All You Need to Know About Water Rowing Machines

Rowing is a great way to get an intense full-body workout while getting a high-intensity aerobic workout. With a water rowing machine, you’ll experience the benefits of nature indoors. But what makes water rowers so different from air rowers? Let’s take a closer look at all the benefits of investing in one of these machines.

What are water rowing machines?

Water rowing machines are an excellent cardiovascular workout and a unique addition to any home gym. Like rowing in natural water, water rowing machines provide full-body training focusing on the abs, shoulders, upper back, arms, glutes, and legs. However, despite working in almost every major muscle group, water rowing machines are low-impact, which means they are suitable for all fitness levels.

Whether new to water rowing or a seasoned pro, the rowing experience carries numerous cardiovascular benefits. It can be used for strength training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), or traditional rowing workouts.

If you’re looking for new fitness equipment, these are our top picks for the best water rowing machines in 2022. Read on for a complete guide to the types of water rowing machines available, their benefits, how to use them, and other considerations to review before making a purchase.

Why choose water resistance training?

Water resistance training offers several key benefits over air resistance training, including more efficient calorie burning and improved cardiovascular fitness.

In addition, because water is denser than air, it’s easier for your body to move the paddle wheel through it, which means you can have intense workouts without putting too much stress on your joints and muscles. The water rower is also less noisy than the air rower, making it ideal for home use.

What features should I look for?

When buying a water rowing machine, certain features are worth looking for to ensure you get the best possible value for your money. Many models come with an electric monitor that displays distance rowed and other vital metrics such as calories burned and exercise time. In addition, many manufacturers offer programs designed specifically for their water rowers, allowing users to customize their workouts according to their goals and preferences. Conclusion:

Whether you’re looking for a full-body workout or an effective way to reduce stress, you need to invest in a quality water rowing machine.

Water rowers offer several advantages over traditional air rowers and can provide users with intense yet low-impact workouts explicitly tailored to their needs. From adjustable resistance levels to electric monitors that display distance traveled and calories burned, there are plenty of features available on modern models that make them worth considering if you’re looking for an effective home cardio workouts machine.

Our selection of the best water rowing machines:

Best Overall: XTERRA ERG650W Water Rowing Machine

In our selection of the best water rowing machines, the XTERRA ERG650W water rowing machine takes the top spot on our list due to its sleek design, durability, and high-quality real rowing experience.

With over 15 programmed workouts and six levels of water resistance, this machine is suitable for new and experienced rowers. A solid, durable steel frame with dual aluminum slide rails means this indoor rower can handle even the most intense training and will likely last you for years.

We also love the XTERRA ERG650W because its design keeps comfort in mind: the machine has ergonomic rowing handlebars, a contoured padded seat, and adjustable pedals. One drawback is that you’ll have to manually get up from the machine to change the resistance level, as it depends on changing the amount of water. But if that doesn’t bother you, the XTERRA ERG60W water rowing machine takes the cake as the best on the market.

Pros

• Advanced and realistic rowing experience with multiple hydraulic paddles
• More than 15 programmed workouts
• Six levels of water rower based resistance

Cons

• Not compatible with fitness apps
• No Bluetooth capability
• Changing resistance levels can be time consuming

Specifications

• Dimensions: 20.7 inches L x 26.5 inches W x 79.5 inches
• Weight: 76 pounds
• Weight Capacity: 350 pounds
• Max User Height: Six feet, four inches
• Materials: Solid steel frame with aluminum slide rails
• Display: 5.6-inch LCD monitor with adjustable angle
• Bluetooth: Not Bluetooth compatible
• Warranty: Lifetime for frame, two years parts, and one year labor

Best Smart Water Rower: Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Obsidian Surge Aquatic Rowing Machine

The Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Obsidian Surge water rowing machine is affordable at $649.99 and offers an intelligent rowing experience beyond price. Designed to work with the SunnyFit APP, you can track your favorite workouts thanks to a device mount on the rowing machine’s monitor that can hold your phone or tablet.

In addition to its intelligent capabilities, we’ve also ranked this indoor rowing machine high on our list for its smooth and stable rowing experience. The floor stabilizers and non-slip handlebars help the water rower withstand repeated pulls.

Plus, this machine can be stored upright for easy storage, making it an excellent option for those with smaller smart home gyms. While the adjustable footrests give users more freedom to move their feet and ankles, some may prefer the pivoting pedal feature, so it’s essential to consider this before purchasing water rowers in sunny health fitness.

Pros

• Compatible with the SunnyFit APP for both Android and iOS.
• Easy vertical storage
• Modes include race and recovery

Cons

• No heart rate monitor included
• Short warranty on parts
• Some users don’t like the adjustable footrests

Specifications

• Dimensions: 78.9 inches long x 22.3 inches wide x 32.67 inches tall
• Weight: 91.9 lbs.
• Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
• Maximum user height: N/A
• Materials: Steel slide rail
• Display: The digital monitor includes a device holder for your smartphone or tablet
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth compatible, works with SunnyFit APP
• Warranty: Three years for the frame, 180 days for other parts and components in water rowers

Best Water Rower to Splurge On: The Ergatta Rower

For an even more luxurious water rowing experience, look no further than the Ergatta Rower. As the most high-tech product on our list of the best water rowing machines, this ultra-modern paddle includes a sleek 17.3-inch digital touchscreen that tracks metrics and is Bluetooth-enabled for heart rate monitors.

The Full HD touchscreen runs Android and has a crisp 1920 x 1080 resolution. While an Ergatta membership is required to access the brand’s entire fitness library (sold separately for $29 per month or discounted to $319 for the first year), you can use the product without one. However, with a membership, you can use the running mode, access your saved workout history, or use the custom workout library, which is calibrated to your fitness levels and goals.

Pros

• High-definition interactive touchscreen
• Excellent warranty program
• Calibrated workout programs for fitness levels and goals

Cons

• High price
• Increased height can be a challenge for short users
• Membership is required for the complete fitness library

Specifications

• Dimensions: 83 inches long x 23 inches wide x 40 inches high
• Weight: 76.5 pounds
• Weight capacity: 500 pounds
• Maximum user height: Six feet, eight inches
• Materials: Cherry wood frame
• Display: 17.3-inch digital touchscreen display with 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth compatible
• Warranty: Five-year warranty on the structural frame, three-year warranty on parts, and one-year warranty on the tablet

The Best Budget Water Rower: Outroad Rowing Machine

For less than $300, you can add a full-body aerobic workout to your home gym without going broke. The Outroad rowing machine is our best budget water rower machine thanks to its low price of $289.99, large flywheel, and lighter weight, making it easy to transport.

An ergonomic design with thick handlebars, adjustable footrests, and a U-shaped seat helps keep users comfortable. In contrast, a flexible digital display shows time, stroke rate, calories burned, distance, and more.

The Outroad rowing machine is an excellent option for those who want to try the indoor rowing experience without splurging on a high-end purchase or those looking for a simple workout. However, some users need help with setting up the machine, while others report inaccurate metrics tracking. For the price, however, this is a great entry-level machine for casual rowers or those new to indoor rowing machines.

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Easy to transport
• Quiet rowing experience

Cons

• A wooden frame may not last as long as steel-framed competitors
• Some users report difficulty assembling the machine
• Some users say inaccurate tracking

Specifications

• Dimensions: 83 inches long x 20.8 inches wide x 22 inches high
• Weight: 59.2 pounds
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds
• Maximum user height: N/A
• Materials: Ash wood frame and double rails
• Display: LCD monitor that displays time, race pace, calories burned, distance, and more
• Bluetooth: Not Bluetooth compatible
• Warranty: Warranty provided by Asurion, as the product is available through Amazon

Best Folding Water Rowing Machine: TRUNK Water Rowing Machine

Fitness equipment can take up a lot of space, but the TRUNK water rowing machine folds down to the length and width of a large suitcase and can be easily stored. At an average price of just $609, this indoor rower provides a realistic rowing experience with a see-through water flywheel that helps users feel like they’re rowing on natural water. In addition, it is available in various wood tones to suit any space or home gym.

Although some users claim that the LCD screen is fundamental, its ergonomic design and functionality outweigh its drawbacks. It can be an attractive option for those who want to keep their fitness equipment out of sight or, conversely, own a statement piece that matches their decor.

Pros

• Easy to store
• Includes dust cover and phone holder
• It comes in numerous colors

Cons

• Some users report difficulty in assembling the machine
• Fundamental monitor that lacks specific metrics such as meters, watts, or splits
• Some users report that the foot straps break easily

Specifications

• Dimensions: 82 inches long x 22 inches wide x 20 inches high
• Weight: 64 pounds
• Weight capacity: 330 pounds
• Maximum user height: N/A
• Materials: Foldable solid wood frame and rubberized board
• Display: LCD monitor that displays time, race pace, calories burned, and distance (km)
• Bluetooth: Compatible with Bluetooth monitor
• Warranty: Warranty provided by Asurion as the product is available through Amazon

Best Lightweight Water Rower: Mr. Captain Rowing Machine

Water rowing machines can be heavy, but the Mr. Captain rowing machine offers a lightweight alternative. unlike conventional rowing machines It weighs only 58.5 pounds, while most competitors range from 65 to 90 pounds.

Designed like a real boat with natural water resistence, this impressive red walnut rowing machine is as realistic as rowing machines can get.

Best for those who need to transport their rowing machine up and down stairs, this product comes with transport wheels for easy storage and portability. It is also a good choice for enjoying a real outdoor rowing experience without the high price tag.

This machine is also environmentally friendly and is designed with a wood wax oil finish, making it ideal for sustainability-focused home gyms. The Mr. Captain rowing machine is Bluetooth-compatible with smart devices or the FitShow app. It also offers three workout programs: manual, custom interval, and target training.

Pros

• Easy to get up and down stairs
• Fair price
• Designed like a real boat

Cons

• Few ergonomic comfort features
• Only three training programs
• No separate pedals

Specifications

• Dimensions: 82 inches long x 22 inches wide x 20 inches high
• Weight: 58.5 lbs.
• Weight capacity: 320 pounds
• Maximum user height: People with a leg length of 47 inches or less
• Materials: Solid red walnut wood frame with environmentally friendly wood wax oil finish
• Display: Customizable smart electronic monitor that displays time, running pace, calories burned, distance, and more
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth is compatible with the FitShow app or other smart devices
• Warranty: One-year warranty on frame, 180-day warranty on all other parts and components

The Best Water Rowing Machine for beginners: Merax water rowing machine

If you’re new to water rowing, don’t worry, you don’t have to settle for an advanced machine. Instead, consider the merax water rowing machine to test the waters and learn how to row. This indoor rowing machine includes six adjustable water rower based resistance levels that help you increase your skill level from easy to more challenging paddles. Once you get the hang of it, you can challenge yourself even more with a race-mode training program that mimics an intense rowing competition.

Since this product is designed with Velcro foot straps, you can comfortably wear your favorite training shoes while maintaining the rowing experience. Some users report noisy workouts with this machine, especially with the sound of the seat sliding, so consider the noise levels if you live in an apartment or with other people.

Pros

• Good for beginners
• Sleek design
• Large, contoured seat

Cons

• Heavier equipment
• Not Bluetooth compatible
• Some users claim that the machine is noisy

Specifications

• Dimensions: 78 inches long x 20 inches wide x 25.5 inches high
• Weight: 72 pounds
• Weight capacity: 330 pounds
• Maximum user height: N/A
• Materials: Alloy steel frame
• Display: Large LCD that shows time, race pace, calories burnt, distance, and more
• Bluetooth: Not Bluetooth compatible
• Warranty: Warranty provided by Asurion as the product is available through Amazon

Best Deluxe Water Rower: Water Rower Classic with S4 Monitor

For a luxurious rowing experience, the Water Rower Classic with S4 monitor hits the spot. This sturdy indoor rower is designed to absorb sound and vibration, making it a good choice for those looking for a quiet workout. It’s also made with high-quality hardwood that promises to increase the product’s lifespan and stability.

The wood used to make the Water Rower Classic is sourced entirely from renewable forests and is hand-finished with three coats of Danish oil to give it a shine. However, for the hefty price tag of $1,599, some users may be disappointed, as this product is not Bluetooth-compatible.

Pros

• Virtually silent workout
• Eco-friendly design
• Maximum user weight

Cons

• High price
• Not Bluetooth compatible
• Basic performance monitor

Specifications

• Dimensions: 82 inches long x 20 inches wide x 22 inches high
• Weight: 66.5 lbs.
• Weight capacity: 700 pounds
• Maximum user height: Maximum height of users is 37 inches
• Materials: Walnut wood frame with Danish oil finish
• Display: S4 performance monitor that displays time, heart rate, calories burnt, and distance
• Bluetooth: Not Bluetooth compatible
• Warranty: One-year limited warranty on frame, 90 days on replacement parts

Water rowing machines benefits

Rowing workouts can be very beneficial to your health and fitness. Although rowing may seem like an intense sport, water rowing machines offer almost everyone the opportunity to reap the benefits of rowing machines against the resistance of the water, and you don’t have to be a professional rower.

As a low-impact exercise, water rowing is accessible on the joints. Even people with joint injuries can use water rowing machines if their doctor gives them the green light. Research has found that using indoor rowing machines can improve elbow, shoulder, back, and knee rotation by up to 30%, which can help manage and heal joint injuries or back pain.

In addition to being gentle on joints, water rowing machines provide a total body workout that targets almost every major muscle group. This is because a rowing stroke includes 65-75% leg work and 25-35% upper body work. In addition, rowing workouts can be excellent for weight loss.

Studies show that rowing five days a week over six weeks reduces fat mass and total body fat percentage. As a cardiovascular exercise, rowing can also strengthen the heart and lungs.

In addition, it increases endurance, i.e., the length of time the body can endure physical activity such as rowing workouts.

How to choose a rowing machine?

When choosing a rowing machine, you’ll need to consider several factors. Before making your purchase, here’s what to think about and how these elements affect your fitness needs and budget.

Ease of use

When comparing water rowers, determine how much time you want to invest in your product. For an indoor rower that is easy to use and doesn’t require a lot of setup or programming, a low-end investment will suffice, especially if you’re looking for a basic fitness workout.

You should lean toward a water rowing machine that offers more customization options for a more complex or challenging workout.

While navigating different workout programs can be time-consuming, it can be worth it for those with concrete training goals.

Keep in mind, however, that water rowers require maintenance of their water tanks, so be prepared to clean them from time to time or raise or lower the water rower levels to change the resistance, depending on the model and brand you purchase.

Resistance Levels

The number of resistance levels a water rower offers will determine how easy or difficult your workouts can be.

Water rowers with higher resistance levels mean you can train more intensely, while machines with lower resistance levels offer an easy paddling experience for new or learning rowers. Instead of using magnetic or wind resistance, water rowers rely entirely on the water to change resistance levels.

Oars using water resistence tend to be quieter than oars using air resistance, as air oars have a noisier flywheel that runs in the wind. Before deciding on a water rower, consider how seriously you want to train and what resistance level will help you reach your fitness goals.

Construction

The construction of a water rower will play an essential role in its stability, durability, and overall longevity. It also helps determine its maximum weight capacity. 

For example, water rower made of reinforced steel may stand the test of time better than wooden ones (depending on the finish).

Wooden oars, on the other hand, provide a more realistic outdoor rowing experience that mimics the real thing and can often accommodate a higher weight capacity. 

Size

Before purchasing any rowing machine, carefully measure the space where you want to have your rowing machine or home gym.

You’ll wish to have several feet on each side of the indoor rower, so you have adequate space to workout and get on or off the machine.

Some water rower are much larger than other rowing machines, so if you have a tight space, consider buying a smaller machine or an indoor rower that can be folded or stored vertically.

Console

Most indoor rowers track the basics, such as stroke count, distance, time, and calories burnt. Considering the pros and cons of different water rowing machines, consider what type of console and programming you’re looking for.

A standard console will help you track your metrics, while rowers with more high-tech HD, touchscreen, or LCD can provide a more interactive or visual rowing experience. However, while the higher-tech consoles may be more aesthetically pleasing, they can sometimes be more challenging.

For ease of use and performance tracking, consider an indoor rower with a basic console, especially if you are new to the sport.

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