Rowing machines can be a valuable addition to a well-rounded, home-based exercise regimen. The Sunny Health and Fitness Rowing Machine increases metabolism and burns calories while providing adjustable levels of resistance that challenge and tone muscle.
This rower made it to one of our top picks of the best rowing machine for this year. Available since 2011 and currently selling for around $80, this exercise equipment is an affordable option that ensures the workout of the major muscle groups, including the upper and lower body, the back, abdominals and glute muscles. The lightweight, simple design allows for full range of motion and the smooth, efficient execution of low-impact rowing movements.
Best Features
- Easy to assemble
- Light and compact design
- 12 adjustable levels of resistance
- An electronic display for keeping track of time, total count and calories burned
- Smoothly gliding seat
- Supports up to 220 pounds
The Good
The Sunny Health and Fitness Rowing Machine attributes a gym-level workout to a personal exercise room. With minimal assembly required, the machine can be functional within minutes of opening the box. Its sturdy and compact size allows it to remain out in the open, and, at approximately 24 pounds, it can easily be moved or carried from room to room. It folds down for convenient storage when not in use.
The simple design affords a straight-forward operation. The hand grips protect against blisters from long sessions and optimize natural positioning. The seat glides smoothly and comfortably accommodates a weight up to 220 pounds. The electronic monitor is self-explanatory and easy to read for keeping track of progress. The resistance level requires a simple adjustment to increase or decrease tension without interrupting the flow of the exercise session.
The rowing machine incorporates a whole body workout into a single fitness routine. Major muscle groups in the upper body, back, abdomen and lower body work together to effectively perform this type of exercise. Adjusting the unit’s resistance levels and varying the positioning of the hands when performing rowing motions influence the intensity of the workout. The smooth, repetitive movements integrate cardiovascular benefits into the strength training aspect of the exercise, effectively consolidating two workouts into one.
In general, rowing machines can cost up to over $1,000 depending on the model and desired function and available features. This unit, however, retails at $78.60. Since acquiring exercise equipment can be a costly investment, whether or not the equipment falls within the consumer’s financial means becomes a valid deciding factor. This particular machine appeals to consumers because of its affordability and durability.
The Bad
This particular rowing machine may not adequately accommodate someone over 6 feet tall. On average, the consumers that purchase and successfully utilize the Sunny Health and Fitness Rowing Machine range from five to five feet nine inches tall and do not encounter issues. Ideally, the seat needs to move back far enough to allow for full extension of the legs wile keeping controls within comfortable reach.
A replacement pin on some units for securing the piston onto the machine made eventually be necessary. The rowing motions create metal-on-metal friction between the pin and the frame which damages the pin. This may elicit a noticeable clicking sound and slight hitch in motion instead of the initial quiet, smooth movement.
The computerized monitor on this unit performs at a less-sophisticated level than other models. It calculates basic information, such as counting rows and estimating calories burned. It is not equipped to monitor heart rate or calculate calories burned based on specific weight input. More advanced displays exist on more expensive rowing machines.
The Verdict
The Sunny Health and Fitness Rowing machine provides a fundamental workout capable of producing both cardiovascular and strength training benefits to A home-based fitness routine. This basic rowing machine allows for an effective workout while being easy to assemble, operate and store. If a more detailed data display is desired, the Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine may be a better fit but is considerably more expensive.
In addition, an affordable alternative that takes up limited space is the Stamina 1215 Orbital Rowing Machine, wich satisfies both the cost and space-saving criteria. Consumers can expect straight-forward performance from the Sunny Health and Fitness Rowing Machine for a fraction of the cost of more sophisticated models available on the market. Ultimately, this machine demonstrates that, in terms of exercise equipment, effective does not have to mean expensive.
