CNET

TechnologyCNET·Jun 22, 2026·30 min read

The Best Rowing Machines of 2026, Tested by CNET Experts

A rowing machine is a solid piece of exercise equipment if you prefer a low-impact form of cardio that’s easier on the joints. If you’re training for Hyrox, an indoor fitness competition, dabbling in CrossFit workouts that combine cardio and strength training with functional movements, or you simply enjoy rowing, a rowing machine can be a solid investment.

9.6/10 CNET Score

Why we like it: The NordicTrack RW900 is a premium rowing machine with a smooth feel and a large 24-inch pivoting touchscreen. The machine has wide pedals with adjustable straps, so it fits pretty much any shoe size and doesn’t stop you from making fast transitions when getting off the machine.

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Pros

Large pivoting 24-inch screen

Don’t need an iFIT subscription to use the machine

Syncs with third-party workout apps such as Strava, Garmin, Google Fit and Apple Health

iFIT subscription gives you access to over 10,000 workouts

Cons

Expensive at a full price of $2,800

Heavy, weighing 158 pounds

Feels different from traditional air rowers

Doesn't physically fold

9.6/10 CNET Score

Why we like it: The Aviron Strong Rower functions exceptionally well as a premium rowing machine and the massive 22-inch screen and built-in software give it a lot of extra features that you’ll will really love. The ability to use streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, Prime Video and YouTube makes this a great option for those who like to do two things at once. The built-in games are our favorite part, ranging from zombie escapes to multiplayer racing. They're a fun quirk that sets it apart from traditional rowers that only offer virtual coaching.

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Pros

The 22-inch HD touchscreen offers a gamified experience, multiplayer modes and guided programs

The high 20-inch seat and low rail make getting on and off easy

Dual-resistance system provides up to 100 pounds of resistance

Stream apps including Netflix, Hulu and Disney Plus

Incredibly sturdy aluminum frame that supports up to 507 pounds

Cons

You need an extra subscription ($29+/month) to use the games, programs and streaming apps

The dual air and magnetic flywheel makes it louder than standard magnetic rowing machines

Wi-Fi is required to access the majority of the machine's functionalities

8.8/10 CNET Score

Why we like it: The Ergatta Luxe Rower blends into the background better than almost any piece of fitness equipment I’ve tested. Built with a handcrafted American cherrywood frame, it looks more like furniture than workout equipment, which is a huge plus for apartment living. I’ve even had people come over and not realize there was a rower standing in the corner.

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Pros

The design blends into home decor

Gamified workouts make cardio feel engaging

Quiet water resistance system

Stores vertically to save space

An unlimited number of user profiles on a single rower

Connects with fitness trackers such as the Apple Watch

Cons

Expensive compared to traditional rowers at a full price of $2,499

Subscription ($390+ per year) required for the full experience

No included screen protector

Foot straps can loosen during aggressive sessions

8/10 CNET Score

Why we like it: Peloton’s Cross-Training Row Plus is the latest rowing machine since Peloton’s equipment overhaul. It has the same features as the original Peloton Row, with some minor changes. You’ll still be able to access the Form Assist feature, which corrects your form while rowing -- a feature I liked the first time I tested it. It’s also something other smart rowers lack.

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Pros

Luxurious feel and look that matches the Peloton aesthetic

Form Assist corrects your form

Peloton IQ may make strength training easier by correcting form and counting reps and weights

Cons

Price is steep at $3,495

Peloton IQ doesn’t always function correctly

Rowing machine doesn’t fold up and is large at 94x24x48 inches

7.6/10 CNET Score

Why we like it: I’ve owned two rowers over the years. One was a fairly cheap water rower that failed after about two years, with the nylon strap breaking and the water tank leaking. The other is the Concept 2 RowErg, which I’ve had since 2021 -- and it hasn’t let me down yet.

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Pros

Excellent, low-impact cardio and full-body workout

10 adjustable drag options

I’ve used it nearly daily since 2021 with no breakdowns or durability issues

Fairly priced at $990 for a professional-level rower

Cons

PM5 monitor lacks features and requires D-cell batteries

Takes up a lot of space lengthwise at 96 inches long, making placement a little difficult

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The Best Rowing Machines of 2026, Tested by CNET Experts

Factors to consider

Which is the best rowing machine?

Best rowing machine of 2026

<p>As with so many other products at CNET, we test rowing machines as thoroughly as possible, through rigorous examination and comparison. Each rowing machine in our list has been through at least 10 hours of workouts, using as many of the built-in features as possible.</p>

NordicTrack RW900

Aviron Strong Rower

Ergatta Luxe Rower

Peloton Cross-Training Row Plus

Concept2 RowErg

Hydrow Arc Rower

Recent updates to this list

Best rowing machines of 2026 compared

Other rowing machines tested

How we tested the best rowing machines

Factors to consider when choosing a rowing machine

Best rowing machine practices

How to use a rowing machine

Buying advice for rowing machines

Rowing Machines FAQs

If you already have a home gym or the space for a rower, CNET’s experts tested various popular styles to determine which are worth owning. These rowers all have unique features, even though they all share the same rowing function. For example, if you’re new to rowing, the Peloton Cross-Training Row Plus corrects your form. Or perhaps you’re a rowing pro and prefer a classic model that’s on the simpler side, such as the Concept 2 RowErg. Below are the best rowing machines that passed CNET experts’ testing criteria.

If it’s been awhile since you’ve rowed, it’s also helpful to brush up on the common errors you may be making.

Which is the best rowing machine?

Out of all the rowing machines we tested, we found the NordicTrack RW900 to be our overall favorite. Besides its sleek design, the machine is intuitive to use and gives you access to its iFIT workout app and library with over 10,000 classes, as well as built-in apps including Netflix, Prime Video, Spotify and Amazon.

If you prefer, you can also use the machine manually. It’s quiet overall, so you won’t disturb others. Not to mention, you’ll have 26 levels of digital resistance, which lets you adjust the difficulty of your workout.

Best rowing machine of 2026

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Pros

Large pivoting 24-inch screen

Don’t need an iFIT subscription to use the machine

Syncs with third-party workout apps such as Strava, Garmin, Google Fit and Apple Health

iFIT subscription gives you access to over 10,000 workouts

Cons

Expensive at a full price of $2,800

Heavy, weighing 158 pounds

Feels different from traditional air rowers

Doesn't physically fold

I also like the machine's silent magnetic resistance, which makes for a smooth, quiet rowing stroke that feels different from a chain rower. Another nice feature is that its iFIT library syncs with external fitness apps including Strava, Garmin, Google Fit and Apple Health, so all your data is in one spot.

There are over 10,000 workouts in the iFIT library, and the RW900 automatically matches the resistance of the iFIT workout you select. In addition to the rowing workouts, you can also tilt or pivot the screen to follow strength, yoga and studio classes, making it super convenient for additional at-home workouts. Even if you don’t purchase an iFIT Pro subscription ($39 per month), you can still do manual workouts, and the rower will track your distance, pace and speed.

Who it’s best for: This rowing machine is best for those who already have an iFIT subscription or like working out at home and want that in-class, studio feel. iFIT’s library has over 10,000 preloaded workouts, and the machine automatically adjusts resistance during iFIT classes. If you already have fitness equipment at home or plan to invest in some, you can easily unstrap from the rower, get off the machine and pivot the screen for yoga, HIIT or strength sessions on your mat. Plus, if you just want to watch your favorite show or movie while you row, you can stream it right from the comfort of your screen.

Despite not being a chain-driven rowing machine, it has all the bells and whistles you’d want in a premium rowing machine.

Who should not get it: If you lack space, this rower is not ideal for small bedrooms or multipurpose spaces because the 80.1x21.8x52.7-inch machine doesn't fold. It also has an upfront cost of $2,800, not including the iFIT Pro subscription, which costs $39 per month or $468 for a one-year membership. Hence, this is not a budget-friendly rower.

Additionally, given its price, I would’ve expected a more luxurious look and construction. This rower has a blend of steel and is mostly plastic.

-- Samantha De Leon, CNET lab technician

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Pros

The 22-inch HD touchscreen offers a gamified experience, multiplayer modes and guided programs

The high 20-inch seat and low rail make getting on and off easy

Dual-resistance system provides up to 100 pounds of resistance

Stream apps including Netflix, Hulu and Disney Plus

Incredibly sturdy aluminum frame that supports up to 507 pounds

Cons

You need an extra subscription ($29+/month) to use the games, programs and streaming apps

The dual air and magnetic flywheel makes it louder than standard magnetic rowing machines

Wi-Fi is required to access the majority of the machine's functionalities

We also highly appreciate Aviron’s attention to ergonomics; the high seat, low rail and width-adjustable footplates make it comfortable for rowers of all skill levels and body types. It looks modern, offers unexpectedly heavy resistance and stores vertically with ease.

Who it’s best for: We could see someone who struggles with workout motivation or gets easily bored by traditional cardio liking the Aviron Strong Rower a lot. The fancy screen and built-in apps make it much more engaging than the average rower, and it could help someone get more sessions in than they otherwise would. If you're a multitasker, this rowing machine is a great option because you can catch up on your shows without having to set up a separate iPad or TV.

We also see this rower working wellmfor people with larger frames or slight mobility limitations: The 507-pound weight capacity and 20-inch seat height make it incredibly accessible for most people.

Who should not get it: Anyone on a strict budget, as the full price is $2,549. Also, if you hate subscriptions, this one isn’t for you, since the Aviron membership is $29 per month for a 12-month membership or $34 per month if you decide to pay monthly. Paying a monthly or yearly fee in order to fully unlock the screen and game modes is necessary to get the most out of this machine. Additionally, if you’re a rowing purist who just wants a basic monitor, you're paying for tech you won't use.

Finally, Aviron notes that the slide rail maxes out at around 6 feet, 8 inches, so extremely tall people may find the track a bit too short for a full stroke.

-- CNET’s Reno, Nevada, testing facility

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Pros

The design blends into home decor

Gamified workouts make cardio feel engaging

Quiet water resistance system

Stores vertically to save space

An unlimited number of user profiles on a single rower

Connects with fitness trackers such as the Apple Watch

Cons

Expensive compared to traditional rowers at a full price of $2,499

Subscription ($390+ per year) required for the full experience

No included screen protector

Foot straps can loosen during aggressive sessions

While the platform offers scenic rows and instructor-led classes, it really stands out with its gamified workouts, races and challenges that make cardio feel far more engaging than just staring at stats on a screen. The water-resistance system delivers a smooth, quiet rowing experience with a satisfying, natural feel, and the vertical storage helps keep the footprint minimal when it’s not in use. The built-in wheels also make it easy to move around the room when stored upright.

The 21-inch HD touchscreen adds to the premium experience without overwhelming the room, and it can connect with fitness trackers such as the Apple Watch for easier workout tracking.

Who it’s best for: The Ergatta Luxe makes a lot of sense for people who want workout equipment that doesn’t completely take over a room. Its quiet operation, vertical storage and elegant furniture-like design make it especially appealing for apartment living. It’s also a great fit for anyone who struggles with traditional cardio and wants something that feels more interactive and engaging.

Who should not get it: If you’re simply looking for the cheapest way to get cardio in, this probably isn’t the rower for you. More serious rowing athletes who prioritize advanced training metrics and technique-focused workouts may be better off with a Concept2 RowErg.

My biggest complaints are that Ergatta doesn’t include a screen protector out of the box and that the foot straps don’t lock independently. When the rower is stored vertically, the large touchscreen sits fairly low to the ground, and I didn’t love leaving a display that large unprotected. (I bought a screen protector separately.) During some more aggressive rowing sessions, I also noticed the foot straps would loosen at times, requiring occasional readjustment mid-workout.

It’s also probably not the best fit for people who mainly want instructor-led coaching, since Ergatta’s biggest strength is really the gamified workout experience.

-- Joseph Kaminski, inventory control coordinator

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Pros

Luxurious feel and look that matches the Peloton aesthetic

Form Assist corrects your form

Peloton IQ may make strength training easier by correcting form and counting reps and weights

Cons

Price is steep at $3,495

Peloton IQ doesn’t always function correctly

Rowing machine doesn’t fold up and is large at 94x24x48 inches

The Row Plus has a new screen with a built-in movement-tracking camera, which is required to use the new Peloton IQ feature. Peloton IQ is Peloton’s AI personal training feature that captures your exercise form on camera during strength-training classes. It corrects your form, counts reps and weights, and tells you when to increase your weight. This is helpful when you’re doing floor exercises alongside the machine.

This machine, along with the other Cross-Training Plus equipment, has a hands-free voice control that lets you pause and play the class as well as raise or lower the volume. The Row Plus screen rotates 45 degrees, which can be helpful if you have limited floor space.

Who it’s best for: This rowing machine is best for the person who owns a Peloton or doesn’t mind a splurge, as it's $3,495 at full price. If you own a Peloton bike or treadmill, the Row Plus blends easily into the brand’s ecosystem. You already have the all-access membership ($50 per month) that lets you explore classes, which you’ll need for the Row Plus. If you’re interested in Peloton IQ, the Row Plus lets you explore it when you try any of the strength-training classes. By combining the Peloton rowing and strength-training workouts regularly, you’ll have a solid fitness program set.

Who should not get it: Since this is the most expensive rowing machine on the list, it’s not ideal if you’re on a budget. It’s also a large rower that is hard to store, as the folding option requires an anchor to store vertically. Because it’s such a large machine, someone shorter may find it uncomfortable to store without some help. The first iteration of this machine was large and required plenty of space. I wish Peloton had designed this latest model smaller or easier to fold. It’s also something to consider if you don’t have a lot of room to spare or don’t want to have to store it upright after each use. If you have limited space, you’re better off selecting one of the rowing machines on this list that’s not as big, or one that folds up easily, such as the Ergatta Luxe Rower.

I found that Peloton IQ sometimes works well, and while I appreciated that it told me when to increase my weight during my workout, it was questionable when it corrected my form.

-- Giselle Castro-Sloboda, wellness and fitness writer

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Pros

Excellent, low-impact cardio and full-body workout

10 adjustable drag options

I’ve used it nearly daily since 2021 with no breakdowns or durability issues

Fairly priced at $990 for a professional-level rower

Cons

PM5 monitor lacks features and requires D-cell batteries

Takes up a lot of space lengthwise at 96 inches long, making placement a little difficult

The entire machine is made from a durable aluminum frame, and the pull chain is nickel-plated steel. Aside from occasional lubrication of the chain and monorail, it requires no maintenance and has survived a move without any difficulty. The RowErg is rated to handle people up to 500 pounds.

With sufficient clearance, you’ll need a space about 9x4 feet to use the RowErg. The monorail and the main flywheel section are detachable for storage and it has caster wheels for easy movement

I use the RowErg nearly daily for 30- to 45-minute sessions. It’s my primary cardio workout to get my blood pumping. There’s a damper with numbers on the flywheel -- labeled from one to 10 -- to let you set the level of the workout you want. A note, though: Because this is an air rower, the levels measure drag (airflow), not resistance (workout intensity), so you don’t necessarily want it set to the highest level during your workout the way you would with an exercise bike.

There are also various workout options on the included PM5 performance monitor, which supports Bluetooth and syncs with the Concept 2 Erg Data app to set up, store and share workouts. This is a rowing machine that works exactly how it should -- no problems or issues -- and you can completely ignore the display, app and workout options if you want to. To me, this is a selling point, since you don’t need to sign up for any subscriptions or classes.

There's a device holder if you want to place a phone or tablet under the PM5 monitor, letting you use it with other apps or services.

Who it’s best for: The Concept2 RowErg is an indoor rowing machine originally designed for professional rowers before making it to the consumer market. It’s an air rower, meaning the resistance comes from the flywheel rather than water or magnets, and it’s adjustable up to 10 levels.

The RowErg offers durable, gym-quality workouts in your home with limited frills. It simply works. And best of all, it only costs $990, compared to the thousands that many other top models will run you.

Who should not get it: The PM5 monitor on the RowErg is outdated compared to other options. There’s no touchscreen, it’s monochrome and it’s powered by D-cell batteries. On the plus side, it lasts for a while because it also draws power from the rower’s flywheel. On the downside, the default power savings mean the backlight and display often turn off during a rest period, so you’ll need to adjust those settings if you don’t want to lose data.

If you don’t have a lot of space, the RowErg is also extremely long at 96 inches; it takes up almost the entire width of my office.

–Ajay Kumar, CNET editor

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Pros

High-end rower with a smooth ride

Premium materials and components

Rotating display

Cons

Only usable with Hydrow membership

Larger than a standard rowing machine

Have to pay extra for software and the anchor that stores it upright

What we like about it: The Hydrow Arc Rower has a smooth, premium feel, unlike any rowing machine I’ve used. It’s definitely the nicest rower I’ve ever tested. Like its family member, the Hydrow Origin Rower, these futuristic-looking machines offer a smooth ride thanks to their patented electromagnetic drag system. It also feels sturdy due to the aluminum and steel frame.

You’ll find that Hydrow’s workouts basically all mimic the outdoor rowing experience. No matter the video, there’s always a Hydrow instructor in the background guiding you (if you like that). There are over 5,000 workouts available to view on the 24-inch touchscreen while using the rower or in the Hydrow app. The catch is that you’ll need to purchase an all-access membership for an additional $48 per month, which gives you unlimited profiles for your family.

Who it’s best for: The Hydrow Arc Rower is priced at $2,295, plus a $48 monthly membership, making it Hydrow’s most expensive rower. If you're someone who values premium design and construction, plus you have a large space to store this rower, you’ll get a fabulous-looking machine with access to thousands of classes 24/7.

Who should avoid it: If you’re budget-conscious, this $2,295 machine might not be the rower for you. Hydrow offers two other models that are a few hundred dollars less than the Arc, but you still have to pay for a membership, and the storage kit to keep the rower vertical against the wall is an additional $80.

With this rower being larger, measuring 86x25x48 inches unfolded, it isn’t ideal for people with smaller spaces. You also need to keep in mind that the rower must be plugged in to use its electromagnetic resistance mechanism; otherwise, you won’t feel any resistance. You’ll also need a Wi-Fi connection to access all the workouts.

All of Hydrow’s rowers are intended to be used with its membership. When used without an active membership, Hydrow operates in Just Row mode, which only lets you adjust drag and resistance settings, showing you limited rowing metrics. So you really can’t just “row” unless you purchase a membership, and you must select a video in order to see your metrics. I find the video playing on the screen distracting.

I also don’t like the foot straps on this machine because you have to adjust them to tighten or loosen. This makes it difficult to get off the machine during HIIT workouts, for example. Additionally, you have to go into the settings every time you want to adjust the drag factor, which I find tedious and not ideal for quick adjustments.

— Samantha De Leon, CNET lab technician

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NordicTrack RW900 was tested and added as the best overall rowing machine.

Aviron Strong Rower was tested and added as the best rowing machine for streaming.

Ergatta Luxe Rower was tested and added as the best foldable rowing machine.

The Peloton Cross-Training Row Plus was tested and added as the best rowing machine for Peloton members.

Concept 2 RowErg was tested and added as the best budget rowing machine.

The Hydrow Arc Rower was tested and added as the best luxury rowing machine.

Hydrow Origin Rower: We previously tested the original $2,195 Hydrow rowing machine and enjoyed its luxurious feel. It also mimics on-water rowing, but its screen is smaller than the Hydrow Arc Rower's. One downside of the Hydrow Origin Rower is that it’s on the larger side, but if you have the space, it’s a solid machine on its own. The Arc Rower is an upgraded version of the Origin rower, which is why the Origin didn’t make the cut.

Echelon Row-S: At a full price of $1,800, this Echelon Row-S was previously tested and earned our stamp of approval for its lightweight design, easy folding and budget-friendly price for small spaces. One downside of the Row-S is that the material didn’t seem particularly durable, as it was all plastic. Other options on the current updated list are better designed. The Ergatta Luxe Rower, for example, blends in when folded up against the wall in most rooms.

LIT Strength Machine: What made this rower appealing is its three-in-one design, which lets you row, strength train and do Pilates. It’s also a water rower with a water tank, which gives it a real-life rowing feel. However, at its $2,149 full price and lack of high-tech features (you need a tablet to access the workouts), you may be better off with the Ergatta Luxe Rower, which also uses a water tank but has a touchscreen.

Energy Fit Ski-Row Air Plus Power: This two-in-one $2,199 rower is ideal if you like traditional rowing, but also want the option of a ski rower. This machine is on the larger side and may require assistance to stand it upright to use the ski option. However, if you’re training for a Hyrox indoor fitness competition and need to practice both ski and standard rowing, the two functions will come in handy without needing multiple machines. It’s unclear if this design has been discontinued, which is why it didn’t make the list. It’s sold out on the official website, but can still be found on some third-party websites.

Hydrow Wave: We previously tested Hydrow’s smallest rower, the $1,995 Wave, and liked that it’s compact and fits small spaces. I’d recommend this machine if you like the bigger Hydrow rowers, but don’t have the room for them. However, if the price tag is steep for you at almost $2,000, you can opt for a rower such as the Concept 2 RowErg, which costs under $1,000 and is a classic rower.

We use various CNET testing locations to test rowing machines, including the Louisville, Kentucky, lab and the Reno, Nevada, facility. In some instances, we may test at home if the space allows. We take our time testing and allow a few months to research, acquire and test equipment.

We've developed a methodology to rate each piece of fitness equipment based on assembly, features, functionality, software and warranty, rating each variable from one to five. We then use that data to narrow down the best choices for our lists and take into consideration the following:

Features: We look at rowing machine features and how sophisticated or simple they are, such as whether the machine can connect to built-in or third-party apps, and whether it supports smart watches and other wearables. A machine with solid features should ideally connect easily to Wi-Fi and compatible apps. No matter how sophisticated it is, it should be intuitive to use.

Software: Many of these machines have built-in programs, so we look at how easy they are to use and any issues we encounter when accessing them. If there’s a connected app, we also test it to ensure it works as intended and provides value.

Functionality: During testing, we verify that the machine works as promised. We consider how intuitive it is to use for new users. This matters, even if it uses the most up-to-date technology or is on the simpler side. We know some machines will be user-friendly without any advanced technology, but they should still function well. If the machine is high-tech, it should still be easy for anyone to use.

Assembly: We know assembling fitness equipment takes time and can sometimes require help from more than one person. We take into account assembly time and difficulty, as well as whether a white-glove delivery option is available.

Warranty: Fitness equipment isn’t cheap, so you should know what’s covered and for how long during that warranty period.

Read more on how we test fitness equipment.

Although rowing machines have the same function, the design and features may determine which type of machine you prefer. There are a few things to consider to narrow down the best pick. Below is the criteria we used when testing all rowing machines.

Price

With a lot of smart rowing machines, you usually pay for extra features that come as a monthly or yearly subscription. You’ll want to consider the subscription price (if there is one) and whether it’s required to use the rower. Separately, many manufacturers offer payment plans for rowing machines to help reduce the initial cost.

Physical space

By design, rowing machines are physically long, and you need room to move across the length of the rail while working out. Make sure you check the dimensions and measure your space, leaving some room on either side so you can get on and off the rower. It's also important to be aware of the machine's size when it's not in use or folded up, to ensure it doesn't always take up a lot of space.

Max rower weight

You may be surprised to learn that the total weight a rowing machine can support varies, especially if that model folds up. You can run into long-term wear issues if you're close to the maximum weight a machine can handle.

Workout quality

If you're going to be paying for a monthly subscription, the classes and content you get access to should be worth it. Some rowers come with unique classes or programming, while others use games to help keep you focused on the physical activity at hand. It's important to know what kind of programming motivates you most and to choose a platform that best suits your needs.

To get the most out of your rowing workouts, it’s important to practice good technique. It's helpful to have a rowing instructor or trainer familiar with the machine to teach you the correct way to row.

Catch, drive, finish, recovery: The catch, drive, finish and recovery are the four key steps you need to know for rowing. Peloton rowing instructor Alex Karwoski said your starting position should look like this: "Starting from the fully compressed position -- your arms should be outstretched, body pivoted forward at a slight angle, and knees close to your chest." From here, push with your legs to drive the seat and handle away from the screen.

"For the first third to half of the drive, our legs are doing the majority of the work while our arms and body are braced and holding the pressure," Karwoski explained. Then, as the shins reach about 45 degrees to the floor, the body swing begins.

Karwoski said the key to the body swing is to think about "adding momentum" to the handle. The legs start moving the internal flywheel, and this is where the legs and body can work in conjunction to further accelerate the flywheel.

"Finally, our arms get involved right at the end of the stroke, and we pull the handle all the way into the chest," Karwoski said. Once all of that is completed, you start the recovery phase of the stroke, which is just the opposite. The arms move away from the body first, then the body pivots forward, and the legs compress to return to the catch.

Don't misuse the damper: The drag factor is usually featured as a damper handle on a traditional rower. On smart rowers, it’s included within the software.

"Most people assume that moving this from, for example, the three to the 10 makes the machine harder, but what it really does is simply increase the rate at which the flywheel slows down and thereby causes the stroke to feel heavier because now it is as if you're rowing through molasses rather than water," Karwoski said.

Don’t confuse the "drag factor" with "speed level" or "intensity."

Know the output: The main unit being measured when you row is the output. When you row, each stroke takes a certain amount of time, so the work being measured is the force applied to move the flywheel.

"From the output, we can derive the split, which is determined by how long it would take you to row 500 meters at your given output and distance," Karwoski said. Another metric to consider is the stroke rate, which is the number of strokes you would make if you maintained your current rhythm for one minute.

"I encourage people to focus on output because that is the big number usually right in the middle of the screen," Karwoski said. Keep in mind that different rowing machines have different metrics that are highlighted, but ultimately, it's about how much force you use to move the flywheel.

Rowing precautions: As with any physical activity, it's important to get your doctor's clearance if you have underlying health issues or are pregnant.

"If you’re returning from an injury -- and that injury doesn't prohibit you from sitting on a rowing machine -- the rowing motion can be a gentler way to restart your cardiovascular fitness," said Peloton rowing instructor Katie Wang. This is a good way to get the benefits of a cardio workout without worrying about joint or knee injury.

There are various workouts you can do with a rowing machine. In some cases, your preferences may be determined by training for a particular fitness competition or if you enjoy rowing as a form of movement. Either way, there are some important things to keep in mind when strategizing your workouts for the week.

Just a few times a week of rowing is sufficient: A short rowing session provides you with a lot of benefits. "Adding in rowing once or twice a week is great cross-training," says Wang. For people just starting their fitness journey, the American Heart Association recommends between 75 and 150 minutes of exercise per week, depending on if that is vigorous or moderate intensity." Rowing is a full-body workout because you're using your legs and arms at the same time.

Combine with strength training: Rowing engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously and can be used for both cardio and strength. For example, Wang says the rowing stroke consists mainly of push movements (with the majority of the power coming from the lower body). This can benefit you if your strength focus is a push day.

"Try adding an LISS row at the beginning of the workout to warm up or a short HIIT [high intensity interval training] row at the end for that extra burnout," Wang advises. If you have a pull day, you can use a longer rowing workout to help balance out the workout without adding additional fatigue to your primary muscle focus.

Workout for time, strokes per minute or 500-meter split pace: Depending on your preference, you can challenge yourself by seeing how many strokes per minute you can achieve throughout a timed workout. You can also do a timed workout without looking at metrics. Or you can aim to see how long it takes you to complete 500 meters.

EMOM: Another training strategy includes a workout known as "every minute on the minute." To do this, you choose a metric to complete within that minute and rest for whatever is left of that minute before repeating the action. If you decide you want to burn 15 calories on the rowing console during that minute, for example, first row until you achieve it. Then, if there's remaining time in that minute, you rest. When the second minute begins, you repeat the same method.

Intervals: Common in rowing, intervals can be done for time or paired with other floor exercises. For example, you can set a clock for 15 minutes and aim to achieve a certain number of sets as you alternate between rowing a certain number of meters paired with burpees or squats.

When picking out a new rowing machine, you'll want to focus on machines with smooth resistance, solid build quality and an easy-to-read display because these are the features you actually rely on for an effective workout. Watch out for bundles that include floor mats or heart rate straps for extra value.

There are four types of rowing machines: hydraulic, flywheel, water and magnetic.

Hydraulic machines tend to be the most affordable, and the resistance is created by the amount of air or fluid that's constricted with a hydraulic cylinder.

Flywheels work with fan blades to create resistance using air. This is the traditional rower you might've seen at your local gym.

Water and magnetic rowers are newer machines that are quieter and intended to best mimic outdoor rowing. The difference is that magnetic rowers use magnets, while water rowers use a tank of water to generate resistance.

Depending on the type of rowing machine, some cheaper machines can cost about $500, while more expensive ones can cost $1,000 to $2,000-plus.

Yes, rowing is a full-body workout and targets 85% of your body. It targets your arms, back, core, legs and chest and can help build up your endurance and strength.

Rowing is so efficient that you can get a good workout in as little as 20 minutes. Most of the classes offered through memberships on this list last 20 to 45 minutes.

Rowing machines are great for cardio, but they lack the function needed to build strength. This mainly comes from resistance training. You also need to learn to row properly to reap all the benefits of the machine.

Spot reduction, the idea that you can selectively burn fat on just one area of the body, is a myth. However, consistently including cardiovascular exercises such as rowing in your workouts will help you lose overall body fat.

Rowing is a great way to get in shape, but any exercise will help you reach your fitness goal as long as you watch your caloric intake. It’s more important to stick to a form of movement you enjoy.

View original source — CNET ↗

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