With the increasing popularity of home gym these days, many companies are making countless models of workout machines across different price ranges to meet the needs of consumers. This is very true for rowing machines.
Though expensive machines ensure quality and performance, you can find the best budget rowing machines on the market too.
In this post, we will help find the perfect, cheap rower for you.
Here are the best budget rowing machines you can buy in 2024:
- Best Overall (Hydraulic Rowing Machines): Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine
- Best For Lighter People (Hydraulic Rowing Machines): Lanos Hydraulic Rowing Machine
- Best For Small Spaces (Hydraulic Rowing Machines): GYMAX Hydraulic Rowing Machine
- Best Overall (Air Rowing Machines): MaxKare Rowing Machine Air Rower
- Best For Large-framed People (Air Rowing Machines): Stamina 35-1402 ATS Air Rower
- Best For Beginners (Air Rowing Machines): MaxKare Rowing Machine Air Rower
- Best Overall (Magnetic Rowing Machines): Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515
- Best For Beginners (Magnetic Rowing Machines): Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Bluetooth Magnetic Rower
- Best For Tight Space (Magnetic Rowing Machines): MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine
- Best Overall (Water Rowing Machines): MaxKare Water Rowing Machine
- Best For Heavy People (Water Rowing Machines): HouseFit Water Rower Rowing Machine
- Best For Large Feet (Water Rowing Machines): Marcy Water Rowing Machine
| 12 Best Budget Rowing Machines | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine
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Best For Lighter People | Lanos Hydraulic Rowing Machine
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Best For Small Spaces | GYMAX Hydraulic Rowing Machine
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Best Overall | MaxKare Rowing Machine Air Rower
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Best For Large-framed People | Stamina 35-1402 ATS Air Rower
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Best For Beginners | MaxKare Rowing Machine Air Rower
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Best Overall | Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515
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Best For Beginners | Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Bluetooth Magnetic Rower
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Best For Tight Space | MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine
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Best Overall | MaxKare Water Rowing Machine
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Best For Heavy People | HouseFit Water Rower Rowing Machine
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Best For Large Feet | Marcy Water Rowing Machine
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Best Overall (Hydraulic Rowing Machines): Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine
- Offer smooth, low-impact gliding experience - The adjustable hydraulic cylinder resistance arms and ball-bearing roller system
- Comfy and stable – steel frame and a well-cushioned, molded seat
- Easy to choose between functions – the Scan Mode
- The foot straps aren’t really secure
The Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 is a great option for the fit-focused without flattening their wallet. It is priced under $150, compact, portable, yet functional.
It helps optimize your full-body workouts for short-term results while the smooth glider system saves you from fatigue and incorrect exercise gestures. The adjustable hydraulic cylinder resistance arms and ball-bearing roller system offers smoother movements with low-impact.
Combined with a durable steel frame and a well-cushioned, molded seat, it takes your comfort to the next level.
The various resistance adjustments make it ideal for most exercisers. To rotate among the functions, just select Scan Mode.
| Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 39 Pounds |
Dimension | 58.25 x 42.5 x 18.125 |
Maximum User Weight Limit | 250 lbs. |
Resistance Settings | Adjustable Hydraulic Resistance |
Highlight Features | The adjustable hydraulic cylinder resistance arms and ball-bearing roller system Steel frame and a well-cushioned, molded seat The Scan Mode |
The Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 isn’t the cheapest option here, but it gives you a perfect balance between functionality and affordability. That’s why we choose it as the best overall performer.
Best For Lighter People (Hydraulic Rowing Machines): Lanos Hydraulic Rowing Machine
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver – the weight of 34 pounds
- High customizability - a control knob and various hydraulic resistance settings
- Make little noise and glide smoothly - pivoting foot plates with two-position safety straps, and a molded seat
- Easy to track your fitness indicators – an easy-to-read LCD digital display
- Wish it had transportation wheels
- The cylinder would lose resistance on occasion
- Short arms
While there are lots of budget-friendly rowing machines that can hold up to a max loading weight of 250 pounds, the main reason for us to choose this option is its customizability.
It features a control knob and various hydraulic resistance settings to fit your custom workouts.
We also appreciate its ergonomic design, including pivoting foot plates with two-position safety straps, and a molded seat. The gliding experience is smooth to hence make little noise.
Another noteworthy feature is its easy-to-read LCD digital display where you can easily track your calories burnt, row count, and time.
| Lanos Hydraulic Rowing Machine Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 34 Pounds |
Dimension | 50 L x 36.22 W x 20 H Inches |
Maximum User Weight Limit | 250 pounds. |
Highlight Features | The weight of 34 pounds A control knob and various hydraulic resistance settings Pivoting foot plates with two-position safety straps, and a molded seat An easy-to-read LCD digital display |
For lighter people, this compact and lightweight rowing machine is the best choice.
Best For Small Spaces (Hydraulic Rowing Machines): GYMAX Hydraulic Rowing Machine
- Compact and lightweight – measured by 43.5'' (L) ×31
- A bit time-taking for assembly
- Not ideal for short people – too high
This ultra-lightweight and compact rower is our favorite suggestion for narrow spaces. It’s measured only by 43.5'' (L) ×31" (W) × 8" (H) but still offers a full-body workout with stability and reliability.
Aside from featuring a supportive seat, its textured pedals with hook-and-loop straps enhance your grips and safety while exercising.
At the bottom, there are four anti-skid pads for extra slip prevention.
GYMAX Hydraulic Rowing Machine is also praised for its durability, due to its high-grade steel frame, a weight capacity of 265 pounds, and the maximum resistance of 110 pounds.
With this machine, you’ve got lots of exercise modes and workout intensity options to choose from.
| GYMAX Hydraulic Rowing Machine Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 30 lbs. |
Dimension | 43.5'' (L) ×31" (W) × 8" (H) |
Maximum User Weight Limit | 265 lbs. |
Resistance Settings | Adjustable Hydraulic Resistance, 110 lbs |
Highlight Features | Measured by 43.5'' (L) ×31" (W) × 8" (H) & the weight of 30 pounds A supportive seat, textured pedals with hook-and-loop straps, and anti-skid pads A steel frame, a weight capacity of 265 pounds, and maximum resistance of 110 pounds |
With its decent compactness, the GYMAX Hydraulic Rowing Machine is a great solution for small spaces and for you to get better health every day at home.
Best Overall (Air Rowing Machines): MaxKare Rowing Machine Air Rower
- Lightweight and simple storage – foldable design, the weight of 57.3 pounds, and two transportation wheels
- Deliver a reliable use – triangle design and oversized seat
- Ideal for different exercisers - various tension levels and height adjustments
- The display could be more accurate
- Wish its seat rolled more smoothly
While air rowers aren’t as compact as the hydraulic design, this particular option boasts a foldable frame so that you can fold it up for simple storage when not in use. Besides, its weight is the lightest – only 57.3 pounds.
We’re glad that despite its low price tag, the machine is still comfortable to sit and work out with great stability. The triangle design is our most favorite as it delivers reliable use.
MaxKare Rowing Machine Air Rower is ideal for family use due to its various tension levels and height adjustments. A big plus is a replacement belt that is included in this package.
Like other air rowers, it features a computer display panel for easy controls of your workout metrics, as well as a tablet holder for entertaining during exercise.
| MaxKare Rowing Machine Air Rower Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 57.3 lbs |
Dimension | 75.6” (L) x 19.9” (W) x 14.4” (seat height) |
Maximum User Weight Limit | 220 LBS. |
Resistance Settings | Adjustable Resistance |
Highlight Features | Foldable design, the weight of 57.3 pounds, and two transportation wheels Triangle design and oversized seat Various tension levels and height adjustments |
Simple storage, lightweight, multiuse, and versatile, what else to ask? Out of a bunch, the MaxKare Rowing Machine Air Rower is undoubtedly our Editors’ Pick Award winner based on its best overall performance.
Best For Large-framed People (Air Rowing Machines): Stamina 35-1402 ATS Air Rower
- Strong and sustainable – the weight capacity of 250 pounds & sturdy steel construction
- Grips and safety - floor protectors-safeguard
- Offer extra comfort - oversized aluminum seat rail, larger footplates with adjustable straps, and the reasonable length of 73.5”
- The wind resistance is loud
- Some people might find its pedal position is too high
While most budget rowing machines are compact, which is a big inconvenience for large-framed exercisers, this option isn’t a thing.
It highlights an oversized aluminum seat rail, larger footplates with adjustable straps, and the overall length is 73.5”, which is reasonable for longer legs. Small talk about the seat rail, it is well-angled for ease of returning.
At the bottom, the machine is equipped with floor protectors-safeguard to keep it firmly while you’re exercising while the sturdy steel frame offers a loading weight of 250 pounds.
When not in need, just fold it up and roll to its storage space using the provided transportation wheels.
| Stamina 35-1402 ATS Air Rower Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 59 Pounds |
Dimension | 73.5" L x 18.25" W x 22" H. |
Maximum User Weight Limit | 250lb |
Highlight Features | The weight capacity of 250 pounds & sturdy steel construction Floor protectors-safeguard Oversized aluminum seat rail, larger footplates with adjustable straps, and the reasonable length of 73.5” |
We strongly recommend considering the Stamina 35-1402 ATS Air Rower if you’re an exerciser with a large torso.
Best For Beginners (Air Rowing Machines): MaxKare Rowing Machine Air Rower
- Easy and enjoyable to use - a tablet holder, easy-to-read LCD display, and an ergonomic design
- Afford different exercise goals – 8 resistance levels & Twin Drive Belt System
- A bit short in length
The MaxKare Rowing Machine Air Rower is a good start for beginners because 1) it’s affordable and 2) it makes you enjoy your exercise process by featuring a tablet holder, easy-to-read LCD display, and an ergonomic design to easily hold/operate.
There are eight resistance levels with this air rower, and the lowest setting is very beginner-friendly.
After a while of exercising on this machine, if you want to increase the intensity, simply level up. It’s built with a Twin Drive Belt System for super-strong resistance.
Regardless, we like it for the reliable, sturdy steel construction and special triangular design.
| MaxKare Rowing Machine Air Rower Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 64 lbs. |
Dimension | 71.3” (L) x 20.1” (W) x 14.2” (H) |
Maximum User Weight Limit | 264 pounds. |
Resistance Settings | 8 |
Highlight Features | A tablet holder, easy-to-read LCD display, and an ergonomic design 8 resistance levels & Twin Drive Belt System |
Take a look at the MaxKare Rowing Machine Air Rower if you want an easy-to-use option for beginners.
Best Overall (Magnetic Rowing Machines): Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515
- Fit rowers of most sizes - extra-long slide rail
- Give reliable and comfortable feeling while workouts - foam grip handlebars combined with non-slip footplates
- Easy to track your workout metrics – large LCD console
- The grinding sound is slightly noisy
Although there’s no universal rowing machine, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 can fit rowers of most sizes, all thanks to its extra-long slide rail (featuring 44” to 48” inseam length).
There are eight resistance settings to customize your workouts, meanwhile, the foam grip handlebars combined with non-slip footplates give you a reliable feeling and comfort.
While exercising, you can take a glance at your workout metrics on its LCD console, including scan, total count, calories burnt, count, and time. A notable thing about this screen is its sizes bigger than usual for extra ease of reading.
| Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 59 Pounds |
Dimension | 82L x 19W x 23H in |
Maximum User Weight Limit | 250 lb |
Resistance Settings | 8 |
Highlight Features | Extra-long slide rail Loam grip handlebars combined with non-slip footplates Large LCD console |
Including all the features that most rowing enthusiasts are looking for, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 is best for almost anyone.
Best For Beginners (Magnetic Rowing Machines): Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Bluetooth Magnetic Rower
- Easy to customize your workouts – 14 resistance settings
- User-friendly, comfy, and reliable – a large cushioned seat, front stabilizer foot pads, and an ultra-big 3.5” LCD display
- Give you the motivation to exercise more – Bluetooth connectivity and free My Cloud Fitness app
- Entertain while exercising – a tablet holder
- The wheels could be better
- Wish the pivot pedals are more secure
We are wholly impressed by the magnetic resistance settings that this rowing machine provides, up to 14 – which is perfect for different fitness goals and needs.
But what makes it a great choice for beginners, especially seniors, is the large cushioned seat, front stabilizer foot pads, and an ultra-big 3.5” LCD display.
It also keeps you motivated due to the connection to the free My Cloud Fitness app where you can customize your exercise targets, track your workouts, and share your results with the others.
In addition to the tablet holder, you can enjoy watching your favorite movies while exercising.
| Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Bluetooth Magnetic Rower Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 63.6 lbs. |
Dimension | 88.5" L x 21.5" W x 21.5" H |
Maximum User Weight Limit | 250 lbs. |
Resistance Settings | 14 |
Highlight Features | 14 resistance settings A large cushioned seat, front stabilizer foot pads, and an ultra-big 3.5” LCD display Bluetooth connectivity and free My Cloud Fitness app A tablet holder |
If you’re a beginner and looking for an entry-level magnetic rowing machine without breaking the bank, the Fitness Reality 1000 Plus Bluetooth fits the bill.
Best For Tight Space (Magnetic Rowing Machines): MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine
- Compact enough for narrow spaces – measured by 76 1/2” x 37.4” x 19.7”
- Simple storage – foldable construction
- Ideal for taller exercisers – extended length of up to 49”
The MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine is your best solution to exercise at home while optimizing spaces.
While featuring a foldable construction, a lightweight design, and transportation wheels, its unfolded dimensions are very compact.
Regardless, it still functions well, including an oversized, cushioned seat, non-slip foam grip handlebars, slip-free guards at the bottom, and textured pedals with adjustable straps.
A big bonus is it can be extended for the max inseam length of 49”, perfect for a tall person up to 6’5”. Meanwhile, the 16 resistance levels make it ideal for family use.
| MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 64 lbs |
Dimension | 76 ½*37.4*19.7 inches |
Maximum User Weight Limit | 243 LBS |
Resistance Settings | 16 |
Highlight Features | Measured by 76 1/2” x 37.4” x 19.7” Foldable construction The extended length of up to 49” |
While featuring a compact, foldable construction for space-saving, the MaxKare Magnetic Rowing Machine can be extended its length to fit taller exercisers. That makes it stand out from other similar counterparts designed for tight spaces.
Best Overall (Water Rowing Machines): MaxKare Water Rowing Machine
- Heavy-duty – steel frame and a weight capacity of 264 pounds
- Easily meet your workout targets – unlimited water resistance
- Simple storage and space-saving – a support point for upright storage
- The display is pretty basic and limited
- Operate loudly
The MaxKare Water Rowing Machine is easy to assemble and operate.
It is constructed of a heavy-duty steel frame that can handle an adult exerciser weighing up to 264 pounds. Meanwhile, it has a huge LCD console and unlimited water resistance levels. The more water added to the machine, the more resistance feeling.
After exercising, simply store it somewhere. The machine has a support point for upright storage to save your horizontal space. Besides, it is equipped with pulleys.
| MaxKare Water Rowing Machine Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 86 lbs |
Dimension | 20"*30*80" |
Maximum User Weight Limit | 264 LBS |
Resistance Settings | Increased by adding more water |
Highlight Features | Steel frame and a weight capacity of 264 pounds Unlimited water resistance A support point for upright storage |
With a great combination of easy assembly, durability, high controllability, and unlimited resistance levels, the MaxKare Water Rowing Machine brings home our Best Overall Choice for 2020.
Best For Heavy People (Water Rowing Machines): HouseFit Water Rower Rowing Machine
- Ultra-durable and sustainable – the 330-pound weight capacity
- Smooth and high-quality - no-touch magnetic resistance and stainless-steel slide rail
- Easily meet different workout goals – 6 resistance settings
- Heavy
- No wheels to move it around
The HouseFit Water Rower Rowing Machine is our pick for heavy exercise for some good reasons. First, it offers a weight capacity of 330 pounds – something that even higher-end rowing machines hardly do.
Secondly, it brings a solid, sturdy, and stable feeling while exercising. The gliding experience is also super-smooth, all thanks to the no-touch magnetic resistance and high-quality stainless-steel slide rail.
The next reason is its myriad adjustments for different workout goals, even the digital monitor is adjustable to deliver the comfiest angle to read the metrics.
There are six resistance settings in this machine, by the way.
| HouseFit Water Rower Rowing Machine Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 83.8 lbs. |
Dimension | 80.1*20.4*37.4 inch |
Maximum User Weight Limit | 330Lbs |
Resistance Settings | 6 |
Highlight Features | The 330-pound weight capacity No-touch magnetic resistance and stainless-steel slide rail 6 resistance settings |
The HouseFit Water Rower Rowing Machine is a perfect option for heavy people.
Best For Large Feet (Water Rowing Machines): Marcy Water Rowing Machine
- Ideal for large-footed people – ultra-big footplates with loops
- Comfortable – the contoured, well-padded seat
- Robust - a 300-pound weight capacity
- Require screw-tightening
Last but not least, the Marcy Water Rowing Machine is our recommendation for people with large feet.
It has ultra-large footplates to deliver firm footing while you’re exercising. Furthermore, these footplates are equipped with loops for extra security as well as slippage prevention.
Fans of this rowing machine give compliments for its comfort, especially on the contoured, well-padded seat. It’s also durable and robust, by featuring a 300-pound weight capacity.
| Marcy Water Rowing Machine Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 82 lbs. |
Dimension | 79" x 22" x 42.25" |
Maximum User Weight Limit | 300 Pounds |
Resistance Settings | increased by adding more water |
Highlight Features | Ultra-big footplates with loops The contoured, well-padded seat A 300-pound weight capacity |
Thanks to its ultra-large footplates along with secure loops, the Marcy Water Rowing Machine is once again the best choice for large feet.
How To Choose The Best Budget Rowing Machine?
Types of Resistance
Though you’re looking for a budget rowing machine, there are certain things you have to consider carefully before making any purchase decision. And resistance type is the very first thing to think about.
There are four options available to you:
Magnetic resistance: This type is often used at healthcare centers and the gym, and also the cheapest option you can get. Magnetic rowing machines feature a braking system that provides either automatic resistance or manual resistance. They are incredibly durable and require no maintenance, but they are also smooth and offer fluid glide.
Water resistance: Experts claim that this type of resistance offers the most efficiency. A water rowing machine features blades suspended in a water tank to deliver a realistic sensation of outdoor rowing across an actual stretch of water. Additionally, they are quiet and long-lasting but they cost more.
Hydraulic resistance: This is the cheapest option and very quiet as well. Hydraulic rowing machines are easy to store but not as durable as other types. They are suitable for individual users.
Air resistance: This is currently the most common choice with automatically adjusted resistance. Air rowing machines come with fan blades providing smooth motion for users. However, they are quite noisy compared with other types.
So, pricing is the most important criterium, you should consider getting a magnetic or hydraulic machine.
Cost
After deciding on the type of machine you want, the next step is to further narrow down options by setting the budget. This is important because you need to avoid looking at the machines you cannot pay for, which will only waste your time.
Comfort
In terms of comfort, you need to look at the following components:
Handlebars: they should be covered with thick foam to protect the fingers and hands from the hard bar.
Seat: a good seat must be large enough to support you while you don’t have to adjust yourself constantly. It’s best if the seat is contoured to adapt to your body shape.
Footplate: they cannot be slippery and should have grooves to make sure your feet stay in place throughout the workout. You can also get footplates with straps to lock your feet in place.
Display Screen
You should always choose a rowing machine with a display screen as it helps you keep track of your workout and motivate you to try harder.
There are several types of screen, the old gray and black display, and the colorful LCD display that’s easier to read. In addition, you can find one with Bluetooth connectivity to track your results from a mobile app.
Connectivity
Truth be told, not many rowing machines out there support Bluetooth connectivity, it often comes with more expensive models only. Therefore, you can consider if this feature is necessary to pay extra.
With Bluetooth connectivity, you can connect the machine to your smartphone to view real-time results or keep track of them at any time. This helps you set goals more easily.
Compact Design
The dimensions of the rowing machine are important, especially when you have a small place. It has to fit your indoor space or you won’t be able to set up the machine at all. Therefore, measure your room first and find a machine with the matching dimensions.
Besides, the machine has to fit your height and weight as well, so that you can extend your limbs to the fullest when exercising without being out of your reach.
Noise Level
Air rowing machines are the loudest type of resistance rower but nobody likes a noisy machine. Therefore, you should choose a rowing machine with the lowest noise level possible.
A normal conversation is 60 dB, so you should find a machine with a noise level lower than that.
Which Brands Make The Best Budget Rowing Machine?
Marcy
This 38-year-old brand is one of the best places to buy a rowing machine. It delivers innovation and high quality, but also keeps affordability in mind.
Stamina
Founded in 1987, this brand is dedicated to making innovative fitness equipment at an affordable price for consumers. That’s why it’s a perfect place to find a cheap rowing machine.
FAQs
Are rowing machines worth buying?
How good a rowing machine depends on your workout goal, but it does have benefits. A rowing machine provides an upper-body workout, focusing on the shoulders, lats in the lower back, and trapezii in the upper back. As a result, it helps strengthen your shoulders, your back, and reduce back pain.
Can you lose belly fat on a rowing machine?
Yes, you can. Rowing workout helps you burn calories efficiently and build muscles. Rowing is as good as other types of exercise in shedding stubborn belly fat.
Is rowing good for bad knees?
If you work out properly, rowing is definitely good for bad knees.
Should I row every day?
If you have got used to the workout and want the best result, you should row every day for at least 30 minutes each time. If you have just started, you should gradually increase the frequency.
Is rowing better than running?
Rowing is better than running regarding how much muscle the workout involves. Running involves only the lower body while rowing involves both the upper- and lower-body muscles.
Which is better for losing weight: treadmill or rowing machine?
In short, a rowing machine is better for weight loss as it provides the equivalent cardio workout to the treadmill, but it builds muscles as well. On top of that, it has an impact on all over the body instead of just the lower-body.
Are 20 minutes of rowing enough?
If you have limited workout time, 20 minutes of rowing is good enough already.
Does Rowing tone your arms?
Yes, it does. Rowing tone muscles all over your body, including the shoulders, back, abs, and of course, the arms.
Is rowing bad for your back?
Rowing is generally good for the back and the lower back, but if you have serious back pain, it’s not really a good idea to do a rowing workout.
Are rowing machines bad for your hips?
Not, they are not. Rowing machines provide low-impact workouts that have little to no effect on your hips.
Why does rowing hurt my back?
If your back hurts when you row, it’s likely because you suddenly increase the workout intensity. The other reason could be that your back is already in severe pain.
Conclusion
We hope that our complete guide on choosing the best budget rowing machines has helped you figure out what to consider and where to look. Keep in mind that even when you need a cheap option, it must be a quality one, so consider the factors carefully. Good luck!
Nancy Lang
