Rowing machines have long been popular home fitness equipment, as they're relatively cheap but quite effective. A common combination is a cycle for lower body strength and a rower for (mostly) upper body, though the popularity of cross trainers in recent years has reduced interest in rowers somewhat. Rowing machines have a great fitness and weight loss potential as they exercise large muscle groups in both the upper and lower body, helping tone thighs and bum and firm up arms and the back muscles. Because of this, a user can often burn as much in rowing 25 minutes as a cyclist would in 40 minutes. And compared to many exercises, rowing is low impact, with little pressure to knees and ankles. Another benefit is you can watch TV or listen to music while you work out. The main downside is the workout can get boring after a bit.
There are many models on the market, but you'll want to get a sturdy one as this will take some punishment. We've identified the lesser known Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine as the top low cost rowing machine, balancing cost and features. Despite the cheap cost, the unit has a steel frame and an aluminum center beam, and should be sturdy enough for most home use, designed for users up to 250 pounds. The unit's rowing rail folds for compact storage as well, so it can take up a footprint only 23.5 inches wide and 46 inches long and is relatively lightweight at around 35 pounds--easy to store in a closet. The footplates are large, and pivot, which allows for a natural rowing motion.
Make no mistake, you can purchase much more expensive rowers (most are $600-1,200), but this one should get the job done, as positive customer comments across the net attest. However, some users do note that it can squeak a bit until it warms up and unfortunately there are no extensive instructions on proper rowing technique provided, though this is easily found on the web.
The Trac Glider 1050 has an adjustable hydraulic resistance mechanism and ball-bearing rolling system to simulate the smooth motion of rowing on water. It has a multi-function display listing calories, current workout stroke counter, total strokes, and elapsed time. Some people used to professional rowing machines may miss a distance meter (you've rowed the equivalent of 4,000 meters, etc.) or a stroke rate meter, but this didn't bother us and shouldn't be a concern to most users. Again, it may be reasonably priced, but believe me, if you row for half an hour you will definitely feel it, in a way that you wouldn't if say cycling.
Prices: The Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine retails for $230, but you can get it much cheaper on Amazon for around $149.
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