Rowing already works legs, core and back. Some rowers go further with push resistance or sculling arms that bring in the chest and shoulders.
We compared six rowers for full-body training. For the overall ranking, see the best rowing machines.
Top 3 Rowers for Full Body Workouts
- 2-way magnetic resistance (push and pull)
- Patented elliptical motion path
- 7 levels, 300 lb max user
- 107 lb
- Air flywheel with damper 1 to 10
- PM5 performance monitor
- About 96″L x 24″W, ~500 lb max user
- Splits in two for storage
- Scull-style arms with 120-degree motion
- Up to 80 lb magnetic resistance, 16 levels
- 350 lb max user, 58 lb
- MERACH app with 1,000+ classes
Full-Body Rower Comparison
| Rowing Machine | Best For | Key Specs | Amazon Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Teeter Power10 Rower | Best for Full Body | 2-way magnetic resistance (push and pull); Patented elliptical motion path; 7 levels, 300 lb max user | 4.5/5 | Check Price |
| 2. Concept2 RowErg | Best Classic Full-Body | Air flywheel with damper 1 to 10; PM5 performance monitor; About 96″L x 24″W, ~500 lb max user | 4.9/5 | Check Price |
| 3. Merach RS3 Scull Rower | Best Chest and Back | Scull-style arms with 120-degree motion; Up to 80 lb magnetic resistance, 16 levels; 350 lb max user, 58 lb | 4.7/5 | Check Price |
| 4. Sunny Smart Full Motion Rower | Best Compact Full Motion | Full motion arms, 12 hydraulic levels; Up to 400 lb (180 kg) per listing; Compact, 36 lb | 4.4/5 | Check Price |
| 5. pooboo H188 Dual Scull Rower | Best Dual Resistance | Wind (air) plus magnetic resistance, 14 levels; Dual-scull handles with 360-degree rotation; 400 lb max user | 4.8/5 | Check Price |
| 6. WaterRower with S4 BLE Monitor | Best Water | Original WaterFlywheel design; Handcrafted in the USA; S4 BLE monitor | 4.7/5 | Check Price |
1. Teeter Power10 Rower – Best for Full Body
- 2-way magnetic resistance (push and pull)
- Patented elliptical motion path
- 7 levels, 300 lb max user
- 107 lb
Pros
- ✓ Trains pushing and pulling muscles
- ✓ Low impact
- ✓ Unique full-body design
Cons
- ✗ About $1,200
- ✗ Unusual motion takes learning
- ✗ Only 7 levels
Teeter’s Power10 is our top rower for full-body workouts because it adds something standard rowers lack: resistance in both directions. Its 2-way magnetic system loads the pull (back, biceps, legs) and the push (chest, triceps, shoulders), along a patented elliptical path that is easy on the joints. 400+ buyers rate it 4.5 stars.
It costs about $1,200, has 7 levels and a 300 lb rating. The motion takes a few sessions to learn.
Best for: Strength plus cardio in one machine
May not fit: Rowers who want classic erg technique
2. Concept2 RowErg – Best Classic Full-Body
- Air flywheel with damper 1 to 10
- PM5 performance monitor
- About 96″L x 24″W, ~500 lb max user
- Splits in two for storage
Pros
- ✓ The standard erg for racing, CrossFit and online rankings
- ✓ 4.9 stars on 13,000+ ratings
- ✓ PM5 data is consistent across machines
Cons
- ✗ About $990
- ✗ Needs roughly 9 x 4 ft of floor
- ✗ Louder than magnetic rowers
Concept2 RowErg trains legs, core and back with a classic stroke.
Pull only.
Best for: Proven full-body cardio
May not fit: Push strength
3. Merach RS3 Scull Rower – Best Chest and Back
- Scull-style arms with 120-degree motion
- Up to 80 lb magnetic resistance, 16 levels
- 350 lb max user, 58 lb
- MERACH app with 1,000+ classes
Pros
- ✓ Real sculling motion
- ✓ 4.7 stars
- ✓ Single and dual-arm modes
Cons
- ✗ About $360
- ✗ Wider footprint
- ✗ Different feel from a standard erg
Merach RS3’s sculling arms open the chest with 120-degree motion.
Wider.
Best for: Upper-body variety
May not fit: Small rooms
4. Sunny Smart Full Motion Rower – Best Compact Full Motion
- Full motion arms, 12 hydraulic levels
- Up to 400 lb (180 kg) per listing
- Compact, 36 lb
- SunnyFit app
Pros
- ✓ 7,000+ ratings
- ✓ Very compact
- ✓ About $180
Cons
- ✗ Hydraulic, not a true erg stroke
- ✗ Arms move differently from a cable rower
- ✗ Light frame
Sunny’s full motion rower moves arms independently.
Hydraulic.
Best for: Compact full-body
May not fit: Erg technique
5. pooboo H188 Dual Scull Rower – Best Dual Resistance
- Wind (air) plus magnetic resistance, 14 levels
- Dual-scull handles with 360-degree rotation
- 400 lb max user
- 77″L x 33″W
Pros
- ✓ Scull-style arms mimic real oars
- ✓ Hybrid resistance is quieter than pure air
- ✓ 4.8 stars on about 73 ratings
Cons
- ✗ Not a standard erg stroke, so splits are not comparable
- ✗ Wide 33-inch frame
- ✗ Less suited to CrossFit-style calorie work
pooboo H188 combines wind and magnetic with dual sculls.
Large.
Best for: Variety
May not fit: Small rooms
6. WaterRower with S4 BLE Monitor – Best Water
- Original WaterFlywheel design
- Handcrafted in the USA
- S4 BLE monitor
- Stands upright for storage
Pros
- ✓ The classic water rower
- ✓ Commercial-grade components
- ✓ 4.7 stars
Cons
- ✗ About $1,324
- ✗ Does not fold, stands upright
- ✗ Heavy
WaterRower’s smooth stroke works the whole body.
About $1,324.
Best for: Smooth full-body cardio
May not fit: Budget
How to Choose a Rowing Machine
Resistance type
Air rowers (like Concept2) scale with effort and are the training standard. Magnetic is the quietest. Water gives a natural, building feel. Hydraulic is the cheapest and most compact.
Rail length
Tall users need a long rail; look for an inseam or height range that fits you.
Capacity and frame
A 300 lb+ rating and a heavier frame stay steadier at hard stroke rates.
Storage
Many rowers stand upright or fold; air rowers often split in two.
Monitor and fees
Good monitors show 500 m split, stroke rate and calories. Connected rowers may need a membership.
FAQ
Is rowing a full-body workout?
Yes. A proper stroke uses legs (about 60%), core and back, with arms finishing the pull.
What muscles does a standard rower miss?
Pushing muscles like chest and triceps. 2-way rowers like Teeter add them.
Can rowing replace weight training?
It builds endurance and some strength, but lifting is still better for maximal strength.
Final Verdict
Teeter Power10 is the best rower for full-body workouts thanks to push and pull resistance. Concept2 is the classic full-body cardio choice, and Merach RS3 adds chest-opening sculling.
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