6 Best Indoor Rowing Machines For Teens That Accommodate Growth Spurts
Find a rower that grows with your teen. Our guide reviews 6 top picks with the adjustability and durability to accommodate any growth spurt.
Your teen comes home from a "learn to row" summer camp, completely energized and asking for a rowing machine. You’re thrilled they’ve found a healthy passion, but a quick look at their high-water pants reminds you they’re in the middle of a massive growth spurt. How do you invest in quality equipment that won’t be too small in six months?
Choosing a Rower for Your Teen’s Growth Spurts
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When your child hits their teen years, their body changes at an astonishing rate. A piece of equipment that fits perfectly in September might be awkward and restrictive by March. This is the central challenge when choosing an indoor rower, an investment you hope will last them through high school and maybe even beyond.
The key is to look past the flashy features and focus on the machine’s core structure. The single most important factor is the slide rail length, often correlated with the user’s inseam. A longer rail ensures that even after a three-inch growth spurt, your teen can achieve a full, powerful leg drive without their knees hitting their chest or the seat crashing into the stopper.
Beyond the rail, consider overall adjustability and durability. Look for adjustable footplates that can accommodate growing feet and a sturdy frame that feels stable for a 13-year-old but can also handle the power of a 17-year-old. Think of this not as buying for the child you have today, but for the young adult they will be in two or three years.
Concept2 RowErg: The Gold Standard for All Ages
If your teen is showing serious interest in rowing, perhaps with an eye on joining a competitive crew team, the Concept2 is the undisputed industry standard. Walk into nearly any boathouse or high-level training center, and this is the machine you will see. Its long monorail accommodates users well over 6’5", making it virtually impossible for a teen to outgrow.
What makes the Concept2 a smart family investment is its incredible durability and high resale value. This isn’t a machine you’ll be putting on the curb in five years; it’s built to withstand decades of heavy use. The performance monitor (PM5) is the global standard for comparing times, allowing your teen to track their progress against peers and even potential college recruits. It’s a "buy it once" purchase that can serve the entire family and holds its value if your teen’s interests eventually shift.
WaterRower Natural for a Smooth, Realistic Feel
Is your teen motivated more by the experience and feel of an activity than by competitive metrics? The WaterRower offers a completely different approach. Instead of air resistance, it uses a flywheel in a tank of water, creating a smooth, quiet, and incredibly realistic rowing sensation that closely mimics being on the water.
This unique resistance can be a powerful motivator, making workouts feel less like a chore and more like a practice. The WaterRower is also built from solid wood, making it a durable and aesthetically pleasing piece of furniture that can be stored upright when not in use. It easily accommodates taller users, ensuring it will grow with your teen, and its gentle "whoosh" sound is much less disruptive to the household than the sound of an air rower.
Hydrow Wave Rower for Tech-Savvy Teen Athletes
For the teen who lives on their phone and is motivated by community, classes, and digital feedback, the Hydrow Wave is a compelling option. It brings the connected fitness experience, popularized by brands like Peloton, to the world of rowing. The machine is built around a large screen that streams live and on-demand, instructor-led workouts filmed on beautiful waterways around the world.
This approach can be a game-changer for keeping a teen engaged. The sense of community, leaderboards, and structured programs can provide the motivation needed to stick with a routine. The Wave has a smaller footprint than many other rowers and features a modern design. While it requires a monthly subscription, for the right personality, that ongoing investment in content could be the key to long-term consistency and enjoyment.
Fitness Reality 1000 Plus for Taller Teens
Perhaps your teen is already towering over their classmates, or you know from family genetics that a big growth spurt is imminent. The Fitness Reality 1000 Plus is a fantastic budget-conscious option designed specifically with taller users in mind. Its standout feature is an extra-long 39-inch inseam slide rail, providing ample room for a full range of motion.
This machine proves you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a proper fit. While it lacks the advanced monitors or refined resistance of premium models, it delivers a solid, reliable rowing workout. It also connects via Bluetooth to fitness apps, offering a touch of modern tech. This is an excellent choice for families who want to support their teen’s fitness without a major financial commitment, ensuring their tall athlete can train with proper, effective form.
Sunny SF-RW5515: A Solid, Adjustable Starter
If you’re looking for a low-risk way to introduce rowing into your teen’s fitness routine, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 is a perennial favorite. It’s a magnetic resistance rower, which means it’s smooth and relatively quiet. More importantly, it offers a great balance of affordability, durability, and adjustability for a beginner.
This is the perfect "let’s see if this sticks" machine. It has a respectable slide rail length that fits most teens and adjustable resistance levels to challenge them as they get stronger. It doesn’t have the bells and whistles of high-end models, but it provides a safe and effective platform to learn the fundamentals of the rowing stroke. It’s a smart, practical entry point before you consider upgrading to a more specialized machine down the road.
XTERRA ERG220: A Quiet, Space-Saving Option
Living space is a real consideration for most families. The XTERRA ERG220 is designed for the practicalities of a busy home. It uses quiet magnetic resistance, so your teen can get a workout in their room or the living room without disrupting the entire household. This is a huge plus for early morning or late-night sessions.
The ERG220’s best feature for families is its simple, foldable design. When the workout is done, it can be easily folded and wheeled into a corner or a closet, freeing up valuable floor space. It provides a smooth, consistent workout with enough rail length for the average growing teen, making it a fantastic solution that balances performance with the logistical realities of family life.
Prioritizing Proper Form and Safety for Teens
Regardless of which machine you choose, the most important investment you can make is in teaching your teen proper form. A growing body is more susceptible to injury from repetitive, incorrect movements. The rowing stroke is a full-body motion that is primarily driven by the legs, not the arms and back—a common misconception for beginners.
Encourage your teen to watch tutorials from reputable sources like U.S. Rowing or Concept2. If possible, a few sessions with a local rowing coach can provide an invaluable foundation. Have them focus on the sequence of "legs, body, arms" on the drive and "arms, body, legs" on the recovery. Establishing these correct motor patterns early will not only prevent injury but also make their workouts far more effective and enjoyable for years to come.
Ultimately, the best rowing machine is the one your teen will use safely and consistently. By focusing on a machine that can accommodate their future growth, you’re not just buying equipment; you’re investing in a healthy habit that can last a lifetime.