These machines use a pair of hydraulic pistons to generate resistance, and tend to be the smallest and easiest in terms of storage, folding up in most cases.

With a predominantly plastic build, it won't win any beauty contests, but it's not exactly offensive either. One of the most affordable rowers on this list, the JLL R200 is still more than up to the task of improving your fitness levels if you're a rowing newbie. The main selling point here is that this machine closely mimics the workout of a real rowing boat on a real river. The calorie information lacks accuracy because the machine doesn’t take your personal data such as weight, height and sex.We monitor the performance of our couriers very closely so rest assured that we only strive to partner with the best in the industry at the time. This warranty does not extend to any treadmill that has been damaged or rendered defective: (a) as a result of an accident, misuse, abuse or lack of reasonable care; (b) by the use of parts not manufactured by JLL Fitness or sold by JLL Fitness ; (c) by modification of the treadmill; (d) as a result of service by anyone else other than JLL Fitness or an authorized JLL Fitness warranty service provider. It is clear from the specification that this model really is for home rowing and one of the clear benefits here is the fact that it has a folding mechanism for storage.

The features may seem basic but there is a sense of familiarity and great appeal to this model that should make it a hit with at-home users.The levels of comfort are impressive and the longer than average seat rail means that taller users will also enjoy a comfortable experience. When it comes to workouts that last 20 minutes or more we have to say the JLL R200 stood up to the test well. Ten levels of magnetic resistance help you find the right intensity for your training, while its basic LCD screen lets you see important info such as distance, calories burned and stroke rate. Its USB flash drive port lets you export all your workouts to your computer, but for even more advanced metrics and analysis, you can sync to the ErgData smartphone app, which will interface with Strava and TrainingPeaks. If you are unsure as to which classification of usage you require please ask and we will be happy to check if the treadmill is suitable.

Perhaps the most prominent difference between the workouts you will get on these two kinds of machines is the level of impact: if you're recovering from an injury — particularly of the knee or ankle — you'll want to go for the rower. Offering six levels of resistance depending on how much its reservoir is filled, its belt-driven mechanism offers a smooth (and blissfully quiet) rowing experience. It's lighter and more compact, for one, and the rail itself can fold upwards to help ensure that it can slot away into a cupboard or corner when not in use. Longevity and toughness may seem like a strange requirement for an indoor machine, but extensive use can take its toll on a rowing machine so it’s worth considering how heavy-duty the unit is. We saw no degradation in usage over the month of workouts we enjoyed with the R200, and there appeared to be no slackening in the resistance levels.Thankfully, the R200 did not disappoint and has taken the mantle of best budget rower in the FP office.

There are a number of lower rated reviews – and a few good ones too – that talk about the “value” of this product and its worth as a beginner’s model. Water-resistance models are designed to mimic the experience of real rowing, using large water-filled tanks and internal paddles to create resistance. Compared to the other varieties, these are extremely quiet and can be manually adjusted using a digital console or a slide lever, depending on the model.It comes with 10 levels of resistance with the top one providing a very tough workout if you are able to row at this level for a sustained period. Hydraulic rowers, often referred to as piston rowing machines, are usually the most affordable option. The unit can be folded up when not in use and also has transport wheels to allow you to easily move it in to a different position when you are working out.