Welcome to Retail Therapy by Prevention! In this series, our editors provide thoughtful, honest reviews of what we’ve been testing lately that we want you to know about—because we refuse to keep these game-changing finds all to ourselves. Whether you’re on a mission to find something specific or simply need a little retail therapy in the form of an impulse purchase, consider this your insider’s shopping guide to everything our team thinks is worth the buy.
I am moderately fit, but as I get older, I’m more aware of my heart health than ever. Additionally, sitting in front of a computer all day does a real number on my posture and has started causing some unfortunate, occasional joint pain. Unsurprisingly, my hunt for a low-impact cardio activity that wouldn’t cause stress to my back or knees led me straight to using a stationary rowing machine—famously a great low-impact cardio workout. So when given the chance, I eagerly offered to test the Sunny Fitness & Health Smart Magnetic Rowing Machine.
One month later, I am shocked at how much I love it. Here’s why.
What are the benefits of rowing?
Rowing’s benefits are tenfold, according to health and fitness professionals. First and foremost: studies have shown rowing is a unique exercise in that it is both a cardiovascular and full-body strength workout in one, making it extremely efficient. Even more, it’s low impact, which makes it a great choice for those with joint problems, who might not be able to enjoy other resistance workouts like trendy walking with a weighted vest. “The fact that rowing is a way to get a cardio and strength workout in at home or a gym, is different than walking, and people feel will not make their joints worse, is often a reason that people choose rowing as a sport,” Amanda Diver, D.P.T., founder of The Rowing Doc previously told Prevention. In addition to being low-impact cardio and strength training, its other benefits include:
- Full-body engagement increases overall strength. Rowing works about 85% of your muscles (including larger leg muscles, core, back, shoulders and arms).
- Encourages better posture and can help reduce back pain.
- Ease of use is great for beginners looking to get started with their fitness.
- Repetitive movement can have meditative qualities and improve mental health and focus.
How I tested
I already walk every day which gives me a lower-body aerobic workout, so I was looking for a way to move my upper body that would incorporate both aerobic and strength elements, and the Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Extra Long Slide Rail Magnetic Rowing Machine was a seamless addition to my fitness routine. For the last month, I have used it three times a week for a 15-minute workout.
How does the Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Magnetic Rowing Machine work?
Our fitness experts previously called rowers, “a great on-ramp for people who are getting back into exercise,” for its easy-to-learn repetitive motion. This machine in particular previously topped our list of best rowing machines as the best choice for beginners, and as a first-time rower I agree.
To get started, I downloaded the free app, which connects to the machine via Bluetooth and features a wide variety of ten to 20-minute workouts from certified trainers who can guide you, mostly designed for beginners and intermediate rowers. If you are worried about seeing your progress on your phone, don’t be. The rowing machine has a large, easy-to-read LCD console that tracks the number of rows completed, the distance you’ve rowed, workout time elapsed, calories you’ve burned, the number of strokes per minute, and the time it takes to do 500 meters—which all shows up in the app, too. There’s a bracket that holds your phone, so you don’t have to worry about it falling out of your pocket mid-stroke, too.
This Sunny Health & Fitness rower has eight magnetic tension settings, and to start, I used it on five (which is considered moderate resistance, but I’ll work up progressively as I go!). Since it was my first time on a rower, I took a little time to figure out the correct form (pros recommend breaking the movement down into four phases—the catch, drive, finish, and recovery, but I found it more intuitive if I didn’t think about it too hard), but it was only a minute or two until I was smoothly working out nearly every major muscle group in my body: legs, core, back and shoulders.
What I like
Everything about using this machine is so easy. Getting started with this rower was simple. It arrived on my doorstep in a box, and within 15 minutes of unpacking it, I was up and rowing! The assembly process was a cinch because of its clear instructions, and I needed no other tools other than the ones included. In addition to easy set up, the machine is easy to fold up, move around, and even put away if needed. It has wheels, which made it easy to transport from our initial set up location to its permanent home in our garage. There’s no heat in that room, so the temps stay in the 30s in winter, but I am sure I’ll warm up quickly once I get moving.
The machine itself is basic without any of the extra bells and whistles that a more advanced rower might need. But I did not feel that I wasn’t missing anything. Rowing workouts really are that good. It is an efficient, engaging full-body workout, and also—it just feels good. The workouts do vary in intensity, depending on which one you go with, but each one I have tried makes me feel like I’ve really done something for my body in a short period of time.
One thing I wasn’t expecting is how soothing, nearly meditative, the rhythm is. It operates quietly, so you can really zone out (or zone in depending on where your head needs to be in that moment.) And since your whole body is occupied, you can’t be tempted to pick up your phone to scroll social media or check your email. I was surprised and pleased by this unexpected mental health benefit.
What I didn’t like
The machine claims to track the amount of calories I’m burning during my workouts, but so far, this number hasn’t matched the calories tracked by my SmartWatch. To be fair, my watch knows me much better than my new machine, so I suspect the tracking may improve over time.
My son said that the resistance does not go up high enough to give a very fit person a difficult workout, but as a beginner rower, I found it adequately challenging for me.
Also, because I’m only 5’2” I didn’t really need the long rail. But both my much taller husband and son appreciated the extra length. It made us all really value how easy it is to switch up between users, too. Not only can you adjust the tension for the rower’s needs, but with the simple twist of a knob we can move the large, padded seat. All of us could use it comfortably.
One last thing…
Where I live, winter weather can hinder outdoor exercise, so I am excited to continue using this machine, as it will be such an easy replacement to my walks when the roads start to get icy. From start to finish, it has been nothing but simple to incorporate into my fitness routine. I really do love it.
At only $320, it may not have all the bells and whistles of a pricier machine (some of Prevention’s favorites clock in at upwards of $2,000 for comparison!), but if you’re looking for a low-stress way to stay fit no matter the weather, you can’t go wrong with the Sunny Health Magnetic Rower.