The best rowing machines for under £500

Invest in your fitness and wellbeing with the best budget rowing machines.

Mature man working out on a rowing machine

by Angelica Daujotas |
Updated on

If you're looking for a piece of equipment that gives you a full-body workout on a budget, then look no further than the best rowing machines for under £500. If used correctly, a rowing machine will work the muscles in your core, upper and lower body, as well as help you burn some serious calories.

The versatility of rowing makes it accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels, offering a practical and efficient exercise option. With the convenience of in-home rowing, you can achieve a full-body workout, targeting various muscle groups while enjoying the benefits of low-impact exercise.

Don't worry about the hefty price tag either, we've sourced some of the best rowing machines for under £500, proving the equipment can be a budget-friendly option for enthusiasts.

The best rowing machines for under £500 at a glance:

• Best rowing machine for small spaces: Sunny Health + Fitness SF-RW1205 Rowing Machine - View now on Amazon
• Best rowing machine for tall users: Pro Fitness Air and Magnetic Rowing Machine - View now on Argos
• Best rowing machine for comfort: GymboPro Water Resistance Rowing Machine - View now on Sport and Leisure

Shop the best rowing machine deals on: Argos | NordicTrack | Very | Amazon

Benefits of using the best rowing machine for under £500

So, if you're looking to expand your garage gym setup or want to invest in one piece of equipment to elevate your at-home workouts, invest in one of our picks of the best rowing machines in the UK for less than £500.

Full-body workout – Rowing is a full-body workout, that uses around 86 per cent of your body’s muscles, from your upper back to your calves.

Low impact – Rowing can burn some serious calories without added stress on your joints, it’s even recommended as an exercise option for those with early stages of osteoarthritis.

Great for everyone – Rowing is great for people of all ages and all fitness abilities!

Don't let budget constraints limit your fitness journey; explore the affordable options available, making rowing an accessible and effective choice for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned fitness enthusiast or a beginner, incorporating a rowing machine into your routine provides an opportunity for a well-rounded workout that contributes to overall health and fitness goals.

The best rowing machines for under £500

Best rowing machine for small spaces
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW1205 Rowing Machine

Rrp: £91.99

Price: £88.60

Description

A user-friendly rower at its most basic. Unlike most rowing machines, this uses a hydraulic

Pros

  • Excellent price
  • Functions well
  • Compact

Cons

  • Not ideal for 6ft+ people

Recommended
JTX Freedom Air Rowing Machine
Price: £449 (was £499)

www.jtxfitness.com

Description

Smash your fitness goals on the best-selling Freedom Air Rowing Machine. Dual air and magnetic

Pros

  • Smooth and silent
  • Good length for taller people
  • Folds away easily for storage

Cons

  • Bulkier design, requires more room

Best rowing machine for tall users

Description

The air and magnetic resistance on this rowing machine gives you eight levels of resistance to

Pros

  • Well made, basic unit
  • Good for taller users

Cons

  • No batteries supplied for the screen

Best value rowing machine
Sunny Health & Fitness Elastic Cord Rowing Machine - SF-RW5606
Price: £315.51

Description

A highly-rated magnetic rowing machine for under £200, this is arguably the best value of the lot.

Pros

  • Great value

Cons

  • No mention of warranty

Best rowing machine for comfort

Description

Magnetic machines are smooth but rowers that use water resistance give the most realistic rowing

Pros

  • Fits taller people
  • Best rowing simulation

Cons

  • Not as compact as some other models

Best for beginners
JLL® R200 Luxury Home Rowing Machine
Price: £249.99

Description

This magnetic rower is one of Amazon's top sellers and is ideal for beginners who don't want to

Pros

  • Easy to set up
  • Mid price, not too expensive

Cons

  • Maximum weight not as heavy as some competitors

Rowing machine for beginners: Five tips to get started

Form is super important when using a rowing machine to ensure a successful full-body workout. To understand how to use and get the most out of your new rowing machine, watch this super handy Beginner’s Guide to Rowing video, which includes five top tips to get you started.

The best rowing machines for under £500: FAQs

What are of the body does a rowing machine primarily target?

Many people believe rowing machines purely just target your lower body, but this couldn't be further from the truth. While rowing machines primarily target your quads, hamstrings and glutes, they're also great for engaging your core and working your upper body muscles, including your deltoids and lats. Overall, it's a great all-round workout, as well as strengthening those essential workout muscle groups.

How many calories do you burn while rowing?

Just ten minutes of rowing at a steady speed can burn upwards of 200 calories, which is pretty fantastic for burning fat and getting your blood pumping.

What's better? Water rowing vs magnetic rowing

Water rowing is generally considered better by athletes, they're more difficult to use, they're more durable and give you a more accurate sensation of rowing. Magnetic rowers, however, are more affordable, quieter, and lighter than water rowers, so that might just win you over.

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