So you’ve finally decided to add a rowing machine to your cardio fitness regimen? A natural question to now consider is, as a beginning rower, which of the numerous machines on the market should you buy? Machines from different makers can vary widely on a number of factors, such as price, noise level, customizability, and durability, so this is no small matter to consider. There is plenty of research on selecting the best rowing machine , so you are in good hands! Luckily, there are a wide variety of rowing machines available based on your tastes, preferences, and budget, so there is guaranteed to be the perfect machine out there for you somewhere! 
For Those Who Need Space
Perhaps the best choice for the true beginner is the LifeSpan Fitness RW1000. The cost is at the lower end of the price spectrum of these machines, so it is good for those with a relatively tight budget. Unlike many machines on the market, the RW1000 uses a magnetic flywheel to provide resistance, making it extremely quiet, which can be ideal for beginners who have roommates. Many beginners run in to the problem of not having enough space for their new equipment, but this has a good solution for this problem, as it can fold up into a much smaller size, making storage significantly easier. It also has three LCDs on its console, simultaneously providing information on distance, strokes per minute, and many other facets of your workout, so this machine is definitely recommended for those who are obsessed with knowing every detail about the quality of their workout! The RW1000 is relatively light and also has a 300 pound weight limit, so it is not necessarily intended for beginners who intend to go as hard and fast as possible from the get-go or those looking for serious weight loss. Ultimately, the RW1000 is ideal for almost any beginner, as you really can’t go wrong with this particular rowing machine.
For the Budget-Conscious
If your budget is your biggest concern, then the equipment for you may be the Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine. There are really not many cheaper options available on the market, unless you manage to get lucky with a used machine. Fortunately, its low price tag does not mean that it is of low quality, as the Body Trac Glider is an excellent machine that can hold up to its more expensive rivals. It uses a gas-shock system, enabling it to have 12 different levels of resistance, so there will never be a problem with one level being too hard and the lower level being too easy. The gas-shock system is not as quiet as other systems however, so it can be a bit noisy. Not only can the machine be folded up for easy storage, but even during use it has a very small footprint. Thus, those with very little floor space available should definitely consider carefully this machine, as you might be able to cram it into that corner that no other rowing machine could possibly fit in! Like the RW1000, the Body Trac Glider is lightweight and has a 250 pound weight limit, so it also is not recommended for those who want to push it to its limit, but many beginners likely won’t have that problem. Especially considering its price, the Body Trac Glider is an excellent machine that could easily serve many peoples’ tastes.
Professional-Grade
On the other hand, if money is no object, then the equipment you should definitely look at is the Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine. The Model D is one of the more expensive rowers on the market, but with high cost comes exceptionally high quality. It uses a magnetic flywheel system with a spiral dampener to both ensure that it is extremely quiet and to give it a range of resistance levels. It is made of an exceptionally sturdy design (the maximum weight limit is 500 pounds, much higher than other rowers) and are built to last, so there should be no problem with the machine surviving and thriving in even the toughest workout sessions, so those who wish to turn rowing into a serious part of their workout routine may want to consider the Model D. One caveat of this is that it does not fold up like other rowing machines, so storage isn’t quite as easy, but it does break up into two parts to help alleviate this issue. Its performance monitor is highly customizable, allowing you to see exactly what information you are interested in; additionally, the monitor is on a movable arm, so you can position it exactly where you want it. The Model D is truly one of the best machines on the market, for beginners and experts alike, so would be a great choice if cost is not an issue.
And the Winner is…
Any of these machines would be ideal for beginners, so it really just depends on ones needs and personal tastes. Those wanting a cheaper machine should probably select the Body Trac Glider, which still can provide an excellent workout. Those with a slightly higher budget and wanting a quieter machine should definitely consider the RW1000. And for those able to spend the money, the durable and quiet Model D is really the best option available for beginners.