Rowing Machine NerdThe Best Rowing Machines for Seniors
Rowing is close to an ideal exercise for older adults: it's low-impact and seated, works the whole body, and is easy to scale to any fitness level. The machine just needs to suit an older rower's priorities - an easy-to-mount seat (higher is better for stiff knees and hips), simple controls, smooth gentle resistance, and ideally some encouragement to keep going.
These are the rowers we'd recommend to a senior, prioritising easy entry, low-impact comfort, and ease of use over raw performance.
Our top picks at a glance
- Best Overall for Seniors: Concept2 Model E (~$1,200)
- Best Guided Option for Seniors: Hydrow Wave (~$1,695)
- Best Easy-Entry Value Pick: Xebex Air Rower (~$749)
- Best Folding Guided Rower: Echelon Smart Row (~$800-$1,900)
- Best for a Calm, Quiet Row: WaterRower Natural (~$1,200)
Concept2 Model E
Air rower · ~$1,200
Best for: Taller, heavier, or less mobile rowers who want Concept2's proven performance with an easier-to-mount elevated seat.
The Concept2 Model E is our top pick for older rowers thanks to its elevated 20-inch seat, which makes getting on and off far easier than a low machine - a real benefit for stiff knees or hips. It's also dead simple to use, low-impact, and the air resistance is gentle when you take it easy and scales as you get fitter.
It's built to last a decade-plus with minimal upkeep, so it's a buy-once machine. For most seniors, the easier mount is well worth the small premium over the standard Model D.
Read our full Concept2 Model E review
Hydrow Wave
Smart/connected rower · ~$1,695
Best for: Buyers who want a guided, studio-style connected rowing experience in a compact footprint and are willing to pay an ongoing subscription.
For an older rower who'd appreciate encouragement and structure, the Hydrow Wave's instructor-led classes are gentle, motivating, and easy to follow, over near-silent, smooth resistance that's kind to the joints and the neighbours.
It's compact and quiet, which suits a home or apartment. The membership is an ongoing cost, but the guided, low-impact sessions can be exactly what keeps a senior rowing regularly.
Read our full Hydrow Wave review
Xebex Air Rower
Air rower · ~$749
Best for: Home and garage-gym users who want a sturdy, high-weight-capacity air rower and are willing to step up from entry-level machines without paying Concept2 prices.
The Xebex Air Rower's higher 20-inch seat and sturdy, stable frame make it easy and reassuring to get on and off, with simple controls and no subscription - a great no-fuss pick for a senior who wants gentle air resistance without spending big.
Its high weight capacity adds stability, and it folds away when not in use. The data is basic but more than enough for steady, joint-friendly rowing.
Read our full Xebex Air Rower review
Echelon Smart Row
Smart/connected rower · ~$800-$1,900
Best for: Home exercisers who want a quiet, foldable rower with guided on-screen classes and don't mind paying for an ongoing membership.
If space is tight and a little on-screen guidance appeals, the Echelon Smart Row folds away neatly and offers easy-to-follow classes on a swiveling touchscreen, with quiet magnetic resistance that's gentle on the joints.
The class experience depends on a membership, but the combination of guided sessions, quiet operation, and a folding frame suits an older rower in a smaller home.
Read our full Echelon Smart Row review
WaterRower Natural
Water rower · ~$1,200
Best for: Home users who want a beautiful, quiet machine and an immersive feel more than lab-grade data.
For a senior who values a calm, quiet, meditative session, the WaterRower Natural's smooth water stroke and gentle whoosh are hard to beat, in a beautiful machine that suits a living room and stands upright to store.
One caveat: its seat sits low (around 12 inches), so it's best for older rowers without significant knee or hip stiffness - if easy entry is a priority, the higher-seated picks above are a better fit.
Read our full WaterRower Natural reviewWhat matters most for older rowers
Seat height is the big one: a higher seat (like the Concept2 Model E's or the Xebex's 20 inches) makes getting on and off far easier and is gentler on knees and hips. After that, prioritise simplicity (clear controls and a readable display beat a complicated interface), smooth low-impact resistance, and a stable frame that feels secure.
Rowing's appeal for seniors is that it delivers real cardiovascular and full-body benefit with minimal joint impact, helping meet the recommended weekly activity guidelines safely. Start gently, focus on a comfortable rhythm rather than speed, and check with your doctor before beginning if you have any health concerns.
The bottom line
For most seniors, the Concept2 Model E is the best choice - an easy-entry high seat, dead-simple operation, gentle low-impact resistance, and a build that lasts. If you want guidance and encouragement, the Hydrow Wave (or the folding Echelon Smart Row) help; the Xebex is the easy-entry value pick, and the WaterRower Natural the calm, quiet option for those without mobility limits.
Prioritise an easy mount and simple use over performance specs, start gently, and rowing can be a sustainable, joint-friendly way to stay fit for years.
References
- Adult Activity: An Overview (Physical Activity Basics) - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best rowing machine for seniors?
- The Concept2 Model E is our top pick - its elevated 20-inch seat is easy to get on and off, it's simple to use, and the air resistance is gentle and low-impact. For guided encouragement, the Hydrow Wave or folding Echelon Smart Row are good alternatives.
- Is a rowing machine good for older adults?
- Yes - rowing is low-impact, seated, and works the whole body, making it one of the best exercises for seniors. It builds cardiovascular fitness and strength with minimal joint stress. Choose a machine with an easy-entry higher seat and start gently.
- What seat height is best for seniors on a rowing machine?
- A higher seat is easier on the knees and hips and simpler to get on and off. Machines like the Concept2 Model E and the Xebex have elevated ~20-inch seats, versus around 12-14 inches on lower machines, which makes a real difference for older rowers.
Jordan Lockwood (BSc, CPT)
Certified personal trainer (CPT), sports-science graduate, and lifelong rower. Jordan writes and reviews every guide on Rowing Machine Nerd.