“We Don’t Just Talk About Rowing
We Actually Row!”
“We Don’t Just Talk About Rowing – We Actually Row!”
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.
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You can easily find a great water rowing machine even if you are on a tight budget! Don’t worry if you don’t have a ton of money, there is a plethora of options that might fall in your budget.
Best Budget Water Rowing Machine 2026 Read More »
If you’re interested in buying the best rowing machine ever, you’re not alone. Rowing is one of the best forms of cardiovascular exercises on the planet.
Echelon Rower vs Hydrow 2026: The Winner Is….. Read More »
There are rowing machines, and then there are unique and outstanding rowing machines.
LIT Method Vs Hydrow 2026: What is the Difference? Read More »
Are you planning to buy an indoor rower but your home does not have ample floor space for it? If you’re thinking of the enormous rowing machines in your local gym, then space can indeed pose a challenge. Fortunately, it’s possible to find compact and folding rowing machines for home use or for gyms with limited space.
Best Portable Rowing Machine for Easy Storage 2026 Read More »
If you’re a CrossFitter who typically gets calories burned at 250-350 in 20 minutes, why would you even bother with indoor rowing? And if indeed rowing will do wonders to your training, will any rowing machine work?
What Rowing Machine Does CrossFit Use? 2026 Read More »
It’s interesting to see how many people have suddenly turned to rowing as their primary source of exercise.
Best Rowers on the Market for Your Money 2026 Read More »
Sometimes, a home workout is the best way to ensure you make time for your health and save money on costly gym fees. A home rower is one of the best investments you can make for your physical well-being. They give you a low-impact full-body cardiovascular workout and are often more affordable than ellipticals or stationary bikes.
There are plenty of options on the market of rowers that will help you burn fat quickly from the comfort of your own home, all at an affordable price. Here’s a list of our favorite machines that can be shipped right to your door!
Looking for the best rowing machine for your home gym but don’t have time to read the whole article? Check out my top recommendations:
*We review fitness products impartially and may earn a commission from affiliate links. For details see our disclosure page.
You can read my full breakdown and review on each individual machine further down in this article, where we go into our findings for each machine.
When it comes to burning fat quickly on a rowing machine, you are going to want to ensure that you can do the proper technique without causing injury while still being able to get your heart-rate up to the appropriate levels for your age and fitness.
Having a rower with resistance will help you get your heart-rate up more quickly, so it is important to keep this in mind when choosing the machine that’s right for you and your home.
Additionally, you will want to focus on your legs. Working these larger muscles to a greater extent will help you burn more calories fast.
Now that you know to choose a rower that will help you focus on your legs and get your heart rate, let’s take a deeper look into some of our favorite options for burning fat fast and affordably from the comfort of your living room or home gym.
Best Rower For Home Gym To Burn Fat Fast 2026 Read More »
When you have a height that is shorter than average, it can feel like everything in the world is way too big for you. Jeans are always too long, shelves are always too high, and Rowing Machines are always too big. So how can you go about finding the right rowing machine for your size?
Looking for the best rowing machine tailored for short people but don’t have time to read the whole article? Check out my top recommendations.
*We review fitness products impartially and may earn a commission from affiliate links. For details see our disclosure page.
Keep reading below to see reviews on all these machines – plus full videos of them in action!
For rowing machines, height does not really have any clear advantage. If anything, being shorter is sometimes better. Taller people sometimes have to buy extension rail rods to make the inseam of their rowing machine bigger to accommodate their long legs.
Shorter people tend to save money and time by not needing to purchase extra equipment that can be costly and annoying to install.
So where rowing machines are concerned, less height is not that big an issue, especially since it is a solo exercise with your own pace and stroke or pull length.
A lot of finding the right size rowing machine for your height is doing your research (read more on rowing height requirements ). Unfortunately, that can take up a lot of your precious time, so we have made this article to give you a head start on your search by providing you with the best rowing machines for smaller people and information on how to pick which one is perfect for your life.
| Rowing Machine |
Inseam Length | Weight Capacity | Resistance Type |
| Concept2 | 38 inches | 500 pounds | Air Resistance |
| Stamina Rower | 34 inches | 250 pounds | Air Resistance |
| Sunny Health SF-RW5713 | 38 inches | 300 pounds | Water Resistance |
| Sunny SF-RW5515 | 44 inches | 250 pounds | Magnetic Resistance |
| Squat Assist Row-N-Ride | 36.5 inches in length | 220 pounds | Upright Rower |
To start, let’s look at some commonly asked questions on short people in crew (the sport of team rowing,) or shorter people who use rowing machines.
Most people often assume that since the majority of rowers are tall that only tall people can be good rowers. This is a notion that holds no water when put to the test against the requirements of the actual sport or exercise.
Taller people who row do have an advantage. This advantage is that they are able to pull the handles or paddles further distances since their arms are usually longer. A longer pull or distance pulled helps the boat move further, quicker.
But short people are not excluded from being good at rowing. Being short and flexible helps to make a great rower who is able to use their body the maximum of what it can do. Taller rowers often find it very difficult to find rowing machines that comfortably fit their long legs, while shorter rowers usually do not have such an intense struggle, although both sides of height find it difficult to find rowing machines that accommodate their bodies comfortably.
In short, (pun intended,) yes! Of course, short people can be good rowers. Being flexible really helps a short rower, but it is not impossible to row while short. Just like with any sport or activity, the more you practice and do the motions, the better you will become at the movement.
As much as short people might hate to hear this, yes. Each person who is 1.2 inches taller than you are able to row 1 percent further than you on each pull. That means someone who is 6 inches taller than you can row 6 percent further on each stroke.
This means over the course of a crew race or a distance competition on a machine, the taller person can travel or move their boat further than a shorter person distance by quite a large margin. Also, for every 6 pounds of weight increase, there is an additional 1 percent further pull with every stroke.
Taller people tend to weigh more simply because they have more body mass to fill, so often these two factors combine to make shorter people seem like bad rowers when it is only based on the length of the pull.
To compensate for this difference in weight or height, short rowers or crew team members have to be much more flexible, at risk of getting out of rhythm. Their shoulders have to be loose and flexible to pull longer strokes that are comparable to their taller counterparts.
Click Here to See My Top Rowers for Beginners Under $400!
This might not come as a surprise thanks to the two sections above this one, but yes. Height is a great advantage in crew team rowing. When you are part of a team that competes, to have taller rowers is a great advantage, since every 1.2 inches of added height gets you 1 percent further.
If your team is an average of 5 inches taller than the competition, your team has an added 5 percent of added distance per stroke for each member on the team. This adds up and can greatly benefit the team.
The body type of competitive crew rowers is usually very toned. This does not mean that only toned athletes can row. The truth is far from that. Anyone can have the perfect body type for rowing. The toned competitive or intense rowers (machine or crew) are people who have simply been using the rowing machine or practicing the sport of crew for longer than you have, and so have experienced the physical benefits and changes that crew or rowing can offer.
Rowing is a full-body workout. It targets about 86 percent of your body with every stroke, meaning that your whole body and almost all the muscle groups are engaged in the exercise, almost constantly.
The core is used for stability and pulls, the legs for pushing off the foot paddles, the arms for pulling the handles and cord, and lastly the back muscles for stability and balance.
After a while of repeating this workout, your body will begin to change (these changes are most often seen alongside a healthy diet and stretching,) into a more toned and defined body. This is why having a generally toned body is the body type more sought after by rowers just because it shows that the muscle groups needed to do the motions well are strong.
Now, let’s look into the best rowing machines for people who are shorter. These are our picks for the best rowing machines, but you should still do some more research into the rowing machines to make sure that they will fit into your lifestyle well.
Let’s get into it!
Best Rowing Machine for Short People 2026 Read More »
If you’ve been thinking about buying a new indoor rowing machine, I’m betting you are thinking about investing in a smart rowing machine.
That makes perfect sense when you consider that everything is going “smart” these days—refrigerators, thermostats, cell phones, and now, there are smart (also called connected or interactive) rowing machines.
I’m aware of the abundance of smart rowers on the market today, so it can be pretty confusing trying to decide which one would be best for you.
Today, I’m going to compare two machines that you might have been considering adding to your fitness routine—the Ergatta water rower and the Echelon Row.
*We review fitness products impartially and may earn a commission from affiliate links. For details see our disclosure page.
We’ve got a lot of ground to cover here since both of these connected rowing machines have so much to offer.
Let’s dive right in, shall we?
If you are short on time and you just want to find out the basics, this comparison chart will hopefully answer your questions.
| Find The Best Rower for You! | Ergatta | Echelon |
| Overall Dimensions | 86 inches long by 23 inches wide | 84 inches long by 21 inches wide |
| Type of Resistance | Water | Magnetic |
| Maximum User Weight Capacity | 500 Pounds | 300 Pounds |
| Size of Monitor | 17.3 Inches | Echelon Row-S – 21.5 Inches(Note: the regular Echelon Row has a tablet holder but no monitor; you can add your own device) |
| Monthly Subscription Cost | $29 for unlimited users | $35 monthly or $33/month if billed yearly, or $29/month if billed for two years in advance |
| Types of Workouts | Game-based/Racing/Live Racing | Live/On-demand Studio Type Classes |
| Bluetooth-Enabled | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 5-year frame, 3-year parts, 1-year on the monitor | 1-year warranty; additional year coverage can be purchased at checkout |
Both of these rowers are quite long, so you’ll need some space to use them.
The Echelon rower is less expensive. You may opt to buy it with or without a monitor (that is, the regular Echelon Row with a tablet holder or the Echelon Row-S rower with a 21.5-inch HD touchscreen). Both Echelon versions are cheaper than the Ergatta rower.
If buying the regular Echelon Row, you will need to provide your own tablet or smartphone and download the Echelon app to access the workouts. The good news here is that you can have as big or small screen as you wish.
Both the Ergatta and Echelon rowers can be stored upright and offer exceptional cardio training.
Bookmark this page so you can read the entire article later.
No, it doesn’t. Ergatta has a built-in tablet, but it doesn’t allow you to access anything other than the Ergatta workouts.
One advantage of using your own tablet (as is the case with the Echelon rowers) is that you can still choose to access Netflix, YouTube, or other websites.
Of course, Ergatta’s android HD touchscreen tablet still has connections in the back, so you can charge your phone or tablet and set it up alongside your Ergatta monitor if you wish.
Some people have even connected their Ergatta to their big-screen TV and made their workouts available with a full 55 or 60-inch monitor! FYI: You might also like to read our article Aviron vs Ergatta for more detailed information.
There are two aspects of the Ergatta that you must know about—the programming that makes it smart and intuitive and the rowing machine itself.
Ergatta Vs Echelon Rower 2026 – Who Wins & Why? Read More »
For those who want to invest in the very best for their home gym, you might have been surprised to find so many choices available!
Home rowing machines are quickly becoming one of the most popular pieces of gym equipment in the United States and elsewhere and there are lots of good reasons for this. Everyone wants a highly interactive, class membership type of workout platform in their home, but not everyone wants a spinning class like Peloton.
Don’t have time to read the whole article? Click on the links below to find out which rower is the best between Ergatta or Hydrow:
*We review fitness products impartially and may earn a commission from affiliate links. For details see our disclosure page.
In the sections below, we’ll present our analysis of each machine and provide a thorough assessment of each one.
The Hydrow and the Ergatta are two of the newest, most exciting workout platforms to hit the market. With their awesome high-tech devices that help make workouts fun, it’s no surprise that both of these are very much in demand, even with their premium price tags.
Other than the obvious visual differences, which of these rowers is better than the other?
I’m going to let you in on a few secrets about both of these rowing machines so that you can make a more informed decision.
When considering two different types of rowing machines, you should start with some of the basic specifications.
You may see some differences that might sway you in one direction or the other right away. I advise you, though, to keep reading and see all their differences so you will feel completely confident about your choice when you’re ready to purchase.
Let’s look closer and see the benefits of each rowing machine.
Hydrow SAVE $125!! => Use Coupon Code: ROWINGCRAZY
Ergatta vs Hydrow Rower 2026: Who Wins & Why Read More »
Rowing machines are a great low impact way for seniors to exercise. Not only do you get a cardio workout, which improves circulation and blood flow through the whole body, you also build strength and muscle in this whole body workout. They really are the perfect exercise equipment for seniors, keep reading and I will explain why.
Don’t have time to read the whole article? Here are my top picks for the best senior-friendly rowing machine.
*We review fitness products impartially and may earn a commission from affiliate links. For details see our disclosure page.
Our analysis of rowing machines is listed below in this article, where we have provided a comprehensive assessment of each machine.
The best workouts for seniors are focused on the whole body. You want an exercise and fitness routine that works out all of your muscles. Most importantly, the best routines also include a cardio element, which helps fight off heart disease and other illnesses like diabetes. A high-quality magnetic rowing machine does all of that.
Seniors also have less energy than younger people, meaning they need to have shorter workouts. A shorter workout needs to incorporate all elements of fitness. Instead of spending 3 or 4 hours in the gym bouncing between different machines to work out each group of muscles, using a rowing machine for 1 or 2 hours instead will work out many different muscle groups at the same time, making this a complete workout you can do in less time. FYI: You might like to read our article on rowing machine workouts for seniors or elderly
Knee and hip pain are common in seniors, and can actually prevent them from exercising. That’s why low impact exercises are so important, as they provide an opportunity to exercise without harming joints. Click Here to see the best low impact exercise equipment!
The benefits from rowing machines also do not come with the price that other exercise machines do. For example, a treadmill can cause knee, hip, or other problems like shin splints.
The rowing machine takes advantage of magnetic or air resistance to provide gentle resistance while rowing, which works to provide you with a great cardio low impact workout.
TREND TOPIC: Top Elliptical Rowers
The best rower for seniors comes down to a few options. When considering the purchase of an indoor rowing machine, some pieces of exercise equipment stand out from the pack.
Perhaps the most important thing to factor into your decision on buying a row machine is the ease of use of the machine. This refers not only to the ease of working out on the machine, but also the ease of setting it up in your home, adjusting, and storing it when not in use. The handles should be comfortable and have a secure grip.
As a senior with less energy than you used to have, you want to spend your energy productively. Spend your efforts on the actual workout, not on getting used to the machine or dealing with an uncomfortable seat.
Comfort is important. Look for a machine that was designed ergonomically, so you are not putting unnecessary strain on your joints in the wrong place. A rowing machine should not strain any of your joints. It should have comfortable handles, so your fingers and wrists are not over-worked, and you should never feel like you are stretching to reach the pedals.
If the fitness of a senior is your top priority, consider purchasing one of the rowing machines below and you will become an expert rower in no time at all.
Best Rowing Machine for Seniors 2026 – Our Top 4 Picks Read More »
What comes to your mind when you think of water rowers? I’m betting words like beautiful, sturdy, soothing, and smooth come to mind, but how about folding?
Probably not, right? But guess what? The words water rowing machine and folding are not incongruous! You can have your water rower and fold it too!
In a rush and want to find the best foldable water rowers for small spaces? Check out my top picks.
*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.
OK, so the water tank won’t fold, but as long as you can fold the machine up smaller, then you’re a step ahead!
If you’re interested in a water rowing machine but you need a foldable rower to store it, today’s list is for you!
Check out my list of the top 5 foldable water rowing machines and get ready to get a great workout!
Everyone loves water resistance rowing machines because they not only sound like you’re rowing on the water, but they feel that way, too!
As wonderful as water rowing machines are, sometimes there is just no way around it – you need space to store it!
Welcome to the world of folding rowing machines! I’ve looked at more than two dozen water rowers to create this list of folding water resistance rowing machines just for you!
Oh absolutely!
The only difference between a non-folding machine and one that folds is the fact that, in one way or another, you can store the rowing machine more easily.
It won’t make any difference to your workout, your cardiovascular health, or your heart rate. You’ll still get a full-body workout. Nothing is different other than folding rowers save space so that you can move them elsewhere.
If the manufacturer gives you instructions on how to fold their rowing machine, then it’s perfectly OK to do so.
Keep in mind that not all rowing machines, whether they use water resistance or not, are capable of folding or coming apart for storage.
Even some magnetic rowing machines don’t fold, so make certain before you buy if space is at a premium at your house.
No more so than other rowing machines.
All rowing machines need at least a bit of maintenance. The only extra maintenance that a water rower would have would be that a chlorine tablet needs to be placed in the water tank every 6 months or so.
This is to keep the water clear and beautiful.
Otherwise, water rowers need no extra maintenance.
Are you ready? Let’s look at my top 5 picks for folding rowing machines.
Best Folding Water Rowing Machine for Tight Spaces 2026 Read More »
If you are anything like me, you prefer quality over quantity. I would much rather pay more for a heavy-duty product that will last for years than a cheaper item of inferior quality.
Messing with equipment, whether it’s your computer or your indoor rower, is a pain in the behind! I hate it when things break down and you’re stuck for weeks waiting for a repair person or parts to arrive! Ugh!
Are you tired of buying pieces of fitness equipment for your home gym only to have it break or stop working properly within a short period of time?
Do you need a heavy-duty rowing machine that can handle heavy user weights?
Do you want a machine that can take a lickin’ and keep on workin’? Friends, this article is for you, so keep reading.
If you’re pressed for time and just want to find the best rowing machines for commercial use, here are my top choices.
*We review fitness products impartially and may earn a commission from affiliate links. For details see our disclosure page.
Our analysis of each rowing machine is listed below in this article, where we have provided our comprehensive assessment.
I remember my mother telling me once that paying for a high-quality pair of shoes once was better than owning two or three pairs that won’t last a year. She was SO right! I’ve applied this to many areas of my life and found that in the majority of cases, this is true.
Of course, quality products don’t always have to be the most expensive ones. I’ve found many brands that make quality items but aren’t overpriced. Sometimes, you’re just paying for a name, right?
So, with that in mind, I hope you agree with me that a high-quality item is always worth the price.
I’m going to fill you in on the best commercial rowing machines that were designed for use in gyms but that you can have in your own home gym.
Best Commercial Rowing Machine Built to Last 2026 Read More »
Hi friends! It’s Petra, and today, I want to talk about two different rowing machine brands that are very popular but very different, the Aviron Rowers (Impact Series and Strong Series) and the Concept 2 Model D (now called RowErg).
The Aviron Impact Series has been around for about 4 years now, but they recently released the new Strong Series, and it’s really turning heads!
On the other hand, Concept 2 has been around since the 1980s. It’s the name everyone knows (it’s the rower you’ll find in almost every gym), but Aviron is making a big name for itself.
Buying a rowing machine is a big investment, so you don’t want to make the wrong choice and end up with a giant paperweight, right?
Pressed for time but need to know which rower to choose between Concept or Aviron Series? Click on the links below for our recommendations.
*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.
Maybe you’ve bought a piece of equipment for your home gym only to find that you didn’t know how to use it, it didn’t hold up, or you got bored with it quickly. I’m not surprised if you are extra-wary about making an expensive purchase like a home rowing machine.
That’s where I come in. I’ve used just about every rowing machine, and I will tell you the pros, the cons, and everything you must know before you hit that “Buy Now” button.
Are you ready? There’s so much to talk about, so let’s get down to business!
Sometimes, it’s the little things that matter.
If you’ve got limited space, or if you already know that you want X in a rowing machine, deciding between the two is going to be as straightforward as checking the specs.
For example, if you weigh 450 pounds, you shouldn’t even consider the Aviron Impact rower since it has a maximum weight capacity of 397 pounds.
Or if you live with some very particular roommates, you should drop air resistance rowers like Concept 2 from your list of possibilities since air rowers make a lot of noise.
If you have bad knees, you might want to consider one of the Aviron rowers because they have the tallest seat in the industry! Or choose the higher-seat option for Concept2 RowErg.
This comparison table might help you make a decision quickly.
| Aviron Impact Series | Aviron Strong Series | Concept 2 Model D | |
| Type of Resistance | Dual magnetic and air resistance | Dual magnetic and air resistance | Air resistance only |
| Seat Height | 20 Inches | 20 Inches | 14 Inches or 20 inches (2 options available: standard legs and tall legs) |
| Overall Dimensions | 97”L x 21”W x 43”H | 84”L x 27”W x 48”H | 95”L x 24”W x 14”H |
| Weight of Machine | 93 Pounds | 114 Pounds | 57 Pounds |
| Maximum User Weight Capacity | 397 Pounds | 507 Pounds | 500 Pounds |
| Size of Monitor | 22-Inch HD Touchscreen | 22-Inch HD Rotating Touchscreen | 5-Inch Display (PM5 Monitor Only) |
| Warranty | 10-year frame 1-year warranty on all other parts |
10-year frame 1-year warranty on all other parts |
5-year frame 2-year warranty on all other parts |
| Folds for Storage? | Yes | No, but it stores upright without need for any wall attachment or kit | Yes |
| Current Price (Subject to Change) |
$2,199 | $2,499 | $945 |
| Monthly Subscription Fee | $29/month if billed/paid monthly; $24/month if billed/paid annually |
$29/month if billed/paid monthly; $24/month if billed/paid annually |
None |
I hope you found this information helpful.
If you still can’t make up your mind, keep reading. The devil is in the details, and that’s what I’m going to show you below.
Aviron Vs Concept 2 2026: Who Won & Why? Read More »
If you are looking to purchase a rowing machine so that you can exercise at home or to add to your at-home gym collection, you might be wondering which type of rowing machine you should buy. Should you buy a magnetic rowing machine? Should you buy a water rowing machine? What are those, anyway? What are their advantages and disadvantages?
The simple fact of the matter is that water rowing machines and magnetic rowing machines each have their advantages and disadvantages. Neither one is worse than the other. It all depends on your tastes, preferences, needs, and living situation.
A water rowing machine simulates the natural feel and resistance of rowing on open water, by making the swishing sound of real water rowing. A magnetic rowing machine however offers multiple resistance levels, plus is much quieter to use. Both offer a great rowing experience, it just comes down to personal preference.
In the following article, we will answer all those questions for you and more. We will also include reviews of both a magnetic rowing machine and a water rowing machine to provide you with some options once you have decided which type of rowing machine is best suited to your needs and the needs of your living situation.
Are Water Rowers Better Than Magnetic Rowers? 2026 Read More »
