Sunny Rowing Machine Review: Features, Benefits & Workout Tips

If you’ve been eyeing a rowing machine for your home workouts but don’t want to spend a fortune, chances are you’ve come across the Sunny Rowing Machine. It’s one of the most talked-about budget-friendly rowers out there. But does it live up to the hype?

In this review, we’ll walk through what it’s like to use, what sets it apart (and what doesn’t), and how to get the most out of it. Whether you’re a total beginner or just want to shake up your cardio routine, this guide has got you covered.

A Quick Look at Sunny Health & Fitness

Let’s start with the brand behind the rower. Sunny Health & Fitness isn’t new to the scene—they’ve been making home workout equipment for years. Their focus? Affordable gear that doesn’t fall apart after a few uses. Sounds promising, right?

They’ve got everything from treadmills to spin bikes, but their rowing machines really hit the sweet spot: affordable, compact, and surprisingly solid for the price.

Why Even Bother with a Rowing Machine?

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick reminder of why rowers are worth it:

You’re getting a full-body workout—legs, core, back, and arms.
It’s low-impact, so it’s gentle on the joints.
You’ll burn calories and boost your cardio without pounding on a treadmill.
And yes—it’s legit fun once you get into the rhythm.

Now let’s talk about what it’s like to use a Sunny Rowing Machine.

Sunny Rowing Machine Features (aka What You Get)

Not all Sunny rowers are the same—they offer a few models (we’ll cover the most popular in a sec). But they do share some common features:

Smooth Resistance Options

Depending on the model, you’ll get one of three types:

Magnetic Resistance: Super quiet. Great if you’re working out early or sharing a space.
Air Resistance: Feels a bit more like rowing on water. The harder you pull, the more resistance you feel.
Hydraulic Resistance: Small, compact, and ideal for tight spaces. Best for light-to-moderate workouts.

If quiet operation and easy adjustability matter to you, go for magnetic. If you want that traditional rowing “feel,” air is where it’s at.

Multiple Resistance Levels

Most Sunny rowing machines let you choose from 8 to 16 resistance levels, so you can scale up as your fitness improves. No need to max out on Day 1.

Simple But Helpful LCD Monitor

You’re not getting a fancy screen, but the monitor gives you the basics:

Time
Stroke count
Calories
Total count
Scan mode to cycle through

Higher-end models even sync with fitness apps—which is a nice touch if you like seeing your progress laid out.

Surprisingly Comfortable Design

The seat is cushioned, the handlebar is sweat-resistant, and the foot pedals are adjustable with secure straps. You won’t be sliding around or fighting the machine. That matters more than you’d think, especially on longer sessions.

Compact & Foldable

A lot of us don’t have space for a full-blown gym. Most Sunny rowers fold up easily, roll into a corner, or even tuck into a closet. Perfect for small apartments or shared spaces.

Which Sunny Rowing Machine Is Right for You?

Here are a few standout models to consider, depending on your space, budget, and goals:

SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rowing Machine

8 resistance levels
Smooth, quiet strokes
Foldable
Great for everyday home use
Best for: Beginners to intermediate users who want an easy, no-fuss machine

SF-RW1205 Hydraulic Rower

12 resistance settings
Very compact
Under $150 at times
Best for: Those with very limited space or new to rowing

SF-RW5622 Dual Function Magnetic Rower

Combines rowing with standing exercises (like bicep curls)
Magnetic resistance + full-body training
LCD monitor
Best for: People looking to mix in more strength training

Sunny Rowing Machine Workout Tips (from Someone Who’s Used One)

Buying the machine is the first step. Using it? That’s where the magic happens. Here’s how to make your workouts more effective and way less boring:

1. Learn Proper Form Early

The number one mistake with rowing machines is using too much arm and not enough leg. Here’s the basic breakdown:

Catch: Knees bent, arms straight, leaning forward
Drive: Push with legs, then pull with arms
Finish: Legs straight, handle at chest, leaning slightly back
Recovery: Reverse the motion

Focus on legs → core → arms. It takes a session or two to click, but your back and knees will thank you later.

2. Try Intervals (They’re Not Just for Hardcore Athletes)

Mix up your routine with intervals to keep things fun and torch calories.

Example beginner set:

3-minute warmup
30 seconds fast rowing
30 seconds easy or rest
Repeat 8–10 rounds
Cool down

3. Use It as Part of a Full-Body Routine

Rowing is great, but why stop there? Here’s a quick circuit idea:

500m row
15 squats
10 push-ups
20 crunches
Repeat 3–4 rounds

Boom. Cardio + strength in under 30 minutes.

4. Track Your Progress (Even If You’re Not “Into” Data)

If your model has a digital monitor or app syncing, use it. Track your weekly meters or stroke count—it’s weirdly motivating to see the numbers go up.

What’s Great—and What’s Not

Let’s keep it real. Here’s the good and the not-so-good.

Pros

Affordable (most under $300)
Good resistance variety
Quiet, compact, and easy to store
Great for beginners or casual users
Decent build quality for the price

Cons

Basic monitors (no video classes or fancy metrics)
Some models don’t feel as “smooth” as premium rowers
Shorter warranties (typically 1–3 years)

If you’re used to high-end machines like the Concept2 or Hydrow, this won’t compare—but it also costs a fraction of the price.

Is the Sunny Rowing Machine Worth It?

Yes, for most people. If you want a reliable, budget-friendly rowing machine that won’t take over your entire living room, the Sunny Rowing Machine checks a lot of boxes. It’s solid, easy to use, and gives you a great full-body workout at home without spending $1,000+.

For beginners, casual rowers, and anyone tight on space or money, it’s a no-brainer. Just don’t expect bells and whistles—and that’s honestly part of the charm.

Conclusion

Whether you’re new to fitness or just want to upgrade your home setup without draining your savings, a Sunny Health and Fitness Rowing Machine is a smart choice. You get quality, convenience, and versatility without overcomplicating things.

Plus, if you follow a few of the Sunny rowing machine workout tips we shared above, you’ll be burning calories and building strength in no time—right from your living room.