Rowing is a great form of cardio exercise for a tall person as it allows him to get a greater range of motion on every rowing stroke. Still, if you are a taller person, finding a rowing machine that fits your frame is no easy task. In this article, we highlight the 3 best rowing machines for tall people.
Our Top Picks for Tall Rowers (#ad)
Concept2 ModelD Rowing Machine
Why it makes a great for the tall
- 14 inch seat height
- 500 lbs weight (maximum user weight capacity)
- Extra long monorail
- 38 inch inseam
- Adjustable footrests
- Easy to use LCD display
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The Water Rower
Why it makes a great indoor rowing machine for those above average height
- 39 inch inseam
- Simulates on water rowing
- Great ergonomics
- Large LCD display
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Lifespan RW 100
Why its good for tall individuals
- 38 inch Inseam
- 53 inch monorail
- Angled design for greater leg room
- Great LCD display
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3 Best Rowing Machines for Tall People Reviewed
Best Overall Rowing machine for Tall People
Concept2 Model D Rowing Machine
The Concept 2 Model D is a great indoor rowing machine for tall people because it has a long monorail, complete with an adjustable extension for people taller than 6’5”. The inseam of this rower, which is the distance from the foot rest to to the top of the seat when at full extension, is 38 inches. This also accommodates extra tall people.
This extremely popular rower is built to commercial level. That means that it is probably the best built, most durable home rower you are likely to find, especially at its price point. This a very ergonomically streamlined rowing machine that features a low profile to simulate the on the water rowing action. It comes with a damper so that you can control the air resistance by way of air flow.
The Concept2 Model D comes with an advanced monitor to provide you with quality feedback on your workout. The data is stored so that you can compare your performances over time. You also get ergonomically adjustable foot pads on this top notch rowing machine.
Pros:
- Very sturdy
- Extendable monorail
- Air damper
- 38 inch inseam
Cons:
- Quite noisy
Best Water Rowing Machine for Tall People
The WaterRower
When it comes to simulating the actual on the water rowing machine feel and action, you can do no better than a water rower. The Water Rower are the innovators and the best when it comes to this technology. Their flagship rower is a great machine for people of all heights and weights, including people who are very tall.
It is a beautiful piece of exercise equipment, being handcrafted in natural timber. It provides you with a relaxing, natural feel to your row that is different to what you get with conventional machines. You will notice that there is no vibration when you row
The inseam is 39 inches. That is the longest inseam of any rower we have yet to come across, making it ideal for people who are over 6’5”. The ergonomic design of the foot pedals, along with seat height also make this an ideal rower for extra tall people.
When you row in the Water Rower, you will experience less resistance against your joints, especially your knees. You can adjust resistance by putting more water in the water tank, you will get a greater resistance level. It isn’t cheap, coming in at around two thousand dollars. However, it will give you the smoothest, most natural and relaxing rowing experience you can find anywhere.
Pros:
- Great for tall people
- 39 inch inseam
- Most realistic, natural rowing action
Cons:
- Expensive
Best Budget Rowing Machine for Tall People
Lifespan RW 100
The Lifespan RW100 is an example of that rare thing – a budget rower that is built for tall users. It provides you with an inseam of 38 inches, which matches the far more expensive Concept2 Model D rower. Though it has a shorter monorail, the ergonomic positioning of the foot pedals allows for greater leg room.
The Lifespan RW100 is a flywheel powered rower that utilizes a rowing strap that is connected to the handles. It provides a good, but not great, rowing action that is not as smooth as an air or water rower, but is free of jerkiness and stuttering nevertheless. Due to its simplicity this design is relatively problem free and is surprisingly quiet to operate.
The cloth strap that is used on the Lifespan RW100 could be a potential problem, due to its constant contact with the flywheel which could result in reduced machine lifespan – or at least having to get a replacement strap after a year or so of use.
Pros:
- Quiet operation
- 5 year frame warranty
- Smooth, reliable action
Cons:
- Cloth strap may need replacing after a year
What to Look For In A Tall Person’s Rowing Machine
Resistance rowing machines provide a good fullbody workout. When you are above average height and are shopping for rowing machines that suits tall people, there are three key things to look out for to ensure you get the right one to use to help achieve your fitness goals:
- Inseam – the inseam of your body is the length from your groin to your foot. On the rowing machine it is the distance between the foot pad to the fully extended rowing seat position. A 6 foot person should go for an inseam of no less than 32 inches, while a person over 6’ 5” will need a minimum inseam of 36 inches.
- Monorail length – the length of the monorail determines the ability to fully extend when you are rowing. Look for a rail length between 52-55 inches.
- Foot pad angle – ergonomically designed foot pads will allow your to position your lower body to get greater leg extension.
Conclusion
If you are a taller person, a rowing machine for tall person should have an inseam measurement of at least 35 inches. Our favorite rowing is the Concept2 Model D Rowing Machine, which has an inseam of 38 inches.
The best water rowing machine is the Water Rower, which has a huge 39 inch inseam.
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For budget shoppers the go-to rowing machine is the Lifespan RW100 indoor rowing machine, which has a 38 inch inseam to match that of the Concept2 Rower!
They are great for your home gym and with intense workouts allow you maximise calorie burn.
