Best Water Rowing Machine
When it comes to a full-body workout, few exercises can match the effectiveness of rowing. But not everyone has access to a body of water or the time to hit the lake for a rowing session. That’s where water rowing machines come in. These machines mimic the feel and resistance of rowing in water, but without the need for a boat or a lake. If you’re looking for a top-notch water rowing machine to add to your home gym, you’ve come to the right place.
In this post, I’ll take a look at the best water rowing machines available on the market today. Rowing machines have become a popular piece of equipment in home gyms, as they offer a full-body workout that engages almost all major muscle groups. However, not all rowing machines are created equal.
Editor's Pick | Best Choice | Best Budgeted |
WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine | Ergatta Machine | CITYROW Max Rower |
Best Water rowing machine have gained popularity due to their realistic feel and resistance, which simulate the sensation of rowing on actual water. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at five of the best water rowing machines on the market today.
Table of Contents
1: Best All-In-One: WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine
I have been on the lookout for the best water rowing machine, and my search led me to the WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! This machine has truly surpassed my expectations and provided me with an unparalleled rowing experience.
Firstly, the natural wood looks of this rowing machine is absolutely stunning. It adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any living space, and buyers won’t mind leaving it out for display. But more than just its aesthetic appeal, this rowing machine is built to last with its handcrafted wooden frame that’s capable of handling up to 700 lbs of weight.
Despite its solid build, the WaterRower operates smoothly and quietly, making it perfect for early-morning workouts or late-night sessions without disturbing others in the room. And while the S4 monitor may be small and in an awkward spot, it still tracks the basics, and buyers can manually preset workouts based on time, distance, or stroke rate goals.
Moreover, what sets the WaterRower apart is the level of tech customization available. Buyers can choose to add third-party options or even Smart Row hardware to make the rowing experience even more immersive. But even without all the bells and whistles, this rowing machine remains one of the best in its class.
The only downside to this machine is its price, which starts at about $1,200. However, for a handcrafted, top-of-the-line water rowing machine that offers a natural wood look and solid performance, the price tag is well worth it. Overall, I highly recommend WaterRower Natural’s best water rowing machine to anyone looking for the best water rowing machine on the market.
Here are the pros and cons of the WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine:
- 700-lb weight capacity
- Expert assembly available
- Financing available with an Amazon credit card
- Gorgeous natural wood look
- A wooden frame is handcrafted
- Smooth and quiet operation
- Tech customization options available
- Free delivery with Amazon Prime
- Small display, no touchscreen
- Display is in an awkward spot
- Starts at about $1,200
The WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine is a top-of-the-line water rowing machine that offers a natural wood look and solid performance. With a weight capacity of 700 lbs, expert assembly available, and financing options with an Amazon credit card, this machine is a great investment for serious rowers.
Its handcrafted wooden frame, smooth and quiet operation, and tech customization options make it stand out from the competition. However, the small display with no touchscreen and its starting price of about $1,200 may be drawbacks for some buyers. Overall, the WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality best water rowing machine.
2: Best Build Quality: Ergatta Machine
I’ve been on the lookout for the perfect water rowing machine, and let me tell you, I have found it. The Ergatta is the best water rowing machine on the market right now, and I’ve got the facts to back it up.
The Ergatta has a large HD touchscreen monitor that streams gamified workout programs to keep you engaged and motivated. The build quality is solid, with sturdy and natural wood that gives it a premium look and feel. What’s more, the Ergatta arrives fully assembled, so you can start using it right out of the box. And with financing available through Klarna, you can make this investment in your health without breaking the bank.
Now, let’s talk about the cons: The price starts at around $2,200, which might be a bit steep for some. Additionally, while the gamified workout platform is fantastic, there are no live or trainer-led workouts available. That being said, the programming is smart and effective, keeping you on pace and pushing you to reach your fitness goals.
Overall, I’ve had an amazing experience with the Ergatta water rowing machine. It’s been a game-changer for my home workouts, providing a challenging and engaging full-body workout that I look forward to every day. If you’re in the market for a top-of-the-line water rower, the Ergatta is definitely worth the investment.
Here are the pros and cons of the Ergatta water rowing machine:
- Large HD touchscreen monitor for an immersive workout experience
- Sturdy and natural wood build quality
- Gamified workout platform to keep you engaged and motivated
- Comes fully assembled for easy setup
- Financing available through Klarna
- Higher price point starting at around $2,200
- No live or trainer-led workouts are available
- Membership is required for full access to workouts
The Ergatta water rowing machine is a top-of-the-line option for home workouts, with its large HD touchscreen monitor and gamified workout platform. While it does come with a higher price point and requires membership for full access to workouts, the sturdy build quality and easy setup make it a great investment for those looking for a challenging and engaging full-body workout.
3: Most Lightweight: CITYROW Max Rower
CITYROW Max Rowe Continuing my search for the best water rowing machine, I stumbled upon the CITYROW Max Rower, and boy, was I impressed! This rowing machine is a game-changer for those who crave instructor-led workouts. The trainer-led workouts and live classes make it stand out from other water rowers in the market. The best part? The CITYROW Max pairs with your Apple Watch, which is a great feature for fitness enthusiasts who love to track their progress.
The design of the CITYROW Max is sleek and modern, with a wooden frame and footplates that add a touch of elegance. The large HD touchscreen is sweat-resistant and has physical volume rocker buttons on the side, making it easy to navigate. The CITYROW Max is also almost fully assembled upon delivery, so setting it up is a breeze.
However, I must mention the cons. The membership is sold separately, and it may be pricey for some users. Also, the weight capacity of the machine is lower than other wooden water rowers. But overall, the CITYROW Max Rower is worth the investment if you’re looking for a water rower with the added benefit of trainer-led workouts.
The CITYROW Max Rower is a fantastic option for those who want to add variety to their workout routine. The trainer-led workouts and live classes make it stand out from the crowd, and the sleek design is a bonus. While the price tag and lower weight capacity may be a drawback, the CITYROW Max Rower is still a top contender for the best water rowing machine in the market.
Here are the pros and cons of the CITYROW Max Rower:
- Trainer-led workouts with live classes
- Pairs with Apple Watch for progress tracking
- Expert assembly available
- Large HD touchscreen
- Well-designed studio programming
- Almost fully assembled upon delivery
- Offers financing through Klarna
- Membership is sold separately ($29/month)
- Price starts at over $2,000
- Lower weight capacity than other wooden water rowers (375 lbs)
The CITYROW Max Rower is a unique indoor rowing machine that offers a variety of trainer-led workouts and live classes, making it stand out from other water rowers in the market. It’s sleek design and easy setup are additional benefits, but the membership fee and price tag may be a drawback for some users.
Overall, the CITYROW Max Rower is a top contender for the best water rowing machine, especially for those who value the added benefit of instructor-led workouts.
4: Best Budget Rower: Mr. Captain Water Rowing Machine
If you’re on the lookout for the best water rowing machine that won’t break the bank, then look no further than the Mr. Captain Rowing Machine!
First off, let’s talk about its aesthetic. The wooden veneer gives it a classic and stylish look that will fit right into any home gym. And the good news is that it won’t cost you an arm and a leg! It’s priced at less than $1,000, but it’s often on sale for less than $800, which is a steal for a water rowing machine with a Bluetooth monitor. And if you need help with assembly, you can always opt for expert assembly for an extra fee.
Now, let’s talk about its performance. The Mr. Captain Rowing Machine comes with a water pump and a rower cover, which is a nice touch. It has a Bluetooth-enabled LCD monitor that tracks your time, strokes per minute, total strokes, calories burned, distance, and pulse (if you have a compatible heart rate monitor). It also has three preset workout programs: manual mode, target mode, and interval mode. While it doesn’t have a native workout streaming platform, it’s still a great option for those who don’t need fancy stat tracking or who prefer to use their own workout programs.
Of course, as with any product, there are some downsides. The console is in an awkward spot on the frame, which can be inconvenient. And the Mr. Captain Rowing Machine has a lower weight capacity of 320 lbs, so it may not be suitable for heavier users. And while it looks like it’s made of solid wood, it’s actually made of engineered MDF, which may be a disappointment for some users.
But overall, the Mr. Captain Rowing Machine is a fantastic option for anyone who wants a great water rowing machine at an affordable price. If you’re not too concerned about having the latest bells and whistles, then this machine will suit your needs perfectly. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and give it a try, and row your way to a healthier you!
Here are the pros and cons of the Mr. Captain Water Rowing Machine:
- Aesthetic wooden veneer
- Affordable price (less than $1,000, often on sale for less than $800)
- Bluetooth-enabled LCD monitor that tracks various metrics
- Comes with a water pump and rower cover
- Expert assembly available for an extra fee
- The console is in an awkward spot on the frame
- Lower weight capacity of 320 lbs
- Made of engineered MDF, not solid hardwood
Overall, the Mr. Captain Water Rowing Machine is a great mid-range option for those who want a water rowing machine that looks great and has basic metric tracking capabilities. It’s affordable, comes with useful accessories, and can be assembled by an expert if needed. However, the console’s placement can be inconvenient, and the machine’s weight capacity may not be suitable for heavier users.
Additionally, while it looks like it’s made of solid wood, it’s actually made of engineered MDF, which may be a downside for some users. But if you’re looking for a solid, reliable & best water rowing machine without breaking the bank, the Mr. Captain Rowing Machine is definitely worth considering.
5: Best Overall 2023: Sunny Health and Fitness Obsidian Surge 500
If you’re looking for the best water rowing machine to add to your home gym setup, look no further than the Sunny Health and Fitness Obsidian Surge 500. As a gym blogger, I’ve had the pleasure of testing this product, and let me tell you, it’s a great choice for beginners and experienced rowers alike.
One of the standout features of this rower is its impressive price point. At only $500, it’s a steal compared to higher-end water rowers on the market. But don’t let the low price fool you, the quality of this machine is top-notch. The 16 hydro-blades on the flywheel provide a smooth and consistent rowing experience, while the sturdy steel construction ensures durability and longevity.
The pivoting pedals and contoured padded seats make for a comfortable rowing session, and the front-mounted wheels make it easy to move and store the machine when not in use. The performance monitor may be smaller than those found on higher-end rowers, but it still provides all the necessary metrics, including time, meters, strokes per minute, and calories burned.
Now, let’s talk about the cons. The slide rail is shorter than average, measuring only 42 inches. While this may not be an issue for shorter individuals, taller users may find the rowing motion to be too cramped. Additionally, the warranty on this machine is not as comprehensive as those found on more expensive water rowers. However, considering the price point, these cons are not deal breakers.
The Sunny Health and Fitness Obsidian Surge 500 is hands down the best water rowing machine for the price. It’s a great choice for beginners or anyone looking to add a solid and reliable rowing machine to their home gym without breaking the bank. I highly recommend this product to anyone looking to improve their fitness and cardiovascular health.
Here are the pros and cons of the Sunny Health and Fitness Obsidian Surge 500:
- Affordable price point at $500
- Smooth and consistent rowing experience with 16 hydro-blades on the flywheel
- Sturdy steel construction for durability
- Pivoting pedals and contoured padded seat for comfortable rowing
- Front-mounted wheels for easy transportation and storage
- Performance monitor that tracks essential metrics
- Impressive weight capacity of 300 pounds
- Short slide rail of 42 inches may not be suitable for taller individuals
- Warranty is not as comprehensive as more expensive water rowers
- Performance monitor is small and may not be as accurate as higher-end rowers
Overall, the Sunny Health and Fitness Obsidian Surge 500 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an entry-level best water rowing machineat an affordable price point. It’s durable, comfortable, and provides a smooth and consistent rowing experience.
While the shorter slide rail and less comprehensive warranty may be drawbacks for some users, they are not significant enough to detract from the overall quality and value of this product. If you’re a beginner or looking to add a reliable rowing machine to your home gym without breaking the bank, the Sunny Health and Fitness Obsidian Surge 500 is definitely worth considering.
How to Use a Water-Rowing Machine?
Using the best water rowing machine can be a great way to get a low-impact, full-body workout in the comfort of your own home. Here are the basic steps for using a water rowing machine:
- Adjust the resistance: Most water rowing machines have adjustable resistance levels, which can be set by adding or removing water from the tank or adjusting the resistance on the flywheel. Choose a resistance level that feels challenging but manageable for your fitness level.
- Sit on the seat: Sit on the seat with your feet strapped into the footrests and your knees bent. Grab the handlebars with an overhand grip, keeping your arms straight and your shoulders relaxed.
- Start rowing: Begin rowing by pushing off with your legs, then pulling the handlebars toward your chest as you lean back slightly. Reverse the motion by straightening your arms, leaning forward, and bending your knees to return to the starting position.
- Monitor your form: Keep your back straight and your core engaged throughout the rowing motion, and avoid hunching your shoulders or leaning too far forward or backward. Use a mirror or video to check your form, and make adjustments as needed.
- Monitor your progress: Many water rowing machines come with a performance monitor that displays metrics such as time, distance, strokes per minute, and calories burned. Use these metrics to track your progress and set goals for your workouts.
- Cool down and stretch: After finishing your workout, take a few minutes to cool down by rowing at a slower pace or stretching your muscles. This can help prevent injury and improve your overall fitness.
Remember to consult your doctor before starting a new exercise program, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific water rowing machine. With consistent use and proper form, a water rowing machine can be a great way to improve your fitness and overall health.
FAQS
1: What is a water rowing machine?
A water rowing machine is a type of exercise equipment that mimics the motion of rowing a boat on water. It uses water in a tank or flywheel to create resistance as you pull on the handlebars and simulate the feeling of rowing on water.
2: What are the benefits of using a water rowing machine?
Water rowing machines provide a low-impact, full-body workout that can help improve cardiovascular health, build muscle strength, and burn calories. They also offer a unique, realistic rowing experience that can be more enjoyable and motivating than other types of exercise equipment.
3: How do I choose the best water rowing machine for me?
When choosing a water rowing machine, consider factors such as price, size and weight, resistance mechanism, construction quality, and performance monitor features. Look for a machine that fits your budget, space, and fitness goals, and read reviews from other users to get an idea of the machine’s overall quality and user experience.
4: How do I maintain and care for my water rowing machine?
To keep your water rowing machine in good working condition, regularly clean the tank or flywheel, wipe down the frame and seat, and check for loose bolts or parts. Some machines may require occasional oiling or other maintenance tasks, so consult the manufacturer’s instructions for specific care tips.
5: Can beginners use a water rowing machine?
Yes, water rowing machines can be used by beginners, as they offer a low-impact and adjustable resistance workout that can be tailored to your fitness level. Be sure to start with a lower resistance setting and gradually increase as you build strength and endurance, and always consult a doctor before starting a new exercise program.