The 6 Best Rowing Machines for Seniors [2025]

Finding an exercise routine that’s both effective and gentle on the body is a common goal for a lot of seniors.

And it turns out rowing machines check both of these boxes.

Rowing machines can offer a versatile, full-body workout, but they’re also low-impact, allowing seniors to improve overall health without putting too much pressure on joints.

Which makes them a popular choice for folks looking to stay active while trying to minimize risk of injury.

That said, some rowers are more senior-friendly than others.

Considering factors like seat height and comfort (amongst others) can help ensure seniors find the right rowing machine to match their needs.

In this guide, we’ll go over everything seniors and caregivers should look for before choosing a new rower, as well as provide our top picks for the year.

After reading, seniors and caregivers will know everything they need to in order to make the right decision.

	Resistance	Seat Height	Warranty	Features
#1 Teeter Power10	Magnetic	23″	1 year	Bi-directional resistance Multi-grip handles
#2 Aviron Strong Go	Magnetic/air	20″	10 year frame 1 year parts	Streaming workouts Adjustable pedals
#3 Sole SR550	Magnetic/air	19″	Lifetime frame 2 year parts 1 year labor	10″ touchscreen Free streaming Handlebar controls
#4 Concept2 Rowerg (with Tall Legs)	Air	20″	5 year frame 2 year parts	Great console 500 lb weight limit
#5 Ergatta (with High Rise Kit)	Water	20″	5 year frame 3 year parts	17″ HD touchscreen Game-like workouts 500 lb weight limit
#6 SHF Obsidian Surge	Water	17″	3 year frame 6 month parts	Simple console Vertical storage 300 lb weight limit

The 6 Best Rowing Machines for Seniors [2025]

#1 Teeter’s Power10 Rower

Ok, so technically, the Power10 isn’t a traditional rower, but it’s really similar and it could make a great option for seniors, so I made an executive decision and included it here in this list.

If we’re being really technical, Teeter calls this device an “elliptical rower” and it’s actually a really good description of what this cardio machine provides.

Unlike traditional rowing machines, the seat on the Power10 doesn’t glide over a rail, but it does still provide a similar movement pattern.

Semantics aside, the Power10 could make a great option for seniors looking for a convenient way to get the rowing experience.

The Power10 is mostly closely related to a magnetic rower, as it uses a 23 lb flywheel and a magnetic system to create your resistance.

With only 7 levels to work with, this machine doesn’t offer a ton of intensities to work with, but unlike traditional rowers, the Power10 offers resistance in both directions.

This means you can focus on pushing or pulling to target different muscle groups.

This feature alone makes this an interesting workout machine and possibly a good option for seniors, but it’s the seat that really makes this machine senior-friendly.

Not only is the Power10’s seat large and cushioned, it’s also higher off the ground than any other rower I’ve come across.

The actual seat height will vary depending on your setup, but at it’s lowest point, the seat is 23″ off the ground.

This makes the Power10 a lot easier to get on/off of than traditional rowers.

The multi-grip handles are a nice touch too, allowing seniors to customize their workouts as they see fit.

The console on this machine is pretty basic, although Teeter does offer a more sophisticated one on their Power10 Max model.

I also like that this rower comes with large, comfy foot pedals and an adjustable stroke length to help fit users of all sizes (4’8″ – 7′).

The biggest downside is that the Power10 is a heavy machine – at roughly 182 lb, this device weighs quite a bit more than your average rowing machine.

So it’ll be a little harder to move.

Teeter’s warranty isn’t the best either (1 year), but given the price, it’s not too unexpected.

Overall, the Power10 is a unique rowing machine that’s easy to use, easy to access, and affordable. Seniors looking for a full body workout should certainly check it out.

#2 Aviron’s Strong Go Rower

Seniors looking for a more traditional rowing machine might want to consider Aviron’s Strong Go Rower.

Now this rower does come with a touchscreen console and lots of different entertaining workout options and you do need to pay a monthly subscription fee to access these (~$24/month for annual membership).

Seniors looking for a simple rower might be put off by this, but Aviron’s rower is one of the most comfortable and easy to access rowers on the market.

And you don’t have to maintain a membership to row and track your metrics.

Anyway, the Go Rower uses a combination of magnetic and air resistances to provide steady resistance when you want it and additional air-powered resistance when you need it.

And with 16 magnetic levels to work with, seniors will have a lot of control over the intensity of their workouts.

In terms of comfort, the seat here is 20″ off the ground, padded, contoured, and designed to help promote proper rowing posture.

You might also notice that the seat is elevated, while the rail is much lower (10″).

Well, this was intentional to make the rail easier to step over, while keeping the seat easier to transfer from – both of which make this rower more senior-friendly.

Aviron also offers patented, adjustable width pedals to ensure everyone is able to find a comfortable rowing position.

This rower also comes with an impressive 507 lb weight limit and should be able to fit most seniors up to 6’8″ tall.

Aviron’s warranty isn’t bad either – 10 year frame, 1 year parts.

Oh yeah, the console.

As mentioned, Aviron offers a membership that gives folks access to thousands of workouts, including games, lives races, scenic rows, and a whole lot more.

This membership is optional and can be cancelled at any time.

Anyway, the Go Rower doesn’t come with a console – instead, you use your own phone/tablet to access the workouts and data, etc.

With their Strong Rower, you get an included 22″ HD touchscreen to easily access everything.

I like that Aviron offers both options because folks who aren’t as interested in all the streaming options can save a lot of money by going with the Go Rower.

Overall, Aviron offers some of the most comfortable and accessible rowers out there. Seniors looking for these qualities will likely be happy with this rower.

#3 Sole’s SR550 Rowing Machine

I’ve been a fan of Sole products for a long time now and they’re still one of my favorite home brands for folks of all ages.

What sets Sole apart from most is that they user heavier-duty components and offer longer warranties, but their console tech has gotten a lot better over the years too.

The SR550 is the only rowing machine they offer at the time of writing this and it’s got a lot going for it.

The SR550 is a combo rower, meaning it uses both magnetic and air forms of resistance (but again, the magnetic component is the primary resistance with these kinds of machines).

And with 16 levels of resistance, this rower offers seniors a lot of options when it comes to adjusting their workout intensities.

When it comes to comfort, seniors will like the contoured seat that’s 19″ off the ground for easier transfers.

And the fact that you can change resistance levels from the handlebar is great because you can make adjustments without interrupting your workouts.

The SR550 also comes with a 400 lb weight limit and a generous warranty (lifetime frame, 2 year parts, 1 year labor), but the console is interesting as well.

Sole includes a 10″ touchscreen display that comes pre-loaded with all the most popular entertainment apps (Netflix, Hulu, etc) as well as their free workout streaming app (Sole+).

This means you can access instructor-led workouts and streaming apps while using the SR550 for free… no membership necessary.

Having free streaming options sets Sole apart from most brands out there and it’s a great feature for seniors looking for a tech-savvy console.

There’s not much to complain about when it comes to this rower, but seniors should know that it’s pretty long – at just over 8′ long, it takes up a fair amount of floor space when in use

But it does fold for storage.

Overall, Sole’s SR550 offers a great combination of performance and console features and the higher seat makes for easy access for seniors.

#4 Concept2’s Rowerg (with Tall Legs)

Concept2’s Rowerg has been around for a long time and it’s considered by most to be the best overall rowing machine on the market.

Mostly because it’s well-built, affordable, and does a great job of providing a realistic rowing experience.

I’m not sure if this is still true, but at one point, I believe the US Olympic rowers trained on Concept2s when they weren’t in the water…

In other words, these are great rowers.

And I could see the Rowerg working really well for seniors looking for a quality rower too.

The Rowerg is an air rower, so the harder/faster you pull, the more resistance you get from the spinning fan (just how it works when rowing a boat on water).

This means there aren’t any resistance levels to mess with during workouts, although there is a damper you can adjust to control air flow.

Now the standard Rowerg comes with a 14″ seat height, but you can opt for the taller legs which brings the seat up to a more comfy 20″ for easier access.

And even though the Rowerg doesn’t come with a fancy touchscreen, it still comes with one of the most sophisticated consoles you’ll see on any rower.

The PM5 console comes with tons of workout options and metric tracking and Concept2 offers a free fitness app that offers even more tracking options.

The Rowerg also comes with a 500 lb weight limit and a 5 year frame/2 year parts warranty, both of which are pretty impressive.

The only real downsides I see are that as an air rower (with a chain cord), the Rowerg isn’t the quietest option.

It also requires 8′ of space during use, so homes with limited floor space may not be able to fit it.

But otherwise, the Rowerg (with tall legs option) could make a great rower for seniors looking for a high-end option that’ll handle any workout you throw at it.

#5 Ergatta (with High Rise Kit)

The Ergatta is a high-end water rower with a sophisticated, game-inspired streaming platform that allows users to enjoy unique workouts.

Ergatta actually partnered with WaterRower, one of the premiere water rower providers in the world, for their machines and just added their consoles.

And the end result has been a smashing success.

As a water rower, the Ergatta offers the closest thing you can get to rowing a boat on real water.

And like the Concept2 mentioned above, there are no resistance levels to mess with because your intensity varies depending on how hard/fast you row (although you can adjust the water level in the tank as needed).

You also get the relaxing swooshing water sounds with the Ergatta which I like – but know that this does make more noise than a magnetic rower.

The rower itself is made from gorgeous hardwood and it can handle seniors weighing up to 500 lb and who are up to 6’8″ tall.

And with a 5 year frame, 3 year parts warranty, Ergatta offers one of the better guarantees on the market.

The Ergatta also comes with a 17″ HD touchscreen that gives you access to all kinds of game-inspired workouts, including live races and team challenges.

This can make working out a lot more fun, but there’s a catch – you have to pay the monthly membership fee to access all this fun stuff.

Now the standard Ergatta comes with a really low, 12″ seat height, but they offer a high-rise option that brings the seat up to a more comfortable 20″, which would be a lot better for most seniors.

Overall, this is a really nice rower with a unique workout experience, but it’s not cheap.

I could see this working well for seniors who are looking for more entertaining workout options.

#6 Sunny Health & Fitness’ Obsidian Surge

Sunny Health & Fitness (SHF) is a popular budget-friendly fitness brand and they’ve got a ton of solid cardio machines to choose from.

Personally, I’d say they’re easily one of the best affordable brands out there.

And when it comes to their rowing machines, the Obsidian Surge certainly stands out.

Not only does this water rower have a great name, it also comes with a lot of great features for a rower in this price range (~$400- $500, depending on console choice).

As a water rower, you get the authentic feel of rowing and the comforting sound of the water moving around the tank.

And with a 17″ high, padded seat, the Obsidian Surge is easier to get on/off of than your average home rower.

This rowing machine also comes with a 300 lb weight limit, which isn’t bad for a budget-friendly rower.

The console is pretty simple, but it does come with several built-in workouts and the option for bluetooth compatibility with SHF’s free streaming app.

And with an assembled length of under 7′, this rower is a bit smaller than some of the larger options mentioned earlier, making it a nice choice for homes with limited floor space.

The biggest downside to the Obsidian Surge is likely the warranty – SHF only offers a 3 year frame, 180 day guarantee here.

But given the lower price, this might not necessarily be a deal-breaker.

Overall, seniors looking for a quality water rower that takes it easy on the budget should consider the Obsidian Surge.

Choosing a Rowing Machine for Seniors

Rowing machines (aka ‘rowers’) can make great options for seniors because they’re quite low-impact, especially for the hips, knees, and ankles.

This is because your feet are strapped in and they never leave the foot plates, so there’s no “impact” like you’d have with a treadmill.

And anyone who’s ever used a rower will agree these machines provide a full body workout.

When done correctly, rowing machines work your legs, core, and arms, all while getting your heart rate elevated and your lungs working.

But the key is to use them correctly because seniors can easily injure their back if rowing with improper form (check out this video for a detailed demonstration on how to use a rowing machine correctly).

Anyway, rowing machines come in a lot of different varieties and there are some important considerations seniors should make when deciding.

Resistance Type

Resistance Type	Pros	Cons	Best For
Magnetic	Quiet, smooth, adjustable resistance	May lack dynamic feel	Home use, quiet environments
Air	Dynamic resistance based on effort	Can be noisy	Athletic seniors, authentic workouts
Water	Mimics real rowing, smooth and immersive	Bulkier, more expensive	Rowing enthusiasts
Hydraulic	Compact, affordable	Less natural rowing motion	Small spaces, budget buyers

The easiest way to organize rowers is by the kind of resistance they use and if you know right off the bat what kind of rower you’re looking for, it can really narrow down your search.

The 4 main types of rowers (based on resistance) are:

Magnetic

These rowing machines use a spinning flywheel and magnets to create your resistance, much like your average stationary bike.

Magnetic rowers offer a very quiet, smooth rowing motion and they come with adjustable resistance levels making it easy to choose your intensity.

But unlike air and water rowers, the resistance with a magnetic rower stays the same regardless of how hard you pull.

This doesn’t make for the most life-like rowing experience, but it does allow you to row slowly against heavier resistances.

Air

Air rowers are similar to water rowers, but they don’t use a water tank.

Instead, they use fans moving against the air to create your resistance.

This means you don’t get the slushing water sound, but it also means you don’t have to mess with adding water and keeping that water clean.

Air rowers also don’t really come with adjustable resistance levels (although many have dampers that change the feel a bit) because your resistance depends on how hard you pull.

These rowing machines make great options for seniors looking for an authentic rowing feel without having to mess with water, but they are a bit louder than magnetic rowers.

Water

Water rowers use a tank filled with water to create the resistance and they provide the most authentic rowing experience.

Each time you pull, a flywheel with paddles inside the tank spins – so with these rowers, you’re actually rowing against water.

These rowing machines don’t really come with adjustable resistance levels (although you can adjust the water level in the tank to adjust the feel) because the harder you pull, the more resistance you get.

This, in addition to the “slushing” sound of the water in the tank, makes for as close an experience as you can get to rowing a boat on water.

Water rowers are great, but they tend to be a little larger and more expensive.

Hydraulic

Hydraulic rowers use one or more hydraulic pistons to prove resistance as you row.

These rowers offer the least authentic experience, but they’re smaller and more affordable than the other styles.

Personally, I don’t think hydraulic rowers would make a great option for most seniors, but if you’re looking for a really small, really affordable rower one could make sense.

Combo

Ok, I guess I lied – technically there are 5 kinds of rower if we count combo resistances as a separate category.

These rowers use a combination of air and magnetic resistances and they tend to offer some of the perks of both.

That said, it’s been my experience that most of these combo resistances rely mainly on the magnetic systems.

Regardless, these rowers will come with an adjustable magnetic resistance, allowing you to set a baseline intensity.

But as you start rowing harder, the air resistance will kick, offering even more resistance to match your output.

Plus you’ll get some of the air swooshing noise.

Some of the top rowers are using combo resistances and they can work very well.

Seat Height

The most common issue I hear from seniors regarding rowing machines is that they can be difficult to get on/off of.

It’s true, it takes a certain level of mobility and balance to comfortably get on/off a rower seat and a big part of this is due to the low seat height of so many rowers.

In fact, your average rowing machine has a seat height of only about 14 inches.

This is too low for a lot of seniors to safely transfer from.

Fortunately, some rowers (like the ones included in this guide) come with much higher seats for improved accessibility.

Some rowers will higher seats included in the original design, while others will offer optional attachments to elevate the standard seat.

Both options work well.

Before making any decisions, I encourage seniors to double check that seat height to make sure they will be comfortable with getting on/off their rower.

Comfort

The seat height is probably the most important factor for a lot of seniors, but there are other factors that contribute to overall comfort as well.

Here are a few other comfort features to look for:

• Padded, contoured seat
• Ergonomic handle
• Adjustable console angle
• Adjustable pedals

Features

These days, rowers come with a wide range of included console features.

Seniors looking for simple, straightforward consoles that simply track metrics will be able to find plenty of these.

Just as seniors looking for HD touchscreens with instructor-led workouts will have plenty of options too.

There are even rowers with game-like workouts to make exercising more entertaining for users of all ages.

Weight Capacity & Warranty

I know, these specs aren’t exciting, but they’re still necessary evils in terms of getting a quality rower.

The weight capacity lets you know how much weight the machine can safely hold and it’s important to ensure each user falls under this limit.

Fortunately, most quality rowers come with weight limits in the 300 – 500 lb range, so this shouldn’t be an issue for most seniors.

The warranty is also worth checking out before purchasing.

Seeing a longer warranty is always nice and it can certainly add peace of mind when making a purchase.

Rower warranties are usually divided into “frame”, “parts”, and “labor” sections.

Generous warranties will offer 10 years+ on the frame and anywhere from 1-3 years on parts. A year on labor is standard procedure.

Safety Tips for Seniors Using a Rowing Machine

If you’re new to rowing, consider the following tips to help ensure safety throughout your workouts:

1. Consult a Doctor: If you’re uncertain about your abilities to use a rowing machine, consult your healthcare provider to ensure rowing is appropriate for your health conditions.
2. Start Slow: Begin with low resistance and short sessions to build strength and endurance gradually and progress as tolerated.
3. Focus on Proper Technique:
   • Maintain a straight back throughout the motion.
   • Push with the legs first, then pull with the arms.
   • Avoid jerky movements.
4. Use Assistance: If needed, ask a family member or trainer to assist with setup, initial use, and getting on/off the rower.
5. Stay Hydrated: Keep water nearby and take breaks as needed.
6. Check Equipment Regularly: Inspect the rowing machine for wear and tear to ensure it’s in good working condition.

Final Thoughts

When used properly, rowing machines can make great options for seniors.

The strength and conditioning benefits they offer are numerous, but they also provide a nice alternative to the treadmills and exercise bikes many folks find boring.

The key though, is to find a rowing machine that’ll be comfortable to use and easy to access.

Again, I encourage seniors/caregivers to look for those seat heights to make sure everyone will be able to safely get on/off the rowers.

And rowing with proper form is paramount to avoid back injuries.

Otherwise, it’s all about finding a rower that offers all the features your budget will allow.

Well, that about does it.

I hope you found this guide helpful and if you have any questions/comments (or know of a rower that deserves a spot on this list) just leave ’em below and I’ll get back to you shortly.