Rowing Machines
Rowing machines deliver the best full-body cardio workout available — working legs, back, arms, and core in every stroke. Air, magnetic, water, and hydraulic resistance each offer different feel and n...
See allRowing machines deliver the best full-body cardio workout available — working legs, back, arms, and core in every stroke. Air, magnetic, water, and hydraulic resistance each offer different feel and noise levels.
Water rowers are the quietest and most natural-feeling. Air rowers (like Concept2) are the competition standard. Magnetic rowers are quiet and compact.
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Rowing machines deliver the best full-body cardio workout available — working legs, back, arms, and core in every stroke. Air, magnetic, water, and hydraulic resistance each offer different feel and n...
See allRowing machines deliver the best full-body cardio workout available — working legs, back, arms, and core in every stroke. Air, magnetic, water, and hydraulic resistance each offer different feel and noise levels.
Water rowers are the quietest and most natural-feeling. Air rowers (like Concept2) are the competition standard. Magnetic rowers are quiet and compact.
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AmazonBuying Guide
The resistance type defines the entire rowing experience. Air rowers (Concept2 being the gold standard) provide dynamic resistance that increases the harder you pull — this perfectly mimics on-water rowing and is why every competitive rower trains on one. The downside is noise; air rowers are the loudest type. Water rowers use a tank of water to create resistance, producing a soothing swoosh sound and a natural feel that many find meditative. Magnetic rowers are the quietest option and typically the most compact when folded, making them ideal for apartments.
For serious training, look for a performance monitor that tracks split times, stroke rate, and total distance using a standardised metric. The Concept2 PM5 is the benchmark all others are measured against. Storage is a practical concern — most rowers are 210-250 cm long during use but many fold or stand vertically for storage. Check the rail length; shorter rails limit the stroke for taller rowers. The seat should glide smoothly on stainless steel or aluminium rails, and the foot stretchers should adjust to accommodate different shoe sizes securely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which resistance type is best for home use — air, water, or magnetic?
It depends on your priorities. Magnetic rowers are best for quiet apartment training and compact storage. Water rowers offer the most pleasant sound and natural feel, doubling as attractive furniture. Air rowers provide the most accurate, competition-standard training experience but are the loudest. For pure fitness without competitive goals, magnetic or water are the most home-friendly choices.
Is the Concept2 worth the price for a home rower?
If you take rowing seriously or want accurate performance tracking, the Concept2 is the definitive choice. Its PM5 monitor is the global standard, all online rowing competitions use it, and it holds resale value exceptionally well. For casual cardio, a quality magnetic or water rower at half the price serves perfectly well.
How much space does a rowing machine need?
During use, most rowers need approximately 250x60 cm of floor space, plus room behind for your arms to extend fully. Many models fold in half or stand vertically for storage, reducing the footprint to about 70x60 cm. Water rowers are the notable exception — they rarely fold due to the water tank and typically remain assembled.
What muscles does a rowing machine work?
Rowing engages roughly 86% of your muscles. The drive phase works quads, glutes, and calves. The pull phase engages lats, rhomboids, rear delts, biceps, and forearms. Your core stabilises throughout the entire stroke. This makes rowing one of the most complete exercises available, burning more calories per minute than most other cardio machines.
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