Benefits of the foldable rowing machines
Before we discuss the health benefits of a foldable rowing machine, let’s go through the advantages of its structure. Typically a folding rowing machine is compact and lightweight. It doesn’t take up a lot of floor space and it’s easy to transport.
Foldable rowing machines are made with durable materials such as aluminum and steel. They are powder coated to prevent corrosion.
Now for the health benefits of these innovative exercise machines. Rowing is known as a low impact exercise which means it’s easy on the joints. A rowing machine provides effective aerobics exercises that are suitable for all ages. Aerobics exercises burn calories, increase your stamina, strengthen your immune system and release endorphins. This type of exercise improves your sleep quality and mental health.
Since a rowing machine targets major muscle groups it’s an effective way to raise your heart rate which has the following health benefits:
- Increases weight loss
- Improves blood flow
- Increases oxygen flow to the muscles
- Improves muscle flexibility
Rowing gives you a full-body workout that tones and strengthens the muscles in your legs, arms, core, back & shoulders. A folding rowing machine for the home is affordable, easy to assemble and extremely convenient.
Some foldable rowers come with display monitors with fitness programs that teach you how to perform various workouts. Some of these workouts are challenging and can increase your fitness levels in less than two months. You’ll notice an improvement in your posture because it teaches you the correct way to sit when rowing.
The resistance levels on your rowing machine will strengthen your arms and improve your muscle to fat ratios. That’s why it’s important to purchase a machine that has at least 10 resistance levels so you can continue to optimize your fitness levels.
Features to consider while choosing a foldable rowing machine
It’s important to consider all the features of a foldable rowing machine before you buy one. In this next section we’ll be going through the various types of rowing machines you can buy and the adjustments they provide. We’ll also give you information on the importance of weight capacity, rail length and dimensions. This section will help you pick the best rowing machine for your unique requirements.
Type
There are four types of rowing machines that you can consider. Each of these types has various specifications that will affect the weight, dimensions and fitness options on the machine. Let’s go through these four types of rowing machines starting with magnetic devices.
- Magnetic rowing machines: This type of rowing machine operates on an electromagnetic brake system. These machines are the most popular because they produce less noise and allow the user to adjust the resistance before utilizing the machine. Adjustable resistance settings provide a consistent workout. If you’re looking for this type of exercise machine opt for the Velocity rower which is the best foldable magnetic rowing device on our list. An excellent alternative to the Velocity is the Everlast foldable magnetic rowing machine.
- Hydraulic rowing machine: A hydraulic rowing machine has a smaller frame and they are much more affordable than magnetic devices. These machines operate on pistons and can work with fluid or air. They have resistance settings so you can have a more challenging workout. Hydraulic machines are compact, lightweight and easy to transport.
- Air rowing machine: An air operated rowing machine has optimal resistance features. These machines have flywheels that create the resistance according to the intensity of your rowing strokes. They come in various designs that closely mimic the feeling of being in an actual rowboat. If you’re looking for a premium air row machine opt for our editor’s choice which is the Concept2 Model D foldable device.
- Water rowing machine: If you want a real rowing experience then opt for a water operated machine. It utilizes water to add resistance by pushing the flywheel through water inside a tank. The downside to this machine is that it’s extremely costly. But the durability, high weight capacity and sturdy structure make this machine ideal for professional rowers who need to train daily. For people who simply want a home workout, it’s best to purchase a magnetic foldable rowing machine.
Hydraulic, air and magnetic operated machines come in foldable & non-foldable devices. The water rowing machine may not come in a foldable design because of the water tank attached to the flywheel. Water rowers are quite popular because they provide strong and quiet resistance. But they’re more difficult to assemble and they are bigger than fold up rowing machines.
Resistance levels
Foldable rowing machines are popular because they come with multiple levels of resistance that you can adjust easily. These foldable rowers are typically magnetic or hydraulic powered machines that have resistance settings. Water and air rowers don’t come with resistance settings so you’ll have to adjust your stroke intensity to regulate the tension.
A premium rowing machine should have resistance settings between 4.5 and 6.5. But most foldable rowing machines come with 10 or more resistance settings which is ideal if you want to keep challenging yourself with a stronger tension as you become more fit. And for example the NordicTrack RW900 model features as many as 26 resistance levels.
Rail length
Selecting a rowing machine with the proper rail length is important especially if you’re a tall person. With that in mind, hydraulic operated rowing machines are not ideal because they have smaller frames with shorter rail lengths. The longer the rail length is the wider your strokes will be.
It’s important to purchase a rowing machine that has the longest rail length possible to accommodate short and tall people. Purchase a rowing machine that has a rail length between 40″ and 50″ for best value for money.
Another important aspect to consider is the type of material the rail is made of for durability and the resistance it provides. Cheap plastic rails will wear fast and they produce the most noise. Steel, aluminum or nickel rails have a longer service life and they’re easy to maintain. Simply oil them regularly for a smoother and quieter pull.
Weight capacity
The weight capacity of the machine will determine the pounds it can withstand from one person. Smaller foldable rowing machines are surprisingly strong and sturdy so they’re able to withstand weight capacities between 200lbs and 260lbs. The benefit of these smaller machines is that they’re excellent for home use and they’re suitable for the entire family to use.
But if you’re looking for a machine that accommodates larger weight capacities you may have to purchase a bigger machine that might take up more floor space. Expensive machines are heavier and difficult to move but they can accommodate people who weigh up to 400lbs.
Purchasing a machine that can’t accommodate your weight can be dangerous and it can damage the rower. Weigh yourself before you purchase your rowing machine so you know exactly which one to buy.
The Concept2 Model D on our review list has a weight capacity of 500lbs. It’s a portable device that doesn’t take up a lot of space. This fold-up rowing machine is affordable and it’s suitable for indoor & outdoor use. With all of this available in one machine it’s clear that you can get value for money no matter your needs.
Dimensions and weight
If you don’t have much space you must consider the dimensions of your rowing machine. Fortunately, foldable rowing machines are compact so they don’t take up space. But it’s still important to measure the space you’ll be using so you know not to purchase a rowing machine that’s too big.
It’s advised that you also check the dimensions of the product when it’s folded so you know where you can store it.
If it’s too big even when folded you won’t be able to store it in a closet or under your bed. Not everyone wants to sacrifice floor space permanently, right?
The weight of the rowing machine is also important if you’re going to move it around often. If you want to take it with you on vacations then the machine must be light enough to transport in a trailer or truck. All our portable rowing machines are lightweight weighing between 50lbs and 100lbs, as for example MaxKare Magnetic foldable rowing machine.
One aspect to remember is that the bigger the machine is the heavier it will be and the more space it will accommodate. You simply don’t need a big heavy machine for home workouts. All you need is a robust rowing machine that’s compact and sturdy that lets you exercise in the comfort of your own home.
Warranty
Since rowing machines come with many parts including display monitors it’s important to opt for a device that’s covered by a long warranty period. If a component malfunctions you want to be able to replace it, right? Some machines will come with various warranties on all the parts. A premium machine will come with a warranty between 1 and 5 years on the entire machine.
Most of our machines on our review list come with a 1-year warranty except for the Concept2 Model D. The Concept2 Model D comes with a 5-year warranty on the frame and 2 years on all other parts. And it’s often worth spending more to get this longer coverage on a machine that you’ll use often.
Price
Compact foldable rowing machines’ price tags can range between $900 and $1200 depending on the materials used to manufacture them & the extra parts they come with. Machines that come with big displays such as the NordicTrack RW900 costs $1,599 which is actually a bargain.
Lower-grade machines will cost between $180 and $300 but they’re not as sturdy, durable or reliable. If you’re looking for a premium foldable rowing machine then buy the MaxKare device. All the foldable rowing machines on our list are made with durable materials and they come with beneficial features at premium prices.
