Last Updated on December 2, 2022 by Jeff
Are you having trouble finding the perfect rowing machine for tall people? Most indoor rowing machines are designed for the average user and do not cater to very tall people. Luckily for you, we’ve found 7 fantastic options for you to consider.
Rowing machines offer calorie-burning cardio exercise, and strength training. If you’re looking for a full-body workout, this is the one piece of gym equipment that can give you that.
We’ve reviewed the best rowing machines available for tall people, so keep reading to learn what your options are. In our selection of top-rated rowing machines, you’re guaranteed to find the rower that is the right fit for your size, as well as your budget and fitness level.
Rowing Machines For Tall People
In our review of 7 of the best rowing machines for tall people, we have included a variety of exciting indoor rowing machines that offer different types of resistance and a variety of tech features. Find the one that’s the right fit for you.
Fitness Reality 1000 Plus (Best for a Full-Body Workout)
The Fitness Reality 1000 Plus is a Bluetooth-enabled magnetic rower and is compatible with the popular MyCloudFitness App. You can do a variety of additional exercises on this versatile piece of gym equipment, which is like an entire gym in one.
Dimensions: 88.5” x 21.5” x 21.5”
Product weight: 63.3 lbs
Maximum user weight: 250 lbs
Heart/Pulse Rate: Yes
Resistance: Magnetic
Warranty: 1 year limited
The Fitness Reality 1000 Plus is suitable for users between 4’9” and 6’6” tall. Due to the wide range of user heights it caters to, this could be the ideal rowing machine for short people too. If a much shorter member of your household wants to use the machine, this will allow for that.
The contoured, padded seat and extra-wide foam handlebar grips ensure that your rowing workout is comfortable. Vary the intensity of your cardio workout with 14 levels of dual magnetic tension resistance.
The free workout data tracking on the MyCloudFitness App is compatible with your IOS or Android mobile phone, and a phone holder is attached for your convenience. The life fitness app and monitor will track your distance, time, strokes, and calories burned.
The non-slip, pivoting footrests have adjustable safety straps and patent-pending front stabilizer footpads so that you can do a variety of other exercises. Thanks to this feature, the Fitness Reality 1000 is best equipped to give you a total-body workout with maximum versatility.
Pros
- Comes with the My Cloud Fitness app
- Has a phone holder
- Contoured seat and foam hand grips
- Pivoting footrests with safety straps
- Caters to a wide range of user heights
Cons
- Only a 1-year limited warranty on this machine
Lifecore R100 Commercial Rowing Machine (Best for Small Apartments)
In our selection of rowing machines for taller people, this commercial-grade, magnetic-resistance rowing machine also qualifies as one of the best rowing machines for small apartments.
Dimensions: 58” x 24” x 36”
Maximum Weight Capacity: 600 lbs
Heart/Pulse Rate: Yes
Resistance: Magnetic resistance
Warranty: 5 years parts/1-year labor
The Lifecore R100 is a compact machine, designed for smaller spaces. It has an extra-long stride length, which is crucial for rowing machines when you’re a tall person.
A maximum weight capacity of 600 lbs makes it ideal for tall users who may also be overweight.
This high-quality, commercial-grade rower offers 16 smooth levels of magnetic resistance, 15 preset workout programs, and four heart rate control programs with built-in pulse sensors. These features will optimize your workout and help you reach your fitness goals in record time.
The monitor can store data for up to 4 users, making it perfect for your entire family. The Lifecore R100 is suitable for both light commercial and home use and carries a commercial warranty, for your peace of mind.
Row your way to fitness in comfort, thanks to the ergonomically shaped handles, seats, and footrests. The sturdy steel frame has a maximum weight capacity of up to 600 lbs, which makes it suitable for heavier users too.
It can be easily folded down and has built-in wheels so that you can move and store your machine when it is not in use.
Pros
- The Lifecore 100 can fold down easily for storage
- Very comfortable seat
- Ergonomically shaped handles
- Built-in transportation wheels
- Store up to 4 users’ workout data
Cons
- The machine is a bit heavy
Concept2 ModelD (Best for Larger and Heavier Users)
The world’s best-selling air rowing machine, favored by Olympic rowers and professional athletes.The perfect choice of rowing machine for overweight, tall people who are looking for a trusted and reliable rowing machine to get into shape.
Dimensions: 96”x 24”x 14”
Maximum weight capacity: Up to 500 lbs.
Heart/Pulse Rate: Yes
Resistance: Air resistance
Warranty: 5 yrs frame/ 2 Yrs parts
If you’re much taller than the average person and are also carrying a bit of extra weight, don’t worry. This rower can accommodate your height and also support your weight while providing you with an excellent rowing workout.
Tall people tend to have both longer limbs and torsos. To be able to comfortably see the monitor without craning your neck, an adjustable monitor arm can be useful. The Concept2 ModelD has an adjustable monitor arm, to raise or lower the monitor to your eye level.
The high-performance PM5 monitor features a self-calibrated workout monitoring system with various preset workout programs. The PM5 displays your stroke rate, rowing duration, speed, calories, pulse rate.
The Concept2 ModelD can connect wirelessly with your fitness apps and heart rate belts (not included), allowing you to get the most out of your workout and keep track of your progress.
Compatible with Bluetooth, so you can track your various metrics on your smartphone, and download your stats, and store them for future reference.
A 14-inch seat height and footrest adjustable to 7 height positions, make rowing on this machine a pleasure for users of any height. Slide the seat along the monorail to adapt the rower to the length of your legs. Footstraps are also included for stability and safety.
The assembly of the Concept2 ModelD rower couldn’t be simpler, as only 8 screws are needed. When not in use, you can separate the two main pieces for storage, and transport them using the built-in wheels. Very little maintenance is required, and spare parts are readily available.
Pros
- Very easily assembled
- Minimal maintenance is required
- The PM5 performance monitor has an adjustable arm
- Compatible with a wide range of Bluetooth fitness apps
- Adjustable footrests
Cons
- No folding hinges on the frame.
- Not suitable if you’re on a tight budget.
BodyCraft VR500 Rower (Best For Tall Gym Enthusiasts, Our Top Pick)
The BodyCraft VR500 is perfectly engineered for users up to 6’6” tall and offers 32 levels of electronically controlled air and Eddy current magnetic resistance.
Dimensions: 98” x 20” x 38”
Maximum weight capacity: 350 lbs
Product weight:101 lbs
Resistance: Dual Magnetic/Air
Warranty: 10 years on frame, 2 years on parts, 90 days on labor
There are important criteria that a tall person must consider when selecting a rower, and this machine meets all the requirements for a person up to 6’6” tall.
The 19” high seat makes it much easier for your long legs to get into position, and it is also incredibly comfortable. If you are very tall, you probably have larger than average feet too. Therefore larger footrests, with an adjustable heel, rests, and foot straps, are another useful feature of this machine.
The ergonomic aluminum handlebar has comfort grips, and 4 Button IR remote resistance controls to allow you to adjust the resistance for a more challenging workout, without having to stop rowing.
The handlebars go beyond the footrests by approximately 6 inches, with a total range of motion of 38.5 inches. The unit folds up easily for storage, in a matter of seconds.
Pros
- Designed for users up to 6’6” tall
- 32 levels of resistance
- Remote resistance control buttons on handlebars
- Folds up very quickly, for storage.
Cons
- Expensive
WaterRower A1 (Best for an Authentic Rowing Experience)
WaterRower is the top brand of rowing machines that are powered by water. If you’re a tall person looking for the most realistic feeling of rowing, the A1 Series by WaterRower is the one for you.
Dimensions: 84.65” x 22.05” x 20.87”
Maximum weight capacity: 661.39 lbs
Resistance: Water
Warranty: 3 years on frame, 2 years on parts. Commercial use.
Made of aluminum and ash wood with a Danish Oil finish, this machine is not only a stylish complement to your home but also gives a more realistic rowing experience. It imitates rowing on water through a turning blade inside a hydro tank.
With water resistance, the harder you row, the more resistance there will be. But rowing while listening to the soothing sounds of the water will make you feel as if you’re rowing outdoors on the water, and this will have the benefit of lowering your stress levels while you work out.
This aluminum and wood single-rail, the lightweight rower has a quickstart monitor for your ease of use, with the usual workout metrics. It is more affordably priced than other models in the WaterRower range.
This machine has a light commercial use warranty, which means it’ll withstand heavier use and can be used by the whole family. Another plus is that it can be stored vertically, which is helpful if you don’t have much space to store it.
For environmentally-conscious users, WaterRower machines are ethically produced.
Pros
- Aluminum rail and wooden frame.
- Stylish, sleek design to complement your decor.
- Ethically produced.
- Can be stored vertically in small spaces.
Cons
- None of the high-tech features of some other rowers
LifeSpan Fitness RW1000 (Best for Beginners)
The LifeSpan Fitness RW100 Indoor Rowing Machine features a foldable, but sturdy steel frame and 5 levels of magnetic resistance.
Dimensions: 90” x 18.5” x 23”
Folded Dimensions: 34” x 19” x 64”
Product weight: 16.5 lbs
Maximum weight capacity: 300 lbs
Resistance: Magnetic
Warranty: 5 years on frame, 2 years on parts, 1-year on labor.
Best for people who are new to rowing, the RW1000 features an Eddy current drive system with a 16.5-pound flywheel, offering 5 levels of resistance and a very quiet operation.
The 14” high injected foam seat, swivel footpads, and padded hand grips will keep you comfortable while rowing, while the 3-LCD console gives basic readings for your distance, calories, time, and strokes.
The RW1000 can also be folded down for convenient storage, when not in use. Simply remove the locking pin and fold it, then move it along easily on the transport wheels. The wheels will not scratch your wooden floors.
This rower will give you a good cardio workout at an affordable price, so if you’re new to rowing and don’t want to buy a very high-tech expensive machine, this is for you.
Pros
- User-friendly, ideal for beginners
- Folds down and has transport wheels
- Locking pin that is child-safe
- Operates very smoothly and quietly
Cons
- Doesn’t have many extra features
Sunny Health and Fitness Rower SF-RW5515 (Best Budget)
Machines designed for taller users are often expensive, but this magnetic indoor rower offers all the basic features of other machines, at a very affordable price.
Dimensions: 82” x 19” x 23”
Maximum User Weight: 250 lbs
Product Weight: 59 lbs
Heart/Pulse Rate: No
Resistance: Magnetic
Warranty: 1-year on the frame, 90 days on parts
What makes the Sunny Health And Fitness rower so ideal for very tall users is the extra-long 48” slide rail. If you are very tall, your rowing machine needs to have a long enough seat rail, to allow you to fully extend your legs.
This unit’s non-slip footrests with foot straps keep your feet secure so that you can work out in safety, and the handlebar has foam-covered grips so that your hands don’t get blisters from hours of rowing.
Don’t strain yourself if you need to move it, just wheel it along on the built-in transport wheels.
A large LCD screen displays your readings for time, strokes, and calories expenditure, in large easy-to-see characters. Track your progress with the scan mode, so that you can more easily reach your fitness goals.
Varying the intensity by adjusting the level of resistance during a workout prevents workout boredom, and also improves your cardiovascular health,
This unit features eight adjustable levels of resistance to keep your rowing workout varied and challenging, and a simple turn of a knob is all that is required to adjust the tension.
Magnetic rowers are loved by many people for their almost silent operation, so if you prefer a much quieter rowing machine, the Sunny Health And Fitness Magnetic Rower is an affordable option for you.
Pros
- Great machine for beginners
- Very reasonably priced
- Compact enough for very small apartments
- Transport wheels for moving the unit
- Operates quietly
Cons
- No heart rate monitor is included
- Not a great warranty, compared to other rowers
- Not suitable for very overweight users.
Conclusion
When selecting rowing machines for our review, we looked at units that have a longer slide rail and in-seam length, and thus can accommodate longer limbs. But people have different needs, fitness levels, and budgets; so we included various options to meet those requirements, too.
Our top pick is the Bodycraft VR500, designed especially for very tall users who want a challenging workout, too. The 32 levels of dual air/magnetic resistance will give you an amazing cardio workout.
A close runner-up is the Concept2 ModelD, which is loved the world over, and we can see why. It offers everything one could wish for in a rowing machine, and the bonus is that it is suitable for users of varying heights, as well as heavier users.
However, both of these machines are a bit more expensive than other rowers, so if you’re on a tight budget, Sunny Health And Fitness is the way to go. If all you’re looking for is a very basic entry-level rower that will accommodate your height, the LifeSpan Fitness will do just fine.
Rowing Machines For Tall People FAQs
Is rowing suitable for a very tall person?
Rowing is a sport that is well suited to taller people. While most indoor rowing machines are designed for users of average height, there are various models available for people who are over 6’2” who want to incorporate an indoor rower into their home gym.
Will a rowing machine give me a better cardio workout than an indoor bike?
Both a rowing machine and an exercise bike provide a great calorie-burning cardio workout. However, rowing not only burns calories and improves your cardiovascular health, but it also strengthens your muscles and increases your flexibility, with less impact on your joints.
How do I choose the right rowing machine for my height?
Besides height, an important measurement for tall people to consider when selecting a rowing machine is “inseam length”, which is the length of the inside of the leg. People of the same height can have different inseam lengths. Look out for a longer slide rail and in-seam length.
What is the most popular type of resistance in rowing machines?
Water rowers give a very authentic rowing experience, whereas magnetic and air rowers are more popular and affordable.
Air resistance rowing machines are the oldest type of rower around, and also the most popular. Magnetic rowers are favored by people who prefer their machines to operate very silently.
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