If you live in an apartment, you’re probably used to dealing with space limitations when it comes to the placement of things such as your furniture and appliances, which can make buying home exercise equipment a turn-off.
However, if you want to exercise without leaving your home, there are a handful of rowing machines that won’t take up too much real estate in your apartment. For example, the Marcy NS-40503RW Foldable Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machine offers an excellent cardio workout and has a foldable design for easy storage.
What to know before you buy a rowing machine
Noise level
When you live in a space where your neighbors are on the other side of the walls — and maybe under your floor or above your ceiling — noise level is of primary concern. You need a quiet rowing machine, and the type you purchase significantly affects this.
A model that uses air resistance can be quite noisy, while those that use water resistance are quieter but can still have an audible swoosh. If you live in an apartment, a hydraulic rowing machine only makes a slight hiss once per cycle, making it the ideal choice if you want the quietest machine possible.
However, the best is a well-built magnetic resistance rower. Some users have labeled these models “silent” for their remarkably quiet operation, but it’s worth noting that they aren’t actually silent.
Storage
The second area of concern for people living in an apartment is space. By design, rowing machines cannot be small. On average, you’re looking at a piece of equipment over six feet long, and even a compact model can take up between four and five feet of floor space.
To find a rowing machine that’s right for an apartment, you want one that can fold up on itself and be stored on its end, so it fits in a closet or under a raised bed. It helps if the machine is lightweight and has wheels for easy mobility.
Rowing machine features
Comfort
Your rowing machine must be comfortable if you plan on using it frequently. You want a soft seat that won’t irritate your tailbone and a cushioned handle so you won’t get blisters. Your rowing machine should also have footrests that secure your feet with a good heel cup and a hook-and-loop strap.
Console
The console is the computer that monitors your progress. Without it, you won’t know if you’re improving. The console needs to tilt up and down so any size person can easily view the screen. Also, the display must be large enough to read from several feet away. At the very least, the console should monitor stroke rate, split time, and distance.
Rowing machine prices
If you’re on a budget, you can get a rowing machine for just over $100. If money is no object, you can spend as much as $2,000. For the average user, however, $200-$400 is the sweet spot where functionality and affordability meet.
Rowing machine FAQ
Does a rowing machine provide a good workout?
A. Yes. A rowing machine engages 85% of the body’s musculature and can help build muscle and endurance. It’s also excellent for cardio, and the rhythmic motion has a meditative effect.
What’s the secret to getting a good rowing machine workout?
A. Take your time, don’t rush and focus on power and form rather than speed. If the workouts aren’t challenging enough, take a video of yourself while exercising to determine if you’re doing the stroke correctly.
Which rowing machines for apartments should I get?
Best of the best
Marcy NS-40503RW Foldable Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machine: available at Amazon
Our take: Quiet, compact, and easily transportable, this model has everything you need for apartment life.
What we like: The convenience of the multi-angle computer screen ensures that it’s always easy to see and lets you monitor every aspect of your workout. It features eight levels of resistance, a padded handle and a smooth, nearly silent glide.
What we dislike: Some users experience frustration with assembly.
Best bang for your buck
Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine SF-RW5606: available at Amazon
Our take: When you’re done working out, this model can be folded up and stood on its end to store it in a closet conveniently.
What we like: This model offers four levels of adjustable tension and has a large LCD console that displays time, count, calories burned, count per minute and more. It can support up to 285 pounds and has an angled seat with non-slip handles for optimal comfort.
What we dislike: Some reports that it slides around on the floor as you use it unless it’s positioned against a wall.
Honorable mention rowing machine for apartments
Fitness Reality Air and Magnetic Rowing Machine: available at Amazon
Our take: This rowing machine has an ultra-slim profile and offers full leg extension and quiet operation.
What we like: This rowing machine offers 14 levels of magnetic air and magnetic resistance and has a 3.5-inch LCD that tracks 500-meter split time, distance, calories, stroke count, SPM and more. It has a built-in phone holder and is compatible with Google Fit and Apple Health.
What we dislike: This machine doesn’t offer as much resistance as other models.
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Kevin Luna is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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