Buy a rowing machine – effective & gentle on joints
Rowing machines, also known as rowers or rowing ergometers, train legs, back, core, and arms simultaneously – efficient, suitable for daily use, and gentle on joints. In our category Rowing machine you will find models from beginner to advanced. Key criteria are resistance system (e.g., water rowing machine, air, magnetic, or hybrid), ergonomics (seat/rail/footrests), monitor features as well as space requirements and handling.
Rowing machines with magnetic resistance operate without an outlet and do not require a power connection. Models with movable rowing arms replicate natural pulling motion; water rowing machines come closest to real rowing on water.
- ✓ Free shipping (DE)
- ✓ 30-day return policy
- ✓ Fast delivery
- ✓ Expert support
Buying guide
Resistance systems
- Water: very natural stroke feel; resistance increases with stroke rate/water level.
- Air: dynamic & athletic; progressive with intensity.
- Magnetic (manual/motorized): quiet, precisely adjustable, often with programs/watts.
- Hybrid (e.g., air + magnetic): combines dynamic feel & precise adjustment.
Ergonomics & smooth operation
Comfort seat, guide rail, and roller quality define the feel. A smooth, even motion is more important than individual specs. Non-slip, adjustable footrests increase safety and grip.
Console & connectivity
Essential metrics: time, distance, strokes/min, 500m pace, calories; depending on the model, programs (interval, target watt, HR-controlled). A compatible chest strap is recommended for precise cardio training.
Space requirements & handling
Pay attention to setup dimensions, foldable/vertical storage, and transport rollers. Check max. user weight and allowable body height. You can find compact upright solutions, for example, with water rowing machines.
More selection: Rowing machine • Rowing machines • Water rowing machine
Rowing mechanism: cable pull vs. 2-bar
Cable pull: classic “indoor rower” with central handle, smooth motion, space-saving.
2-bar: one handle per side – rowing-style arm movement, usually requires more space.
Comparison of our bestsellers
AsVIVA RA12 – Magnetic, 32 levels, up to 135 kg
- Highlights: 3D rowing arms; Easy-Glide comfort seat; foldable
- App/BT: Bluetooth; Kinomap; Zwift
- Dimensions: 198×65×116 cm · folded 89×65×149 cm
AsVIVA RA18 – Water, 6 levels, up to 130 kg
- Highlights: safety water tank; extra long guide rail; storable upright
- App/BT: Bluetooth; Kinomap
- Dimensions: 195×51,8×52 cm · upright 73,6×51,8×102 cm
AsVIVA RA10 – Hybrid (air + magnetic), 16 levels, up to 150 kg
- Programs/HR: 12 + Watt + 3×HR; Polar chest strap incl.
- Highlights: authentic rowing sound; foldable
- Dimensions: 272×52,5×110 cm · folded 137×46×206,5 cm
AsVIVA RA6 (2-in-1) – Magnetic, 32 levels, up to 136 kg
- Highlights: rowing machine + recumbent ergometer; 16 programs (4×HR)
- App/BT: Bluetooth; Kinomap (with resistance control)
- Folded dimensions: 50×63×151 cm
AsVIVA R7 – 2-in-1 recumbent ergometer & crossfit, 18 kg flywheel mass
- Flywheel mass: 18 kg · magnetic resistance system
- 24 electronic resistance levels · 10 programs incl. watt program
- Back-friendly seated workout · compatible with Kinomap, Zwift & FitShow
AsVIVA RA11 Magnetic – foldable, 16 levels & 6.5 % incline, 135 kg
- Quiet magnetic brake system with double flywheel · 16 resistance levels
- Integrated incline of 6,5 % · maximum load up to 135 kg
- Integrated Bluetooth pulse receiver · foldable
AsVIVA RA14 Magnetic Rower – 13 kg flywheel mass, 150 kg
- Magnetic brake system · 13 kg flywheel mass · 8 resistance levels
- Ergonomic comfort seat · maximum load up to 150 kg
- LCD fitness computer with chest strap receiver · foldable (112 × 47 × 145 cm)
AsVIVA RA20 PowerGen – 32 levels, app connection, foldable
- Power supply via USB-C
- Automatic resistance control · 32 resistance levels · 6 kg flywheel
- Ergonomic 3D comfort seat · space-saving foldable
Suitable for beginners?
Rowing is the gentlest endurance workout of all – no impact, roughly four-fifths of your muscles engaged. However, starting out comes with one condition: the sequence must be spot on. Push with your legs first, then open your core, finally pull with your arms – and reverse in return. Anyone who pulls with their arms and rounds their back gets a worse workout and risks discomfort.
That's why the first two to three sessions should focus on technique, not speed. After that, it comes naturally. A lightweight unit to start with is the RA11 Magnetic rowing machine (386 €, 22 kg, 163,5 × 45 cm).
The eight-week plan is available for free as a PDF. To find out whether rowing or running suits you better, check out Rowing machine or treadmill?
How much space do you need – and how do you store it away?
In operation, our rowing machines are 163,5 to 272 cm long and 43 to 65 cm wide. That is more than a treadmill. The difference: five of the eleven models are foldable, and the water rowing machines can be stored vertically – the RA18 Lightning weighs 29 kg and can be moved by a single person.
For small apartments, rowing is therefore often the better choice than running, even though the machine is longer when in use: it disappears afterward.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Is rowing gentle on joints?
Yes – the movement is guided; impact stress like during jogging is eliminated. Build up technique properly and increase load gradually.
Water, air, magnetic or hybrid – which is right for me?
Water/air feel very dynamic and “natural”. Magnetic is quiet and often offers programs/watts. Hybrid combines both – choose based on your desired stroke feel & training goal.
How much space do I need?
Pay attention to setup dimensions and storage options: foldable or upright (e. g., RA18). The details can be found with each product.
Can I train with apps?
Many AsVIVA models support Kinomap; depending on the device, Zwift is also compatible (see product details).
Rowing machine, treadmill or cross trainer – which machine is right for you?
Rowing engages around 80 % of your muscles, targeting the entire body including the back – all while seated and gentle on the joints. The treadmill is closer to everyday movement, while the cross trainer is technically the simplest. Anyone looking for a full-body workout and endurance in one machine will find the rowing machine to be the right choice.
Can you lose weight with a rowing machine?
Yes, and very effectively: by using your legs, core, and arms, calorie consumption per session is high. Make sure to maintain proper technique – it keeps the strain where it belongs and makes workouts sustainable for longer.
What are the disadvantages of a rowing machine?
The technique needs to be learned: pulling with a rounded back puts unnecessary stress on the lumbar spine. In addition, the elongated design requires length clearance – although many models can be stored upright. For pure leg training, an ergometer or treadmill is the more direct choice.
Free workout plan: Rowing machine workout plan (PDF) – 8-week build-up, no registration required. All plans
