If you choose to buy a used or used rowing machines to put together a home gym (or even a public gym), make sure the hydraulics are high quality and still in working condition. If you don’t check this first, it may be much more difficult to perform the rowing motion than would be indicated by the amount of weight that exercisers select when using the rowing machines. Such false-reads will cause frustration and can potentially be a health hazard.

The best way to check the condition of a used is to actually try it out. Few people trying to sell their rower will have a problem with you giving it a test run. If they do, then perhaps they’re trying to hide something?

If you're looking to save a few bucks on a used there can be some good deals to be found. Sometimes people buy a rower, fully intending to use it every day, but they never do. Keep your eyes peeled at yard sales, flea markets, etc. Yard sales are littered with good intentions in the form of little-used rowing machines and other exercise equipment.

Used rowing machines can be found in a variety of places for very reasonable amounts of money. Just be sure that when you buy a refurbished rowing machine, that it still looks, feels and functions like a brand new model. It doesn’t help you to save money on a rower if it’s in bad condition and doesn’t do the job you bought it for.