When you’re shopping the best rowing machines on the market, the key is finding value. If your first priority is a compact design and portability, allow me to introduce the Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine. I’ve used this affordable rower for all sorts of rowing workouts and my main takeaway is that it does the essential things well — a smooth pull, quiet operation, and easy magnetic adjustment.
Sure, having a huge touchscreen would be nice, but with all the money you save, you can buy yourself a new iPad to slot in the device holder. And once you’re done, just fold up the rail and roll it away for easy storage. Anyone trying to supercharge their cardio without applying for a loan may have just stumbled upon their ideal rower. Check out this Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine Review to discover whether this budget-friendly rower deserves a sliver of your floor space. To learn more about how we test all our products, head over to the BarBend equipment testing methodology.
This compact and foldable Sunny Health & Fitness rowing machine can provide a challenge with 16 levels of magnetic resistance. A budget, bare-bones unit, this well-made rower is ideal for those tight on space but with a desire to sweat.
Main Takeaways
- The foldable rail and lightweight design make it easy to stow away.
- It’s hundreds of dollars cheaper than other rowers on the market.
- The belt-drive system is quiet and smooth, while supporting 16 levels of magnetic resistance.
Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine Specs
| Price | $299.99 |
| Resistance Type | Magnetic |
| Weight Capacity | 250lbs |
| Product Dimensions | 77’’ L x 23’’ W x 22.5’’ H |
| Product Weight | 49.6lbs |
| Display | LCD |
| Warranty | 3-year frame, 180-day parts and components |
According to BarBend expert and CrossFit trainer Amanda Capritto, fitness professionals and cardio geeks are taking notice of the total-body benefits rowers like the Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine offer. “Once reserved for rowing athletes as a way to train indoors, rowing [machines] have made it mainstream, and that’s for a lot of good reasons,” she says. “Rowing is an effective form of exercise, engaging most of the body’s muscles and significantly working the cardiovascular system.” (1)
Fortunately for cash-strapped athletes, the best budget rowing machines support those outcomes, but without some of the frills of pricier machines. In my experience, this machine has plenty of value, as I’ve tried out the SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine for HIIT and steady-state rowing workouts. The belt-drive system is smooth and quiet and even though it’s housed in plastic (instead of industrial-grade steel), I still expect it to hold up over time.
With adjustable floor stabilizers supporting the metal sliding rail, there’s barely any wobble even at max effort. So, I’m getting impressive stability, plus a lightweight build that makes moving it around much easier than rowers weighed down by bulky displays. Where’s the catch? Well, that portability is offset by the below-average weight capacity and the technology is, shall we say, limited.
But for me, the feel of a rowing machine is what I’ve always found to be most important aspect. As far as I’m concerned, the SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine holds its own with pricier models. Turning the simple adjustment knob to cycle through the 16 levels of resistance is surprisingly comfortable, plus the tiny clicks of each level provide a bit of kinetic reassurance that I’ve found the right one mid-workout.
As long as you’re OK with the bare-bones level of technology, I think this has what it takes to power the best rowing machine workouts, from HIIT and Tabata to LISS and cross-training. When all you’re offering is a little LCD screen to track basic metrics — admirably, I might add — there should be a ton of value elsewhere. On the SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine, that value lies in its compact design and portability, while supporting stable workouts even when I push it the hardest.
Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use the Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine
“As an exercise professional, I think everyone can benefit from rowing as a form of exercise, [especially] people who need a low-impact form of cardio,” says BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto. Check out who we think might most benefit from adding the Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine to their home or garage gym.
Recommended for:
- Budget-conscious athletes
- Anyone with limited floor space
- Beginner rowers interested in an affordable, stable rowing machine
Not Recommended for:
- Tech-forward users who prefer following virtual rowing workouts
- CrossFitters looking for an air rowing machine like the Concept2 RowErg
- Athletes with larger bodies
Our Experience Training With the Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine
As both a certified personal trainer and unashamed coupon clipper, I think the Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine holds a ton of value for many people. As I’ve been using it for steady-state, interval, and cross-training workouts, I’ve used a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) to score this affordable rower on categories like durability, portability, adjustability, tech capabilities, and more. I’ve also tapped two BarBend expert reviewers — former collegiate rower Lauren Keary and CrossFit trainer Amanda Capritto — to lend their expertise on what it brings to the table. Scroll on for all the nitty gritty details of my time with the SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine.
Durability and Stability
Settling in on the SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine’s wide seat feels more stable and comfortable than the small frame might suggest. On some machines this lightweight, the monorail can feel more like a balance beam, but I never feel like I have to adjust my form to compensate for any instability. At peak effort, there’s a little bit of wobbling, but considering the overall weight — and the price — that’s to be expected.
One factor that aids stability are the floor stabilizers on the rear on the rower. Beyond the texture adding a bit of grip, each one can be independently raised or lowered a few inches to account for uneven floors or soft surfaces like carpeting. This isn’t some groundbreaking design, but I do think they help increase the stability, which I rate a 4 out of 5.
The housing is all plastic, which would be my major concern for long-term durability — a 3.5 out of 5 from yours truly. At this price point, you shouldn’t expect this to last decades, but for casual use or beginners, it’s a solid option. The highlight of the build is the belt-drive system. The pull and retraction are really smooth and I’ve yet to feel any hitches or hesitation.
Belt-driven rowers require less maintenance than the chain-drive systems, as seen on many of the best air rowing machines,, but they are considerably quieter. Part of that is due to the whirring fans creating the resistance. Even at max effort and the highest resistance level though, the Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine is surprisingly quiet and its noise level earns a 4.5 out of 5.
Footprint and Portability
A huge selling point for lightweight rowers like the SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine is how easy they are to move around. There’s no dedicated handle at the rear of the frame, but I think most people won’t have much of a problem gripping the end of the rail to lift and roll it around. My only beef regarding portability — which garners a 4.5 out of 5 — are that the transportation wheels are so tiny.
Again, this is to be expected for the price, but rolling it over turf in our gym is annoying and I’d expect the same to be true of carpet. On hard gym flooring, it’s a breeze, but it doesn’t take much resistance to slow it down.
If vertical storage isn’t an option for you or the 77-inch length takes up too much room, the rail folds in half. I’d score the folding system a 4.5 out of 5 and I honestly think it belongs among the best foldable rowing machines we’ve tested. I wish the metal rod could just be removed without any tools, but you do have to remove a small bolt every time you want to fold it up.
That bit of work is definitely worth the floor space you can reclaim, though. Rowers are long and narrow pieces of equipment, so finding the right parking spot can be tricky. Fortunately, the SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine’s foldable rail reduces the floorspace it occupies by more than half — from 12.3 square feet to just 5.3 square feet — earning its footprint a score of 5 out of 5.
Adjustability and Ergonomics
The 16-level resistance range on Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine is rather wide for this price range and training at level 16 is no joke. I enjoy taking on some steady-state rows, but on magnetic rowers, you can easily switch between levels on the fly. During interval workouts, you don’t want to waste time fiddling with the adjustment mechanism.
On the SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine, the adjustment knob is similar to many of the best exercise bikes and I rate its adjustability 4.5 out of 5. Reaching for the knob is comfortable enough mid-row and in the heat of a workout, feeling and hearing the click of each level makes it even clearer you’re where you want to be.
Adjusting the velcro foot straps is also as easy as it sounds, but I like that Sunny Health & Fitness made them really wide. These adjustable straps help my feet feel more secure, plus the pivoting non-slip foot plates can help release a bit of the tension that can build up in the foot and ankle complex.
Padding on a rower’s seat is a bit of a crapshoot because it’s solely up to the user, which is why some brands offer different options (not Sunny Health & Fitness, though). The slightly contoured, padded seat earns a 4 out of 5 from me and I think the cushioning is just right — not too soft, not too hard. The foam-padded handlebars are super basic and it doesn’t take long for it to become slippery. It’s easy to just grab a pair of lifting gloves, but some folks may prefer the textured grip patterns you see with other brands.
Tech Capabilities
The technology on the Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine is limited compared to the touchscreen displays and virtual workouts available on expensive rowers. Overall, I score its tech capabilities 2.5 out of 5, but the small LCD display does what it’s meant to do — track metrics. Keeping tabs on time elapsed, calories burned, distance traveled, and your total count is easy and should be a given on any rower, but my favorite “tech” feature is the slot for my phone and tablet just in front of the bottle holder.
Sure, it’d be nice to have a huge HD display, but considering I already have a phone and tablet, I’m not interested in dropping another $1,000 for something I already have. If I want to watch a show, listen to music, or even pull up a rowing workout, the rower’s slotted space for my mobile device is well-positioned and secure.
On top of that, the SunnyFit app has over 1,000 total workouts featuring real trainers and it’s completely free. I haven’t used it myself, but compared to the monthly subscriptions of some of the best rowing apps (like $39.99 for iFIT or $44 for Peloton), “free” sounds appealing to me. Outside of the rowing workouts, Sunny Health & Fitness offers tips on form, maintenance guides, and more.
What to Consider Before Buying the Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine
When you’re pondering whether or not to bring home the Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine, first make sure it will fit your space and your budget. But as BarBend expert and CrossFit trainer Amanda Capritto helps explain, there are a few more key factors to consider.
- Footprint and Portability: “Size, weight, and portability are important, as you’ll need to ensure the machine will fit in your space and it’s relatively easy to move if you won’t be able to leave it stationary,” Capritto says. If space is not a concern for you, the foldable rail on the SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine may not add much value.
- Weight Capacity: Before committing to the SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine, make sure its below-average 250-pound weight capacity is high enough for whoever is planning to use it. That’s about 50 pounds less than industry standard, so while its lightweight build is great for portability, the tradeoff is how much weight it can support.
- Adjustability: If pausing to reach for the adjustment knob during a workout might be an annoying hiccup for you, consider a pricier model. Some rowers feature buttons on the handlebar or even auto-adjusting resistance integrated with the best workout apps.
- Sliding Rail Length: The 43-inch sliding rail may be comfortable for many users, but Capritto suggests ensuring it’s long enough for you. “Tall people should check the overall length of the rower, but more importantly, the length of the slide rail, to determine whether they’ll be able to achieve full range of motion,” she advises.
- Onboard Tech: Unlike high-end rowers from NordicTrack or Concept2, you’ll be limited to a small LCD monitor on the SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine. Consider whether you’d prefer more advanced technology like touchscreen displays or Bluetooth connectivity.
Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine Vs. Competitors
Before committing tothe Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine, I’ve lined up two other rowers our team has personally tested to provide a glimpse of other options. The XTERRA ERG180 Smart Rower and Yosuda Water Rowing Machine are two of the best rowing machines under $500 that have passed through the BarBend gym. While it boasts the lowest price and overall weight, the SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine falls short for max user weight capacity. Check out how it holds up against these two budget rowing machines.
| Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine | XTERRA ERG180 Smart Rower | Yosuda Water Rowing Machine | |
| Price | $299.99 | $379.99 | $439.99 |
| Resistance Type | Magnetic | Magnetic | Water |
| Weight Capacity | 250lbs | 300lbs | 300lbs |
| Product Dimensions | 77’’ L x 23’’ W x 22.5’’ H | 68.3″ L x 21.3″ W x 28.5″ H | 35.4” L x 18.1” W x 17.7” H |
| Product Weight | 49.6lbs | 50.7lbs | 67.3lbs |
| Display | LCD | LED | LCD |
| Warranty | 3-year frame, 180-day parts and components | 1-year frame, 90-day parts | 3-year frame |
Ordering and Assembling the Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine
When you order the Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine, you’ll be able to tack on an extended warranty for an additional cost and apply for financing through Affirm. You’ll get Sunny Health& Fitness’ 30-Day Money Back Guarantee and may also qualify for free shipping.
As another member of the BarBend explains, assembling this lightweight rower is pretty straightforward. “It just comes in one small box that most people should be able to move by themself,” they say, rating its delivery and setup 4.5 out of 5. “All you need to do is attach the rail, seat, feet, and digital monitor and you’re all set.”
Places to Buy the Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine
You can buy the Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine at sunnyhealthfitness.com or on Amazon.
Brand Reputation and Customer Reviews
After testing out 17 pieces of equipment from Sunny Health & Fitness, we’ve found it to be some of the best budget home gym equipment out there. From exercise bikes and ellipticals to treadmills and, of course, rowing machines. We’ve also tried out another rower from Sunny Health & Fitness — the SF-RW5515. To get a hold of the customer care team, you can call 1-877-90-SUNNY or hop in a live chat on sunnyhealthfitness.com.
Warranties
With your purchase of the Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine you’ll get three years of coverage on the structural frame, along with a 180-day warranty on parts and components. You can also purchase an extended warranty at checkout.
Final Thoughts on the Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine
No matter the price point, rowers like the Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine can light up muscles all over the body. “Rowing is great for those who want a full-body workout and are looking for a form of cardio that is low impact,” says former collegiate rower and BarBend editorial member Lauren Keary. Turns out though, price is really important for most of us. The microscopic price tag on this foldable rower makes it all the more appealing to value mavens like me, which is why I wanted to try it out for myself.
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by its stability at even the highest levels of adjustable resistance and compared to more expensive models, the major difference I see is the lack of an HD touchscreen. For some, that might a big absence, but for those of us clutching our dollar bills, slotting in a device above the belt may be a suitable replacement. All in all, if you’re short on space, this portable and compact rowing machine might also be a good fit for your budget.
Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine Review FAQs
How much does the Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine cost?
On sunnyhealthfitness.com, you can bring home this magnetic rower for $299.99.
Are magnetic rowing machines a good workout?
Like many of the best magnetic exercise bikes, magnetic rowing machines use a flywheel to generate the resistance felt in each stroke. This generally creates a smooth and quiet workout, but any rower can provide a good workout. In fact, a Harvard study has shown that 155-pound person can burn around 252 calories during just 30 minutes of rowing. (2)
What muscles does the Sunny Health and Fitness rowing machine work?
As with many rowers, workouts on the Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine can light up your whole body. “I particularly like rowing because it engages the majority of the body’s muscles and can develop power and explosiveness in the glutes and hamstrings in addition to improving cardiovascular endurance,” says BarBend expert reviewer and certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto.
Does the Sunny rowing machine fold up?
Yes, the foldable design of the Sunny Health & Fitness SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine reduces its footprint from 12.3 square feet to only 5.3 square feet.
References
- Relationships among muscle characteristics and rowing performance in collegiate crew members. The Sport Journal. (2022, January 14). https://thesportjournal.org/article/relationships-among-muscle-characteristics-and-rowing-performance-in-collegiate-crew-members/
- Harvard Health. (2021, March 8). Calories burned in 30 minutes for people of three different weights. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diet-and-weight-loss/calories-burned-in-30-minutes-for-people-of-three-different-weights
