Rowing is one of the most efficient ways to build muscle and improve cardiovascular fitness.
CrossFitters everywhere have adopted this popular way of exercising as it fits in well with the demanding nature of the sport.
In fact, many CrossFit gyms now have rowing machines to offer their clients additional exercises that they can do without leaving the premises.
With the right crossfit setup in your home gym, you can easily incorporate rowing into your routine and reap the benefits.
That’s why in today’s article, we are taking a look at the best rowing machine for CrossFit on the market today based on their features and customer reviews, as well as a buying guide so you can find one that is perfect for you.
Here are our top 7 picks of the best rowing machine for CrossFit:
Without further ado, let’s get right into it!
What Is The Best Rowing Machine For CrossFit?
These are our top pick for the best rowing machine for CrossFit:
1. Concept2 model D Indoor Rowing Machine
The Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine offers a superior cardio workout that is fun, efficient and challenging.
This rower is absolutely considered to be one of the best rowing machines for bad knees that is going to place less tension on your knees and joints while squeezing the best out of you.
The PM5 Performance Monitor provides the user feedback on stroke rate, pace, distance, and calories burned to keep you motivated and engaged during your workout .
The CONCEPT2 Rower also features an advanced ergonomically designed handle for comfort during use. This helps to stay balanced while working out, plus gives more options when exercising on uneven surfaces or while training at high speeds.
This rower is lightweight, easy to move from places around and comes with a standard 14″ seat height which makes the perfect height for tall dudes with an aluminum I-beam monorail and stainless steel track for a consistent back-and-forth slide.
The machine can be quickly broken down into two segments for storage or use the included caster wheels for easy transportation.
2. Echelon Row Connected Rowing Machine
Echelon Row Connected Rowing Machine is a rower designed for home use. It is a portable, foldable rowing machine that has been designed to be easy to set up and use.
Its ergonomic design is designed specifically for working with your feet, knees or hips. This results in less injury and downtime.
This rower features a built-in device holder which has a handlebar that allows you to easily hold your phone, tablet or other electronic devices while you are rowing.
The Echelon Rowing Machine features the patented Echelon technology that allows you to control the resistance and incline of the rower, meaning you can adjust the intensity of your workout without having to manually adjust your system.
Moreover, you get access to 32 electronic resistance levels that can be adjusted to the amount of resistance you need.
The Echelon Row is a rower designed for use with the Echelon 12-month Limited Parts and Labor Warranty.
3. NordicTrack RW900 Rowing Machine
The NordicTrack RW 900 Rower makes up the best commercial rowing machine with its sturdy, heavy duty construction.
With its ergonomic design, this rower not only offers a more comfortable workout, but also provides one of the most effective workouts for your body.
Rowers have been using NordicTrack rowing machines for over a decade and it has become one of the best known and most popular rowers in the world today.
The Nordictrack RW900 rowing machine features a very simple design that is easy to set up and use. It features a full sized rowing seat which makes it very comfortable to sit on and use for trainers with over 6th height.
There are two different types of seat that The NordicTrack rower offers, the standard seat and the extra large.
The standard seat is a very comfortable seat for your body that can be adjusted by you as well as all of the other parts of this rower.
When you are using your NordicTrack Rower, there are 26 of Digital Resistance Levels, which means that there will be something for everyone whether they are just starting out or they have been rowing on their for a while.
This rower also features a 30 watt premium sound system in order to provide an excellent experience when you are using this rowing machine so no one will be able to hear what you are doing when you are working out at home or at the gym at all times during your workout session.
4. WaterRower Club Rowing Machine
The WaterRower Club Rowing Machine has been made for both home and commercial use. It features a sleek design with attractive mahogany wood finishes.
You will enjoy working out with this rowing machine because it includes top quality materials that are meant to last long.
If you are worried about space issues in your home or gym environment then this machine is ideal for you because it does not require much space to store or operate.
It comes with a multi-function monitor that tracks your performance as well as other important details such as speed, stroke rate, heart rate, calories burned, etc…
The resistance of this rowing machine impacts how fast you row.
Select from mutually compatible rowing machine modes to make it easier on yourself or challenging for a few extra calories burned.
Race back and forth between intensities as you challenge your body and get fit using an indoor rowing machine with a monitor to help guide your way.
5. FITNESS REALITY 1000 PLUS
The FITNESS Reality Rower is absolutely the best rowing machine for tall people due to its simplicity, adjustability, high level of comfort and stability.
It is a very well built rower with a sleek design primarily made with beginners in mind, who don’t have any prior experience competing at any kind of high intensity exercise sessions.
Once you receive this machine, there would be some assembly required but it’s pretty easy to do.
However, when you do assemble it, make sure the bearings you install go on at exactly right angles so that the wheels roll smoothly. Once it’s together, there’s no assembly required anymore.
The Fitness Reality 1000 Plus has many features that make it stand out from other machines. It has a large screen display of 5″ (1280 x 720) resolution which can be used with both Android and iOS devices, and which makes it very easy to read even on the small screen of your phone or tablet.
This is one of the best features of this exercise equipment because you can easily see all your workout data and keep track of your workout without any issues.
The Fitness Reality rower also comes with a free app called MyCloudFitness available on iOS and Android which lets you track your workout results for time, distance and calories burned.
The fitness reality also comes with a heart rate monitor, which allows you to see how fast or slow your heart rate is throughout your workout.
All in all, this rowing machine is a great investment for anyone who wants the convenience of an exercise experience whilst not leaving home.
6. WATERROWER A1 Home Rowing Machine
It takes a ton of time and dedication to get the perfect rowing machine that’s comfortable, efficient, and of course with dimensions that are long enough to fit guys that are over 6th height.
The WATERROWER A1 Rower does check boxes on all the above features, as it not only looks great, but it feels great to use.
It’s really hard to find flaws in this machine.
If you are looking for something that will be able to do everything you need it to do and probably more, then you have come to the right place.
The WaterRower A1 Home has an easy-to-read LCD screen with digital readout on the left side of the monitor.
The monitor displays important stats like stroke count, calories burned, average time per stroke and stroke rate along with other information like pace/pace or RPM along with your stroke rate.
The monitor also has a water level indicator which makes it easy to check on your water level at all times while rowing.
The WaterRower A1 Home Rowing Machine also comes with a warranty on the structural frame for 5 years from the date of purchase.
7. Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing machine SF-RW5515
The Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine is a compact foldable fitness equipment that allows you to easily store it in any room of the house.
With the affordable price tag, this is one of the best rowing machines under $500 you can find in today’s market.
This machine offers 8 levels of adjustable magnetic resistance with its built-in transportation wheels that allow for effortless transport from one room to the other.
The large LCD console displays your pace, distance, and time. you can find the perfect setting for your fitness level.
This machine comes with a high-quality magnetic resistance system that provides you with a smooth and stable workout.
The Sunny Health & Fitness Rower has an ergonomic design that allows you to sit comfortably and get the most out of your workouts.
The extra long slide rail makes it easier to take on those high intensity interval training workouts. Moreover, This rower also features anti-slip handlebars that will keep your hands from slipping off during the most intense rowing sessions.
What To Look For when buying a Rowing Machine for Crossfit?
A rowing machine is a great tool for Crossfitters. It can be used for endurance training and muscle building.
There are several types of rowing machines on the market, each with its own pros and cons. Before you purchase a rowing machine, it is important to familiarize yourself with its features in order to find the one that best suits your needs.
Below are some things to look for when buying a rowing machine:
Resistance Levels
Rowing machines come equipped with levels of resistance that adjust how difficult it is to row. You should choose a rower with multiple levels of resistance so that you have a diverse range of option to easily achieve your fitness level and goals.
Type Of Resistance
In today’s market, there are literally a ton of different resistance types to choose from.
The most common feature that can increase or decrease the price range is the resistance type of the machine.
The hydraulic rowers are usually the most affordable. Next comes the magnetic.
Before making your final decision on which rower to buy, make sure you go through the different resistance level of rowing machines out there to get a better idea on what you are getting.
Monitoring screen
These days, most rowing machines are equipped with LCD screens that allow you to adjust the resistance levels and monitor your workout from start to finish. This means that you can focus on your performance and not on your machine, which is great news.
Price
The next thing to consider is the price. When it comes to home fitness equipment, the more expensive options are rarely better than their budget counterparts.
Before diving in and spending a significant amount of money on a rowing machine, take a quick look at our list to see what you should be looking for.
Dimensions
Rowing machines come in a variety of sizes, so it is important to choose one that fits your space.
You should also measure your space before making a purchase so you know what size rower will fit in your space.
Weight Capacity
Rowers come in all weights, from light to heavy.
Before you buy a rower, it is important to make sure that it has higher weight limits so it can handle your weight without any issues.
The Benefits of Rowing Machines For Crossfit
Rowing machines are a great way to improve your fitness and lose weight.
Many have found that it’s the best exercise for toning the lower body, strengthening the core and building muscle.
Rowing also helps to increase metabolism, strengthen the cardiovascular system and improve your flexibility and balance.
Whether you’re a competitive CrossFit athlete or simply want to get stronger and healthier, a rowing machine will help you to meet your goals.
Final Thoughts
Rowing machines are a great way to work your core and build strength, but they can also be used by people who are trying to get fit in a short period of time.
When searching for the best rowing machine for CrossFit, you will want to make sure that it is durable, easy to use and comes with multiple safety features.
FAQ
What is a good rowing pace CrossFit?
The pace of your rowing is a key factor in determining how effective it is for CrossFit.
Typically, rowers work at a rate of 2 strokes per second (SPM), or 2 seconds of rowing per pull, but this depends on your fitness level and the type of rowing machine you are using.
A general rule of thumb is to work at a pace that’s challenging, but not too difficult, so that you can push yourself without becoming frustrated.
