Fittingguy is audience-supported. When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission that we use for site maintenance. Learn more

Exercise Equipment

Best Rowing Machine for Small Spaces – Reviews 2023

When you look for improving your full body strength, rowing machines are very convenient for you. The best compact rowing machines are excellent that help to improve your daily fitness level very smoothly. You can easily burn your calories faster and can lose weight. And for your cardio health, it is a more efficient choice for you. Thus, they help you to meet your goal very faster with different fitness training and benefits.

The best compact rowing machine provides various workouts that help you to reduce stress by increasing the number of endorphins in the bloodstream. Besides, the rowing machine exercises help you in various ways like as, they allow you for upper and lower body workouts, provide you low impact workouts with minimal stress in the joints which also reduces risks, it also enhances endurance with regular exercises and boost energy.

The rowing machines are compact that the name implies which make you very relax to use at your home with a small space. And to get an effective result, you need to choose the proper one according to your height and weight. In the same way, you should also know about the proper usages. And to help you we are presenting a few of the rowing machines. So, to know details stay with us.

A Quick View of Our Reviewed Rowing Machine

Pick Name Thumbnail Product Name Price
1st Stamina 35-1215 Orbital Rowing Machine Stamina 35-1215 Orbital Rowing Machine $377
2nd Stamina ATS Air Rower Stamina ATS Air Rower $319
3rd Concept2 Model D Rowing Machine Concept2 Model D Rowing Machine $1140
4th Avari Stamina Magnetic Rowing machine Avari Stamina Magnetic Rowing machine $759
5th WaterRower Rowing Machine WaterRower Rowing Machine $1160

Rowing Machine For Home Use To Consider Buying

zxhe high-cost rowing machine which you will find within or more than about $1000 but we always appreciate the quality than the cost. You may also face difficulties with the expensive machine to maintain it properly. On the other hand, you will find a high-quality machine within budget cost which will also very convenient for you to maintain also provide you flexibility and comfort. So, to make you consider about the best one, go through our guide.

Top 5 Best Rowing Machine for Small Spaces

01 Stamina 35-1215 Orbital Rowing Machine

The Stamina 35-1215 Orbital Rowing Machine is a wonderful hydraulic-resistance compact exercise equipment that provides you freehand motion. With the free hand moving it makes you feel the actual rowing in water. The construction will make you very friendly with this machine which is durable also. It has constructed with sturdy steel which can take weight up to 250 lbs.

You will also be very comfortable to exercise on this small workout equipment which has a cushioned seat. Besides the handle of the rower is very comfortable with foam grips which reduce fatigue for longer use. The adjustable foot straps and plates provide you a comfortable position to keep your feet. The LCD monitor is excellent which allow you to show speed, time, row count, time, miles rowed and calories burned, and that helps you to meet you everyday target. You can place the machine anywhere at your home which will not damage your floor because of floor protectors. The rowing arms feature folding which make you easy to store the folding rowing machine.

Specifications

  • Product Dimensions: 49 X 14 X 7 Inches
  • Item Weight: 52 Pounds
  • Weight Limitation: 250 Lbs.
  • Size: 49 Inches
  • Model Number: 35-1215
  • Material: Steel
  • Resistance: Hydraulic Resistance
  • Warranty: 5 Years on Frame, 90 Days on Parts

Pros

  • Free motion arms
  • Provide a maximum range of motion
  • Comfortable and thick padded seat
  • Comfortable pivoting foot plates
  • Doesn’t damage the floor
  • Easy to store in a compact place

Cons

  • Difficult assembling process
  • Don’t provide natural movement

Our Remarks

This is one of the smallest exercise machines also a foldable rowing machine which is also very compact, and for this feature, you can place this machine at your home or office in a small place. It is a durable machine which makes you very confident to practice also allow you to do multiple exercises. This small home gym equipment is very convenient for your healthy cardio health.

02 Stamina ATS Air Rower

The Stamina ATS Air Rower has built with a strong steel frame which ensures durability and provides you a long-lasting service. The nylon strap is very convenient to spin the fan blades also very durable which make you stronger within a very short period of time. Though it has a thinner frame, it has good weight capacity about 250lbs. Which will not break down.

The rowing provides you multiple exercises especially the best cardio machine for home. It provides you with a low impact and improves your blood flow which is very convenient for your cardio health. You can also use it as a CrossFit machine doing many CrossFit exercises. To make you comfortable, it has a Padded and upholstered seat. Besides, large footplates are very convenient for any size user.

The overall construction made these compact rower machine very convenient for all ages.  The machine provides you with a good resistance which has combined with a monitor display to count and meet your daily goal. The monitor can display speed, time, distance and calories burned which is very convenient to get an accurate result.

Specifications

  • Product Dimensions: 77 X 18.8 X 22 Inches
  • Item Weight: 54 Pounds
  • Weight Limitation: 250 Lbs.
  • Size: 77 Inches
  • Model Number: 35-1399
  • Material: Steel
  • Resistance: Air Resistance
  • Warranty: 3 Years on Frame, 90 Days on Parts

Pros

  • Easy to assemble
  • Sturdy construction
  • Provide low impact
  • Suitable for all ages
  • Convenient to store in a compact space
  • Very flexible with leg position

Cons

  • Sounds very loud

Our Remarks

It is one of the best cardio machines also the best budget rowing machine for your home which also provides multiple exercises. You will be satisfying with this machine with its durability and reliable performance. The machine is simple to assemble and use which make easy the older on the machine. To store and move you will be more relaxed with this portable rowing machine which has come with wheels.

03 Concept2 Model D Rowing Machine

The concept2 model d indoor rowing machine with pm5 is very convenient that provide you a full body workout. It especially works with your arms, core, and legs which is very helpful to burn calories and build muscle. The machine also allows you for low impact workout which provides you with a wide range of motion. That provide you flexibility with your long feet also. The great thing that the machine is foldable and can be stored in a small place after using.

This concept 2 model d rower has designed to make you comfortable with every single part to use like as, the seat, handles, foot plates and more. It has a comfortable foam seat which is also places in a perfect height which provide comfort. And the ergonomic handles allow you to practice without any fatigue, irritation or slipping in your hands. The footrests are very adjustable that makes you very comfortable to adjust according to your height also help you to paddle correctly.

The concept 2 pm5 monitor is a wonderful feature of this rowing machine which is also very easy to use. This allows you to shows speed, distance, pace and calories burned which is very important to fill up your target be maintaining a routine. The concept d rower also provides you with multiple exercises to perform, allow you to play games; you can also be programmed in multiple languages. This is a wonderful feature which makes this useable for everyone.

Specifications

  • Product Dimensions: 96 x 24 x 44.5 inches
  • Item Weight: 57 Pounds
  • Weight Capacity: 500 Pounds
  • Size: 96 Inches
  • Model Number: 2712-US
  • Material: Steel
  • Resistance: Air Resistance
  • Warranty: 5 Years on Frame

Pros

  • Provide durability
  • Very easy to assemble
  • Very nice weight capacity
  • Allows low impact workouts
  • Monitor provides a reliable result
  • Provide full body strength
  • Comfortable and easy to use

Cons

  • Needs open space to place

Our Remarks

The concept 2 model d rowing machine is very comfortable and very easy to use that allows the people of all ages. This is good exercise equipment for small spaces which also feature folding. So, you can also store your machine in a compact place when you don’t use. Besides, the flywheel allows you for continuous exercises by providing smooth resistance.

04 Avari Stamina Magnetic Rowing machine

The Avari Stamina Magnetic Rowing machine features wonderful which are quiet and silent to make you relax in your workout. It has a powerful resistance which is magnetic resistance and controlled electronically. Thus, it let you challenge a wide range of hard levels of workouts. And very convenient all users from beginners to intermediate level. By practicing all skill levels, you can easily get great cardio exercise also allow you for CrossFit rowing workouts.

You will be easy to control the quiet cardio machine even can adjust workout in the middle of your practice. The machine also makes you very comfortable to proactive on it. The handle of the rowing machine is foam padded which reduce your hand pain, chafing, slipping and allow you for a long practice.  And the seat is very durable also very comfortable to use.

The workout programs are wonderful of this rowing machine which is included with 6 cardio profiles, 4 custom user programs, 1manual program, and 1 heart rate program. The wonderful thing is the heart rate chest strap which tracks your heart rate during rowing. The Fitness monitor works great by tracking count, strokes per minute, distance, time, calories, pulse, and watt. Thus, the best home cardio machine can make you motivated in your workout.

Specifications

  • Product Dimensions: 44 x 30 x 11 inches
  • Item Weight: 88 pounds
  • Weight Limit: 275 lbs.
  • Size: 44 Inches
  • Color: Black
  • Model Number: A350-700
  • Part Number: A350-700
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Resistance: Magnetic
  • Warranty: 3-year frame, 90-day parts

Pros

  • Durable frame
  • Well weight capacity
  • Included heart rate monitor
  • Easy to control
  • Provide powerful resistance
  • Easy assembling method
  • Doesn’t make noise
  • Easy to move and store

Cons

  • Cheap foot strap
    Backlighting monitor

Our Remarks

This is one of the best cardio workout machines that provides you a wonderful resistance with a great control which is very convenient for all levels. The rower doesn’t make noise which is very relaxing. It is very convenient for cardiovascular exercises also provide different multiple exercises. Though the machine is bigger in size, you will be easy to store it in a compact place by folding it.

05 WaterRower Rowing Machine

When you search for a high-quality rowing machine for high intensity and low impact workout, the WaterRower rowing machine is very convenient for you. It has come with a classic and traditional look also very durable with its sturdy construction. The rowing machine has made of the wooden frame which has a wonderful weight capacity up to 1000 pounds.

The water rowing machine features wonderful that can regulate the resistance level and provide you with a more natural rowing motion. To get additional resistance you need to pull harder and row faster which is a very simple process. It allows you for multiple exercises and very convenient for low impact cardiovascular exercises. It also suitable for CrossFit rows which help to meet your goal faster.

The rowing machine has come with a fitness monitor which is multifunctional and can track distance, strokes per minute, time, intensity and heart rate monitor. The best thing is that you can link the monitor to your computer to analyze your fitness workouts. Besides, you will be very comfortable with this machine with its seat and handle.

Specifications

  • Product Dimensions: 83 x 24 x 21 inches
  • Item Weight: 24 pounds
  • Weight Limit: up to 1000 pounds
  • Size: 84 Inches
  • Model Number: 100
  • Material: Wood/ honey oak

Pros

  • Very durable
  • Sounds very quiet
  • Provide smooth rowing
  • Maximum weight capacity
  • Comfortable seat and handle
  • Allows all levels of trainees
  • Easy to assemble

Cons

  • Monitor is lack of advanced features

Our Remarks

This is the best home cardio machine which helps you to meet your goal faster with low impact workouts. It is not a cheap rowing machine which is very durable and very convenient machine for all levels of trainees. That provides smooth resistance and has maximum weight capacity though the frame is made of wood. You will be more comfortable and relax with this machine for its quietness and overall construction.

Best Rowing Machine for Small Spaces – Buying Guide

The rowing machine is a very useful machine that helps you in multiple ways to improve your full body strength. You know that there is various type of rowing machines, but all will not make you comfortable equally. So, to buy the best rowing machine for small spaces, there are some common issues for you.

Type of rowing machine

Before buying it is important to know which type of rowing machine that you need indoor use or outdoor use. There are four basic types of rowing machine depending on the resistance system water, air, hydraulic and magnetic rowing machines. And these are given below.

  • Water rowing machine

The water rowing machine is a type where the water pressure is used for providing resistance. Though the rowing machines are heavier but very smooth for action which provides wonderful resistance. The water rowing machine also convenient for less vibration and sound.  Just you need to change water after regular use.

  • Air rowing machine

The air rowing machine is very different than a water rowing machine where flywheels are used for providing resistance. The air rowing machines are very efficient for resistance system though they make more sound.

  • Hydraulic rowing machine

In hydraulic rowing machines oil is used to provide resistance. When you plan for a rowing machine for home use, these are very convenient because of its lightweight feature which can store easily.

  • Magnetic rowing machine

To produce resistance magnets are used in this magnetic rowing machines. The machine offers adjustable resistance which provides more efficient operation. These are also convenient for featuring efficient noise and lightweight. When you look for the excellent resistant with high quality, the magnetic machine is the best choice for you. So, from the above type choose one which is the best and comfortable for you.

Size

Size is a very important issue when you want to buy a rowing machine because you need to be flexible and comfortable in the machine. Before buying a rowing machine, it is important to check dimensions that have an extra space according to your arm length. When you have not enough space to store properly, choose a folding machine.

Comfort

For the effective workout, you need to perform properly and correctly on the rowing machine with actual body posture. And for this reason, you need to be comfortable on your machine with height and weight. And that allows you to practice for longer.

Monitor Controls

Most of the rowing machines have come with monitors to display the heart rate, calories burning count, even features preset programs. So, it is better for you to choose a rowing machine with the monitor controlling system.

Rower, Seat and Sliding Track

When you choose a rowing machine you need to check the quality of the machine that the rower, seat and other parts are durable or not. After sweating or for the tough movement they are sustainable or not. And the sliding track should be with perfect length with your legs.

Weight Limitation

Weight imitation is very important to consider when you buy a rowing machine. If the machine is not able to take your weight, it will damage easily which is also very risky for you. So, find a machine that is convenient for your weight limitation.

Warranty

Almost all the rowing machines have come with a limited warranty of one year with a labor warranty. And some of the higher quality of rowing machines that you will find with two- or three-years warranty option. It provides you security to buy and use the machine.

Try Before Buy

That is also another important issue before buying a rowing machine which makes you confirm the machine is suitable or comfortable for you or not. According to your height, you need to choose the perfect one. You will also be sure that the machine is easy to maintain or not.

How to Use and Maintain Rowing Machine?

Maintenance

Rowing is an effective exercise of full body strength, especially low impact exercises. So, to take good care of your rowing machine is also very important. To better care and to use properly there are some tips for you. And for better understanding, we can describe them into two parts where one is daily care, and another is monthly or yearly care.

Daily Care Before and After Workout

There are a few parts that you need to check daily like as chains, wires, screws, handles and seats that these are working or attached properly or not before your workout. And that will be easy for you to replace the parts which also reduce accidents.  Before starting your practice Test the machine with a few slow reps. It is very effective to ensure the machine is ready for workout and running smoothly and cleanly.

You must follow the instructions to run the machine as recommended. Because the incorrect way of running machine can cause the damage or wear down the parts faster. When you Press any buttons on the machine, you need to do it gently; otherwise, it may wear away or break. Sweating is a very common issue during a workout. So, to remove the sweat and oil, you can use a cloth or towel after your workout. It also very convenient to remove dust that builds anytime. Also, should clean your seat and make it prepare for the next work.

Monthly or Yearly Care

It is better to clean every part of the machine thoroughly at least one in a month. Clean properly every nook and cranny of the machine where the dust can build more. And to do it you can use mild cleaners and a rag which will be easy for you. Must check all the bolts and screws monthly which can be loose because of exercise vibration or normal use and if you find any lose part to make them tight. Check the parts when you hear the cracking sound in your machine and if you need to replace or tight the nut and bolts, repair it and ensure a secure exercise.

Replace the parts once a year which you see wear and tear especially, weak parts such as the rowing string if it is needed. But always need to be careful with weak parts which can be more dangerous. Oil the parts are essential for your machine to get an effective and smooth performance. You need to use lubricant which is better to cut down on friction and provide you a smoother workout. And for smooth performance chain is important to oil but you can also use lubricant according to the manufacture recommendation.

You need to be careful when you go for moving the machine. If it is so heavy for you, take help from another person. If you drop the machine for any reason, it may damage your machine. To Store the rowing machine, choose a dry place which will prevent rusting. And follow the instruction that given by the manufacturer for storing your machine.

Safety Features

  • You need to keep your back straight during exercises even in every movement. If you don’t stay straight, you will face sore back after a workout.
  • To get an effective workout don’t mot your arms and legs at the same time which also cause other health problem.
  • Must start the workout with the right set of the machine otherwise, it may occur accident anytime.
  • Stop practicing if you find any damage or any problem in your machine.
  • Keep the children away from your machine especially, while you are practicing.
  • If you are suffering from any lower back pain or any injuries, consult your doctor before using the machine which may cause further injuries.
  • The beginners should not practice for a long period of time which will not very effective for the body also may cause different health problems. So, they should add their time gradually each week.

Final Verdict

In the whole review, we have described some of the compact rowing machines with their important features. We hope that you will be knowledgeable reading the review about the best rowing machine for small spaces. There are a few products that are convenient according to our observation and hope that will also be suitable for you. When you look for a compact rowing machine for your small house or office, you can choose Stamina 35-1215 Orbital Rowing Machine. It is very convenient that make you feel the actual rowing in the water with its free hand motions. You will also be happy with its minimalistic price.

If you need a sturdy, durable rowing machine with less sound, the Avari Stamina Magnetic Rowing machine, and the WaterRower Rowing Machine are very convenient for you. Between these, the water rowing machine has more weight capacity than the other one and it provides you very smooth rowing which is very convenient for a cardiovascular workout.

But if you think about the price, the magnetic rowing machine is budget friendly than the water rowing machine. Last of all, we want to suggest you pick up the best rowing machine for small spaces that is comfortable for you. And to make sure about the best one you can also compare the features among the available rowing machines. so, hope that will help you to choose one quickly. Happy Buying!

About the author

Sharon Williams

A Certified Dietitian

This is Sharon, addressing those who are currently spending some time at the local gym or planning to opt in for a particular program. Among my friends and relatives, I got a lot of people who went to the gym, took exercises for months or years, and had patience to see a fit, strong, and perfect body, but in vain. Some of them used to complain against the instructors while some of them against the equipment and tools. However, nobody would talk about the diet and nutrition they were receiving. How could they tell? I guess most of them didn’t have the idea that a balanced diet should be the foremost thing to ensure while working out regularly. Here I got the motivation to go ahead with the subject. Truly speaking, I enjoy working on this track because it feels like helping out those who really need. Are you one of them? Let’s see my blog posts on this website!

Leave a Comment