The rowing machine, also known as an indoor rower or rowing ergometer, is one of the most popular and oldest fitness machines. You can complete a full total-body workout on a rowing machine because virtually all major muscle chains are involved in a rowing motion. Plus, it provides an excellent strength endurance workout. Over the years, technology has also evolved, so beginners looking to buy a rowing machine might have a few questions. After all, not all rowing machines are created equal these days. No – the various models now differ in terms of construction and drive system. Should you go for a rowing machine with water resistance? Or one with magnetic resistance instead? Today, we take a look at the major differences between the most common rowing machines, along with their potential pros and cons.
The first rowing equipment
There are patent documents proving that rowing machine designs were already being developed at the end of the 19th century. Since the mid-50s, there have been rowing ergometers that can closely simulate the rowing movement of a rower on the water. The first indoor rowers back then were operated by means of an iron wheel and magnetic resistance. In the 70s, a rowing ergometer was developed for the first time that was driven by a spiral pulley with a flywheel. Since 1980, there have been rowing machines with air resistance drive. Nowadays, there are different drive types and rowing machine types. Common to all is a type of resistance system against which the rower must work. With actual rowing on a body of water, the water itself takes care of this. With indoor rowers, this feeling of real rowing is also meant to be conveyed. It is now standard for the seat of the device to move back and forth on a rail during the movement. Digital display devices for measuring and evaluating performance are also now included with every rowing machine. The range of functions is adapted to the price level of the device. The resistance is generated by friction/hydraulics, magnetism, air, or water.
Rowing machine with magnetic resistance
Now prospective buyers face the question: What type of rowing machine should I buy? Beyond considerations of budget and available space at home, the type of resistance is a crucial buying factor. Almost all common rowing machines operate via a cable pull system featuring a long handlebar connected to the front drive mechanism by a cable, which must be pulled backward against resistance. Magnetic resistance is a popular technology: here, several magnetic discs surround the flywheel in the center. Depending on the distance to the magnetic discs, the flywheel is either slowed down or resistance decreases. There are also different structural designs, but let's keep things simple.
Advantages of a rowing ergometer with magnetic resistance:
- It produces virtually no noise during resistance
- Often very compact and also foldable
- Suitable for beginners: often cheaper than the other two drives
Disadvantages of a rowing ergometer with magnetic resistance:
- Not a completely authentic rowing motion, as the resistance remains constant throughout the stroke
- Maximum machine resistance is limited and often lower than with the other two options (water and air)
- Inexpensive models are often not as durable
Rowing machine with air resistance
A rowing ergometer with air resistance is a classic model that has been technically refined over time. Here, the flywheel does not work against magnetic resistance or the resistance of water, but against the air turbulence created when moving the flywheel. These machines are very popular for HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) because you can determine the resistance and thus the intensity purely through the force and speed applied.
Advantages of a rowing ergometer with air resistance:
- Rowing motion is more authentic than with magnetic resistance
- Usually cheaper than water rowing machines
- Fairly compact, often foldable
- Automatic resistance adjustment
Disadvantages of a rowing ergometer with air resistance:
- They are the loudest models, causing more noise than water rowing machines
- Often quite long, as space is required for the air turbulence
- As a rule, more expensive than models with magnetic resistance
Rowing machine with water resistance
For many, it is the crème de la crème of indoor rowers: a rowing machine with a round water tank attached—usually at the front and center. You fill it with water according to the manufacturer's instructions. The resistance when rowing is determined by the fill level/volume in the tank. The more water in the tank, the higher the resistance you have to work against. Inside the tank is a paddle-like mechanism that moves against the water's resistance as you pull.
Advantages of a rowing ergometer with water resistance:
- Very quiet rowing
- The sound of swirling water is often perceived as pleasant
- Authentic: Comes closest to classic rowing on a lake
Disadvantages of a rowing ergometer with water resistance:
- Are among the most expensive of all models
- Fairly heavy weight when the tank is full
- Some may consider it a disadvantage if the resistance cannot be controlled via a display
There is a fourth resistance mechanism, namely a hydraulic outrigger system. However, of all indoor rowers, these are visually and technically the models least similar to real rowing. In addition, they are not as suitable for serious rowing training as the other models and are therefore not found in popular gyms or functional boxes. For this reason, these models were not discussed in detail here.
Buying a rowing machine: spoiled for choice
Anyone considering buying a rowing machine looks not only at the price, adjustment options, and technology, but above all at the type of resistance. Ideally, you should try out all types of models somewhere and inform yourself thoroughly before buying. Then a rowing ergometer is a very durable investment that will bring you a lot of joy.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Rowing Machines
Which resistance is right: magnetic, water, or air?
Magnetic is the quietest and allows for finer adjustments, water feels the most realistic and creates a rushing sound, while air responds most directly to pulling force but is the loudest. We have compared water and magnetic resistance in detail in a dedicated article.
How much space does a rowing machine need?
In operation, 163.5 to 272 cm in length by 43 to 65 cm in width. Afterward, five of our eleven models can be folded, and the water rowing machines can even be stored upright – the RA18 weighs 29 kg and can be moved by one person.
Which rowing machine is suitable for beginners?
A magnetic one. The resistance can be adjusted independently of the pulling force, the machine is forgiving of improper technique, and it stays quiet. Water feels nicer, but requires a consistent rowing stroke; otherwise, it gets uneven.
Which muscles does a rowing machine train?
Legs, glutes, back, core, arms, and shoulders in one movement – it works around four-fifths of your muscles. Hardly any other cardio machine engages so much.
Is rowing gentle on joints?
Very. There is no impact, and the force is distributed across the entire leg extension rather than in a single shock. That's why rowing is often recommended for people with knee issues or excess weight.
How often and how long should you row?
To start out, three sessions per week of 20 to 30 minutes each. Better shorter with clean technique than long with a rounded back – technique determines effectiveness and keeping you pain-free.
