Tuesday, March 18th
2025 Rowing Machine Reviews
Sunny Health & Fitness
- Rower Type: All types
- Price Range: $119 to $899.99
- Different Models: 30
- Financing Available: No
- Return Policy: 30 days
- Warranty: 3 years frame, 180 days parts and components
- Shipping: Free
Based in Los Angeles, Sunny Health & Fitness is a well-known brand in the fitness world with over a decade of experience. They started by importing and selling fitness gear and have since grown to serve both the U.S. and international markets. Among their wide range of affordable exercise equipment, their rowing machines have gained special attention. Many fitness enthusiasts prefer their rowers because they offer good quality without the price tag. In an industry where equipment can be very expensive, Sunny Health & Fitness attempts to provide a budget-friendly alternative without compromising on quality.
All resistance types available
Sunny Health lists 30 rowers on their site, excluding 5 models that were sold out, although they were still listed online at the time of our most recent visit. These rowers have every kind of resistance imaginable, including combination water/magnetic, magnetic/fan, flywheel/magnetic, and fan/air.
Water rower for under $1K
On the more expensive end, you have the Vertical Hydro Wooden Water Rowing Machine for only $899.99. This is an attractive machine with a rubberwood frame and a vertical water tank with six resistance options. You can adjust the level by adding or draining water. Also, remember that with a flywheel, the harder you row, the more resistance is created. Adding or removing water changes the base level of resistance you start with. This rower is compatible with the SunnyFit app and comes with a device holder. The rower appears to have an LCD display, but no information is given about it in the product description.
The very basics
On the low end, there's the $119.98 12 Adjustable Resistance Rowing Machine, which resembles a bicycle without wheels more than a typical rowing machine. It features an LCD monitor that displays stroke count, calories burned, and time elapsed. The resistance for this bare-bones model is created via hydraulic cylinders, and beginners love it. It has 59 reviews that average out to 4.5 stars.
Happy wallet, happy joints
You can take home Sunny Fitness' most popular magnetic rowing machine for only $249.98 (yes, you read that right). It has 8 dial-adjustable resistance levels and an LCD monitor that displays your time, calories burned, and stroke count. The machine can be upgraded to the Smart version for $100-this model comes with an extra-long slide rail for taller people, a phone holder above the LCD monitor, and it is compatible with the Sunny Health & Fitness App via Bluetooth. Customers find the machine reliable, easy to assemble, and convenient. However, several people have mentioned that they wish the resistance could be higher. Its happiest users seem to be older customers who are trying to find an easy-on-the-joints way to stay active.
Get connected with the SunnyFit app
The SunnyFit app is a versatile workout platform tailored for everyone, whether you're a beginner or advanced. It has over a thousand varied workouts, including strength, cardio, and running exercises, all curated by top-notch trainers. The app isn't just for indoor workouts. You can also use it for outdoor activities like walking or biking, and it'll track your progress. A nice feature is the World Tour mode, letting you virtually workout in beautiful global locations, from beaches to mountains. If you enjoy a challenge, you can compete against others using these virtual routes. Moreover, the app also has a system to track your progress with points, and you can earn rewards to use within the app. It's not just about workouts; it's about being part of an active community and reaching your fitness goals.
Good warranty, free shipping
Sunny Fitness' rowers all come with free shipping and are covered by a Manufacturer Warranty of 3 years for the frame, 180 days for all other parts and components. This is not the most robust warranty we've seen, but it gets the job done. Standard shipping on all rowers is free and you're covered by a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
Excellent reputation
We are pleased to report that Sunny Health & Fitness is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has earned an "A+” rating. Their accreditation is recent, but so far, they're one of the only rower brands we've reviewed that is accredited at all.
The brand for casual rowers
Overall, we think Sunny Health & Fitness could best be described as the place to shop if you're a novice rower looking for a solid cardio machine to round out your home gym, but don't want to pay the big bucks for a premium machine. We're satisfied with their warranty, love their free shipping, and glad to see they treat their customers right. It's not where more experienced rowers will want to shop, but we have no problem recommending it for the average home fitness customer.
More Rowing Machine Reviews
The 10 Best Rowing Machines
Where Can You Find the Best Rowing Machines?
Rowing machines, or "rowers," have swiftly sailed into the mainstream fitness world, gaining traction as a one-stop solution for a comprehensive workout. They're not just about the sport of rowing anymore; they're about sculpting your body, boosting your cardio, and getting fit in a fun way. Rowing machines provide an all-in-one workout, working the legs, back, arms, and core.
So it should come as no surprise that rowing machines have become so popular. With rowing, you can elevate your heart rate and improve endurance without stepping outside. What's more, rowing is gentle on your knees and joints, thanks to the smooth motion and the seated position. The resistance can be adjusted to tailor the session - amp up the intensity for a challenge or keep it light and steady.
Rowing Machine FAQ
Continued from above...
What are the different styles of rowing machines? Rowers come equipped with a variety of resistance types, each offering a distinct rowing experience. Each type caters to different preferences in terms of workout dynamics, noise levels, and maintenance needs.
- Air (flywheel) resistance uses a spinning fan, and the intensity grows as you row harder, although it can be a tad noisy.
- Magnetic resistance, on the other hand, employs magnets, allowing for a quieter, smoother row where resistance is manually adjusted and stays consistent regardless of how fast you row.
- Machines with pistons or hydraulic cylinders create resistance through air or fluid-filled components, making them more compact and often more affordable, but they might not mimic the traditional rowing feel as closely.
- Finally, water resistance models, featuring paddles moving through a water tank, will give you an experience closest to actual rowing, including the calming sound of water, but they're typically heavier due to the water component.
Are you seeking the ideal rowing machine for your personal gym space? Here's what you should consider as you shop:
- Budget. Rower prices span a broad spectrum. While the high-end models (exceeding $2,500) boast state-of-the-art features, you can snag a reliable machine for under $300. No need to splurge to ensure a solid workout session.
- Features. Think about what you really want in a rower. Is space-saving important? Do you want the ability to join real-time classes, akin to Peloton? Or maybe the aesthetic matters, with the machine's look needing to mesh with your existing gym equipment?
- Return policy and warranty. Be future-ready. If your chosen rower isn't the right fit for your space or if you end up wanting a different resistance type, can you send it back? Beware of potential hidden costs like restocking or return shipping charges. Moreover, get clarity on the warranty - what's covered, from the frame to electronics?
- Company credibility. Dig into user feedback. What's the buzz about the brand? Will they step up if challenges arise during shipment, setup, or regular use? Given that a rowing machine isn't a trivial expense, you want to ensure you're placing your trust in the right hands.
If you're looking for a comprehensive breakdown of the top machines on the market, Top Consumer Reviews is the right place to be. We hope these ranked reviews will help steer you toward a rowing machine that aligns with your fitness aspirations!
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