Rowing Crazy

About Petra Amara

Written by Petra Amara - RowingCrazy.com
CEO & Founder of RowingCrazy, National Rower, Coxswain Womens Eight Team, Rowing Coach & Writer

Petra is a Mother of two and owner of Rowingcrazy.com. Petra lives and breathes rowing, she also has a passion for writing which lead her to start RowingCrazy.com to share her rowing experience and expertise with others.

Learn More About Petra Here!

What Exercise Machine Burns the Most Belly Fat 2026

what exercise machine burns the most belly fat

Got a spare tire around your middle? That doesn’t look good! If you’re reading this, chances are that you’re interested in parting ways with those love handles, and I can’t say that I blame you. Excess weight tends to hit us right in the belly, especially as we age. Whether you’ve got a potbelly, a poochie belly, or a beach ball belly, you want to get rid of it as fast as possible, right? read more

What Exercise Machine Burns the Most Belly Fat 2026 Read More »

Hydrow Drag Setting: What It Does and How to Use It 2026

hydrow drag setting

Hi there, fellow Hydrow owners! I’m Petra, and in this article, I want to talk about the drag setting on Hydrow.

The drag setting on your rowing machine simulates the actual drag on a boat when rowing on water. For Hydrow, the default setting is 104, and most workouts are designed to be rowed at that level.

*We review fitness products impartially and may earn a commission from affiliate links. For details see our disclosure page.

If you’re a beginner, first try working out at that setting for a few workouts before increasing or decreasing it to what you think is the best fit for you.

If you’re confused about the whole thing, or if you just want to know more about how your Hydrow drag setting works, I’ve got you covered.

Let’s talk about how the drag setting works, what it means, what it does, and all other Hydrow related stuff.

What Should the Hydrow Drag Be Set at?

By default, the drag setting on your Hydrow is at 104. Hydrow feels that this setting most represents what a workout on the water feels like.

I recommend trying a couple of workouts using the set 104 drag setting, especially if you are a beginner. Hydrow designed most workouts to be rowed at 104, so that generally works for rowers of all shapes and weight.

Hydrow SAVE $125!! => Use Coupon Code:  ROWINGCRAZY read more

Hydrow Drag Setting: What It Does and How to Use It 2026 Read More »

Topiom vs WaterRower vs Ergatta 2026

Topiom vs WaterRower

Hi friends, it’s Petra, and in this article, I want to talk about water rowing machines.

I’m fortunate enough that I’ve had access to just about every type of indoor rowing machine one way or another, but if you haven’t had that option, how are you supposed to choose the correct one?

In a Hurry?  Here are the Rowers We Are Comparing:

Want to know which rower is the best between Topion, WaterRower or Ergatta but don’t have time to read the whole article? Click on the links below to get our answers:

  1. Topiom Rowing Machine
  2. WaterRower Rowing Machine
  3. Ergatta Water Rowing Machine

*We review fitness products impartially and may earn a commission from affiliate links. For details see our disclosure page.

This article will provide a comprehensive review of these rowing machines, examining each one closely and sharing our discoveries for each machine.

Right Let’s Get Into It!

There are SO many brands available right now, and the price ranges make it even more difficult. Is more expensive better?

My parents always taught me that you get what you pay for, but what if you can’t afford the best? Does that mean that you are stuck with a lemon of a water rower?

I thought that I would take on three brands of water rowers and give you the rundown on the pros and cons of each so you can make a more informed buying decision.

If you are in the market for a water resistance rowing machine, this is a must-read article.

1. The Topiom Rowing Machine

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Topiom vs WaterRower vs Ergatta 2026 Read More »

Ergatta vs Concept 2 2026: Who Is the Clear Winner?

ergatta vs concept 2

Rowing machines used to be only for professional athletes, but with the recent rise of connected rowing machines, it’s much more common to find an indoor rower in many locations, including the home gym.

As a piece of home gym equipment, it’s hard to match a rowing machine. You can work 86 percent of the body’s muscles, all 11 major muscle groups get used, burn up to 900 calories an hour, and with a connected rower, you can have fun being a part of a community!

If you love fitness classes, like to compete in races, or find motivation in games, then you need a connected rower!

In a Hurry?  Here are the Rowers We Are Comparing:

Short on time but still want to know which rower is better between Ergatta or Concept 2? Check out our answers by clicking on the links below:

  1. Concept 2 Rowing Machine
  2. Ergatta Rowing Machines

*We review fitness products impartially and may earn a commission from affiliate links. For details see our disclosure page.

This article will provide a comprehensive review of these rowing machines, examining each one closely and sharing our discoveries for each machine.

Let’s Get Started On This!

You may have been looking at various rowing machines and wondered which one is the best.

Take Concept 2 and the Ergatta for example. Concept 2 has been around since the 1980s and is still a top-selling rowing machine. The Ergatta is new to the market, but it is already the talk of the fitness world.

Well, I can help clear things up for you. There are actually a couple of big differences between these two rowing machines, and once you know the differences, the choice as to which one is better becomes crystal clear.

In this article, I am going to share everything I know about these two machines. I have personally used them both, and I can tell you which one I’d buy if I were in the market for a rowing machine.

Sit back and give me just a few minutes of your time. This article is well worth the read.

What You Should Know about Concept 2 Rowing Machine

Get the Best Deal at Concept Compare on Amazon read more

Ergatta vs Concept 2 2026: Who Is the Clear Winner? Read More »

Best Rowing Machine for Back Pain 2026

Best Rowing Machine for Back Pain

Back pain is the worst! It’s a catch-22, where the right exercise can help relieve your pain, but it might hurt too much to exercise. 

But first things first. If your back hurts, you need to see a doctor. Whether the pain is caused by a poor posture, lack of exercise or too much of it, or an accident or injury, your physician will be the right person to assess your situation.

If exercising is recommended, that’s when you proceed to look for the best rowing machine for your back pain.

In a Hurry?  Here are My Top 4 Picks:

Looking for the best back-friendly rowing machine for pain relief but don’t have time to read the whole article? Check out my top recommendations.

  1. Teeter Power 10 Elliptical Rower
  2. Avari 150-335 Conversion II
  3. Stamina Conversion II
  4. Teeter Fitspine Inversion Table

*We review fitness products impartially and may earn a commission from affiliate links. For details see our disclosure page.

To help you make an informed decision on which rowing machine to purchase, we have conducted a thorough evaluation of each machine below in this article.

Let’s Get Started On This!

Below in this article, we will look at recumbent bike rowers like those from Stamina and Avari, and the elliptical rower from Teeter.

But I’m clearly jumping ahead. Let’s get some questions and confusions out of the way first before we pick out the best rowing machine for you.

Is Rowing Machine Good for Back Muscles?

Rowing strengthens your core and back muscles, among other major muscle groups in your body. That’s Fact #1.

So, yes, there’s no doubt about it, rowing is good for your back.

Will rowing help resolve an already painful back? Like I said earlier, that should be up to your physician to determine.

The good news is – strengthening your core and back muscles can prevent and ease back pains. That’s Fact #2. So once your doctor gives you the go signal to start on a regimen, rowing should be on the top of your list.

Whenever you’re starting a new workout at home, take your time to perfect your form and stroke (see our top rowing machine back workouts by our expert rower Max). This will prevent any injury and ensure that you get the full benefit of your workout.

It’s important not to rush. Instead, you should enjoy the experience. Always make sure that you use all the correct muscles from your back, shoulder, chest, arms, core, hips, and legs. Once you get the basic movements right, you may start trying new routines until you find what works best for you.  Side Note: If you are looking for the most popular rower that everyone is talking about be sure to ready my full article on the Hydrow Rowing Machine

read more

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Ergatta vs Nordictrack 2026: Don’t Buy the Wrong Rower

ergatta vs nordictrack

Chances are that you’ve seen rowing machines sitting in a corner at your local gym. What was once an exercise machine that only fanatics like myself used is now super popular!

If you’ve decided to add an indoor rowing machine to your home gym, smart move!

I’m betting you’ve done some research about your upcoming purchase so that you get the best possible rowing machine for your money. Who doesn’t want the best, right?

The problem is choosing the best! What is “the best” for one person may not be perfect for someone else.

In a Hurry?  Here are the Rowers We Are Comparing:

If you’re in a hurry and need to know which rower is better between Ergatta or NordicTrack, click on the links below for our answers:

  1. The NordicTrack RW900
  2. The Ergatta Rowing Machine

*We review fitness products impartially and may earn a commission from affiliate links. For details see our disclosure page.

To help you make an informed decision on which rowing machine to purchase, we have conducted a thorough evaluation of each machine, which we will share in detail in the upcoming sections of this article.

Right Let’s Get Into It!

Not only do you want a rowing machine that fits your lifestyle and personal preferences, but you also want a machine that will really last and stand the test of time.

If your choices have boiled down to either the Ergatta or the NordicTrack RW900, I understand what makes your decision so difficult.

Both of these are premium machines with many similarities, but at the same time, many differences that can make or break your rowing workouts.

The good news is that I’ve used both machines, and in today’s article, I’m going to compare these connected rowers so you can make a more informed decision.

Are you ready? Let’s talk about connected rowers and all the fun gadgets they have to offer.

The NordicTrack RW900

 

Get the Best Deal at NordicTrack  Compare on Amazon read more

Ergatta vs Nordictrack 2026: Don’t Buy the Wrong Rower Read More »

Ergatta Vs WaterRower 2026 – The Winner Is…

ergatta vs waterrower

There is nothing like a rowing machine to get you into shape quickly and help you lose weight. Why waste time doing 60-minute or longer workouts at the gym when a home rower will give you a full-body workout in about half that time?!

A huge number of people have recently discovered the joys of a rowing workout experience. Water rowers have become super popular, and that’s not surprising since these types of rowers make the rowing experience as real as possible.If you’re looking for a connected rowing machine, however, this will narrow down your choices considerably. Most rowers have a screen or monitor, but not many have the advantage of being connected to the internet, giving you a challenging workout that you won’t find elsewhere.

In a Hurry?  Here are the Rowers We Are Comparing:

Want to know which rower is the best between Ergatta or WaterRower but don’t have time to read the whole article? Click on the links below to get our answers:

  1. The Ergatta Rowing Machine
  2. The WaterRower Club Rowing Machines

*We review fitness products impartially and may earn a commission from affiliate links. For details see our disclosure page.

To help you make an informed decision on which rowing machine to purchase, we have conducted a thorough evaluation of each machine, which we will share in detail in the upcoming sections of this article.

Right Let’s Get Into It!

A bit of diligence is needed when you want to find the best water tank rower for you. If you’re constrained by a tight budget, you can still find a few bargains, such as the Sunny Health & Fitness Obsidian 500, but if you want a top-end, connected fitness machine, which do you choose?

In today’s article, I’m going to spell out all the difference between the Ergatta and the WaterRower brand so you can make a more informed decision.

Let’s take a look at water rowing machines and all the benefits and features that are worth noting.

The Ergatta Rowing Machine

Get the Best Deal at Ergatta Compare on Amazon read more

Ergatta Vs WaterRower 2026 – The Winner Is… Read More »