
The PowerMax Fitness RWC-1000 is a commercial grade water resistance rowing machine with 8 levels of adjustable resistance, an LED console and a robust build to withstand intense workouts. It has a maximum user weight capacity of 135 kg.
The PowerMax Fitness RWC-1000 is one of the best water resistance rowers suitable even for commercial gyms and sports facilities, with its extremely sturdy build quality and high weight capacity. The water resistance mimics actual on-water rowing very closely across resistance levels. It’s perfect for hardcore fitness enthusiasts looking for a commercial-grade home use rowing machine.
The Cult.Sport smartROW X1 is a smart water resistance rowing machine with 16 levels, free diet plans and installation. It has an interactive touchscreen console and can sync with third-party fitness apps. The maximum user weight is 150 kg.
The Cult.Sport smartROW X1 brings the fluid nature of water resistance along with connectivity features usually found only in more expensive smart rowers. With 16 finely adjustable resistance levels, it caters to varying workout intensities. The comfortable cushioned seat and intelligently designed handle promote correct rowing form. Overall it offers very good value with its smart features and durable build quality.
The Dolphy Foldable Rowing Machine features a hydraulic cylinder for smooth resistance across the rowing motion and has a small footprint with foldable arms to save space when not in use. It displays basic workout metrics on the LCD monitor and has a maximum user weight capacity of 100 kg.
The Dolphy Foldable Rowing Machine is designed for convenience while providing a consistent rowing stroke with its hydraulic resistance system across intensities. The compact size makes it apt for small homes or shared spaces. Build quality is reliable for light to medium intensity workouts. It offers decent basic functionality at an affordable price point.
This magnetic resistance rowing machine from Dolphy has 12 levels of adjustable resistance selected through a basic LCD monitor that displays workout metrics. It has a dual aluminum & steel frame with a max user weight capacity of 120 kg.
The Dolphy magnetic resistance rowing machine offers reliably smooth & consistent resistance across 12 increments suitable for users of varying fitness levels. The slightly heavier yet solid build quality makes it suitable for medium to intense workouts. It gives all basic features needed for a complete cardio & strength training rowing workout minus any bells & whistles, making it excellent value for money.
This magnetic resistance rowing machine from Kobo features 12 levels of adjustable resistance and essential workout tracking metrics on the LCD monitor. It has a maximum user weight capacity of 120 kg.
The Kobo magnetic rowing machine provides reliably consistent resistance across 12 increments making it suitable for varying workout intensities. The slightly heavy-duty build gives it stability during intense rowing strokes. It gives smooth performance across essential features, without unnecessary bells & whistles. Overall it gives very good value by focusing on core functionality and basics needed for an efficient cardio workout.
The PowerMax RH-150 Foldable Rowing Machine features a unique pulley mechanism with adjustable rope length for a variable range of pull motion and 8 levels of magnetic resistance. It has a foldable frame to save space and an LCD monitor displays workout metrics.
This pulley-based rowing machine from PowerMax uses a rather unique mechanism compared to typical rowing arms, to provide a range of pull motion strengthening various upper body muscles effectively. Its foldable frame makes storage easy. The simple yet reliable build quality combined with adequately smooth magnetic resistance makes it suitable for moderate intensity workouts. At its price point, it’s good value for money as a secondary training machine.
The Reach RW-1000 is a foldable magnetic rowing machine with a flywheel for momentum and 12 levels of adjustable resistance, controlled through the LCD monitor. It has a sturdy frame with a maximum user weight capacity of 130 kg.
The Reach RW-1000 rowing machine aims to provide consistent performance with smooth & reliable magnetic resistance for intensive workouts. The flywheel adds some momentum to improve the rowing feel. The foldable steel frame gives it stability without occupying too much space. Overall it provides good value by focusing on core rowing functionality and construction quality needed for an effective full-body cardio workout.
The Dolphy Magnetic Foldable rowing machine has 8 levels of magnetic resistance controlled through the LCD monitor that displays workout data. It has a tablet/phone holder and transport wheels for easy portability in compact homes.
The Dolphy Foldable Magnetic rowing machine aims at being a convenient budget option for small homes with multifunctional spaces needing a portable machine. It offers all core features like magnetic resistance, an LCD monitor and basic portability to provide effective light to medium intensity indoor rowing workouts. The build quality reliability is also decent for the price.
The Aerofit Rowing Machine has an angled ergonomic handle unlike most row handles for more natural wrist movement and the seat rolls smoothly on a ball rail system. It uses hydraulic resistance for smooth workouts.
The stand-out feature of the Aerofit rowing machine is the angled handle allowing a more neutral wrist position during strokes. But feedback on the hydraulic resistance and seat rail system has been mixed. The overall build quality is perhaps best for light to medium-intensity workouts. Given its higher pricing, value for money is just about decent if its unique handle appeals to you.
The Sparnod Fitness SR-99 Commercial Air Rowing Machine provides variable air resistance for intense anaerobic muscle-toning workouts. It has an extra-durable frame to withstand heavy-duty use and comes with free installation service.
The Sparnod SR-99 is one of the few air resistance rowers in India built to last intensive commercial use while providing smooth variable resistance for HIIT workouts. The skiing motion hits more muscles at once. Given its high-end commercial grade durability with free installation, it provides very good value for full-body strength building and muscular endurance. Fitness enthusiasts should definitely consider it.
The Cultsport smartrow Basel is an innovative Bluetooth-enabled magnetic rowing machine with integrated workout performance tracking and entertainment features. It has 8 levels of adjustable magnetic resistance. The maximum user weight is 120 kg.
This smart rowing machine aims at providing essential tracking metrics alongside entertainment features to make workout routines more engaging and sustainable. The magnetic resistance, stable build quality and comfortable ergonomics make it suitable for medium intensity full-body workouts. While the reliability of smart features can vary, it overall provides good value for an entry-level interactive exercise machine if used carefully.
The Femiro Fitness Commercial Water Rower uses adjustable water resistance in a large tank and has an extremely sturdy steel frame construction to handle intense workouts. It comes with free installation and has a very high 200 kg maximum user weight capacity.
Built like a tank, the Femiro water rower aims at commercial-grade construction quality and an intense workout experience for serious fitness enthusiasts to executing vigorous training routines. The water resistance adds a highly natural rowing feel across stroke rates. Given its premium construction and high weight tolerance, it provides very good value as a long-lasting commercial home use machine.
The Iris Fitness Hydraulic Rowing Machine has a hydraulic resistance system for smooth adjustable intensity through full arm extensions, mimicking actual rowing stroke. It has over 100 kg weight capacity and a small footprint.
TheIris Fitness hydraulic rower focuses closely on mimicking natural rowing motion by allowing full arm extension rather than rotation at fixed pivots only. This engages muscles more effectively throughout the motion. Hydraulic resistance facilitates smooth adjustments to intensity. However, its overall build quality may not match up to the premium price tag it carries. It provides moderate value for the investment.
Product | Key Features |
---|---|
Femiro Fitness® | 10 resistance levels, LCD display, free installation |
Flexnest Flexrower Lite | Magnetic resistance, Bluetooth connectivity, app integration |
Cult.Sport smartROW X1 | Water resistance, 16 levels, Bluetooth, touchscreen |
PowerMax Fitness® RWC-1000 | Water tank, 8 resistance levels, 135kg max user weight |
Dolphy Foldable | Hydraulic resistance, smooth motion, foldable arms |
Kobo Magnetic | 12 level magnetic resistance, 120kg max user weight |
PowerMax Fitness RH-150 | Magnetic resistance, pulley system, foldable frame |
Reach RW-1000 | 12 level magnetic resistance, flywheel, 130kg max weight |
Dolphy Foldable Magnetic | 8 level magnetic resistance, foldable arms, device holder |
Cultsport smartrow Basel | Magnetic resistance, Bluetooth connectivity, 120kg max weight |
FEMIRO FITNESS Commercial | Water resistance, steel frame, 200kg max weight |
SPARNOD FITNESS SR-99 | Air resistance, skiing motion, free installation |
Aerofit | Hydraulic resistance, ergonomic handle |
BODYLEAN FITNESS Seated | Plate loaded resistance, chest support |
Let’s Play® RSTROKER | Water resistance, 32 tension levels, Bluetooth |
With different types of rowing machines available using air, magnetic, hydraulic or water resistance, choose one that fits your budget, space constraints, workout intensity and usage goals. Water and air resistance closely mimic actual rowing with fluid intensity changes. Magnetic resistance offers consistent, smooth adjustability in increments. Budget, foldability, maximum user weight support are other aspects. Smart interactive machines are great for motivation and tracking but reliability varies across models. Refer to the product reviews and feature guidance above to choose the best option matching your needs.
1. Water Rowing Machines: Use adjustable water levels in a tank to provide smooth, natural rowing feel closely mimicking actual on-water rowing. Beginner and intermediate intensity options are available based on tank capacity and construction material.
2. Air Rowing Machines: Rowing stroke rotates fan flywheel creating air resistance that automatically varies based on stroke intensity – the faster and harder you row, the more intense is the resistances. Suitable for high-intensity training.
3. Magnetic Resistance Rowers: Electromagnets provide adjustable resistance levels through increments allowing users to customize difficulty levels. Offer consistently smooth resistance suitable for most home workouts.
4. Hydraulic Piston Rowers: A hydraulic cylinder provides fluid based variable resistance intensity depending on the rowing stroke speed and power. Gives relatively smooth resistance across intensities.
Usage : Always start with basic stretching warm ups before getting on the rowing machine and perform strokes slowly in the beginning before increasing pace and resistance levels. Maintain proper upright posture through the motion rather than hunching forward to prevent back strain. Stay adequately hydrated during long workout sessions.
Maintenance: Wipe clean the rail, handle grips and seat using soft cloth after every workout session to remove sweat residue which could corrode paint. Perform visual inspection for loose bolts, fraying straps or wear and tear of moving parts weekly. Tighten parts when needed and consider replacement of damaged components immediately through the brand or a certified technician.
Care: Place your rowing machine on an equipment mat to prevent floor damage or surface unevenness over time. Store vertically or folded (if design permits) when not in use to save space. Ensure adequate circulation space around the machine for unhindered range of motion during workouts.
Using a rowing machine takes some practice to get the right technique. Always start with basic stretching as warm up before getting on the machine. Sit with upright posture gripping the handle keeping arms straight and exhale as you push back stretching the legs out straight drawing the torso slightly back while pulling the handle towards your chest. Inhale and slowly straighten arms forward bending knees to bring seat back up. Focus more on controlled form rather than speed when starting out.
A rowing machine is a popular workout equipment that provides low-impact, full-body exercise by simulating the rowing motion of using oars to propel a boat across water. Rowing machines feature sliding seats, resistance mechanisms and long rowing arms that engage all major muscle groups in the legs, core, back, shoulders and arms in a compound pulling movement.
Rowing works out muscles throughout the body right from the legs which push off stretching backwards, to the core engaged throughout for stability, along with back, shoulders and arm muscles pulling the stroke. As it activates multiple muscle chains in a natural synchronized movement, it gives very effective muscular and cardio endurance development unlike isolation exercises.
Some of the best-rated rowing machine models in India across budget ranges are:
Refer to the exhaustive guide above covering features and user reviews across types like magnetic resistance, water resistance, air resistance and hydraulic rowing machines to choose the best model matching budget and individual fitness goals.
Yes, rowing machine workouts are extremely effective for losing belly fat as they burn calories not only during the intense exercise itself but keep metabolism fired up longer after the workout as well. Rowing works the abdominal muscles directly while incorporating cardio to burn overall body fat percentage in the long run.
Most fitness experts recommend using the rowing machine in the earlier half of your workout session when energy levels are still higher, as rowing engages multiple muscle groups and can be quite demanding if left for the end when fatigue sets in. So use the rowing machine for about 20-30 mins first for an intense burst before switching to isolation workouts.
If using a rowing machine for the first time, start very slow with beginner level resistance, focusing more on getting the form and technique right rather than speed or intensity. 5 to 10 minutes is advisable for the first few times after which you can increase duration by 5 minute increments over weeks as your body adapts. Never push too intensely while your body learns the motion.
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