Everyone knows that movement is good for you. Yet, as we age, studies show that low-impact exercise is especially beneficial for the physical and cognitive health of older adults. If you’re looking for a low-impact exercise tool that will make a low impact on your wallet, we spotted a compact, adjustable rowing machine that’s loved by users in their 50, 60s, 70s and even 80s, for making working out more accessible and fun. Even better? It’s currently 20% off, if your fast enough to snag the lightning deal.
“Low-impact exercise” isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a classified form of movement that’s easer on the joints (psst: like using a rowing machine.) 
Per the American Sport And Fitness Association, “low-impact exercise” means movements that don’t have forceful landings or cause “shock absorption” in your joints — like running and jumping do. Generally, these movements include having one foot on the ground at all times, making them a great option for older folks and people with mobility limitations, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Of course, something like indoor rowing (i.e., rowing on a rowing machine), an entirely seated exercise, lets you fluidly move and groove without lifting your feet at all. When you use a rowing machine, you engage your legs, arms and core, without putting vertical weight or extra stress on your body. In fact, a government study looking at the effects of indoor rowing on visually impaired people called it a “safe whole-body exercise,” noting that the stability of being seated and repetitive continuous motion of indoor rowing made it a great option for those with visual impairments or who struggle with balance.
So, why is this rowing machine special?
In short: it’s compact, lightweight, easy to assemble, works out your whole body without wearing your out and comes with a great app. Plus, it’s a lot cheaper than similar models. As reviewer Carole wrote, “I’m an 86 year old female so if I can do it anyone can!”
The machine is designed with a sliding seat, strapped foot pedals and a spot to hold your phone. 12 levels of hydraulic resistance let you engage different muscle groups with the turn of a knob. A digital monitor helps track speed, time, calories burned, and more with the digital monitor.
With the rower, you’ll get free access to the brand’s app, offering over 1,000 trainer-led workouts, challenges, video tours and more.
People desiring more exercise as they age, dealing with chronic pain, or recovering from major surgeries swear the machine “gives you a decent workout” while still being “incredibly low impact.” 
Unlike a treadmill or elliptical, this portable rowing machine lets you sit as you move. A reviewer who broke a vertebra falling down stairs said the machine came recommended by their physical therapist, “because it forces you to remain in the proper posture” and “will work your back without added tension,” they wrote. Another person recovering from an accident with “several injuries” wrote the machine “did not interfere with my healing but yet gave me the low impact exercise I needed.”
Reviewers call it “perfect for an older person who needs exercise without impact,” with a 70-year-old reviewer calling it “ideal” for bringing gentle movement to those who “haven’t exercised for years.”
Another reviewer in their 70s says the machine is “excellent for elderly workout,” especially if you are trying to get more movement for your health.
“I find that it exercises my core and arms and legs. I get into a steady rhythm that is not slow but not rapid either,” they said. “My aim is to get my heart beating, work up a sweat, and work on my core. I’ve lost ten pounds in two months, look slimmer, have fewer back issues due to a stronger core, and have even mitigated my COPD [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease] somewhat.”
Reviewers in their 80s love the machine for working “the entire body” and building range of motion in their legs. “My hip pain is greatly reduced because of the increased blood flow and my upper body strength is noticably improved,” one wrote. “Gives this 80 plus year old just the type of mild challenge that I found to be just right” another said.
There also seems to be a consensus that this thing makes working out actually relaxing.
There “could not be a more relaxing way to get fit,” one reviewer noted. And how is this? Fair question.
Because the machine is so easy to move and store, many use it around the house while watching TV or winding down for the day. “I use it in the morning while watching the news, then in the evening if I’m watching TV – makes me feel not-as-guilty for a relaxing night in,” reviewer Jane wrote. “Light to move around but doesn’t wobble when you’re on it,” reviewer Amy added. “Put it in front of the TV and row row row your boat to health,” noting that since rowing their “mood has increased drastically.”
Another who compliments how relaxing the continuous rowing motion is, says the machine provides a “full body workout while in a ‘flow’ state.” “If you love swimming, or swinging on swings, you’ll love this,” they said.
Basically, it’s a must-have for any exercise preferences, needs or challenges you’ve got going on!
Reviewers love this compact rowing machine for offering low-impact movement from the comfort of their home. Read more 5-star reviews and grab one on sale.
“I am an 80-yr-old with circulation problems, bad hip. This machine works the entire body and I get a good range of motion in the legs. My hip pain is greatly reduced because of the increased blood flow and my upper body strength is noticably improved. The machine was easy for me to assemble myself and light enough to move easily, the price exceedingly reasonable for the quality of the product and the resulting benefits.. Admittely, I use it with the least tension but over time, who knows?” — Amazon customer
“Very easy install. Light to move around but doesn’t wobble when you’re on it. It gives you a good workout if you put in the effort. Put it in front of the TV and row row row your boat to health! I’ve had this for two weeks now. I track my workouts with the ‘weights’ exercise on my fitbit. I am addicted to this. I average 45 minutes per day which my fitbit says is about 400 calories lost. My mood has increased drastically. I can tell my body is getting a workout. I can feel the burn’” — Amy
“I really didn’t expect something this nice for such a low price. The best bargain in-home exercise equipment I’ve encountered. Gives this 80 plus year old just the type of mild challenge that I found to be just right. It’s easy to make resistance adjustments to suit the level of training you’re interested in. Higher tension for strength or lower for a longer aerobic session. The device seems to be quite durable and sturdy even though it’s relatively light in weight. I more than 5-stars were available, I’d give this device an extra or two.” — geezerdly
“I had massive back surgery with 4 rods and 31 screws. I also had total bilateral knee replacements. I have struggled with finding a way to exercise especially for my upper back and arms that still exercised my legs. This little rowing machine is perfect without causing pain and strain against the rods. I had it assembled in 10 minutes. So light weight and easy to use, move and store. I highly recommend this product, not for serious athletes, but for older adults or anyone with limited ability to exercise due to health issues.” — Kelley F. Birk
“For an amateur rower this is a perfect thing for starters. It gives you a decent workout, and tightens your core, shoulders and back. It’s not super intense cardio like an elliptical or treadmill, but incredibly low impact. Also, this takes so little space, and folds up out of the way when I don’t need it.” — Tia H
“I purchased this as a 60+ year old female to help keep in shape over the winter. I love to walk, but always slack off in the cold weather. I wanted something low-tech, small, quiet (I live in an upper floor apartment) and fairly inexpensive. This checked all the boxes. I have been using it for 3 weeks now and have no issues. It’s doing exactly what I purchased it for!” — K Miller
The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)