Rowing Machines

With every move, you combine strength, endurance, and focus – a workout that not only sculpts muscles but also strengthens your mind and pushes you beyond your own limits.

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Our most popular rowing machines

The history of the rowing machine

The rowing machine as a piece of fitness equipment has an exciting history that dates back to antiquity. As early as Greek and Roman times, rowing-specific training devices were used to prepare soldiers for rowing on warships. These early "dry-land rowers" were not intended for general fitness, but rather served as targeted training for military use.

In the 19th century, rowing clubs in England and the USA began using mechanical devices for training on land. These early versions mostly consisted of wooden structures with ropes and weights to simulate the resistance of water.

A decisive advancement occurred from the 1950s onwards, when rowing machines for home use were developed. Initially rather bulky and noisy, models with hydraulic cylinders and cable systems later appeared on the market, which were more space-saving and quieter.

In the 1980s, the company Concept2 revolutionized the market: their rowing ergometers with air resistance became the standard in competitive rowing and were later used in gyms worldwide. They provided a realistic rowing feel and precise performance data, making them indispensable in professional training as well.

Today, there is a multitude of rowing machines: with air resistance, water resistance, magnetic, or combination systems. They are popular because they offer a full-body workout that improves both strength and endurance while being easy on the joints. Modern models are often equipped with digital displays, training programs, and online connectivity, allowing users to track their workouts precisely or even compete virtually against others.

Tunturi C20 Cross Trainer
Oak Water Rower

The benefits of training with a rowing machine

Rowing is more than just a fitness trend; it is the ideal full-body workout. With every movement, you train your legs, back, arms, and core simultaneously, allowing you to achieve optimal results in less time. In the process, you burn calories, improve your endurance, and strengthen your cardiovascular system.

Unlike many other sports, rowing is particularly low-impact, making it suitable for beginners, advanced athletes, and people of all ages. Furthermore, you can train flexibly—whether in the morning, in the evening, or during bad weather—right within your own four walls.

How many calories do you burn in 20 minutes on a rowing machine?

Rowing is a true power workout for the entire body – and at the same time an efficient way to burn calories. Studies and manufacturer data show: at moderate intensity, an average person of 70 kg burns between 140 and 200 calories in 20 minutes. Those who make their training more intensive can even burn up to 280 calories in the same amount of time.

The great thing is: rowing engages the legs, back, arms, and core simultaneously – every movement is utilized optimally, making your workout even more effective. It is no wonder that many rowing machine manufacturers design their training programs precisely around this blend of strength and endurance. With regular sessions on your rowing machine, you can boost your fitness, control your weight, and feel all-around fitter – conveniently at home and flexibly according to your own schedule.

Half Human Air Rower
Half Human Air Rower
WaterRower Cherry
WaterRower Cherry

Water-resistance rowing, natural rowing just like on a real lake

Water resistance rowers offer a training experience that comes amazingly close to real rowing on the water. Every stroke through the water creates resistance—the harder you pull, the more intense the workout becomes. This allows the machine to automatically adapt to your pace and strength without you having to manually adjust the resistance.

Many manufacturers deliberately choose water resistance because it not only provides a realistic rowing feel, but is also durable, quiet, and particularly smooth. Modern machines even combine this resistance with training computers, app integration, or personalized programs, allowing you to precisely control your training and track your progress.

Whether you are a beginner or a pro, you will train efficiently, variably, and realistically with a water resistance rowing machine. This turns every workout into an experience that strengthens your body, mind, and motivation in equal measure.

Air resistance rowing, maximum power with individually adjustable resistance

Air resistance rowers offer a dynamic and intense workout that is ideal for strength, endurance, and interval training. The resistance is generated by a fan that moves in proportion to your pulling force: the harder you pull, the greater the resistance. In addition, many models allow you to adjust the resistance in increments to precisely tailor your training to your fitness level – a level of flexibility that water rowers do not offer.

Thanks to the fluid resistance, all major muscle groups are engaged: legs, back, arms, and core work together harmoniously, providing you with an efficient full-body workout. The intense workout ensures rapid progress, regardless of whether you are a beginner or a professional.

Concept2 RowErg Rowing Machine
Concept2 RowErg Rowing Machine
Tunturi R20 Rowing Machine
Tunturi R20 Rowing Machine

Magnetic resistance rowing quiet, smooth and precisely adjustable

Magnetic resistance rowing machines offer a particularly quiet and joint-friendly workout – ideal for at home or in an apartment. The resistance is generated by magnets and can be adjusted steplessly or in fixed levels, allowing you to tailor your training exactly to your fitness level.

This gentle yet effective workout engages all major muscle groups: legs, back, arms, and core work together harmoniously, while the smooth motion is particularly gentle on the joints. This makes a magnetic rowing machine suitable for both beginners and experienced athletes.

Magnetic resistance is extremely quiet, as there are no fans or water noises. While magnetic rowing machines are particularly comfortable and quiet, the rowing motion does not feel quite as realistic as with machines using water or air resistance.

Our recommendations for the various rowing styles

We show you here which rowing machines are particularly recommended for the three different types of resistance – water, air, and magnetic. Whether you prefer a realistic rowing feel, an intense power workout, or quiet and low-impact training: We have compiled the best products for every category.

Rowing with water resistance – Our recommendation: The WaterRower

Oak Water Rower

Air rowing – Our recommendation: The Half Human Air Rower

Half Human Air Rower

Magnetic resistance rowing – Our recommendation: The Tunturi R60 rowing machine

Tunturi R60 Rowing Machine

  • Realistic

  • Full-body

  • Low-impact

  • Quiet

  • Digital

  • Intense

  • Dynamic

  • Customizable

  • Robust

  • HIIT-ready

  • Quiet

  • Gentle

  • Precise

  • Comfortable

  • Digital

Have you seen a rowing machine online and are still unsure?

Visit us, call us or send us an email – our local experts will be happy to assist you personally. Together, we will clarify your requirements and check whether your desired rowing machine is on display in one of our shops. You might even discover an alternative that suits your needs even better.