Best Rowing Machines of 2025 for a Full-Body Workout, According to Our Experts

When using a rowing machine, it's key to practice good form if you want to get the most out of the workout. It's helpful to have a rowing instructor or trainer familiar with the machine to teach you the correct way to row. Catch, Drive, Recovery: It's important to learn the four key steps to rowing. These are the catch, drive, finish and recovery. Peloton rowing instructor, Alex Karwoski says your starting position should look like this: "Starting from the fully compressed position -- your arms should be outstretched, body pivoted forward at a slight angle, and knees close to your chest." From here you want to push with the legs to drive the seat and handle away from the screen. Karwoski explains, "for the first third to half of the drive, our legs are doing the majority of the work while our arms and body are braced and holding the pressure." Then, as the shins come to about 45 degrees to the floor, the body swing starts. He says the key to the body swing is to think about "adding mo ... Read full article.