Indoor rowing machines were first invented in the early 1900’s but they were more like torture devices than workout machines. They were not an accurate representation of rowing a boat. Over time, they have changed for the better.
Check out the best rowing machines under $500 right here
Today, rowing machines accurately simulate rowing and are used by athletes as a training tool. They provide a good full body workout as you have to use everything from arms to legs to abs to row. There are a variety of options available when it comes to the best rowing machines under $500 in 2024.
Best Rowing Machine for Fitness under $500
Stamina X Air Rower Review
The Stamina X Air Rower is a compact machine that will fold up for easy storage under a bed or in a closet. This sturdy and well-built rower will make rowing a fun and comfortable exercise. It contains an oversized seat rail along with a metal pull-chain for added strength. The seat is padded to make working out more comfortable, especially during long workouts.
This machine is designed to be easy to store with a foldable steel frame. The built-in casters make it easy to move to wherever you want to workout. The Stamina Air Rower can create realistic wind resistance for smoother strokes. An electronic control panel will display time, distance, speed and calories burned.
The padded upholstered seat glides effortlessly while the large foot plates are non-slip and contain nylon foot straps to hold your feet in place. The steel construction and oversized seat rail help add some toughness and durability to this machine. Floor protectors are located on the bottom of the machine and will prevent the machine from moving while you are using it plus they help protect your floors. Overall, the Stamina X Air Rower is an excellent workout machine and one of the best rowing machines under 500 dollars.
Highest Rated Rowing Machine under 500 Dollars
LifeSpan Fitness RW1000 Rowing Machine Review
The LifeSpan Fitness RW1000 Rowing Machine will provide you with a challenging total-body workout. It contains a simple console that displays distance, time, calories, strokes per minute and stroke count. The display console runs on a single AA battery and does not use external power. This makes the RW1000 energy efficient and convenient.
This machine uses a unique system called the Eddy Current Drive System to give you a smooth yet challenging workout. The belt retrieval is slack free which means that you won’t be jerking or getting stuck, even during intense workouts. There are five resistance levels that can be set by a control knob located near the display console. If you are shopping for a quiet rowing machine under $500, then the LifeSpan Fitness RW1000 Rowing Machine is a great option.
This model contains padded hand grips, a wide seat with 14-inches of injected foam for extra comfort and large swivel foot pedals that are no-slip. The seat can hold up to 300 pounds of weight and the foot pedals come with Velcro straps. In order to store this machine out of the way, you can remove the locking pin, fold it up and roll it away. It can easily be stored in a closet, under a bed or in the corner of the room. This is a great rowing machine for those with limited floors pace.
Best Rowing Machine for Home under $500
Stamina 1215 Orbital Rowing Machine Review
One of the best ways to get a complete workout including cardio and strength is with the Stamina 1215 Orbital Rowing Machine. This machine provides a full range of rowing motions so you can get a realistic rowing workout. The padded seat slides along a ball bearing roller system that mimics rowing on water. The arms have an adjustable resistance so you can challenge yourself during the workout. The foam hand grips keep your hands from slipping and provide added comfort.
This rowing machine is compact and portable. It weighs only 47 pounds and takes up just 32.5 inches by 48 inches of space. It is one of the smallest rowing machines on the market yet it will still give you an exceptional workout. The multifunctional display monitor will help you reach all your fitness goals by providing you with the distance, speed, time, stroke count and calories burned.
If you are looking to get a really good cardio workout that also provides some strength training, then rowing is a good activity to try. It is low-impact, effective and efficient plus it works all major muscle groups including legs, arms, abs, buttocks and back. Owning the best rowing machine for under $500 can help you strengthen your muscles, burn fat and lose weight.