Wondering what the best rowing machine for a heavy person is? Look no further: we have already found the top 4 models available on the market right now.
If you’re looking for workout equipment that enables you to perform full-body cross-training, then a rowing machine is your best bet.
A quality indoor rower comes in handy to perform low-impact rowing exercises, enabling you to burn calories and stay fit. In addition, an indoor rowing machine lets you stay in perfect shape, helping tone your muscles and shed excess fat around the abdomen and hips.
The best rowing machines allow you to exercise your entire body, and based on your weight, help melt up to 380 calories. Also, you do not have to exert yourself greatly to achieve your workout goals. And you can have a blast while you effortlessly glide on the rower by enjoying a video or podcast.
A rowing machine offers a refreshing break from the monotony of exercising on a treadmill or an excellent recumbent exercise bike without affecting your workout regimen. Almost everyone, starting from a high-school or college student to someone in their seventies or eighties, can exercise on a rower. In addition, a rower can be a perfect addition to your home gym as it is comparatively compact, requiring minimal storage space.
The Top 4 Best Heavy Duty Rowing Machines for Heavy People:
| Image | Model | Weight Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concept2 Model D PM5 (Top Pick) | 500 | Check Price |
 | WaterRower Club | 700 | Check Price |
 | EFITMENT Total Motion | 350 | Check Price |
 | Merax Water | 330 | Check Price |
 | XTERRA Fitness ERG700 Rower | 350 | Check Price |
Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine PM5 (Editor’s Choice – 500 lb Weight Capacity)
You’ll warm up to the Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine PM5, and for good reasons. This rower boasts an ergonomic design, allowing the user to row and glide smoothly. In addition, the Concept2 exploits air resistance, producing air baffles, enabling you to pull and push, increasing or decreasing the force.
The sophisticated design of the flywheel reduces noise considerably without comprising the flexibility of rowing. In addition, the rower comes with a built-in series five performance monitor that helps you track workout data with ease. The monitor also features an adjustable arm.
The nickel-plated chain drives the flywheel and lets you exercise by dragging against the gradually rising air pressure compared to the pressure the fan creates. As a result, the seat rises 20 inches above the ground, enabling you to position yourself firmly without sacrificing comfortableness. In addition, the footrests can be adjusted according to your comfort level.
You can bet that this rower will stay in service for a long time as it is made out of welded steel. In addition, you can separate the contraption into two distinct parts, thereby facilitating storage.
Pros
- Solid construction: Framework is made of welded steel; the front legs are made from aluminum while the rear legs are made of steel
- Air-resistance type rower: Enables you to row at varying levels of intensity
- Ergonomically designed flywheel creates minimal noise
- Separates into two pieces for easy storage
- Built-in series five performance monitor for measuring workout sessions
Cons
- Some users may find it challenging to assemble the equipment only with the help of images without any accompanying text
- Installing a handle for grabbing while seating or getting off would have helped.
WaterRower Club Rowing Machine (700 lb Weight Capacity!)
If you’re searching for a rower that almost simulates natural rowing, then don’t look farther than the Club Rowing Machine by WaterRower. That the rower happens to be a handcrafted model makes it highly versatile. The flywheel is positioned ergonomically inside the water tank, offering smooth, silent, and controllable resistance.
You also get to make the most of a sophisticated Series 4 monitor that facilitates the tracking of heart rate, stroke rate, and workout vigorousness. In addition, the rowing machine’s framework has been shaped out of the best ash wood grade, making it extraordinarily durable. The ash wood construction enables the rower to soak up vibration and noise.
After you’ve finished a workout session on the WaterRower Club Rowing Machine, you can conveniently store it in an erect position. The flywheel consists of twin paddles that turn on the water when you drag the cable, producing resistance. The resistance gradually increases as you pull the ropes with greater intensity.
Exercising on this rowing machine is just like rowing in the water.
Pros
- Completely handcrafted: Has a high aesthetic appeal and stays functional for years
- The twin paddles of the flywheel rest on water: Gives you the actual feel of rowing
- You can work out as per your level of convenience: the harder you drag, the greater is the resistance you’ve to overcome
- Constructed from high-quality ash wood: extremely durable and resilient
- Performance monitor for tracking heart rate, stroke rate, workout intensity, and much more
Cons
- Some users have had problems with assembling the product (back separator does not fit firmly)
- Some users feel the absence of a water level sticker
- The siphon is not airtight
EFITMENT RW032 (350 lb Weight Limit)
The EFITMENT Total Motion Rowing Machine Rower is one workout machine that is worth installing in your home gym. For a start, it boasts of hardwearing steel construction, making it capable of supporting weights of up to 300lbs. In addition, the broad 38-inch cushioned seat glides effortlessly over the 38-inch slide rail when you thrust your legs backward.
The comfortable, slip-resistant handles allow thorough arm extension and provide extra control while performing rowing exercises. In addition, this EFITMENT Total Motion Rower offers 12 integrated hydraulic resistance levels, thereby facilitating a low-impact full-body workout.
The sizable slip-resistant foot pedals have Velcro straps that wrap your feet firmly, letting you row safely and comfortably. A bracket on the rower lets you place your smartphone or tab and take advantage of adequate rowing footage.
Pros
- Offers 12 levels of hydraulic resistance
- A large cushioned seat that glides back and forth smoothly
- Slip-resistant handles
- Velcro straps on foot pedals for stable positioning of feet
- Bracket for positioning smartphone, tab, or any other PDA
- Full-motion arms
Cons
- The footrests are misaligned
- Warping of the arms sometimes do not align
- Several users have complained of receiving a malfunctioning monitor
Merax Water Rowing Machine (330 lb Weight Limit)
The Merax Water Rowing Machine is one of the most performance-oriented indoor rowers you can use for staying in top form. Constructed from heavy-duty steel, the framework of this Merax water rowing machine can easily withstand loads of up to 330lbs. In addition, the bluish water tank that houses the flywheel adds to the aesthetic appeal of the rowing machine.
The inclination of the cistern ensures the delivery of higher levels of resistance, thus letting you work out with greater effectiveness. The water-resistant mode makes for rowing that replicates the paddling action of water. A large LCD monitor clearly shows the different workout metrics.
Pros
- Compact rower with inbuilt wheels facilitate storage and easy-rolling in/out
- Velcro strap for firm pivoting
- Water-resistant rower
- 19” long ergonomic handle for optimizing rowing performance
- The solid steel construction makes the rower durable
- The LCD monitor displays rowing workout metrics
Cons
- The LCD screen is made of cheap material
- There should have been more resistance levels
XTERRA Fitness ERG700 Rower
If you’re searching for a top-notch rowing machine for heavy people that let you stay in top form, then look no further. This product comes equipped with an array of versatile features that come in handy for exercising your entire body with minimal impact. This heavy-duty fitness rower allows you to row or paddle your whole body in a rhythmic fashion which eventually proves very effective in torching calories.
On the other hand, full-body, rhythmic rowing also goes a long way in enabling you to boost up cardiovascular endurance. Additionally, since you can fully control training intensity or rowing, to be specific, your workouts don’t lead to undue stress. ERG 700 Rower’s performance monitor displays workout metrics with crystal-clear clarity.
A prominent 5.5” vivid blue backlit panel with height and slant adjustments features motivation programs to inspire you to attain your goals. A judicious blend of air and magnetic resistance levels, easily adjustable flex pedals, ultra-strong handle strap, simple fold-up design, and an intuitive aluminum rail system help deliver an unprecedented workout experience. Apart from rowing, you can also try several other workouts, thanks to incorporating ten effective programs.
Pros
- Outsized contoured seat for maximizing performance and comfort
- Premium steel framework and flat aluminum seat slider help boost rowing efficiency
- Capable of supporting up to 350lbs (159kgs approx)
- Ergonomically designed rowing handle with a travel span of 80.7” promotes comfortable rowing
- 20” frame height helps in quickly boarding and getting off the rower
- Foldable frame comes with integrated transport wheels for moving rower with ease
Cons
- Some of the metrics displayed are more often inaccurate
- Poor customer service
How to Pick the Best Rowing Machine for a Heavy Person
While searching for a versatile rowing machine, you’ll come across a wide range of products, each having its distinct features. The sheer variety of rowing machines where every model comes equipped with different functionalities and features could puzzle you. However, selecting a quality product that meets your requirements and preferences becomes easy if you know what you’re looking for.
Prepare a list of the best rowing machines available in the market and select 5-6 products from the listing. After that, review every model in terms of quality and performance based on the following aspects:-
Adaptability and Comfort
The rower you intend to buy should allow you to sit and rest your feet comfortably and must be adaptable. In other words, the rowing machine’s seat and foot pads should be padded and allow a fair degree of adjustability.
Resistance Type
By far, it is the most crucial feature of a rowing machine that could have the maximum impact on your workout effectiveness. Most market rowers are designed similarly but differ in the form of resistance they offer. You’ll find hydraulic resistance, water resistance, air resistance, and magnetic resistance rowers, where each type furnishes unique benefits.
Check out at least one rower from each resistance class, and take note of the rowing experience you’ve had. The experience will help you make up your mind on the resistance type appropriate for you.
Weight Capacity
It is another vital aspect you should keep in mind while reviewing different models. By and large, Rowers can withstand heaviness better than most workout equipment and machines. The rowing machine has a few moving components and sections that allow it to handle the heft of heavyweight individuals.
Size
Rowers are available in different sizes as those most likely to use them come in various shapes and sizes. So, you may not have much difficulty in finding a product that’ll let you stretch your legs fully without compromising comfort. In addition, the rower that you choose should allow you to maintain your form during cross-training.
Additionally, see to it that you’ll be able to install the rower in your home gym as well as store it easily.
Noise Level
No matter whichever type (the resistance mode) of rower you purchase, do not expect to be completely noiseless. Whether you go for a magnetic, air, or water resistance rowing machine, there’ll be some degree of noise from the flywheel. So your option boils down to choosing a relatively less noisy model.
Is It Easy to Assemble?
Just because you’ve to put together the pieces of the equipment only once does not imply that assembling it would be akin to solving a jigsaw puzzle. Ensure that you’re opting for a product that allows quick and easy assemblage.
Convenience of Storage
Once you’re through with rowing on the equipment, you’ll need to put it away conveniently and safely. If you have a small workspace, you’ll have to find a compact product that disassembles or folds up quickly for placing in a closet or cabinet.
Does It Have a Display Monitor?
The high-end and top-notch rowers usually feature a small computer with a display screen, allowing you to keep track of burnt calories, distance covered, and time expended.
So What’s the Best Rowing Machine for a Big Man or Woman?
After reviewing all the four rowers from Merax, EFITMENT, Concept2, and WaterRower, we can say that the Concept2 Rower is the best of the lot. Concept 2 boasts solid steel construction, offers air resistance, and separates into two for easy storage.
This model is the best rowing machine for heavy people.