Best Rowing Machines for Rehabilitating After a Sports Injury in 2026
Introduction
How We Compared
- Control and smoothness of resistance
Can you start very light and gradually increase intensity as strength and confidence return? - Ergonomics and accessibility
Seat height, handle position, and pedal adjustability all affect how easy and safe it is to get on/off and maintain good form. - Stability and build quality
A solid, predictable stroke is critical when you are guarding an injured joint or rebuilding strength. - Training guidance and tracking
App integration, monitors, and guided workouts help you stay in a safe zone and monitor progress over weeks and months. - Noise and home-friendliness
Quiet machines are easier to use regularly at home, especially for early-morning or apartment workouts. - Value for rehab-focused buyers
We weighed price and warranty against the specific benefits for injured athletes looking toward long-term use.
Everything we recommend
FED Fitness Yosuda RM6 Air Magnetic Rowing Machine Pro
A hybrid air-magnetic rower with controllable resistance, ergonomic seat height, and strong app integration—standout for rehab and recovery use at home.
Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine
A gym-standard air rower renowned for its smooth, self-regulating resistance and detailed tracking—ideal for systematic injury rehabilitation.
NordicTrack RW700 Rower
Magnetic resistance rower with iFit integration; excellent for those seeking structured, guided progression after injury.
ProForm 750R Rower
Mid-range magnetic rower with high resistance adjustability and ergonomic design, supporting stepwise rehab progression.
JOROTO MR60 Rowing Machine
Comfortable, quiet magnetic rower well suited to everyday, low-impact cardio during recovery.
Yesoul R1M Plus 21.5" HD Screen Rowing Machine
Magnetic rower featuring a 21.5" HD screen and guided workouts—great for visual learners in rehab.
Merach Pro Air Resistance Rowing Machine
App-enabled air rower with a foldable design, ideal for scaling from gentle to more athletic recovery workouts.
Rogue Echo Rower
Heavy-duty air rower built for late-stage rehab and athletic conditioning—super robust and smooth but less suitable for early, gentle rehab.
Stamina ATS Air Rower 1399
Affordable air rower offering progressive resistance and basic tracking—a practical entry point for rehab at home.
MERACH Q1S Rowing Machine
Very affordable magnetic rower with 16 resistance levels and app compatibility—quiet, accessible daily rehab option.
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine
Popular low-cost magnetic rower with quiet operation and comfortable design—perfect for simple, low-intensity recovery.
FED Fitness Yosuda RM6 Air Magnetic Rowing Machine Pro
Summary: A feature-rich air-magnetic hybrid excelling for rehab, thanks to highly controllable resistance, ergonomic seat height, and app integration. A promising newcomer rivaling big brands, it’s designed for home-based recovery with thoughtful touches.
Feature Highlights:
- Dual resistance: air plus 8-level magnetic with handlebar controls and auto adjustments
- Bluetooth app integration (FED Fitness, iConsole+, Kinomap) for smart tracking and guided rehab
- Sturdy construction: nickel-plated chain, 330 lb weight limit
- Elevated 19.3" seat height for easier access during injury recovery
- Stores at 47.2×27.6×54", detachable rail and transport wheels
Pros:
- Perfect for rehab progression: start light, finely adjust resistance in small steps
- Elevated seat reduces strain for knee/hip/back recovery
- Long rail supports taller users and full stroke pattern
- Well-integrated with popular fitness apps for guided routines
- Strong warranty: multi-year coverage for frame and parts
Cons:
- Large footprint and heavy at 98 lbs assembled
- Brand/service newer than established picks like Concept2
- Requires power for magnetic resistance system and battery in handle
Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine
Summary: The gold-standard gym rower: air-only, self-regulating resistance, proven durability, and the PM5 monitor make it the go-to for systematic, data-rich rehab and training.
Feature Highlights:
- Air-resistance system naturally scales with effort
- PM5 monitor offers deep metric tracking
- Trusted for rehab in athletic and medical settings
Pros:
- Exceptionally smooth, predictable stroke—great for safe technique
- Unmatched data tracking for precise rehab
- Durable enough for years of rehab and full training
Cons:
- Noisier than magnetic/hybrid models
- Higher price than most other home rowers
- Lacks ultra-quiet “easy” mode for very gentle recovery
NordicTrack RW700 Rower
Summary: Tech-forward magnetic rower built around progressive guided sessions via iFit. Adjustable resistance and coaching content make it great for those working with a PT or aiming for a gradual, trackable return to fitness.
Feature Highlights:
- Quiet magnetic resistance system
- iFit integration for structured, app-guided workouts
- Excellent for systematic rehab programming
Pros:
- Guided programs match rehab progression
- Quiet for home or apartment use
- Coaching videos for motivation and pacing
Cons:
- Subscription ecosystem may be overkill for DIY rehab
- High price for app-focused users with simple needs
ProForm 750R Rower
Summary: Mid-priced, versatile magnetic rower with 24 resistance levels and iFit support—a flexible, ergonomic option for gradual rehab progression and future home training.
Feature Highlights:
- 24 discrete resistance levels for fine-grained control
- iFit app compatibility and ergonomic seat
- Quiet magnetic system
Pros:
- Resistance can be gently increased step by step
- Quiet operation
- Good value for features provided
Cons:
- iFit subscription required for best experience
- Less proven durability than commercial-grade options
JOROTO MR60 Rowing Machine
Summary: Magnetic rower with comfort-oriented design and positive reviews—provides a quiet, stable, low-impact platform ideal for daily recovery cardio.
Feature Highlights:
- Comfort-focused magnetic system
- Smooth, stable rowing experience
- Priced for home use
Pros:
- Gentle sessions that don’t aggravate joints
- Quiet and unobtrusive
- Solid value
Cons:
- No advanced app integration or deep rehab guidance
- Less known in clinical or high-performance settings
Yesoul R1M Plus 21.5" HD Screen Rowing Machine
Summary: Magnetic rower featuring a large HD screen and video coaching; suitable for injured athletes who want on-screen pacing, motivation, and easy, low-impact motion at home.
Feature Highlights:
- Magnetic resistance—quiet and smooth
- Large 21.5" screen for guided sessions
- Makes tracking and technique review easy
Pros:
- Visual guidance for safe, consistent technique
- Quiet for regular use at home
- Lower price than most rowers with screens
Cons:
- Focused more on entertainment/classes than clinical rehab stats
- Program quality varies
Merach Pro Air Resistance Rowing Machine
Summary: Air-resistance rower that folds for storage, with app-based tracking—great for scaling from gentle, joint-friendly motion to athletic training in limited space.
Feature Highlights:
- Progressive air resistance
- App integration for data and progress
- Folds for convenient storage
Pros:
- Natural resistance feel
- Easy tracking with included app
- Folds up, saving rehab space
Cons:
- Louder than magnetic rowers
- Not as smooth at very low power outputs
Rogue Echo Rower
Summary: Overbuilt air rower, built for rugged, powerful training—excellent for late-stage rehab and return-to-performance work, but less suited for early, gentle recovery.
Feature Highlights:
- Smooth air resistance with pro-level build
- Engineered for intensive, athletic training
- Top recommendation for vigorous interval work
Pros:
- Ultra-durable for heavy use
- Great for advanced recovery and athletic work
- Popular in return-to-sport plans
Cons:
- Overkill for early, gentle rehab stages
- Louder than magnetic types
- High price for basic use
Stamina ATS Air Rower 1399
Summary: Affordable air rower offering progressive resistance and a basic monitor: a simple but smooth entry point for joint-friendly rehab at home.
Feature Highlights:
- Air resistance with self-scaling effort
- Basic data display for tracking sessions
- Budget-friendly
Pros:
- Inexpensive access to air-rowing feel
- Progressive resistance scales as you recover
Cons:
- Less refined, not built for very frequent or intense training
- Minimum resistance may still be too much for earliest rehab
- Noisy vs. magnetic units
MERACH Q1S Rowing Machine
Summary: Very affordable home magnetic rower with 16 resistance levels and app compatibility for basic stats—quiet and accessible for gentle, everyday post-injury sessions.
Feature Highlights:
- Magnetic resistance (16 levels)
- App compatible with dual slide rail build
- Decent 350 lb weight capacity
Pros:
- Quiet, gentle operation for low-impact rehab
- Multiple resistance levels for gradual progress
- Outstanding value
Cons:
- More basic feature set than higher-end models
- Durability and tracking features are limited
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine
Summary: A highly popular budget magnetic rower for straightforward, low-intensity recovery. Comfortable seat and quiet operation make it a good fit for affordable rehab at home.
Feature Highlights:
- Magnetic resistance system with smooth adjustability
- Comfortable seat designed for long, low-stress sessions
- User-friendly interface
Pros:
- Very affordable introduction to home rehab
- Quiet, simple to operate
Cons:
- Limited metrics and tracking tools
- Not as robust for long-term heavy use
- No app ecosystem
Quick Comparison
| Product | Key Features | Price Range | Ideal For | Notable Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FED Fitness Yosuda RM6 Air Magnetic Rowing Machine Pro | Air + 8-level magnetic resistance, handlebar controls, app integration (FED Fitness, iConsole+, Kinomap), 330 lb capacity, elevated seat | Mid-range (around $639.99 on promo) | Home users prioritizing controlled, progressive rehab with strong ergonomics | Hybrid resistance and in-handle controls ideal for fine-tuned rehab progression |
| Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine | Air resistance, PM5 monitor, rehab and performance standard | Premium (~$990) | Athletes and rehab patients wanting proven, data-rich training | Industry-standard reliability and metrics |
| NordicTrack RW700 Rower | Magnetic resistance, iFit integration, guided programs | Premium (~$999.99) | Users following structured, app-based rehab or coaching plans | Deep guided workout ecosystem |
| ProForm 750R Rower | 24-level magnetic resistance, iFit capable, ergonomic design | Mid-range (~$599.99) | Gradual rehab progression with plenty of headroom for future training | High number of resistance levels for fine progression |
| JOROTO MR60 Rowing Machine | Magnetic resistance, comfort-focused design | Mid-range (~$599.99) | Low-impact daily cardio during recovery | Comfortable and joint-friendly feel |
| Yesoul R1M Plus 21.5'' HD Screen Rowing Machine | Magnetic resistance, 21.5" HD screen, guided workouts | Mid-range (~$499.99) | Visual learners who want on-screen guidance during rehab | Large display and guided sessions aid pacing and motivation |
| Merach Pro Air Resistance Rowing Machine | Air resistance, app tracking, fold-up design | Mid-range (~$529.99) | Users progressing from gentle to athletic rowing with limited space | Foldable air rower with tracking |
| Rogue Echo Rower | Air resistance, rugged construction, smooth stroke | Premium (~$925) | Late-stage rehab and strength-focused athletes | Professional-grade durability and performance feel |
| Stamina ATS Air Rower 1399 | Air resistance, basic performance monitor | Budget–mid (~$399.99) | Budget buyers wanting air-row feel for joint-friendly work | Affordable access to smooth air resistance |
| MERACH Q1S Rowing Machine | Magnetic resistance (16 levels), app compatible, 350 lb capacity | Budget (~$189.99) | Cost-conscious rehab users needing quiet, light workouts | Strong value with multiple resistance levels |
| Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine | Magnetic resistance, comfortable seat, simple controls | Budget (~$239.99) | Simple, low-intensity rehab sessions at home | Budget-friendly, quiet, and straightforward |
Buying Tips
- Check with your clinician first. Confirm that rowing is appropriate for your specific injury and what intensity ranges are safe.
- Prioritize low-end control over max resistance. For early rehab, the ability to row very lightly and progress in small steps (as with magnetic or hybrid systems) matters more than peak resistance.
- Look at seat height and access. Elevated seats, like the 19.3" height on the FED Fitness Yosuda RM6, make it easier to get on and off if you have knee, hip, or back issues.
- Decide on air vs. magnetic (or hybrid).
- Air: more noise but very natural scaling with effort (Concept2, Rogue, Stamina, Merach Pro).
- Magnetic: quieter, with precise, step-based resistance levels (NordicTrack, ProForm, JOROTO, Yesoul, Merach Q1S, Sunny).
- Hybrid: aims to combine realism and fine control (FED Fitness Yosuda RM6).
- Consider guidance and tracking. If you thrive with structure, favor machines with good apps or monitors (FED Fitness via apps, Concept2 PM5, NordicTrack/ProForm with iFit, Yesoul with HD screen).
- Match price to long-term plans. If you expect to row seriously after rehab, investing in a sturdier or more advanced model may be worthwhile. For short-term or light use, budget magnetic machines can be sufficient.
Conclusion
The FED Fitness Yosuda RM6 Air Magnetic Rowing Machine Pro stands out in 2026 as a particularly rehab-friendly hybrid, blending controllable resistance, ergonomic height, and strong app integration at a mid-range price. Concept2 and NordicTrack anchor the high end for those who want either gold-standard hardware or deeply guided programs, while budget magnetic options from Merach and Sunny Health & Fitness keep low-impact rehab accessible to almost anyone.
Before you buy, think carefully about where you are in your recovery and where you want your training to be six to twelve months from now. Then check current prices and choose the rower that fits both your rehab plan and your long-term fitness goals.
Overview
Design & Features
Performance
Comparisons with Other Brands
Verdict
References
- FED Fitness Yosuda RM6 Air Magnetic Rowing Machine Pro
- Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine
- Yesoul R1M Plus 21.5'' HD Screen Rowing Machine
- NordicTrack RW700 Rower
- ProForm 750R Rower
- MERACH Q1S Rowing Machine
- Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine
- Merach Pro Air Resistance Rowing Machine
- Rogue Echo Rower
- Stamina ATS Air Rower 1399
- JOROTO MR60 Rowing Machine