Equipment
If you want to indoor row, all you need is your gym kit and a rowing machine – often referred to as ‘rowers’, ‘ergs’ or ‘ergos’ (short for ergometers).
There are essentially four types of rowing machines, which work in different ways.
| Air Resistance | Water Resistance |
|---|---|
 |  |
| This rowing machines simulates rowing on the water by using air pressure and a flywheel. | This rowing machine uses water pressure to create resistance. |
- Air Resistance
- This rowing machines simulates rowing on the water by using air pressure and a flywheel.
- Water Resistance
- This rowing machine uses water pressure to create resistance.
| Magnetic Resistance | Hydraulic Resistance |
|---|---|
 |  |
| This rowing machine uses magnetic resistance. They are generally quiet, but do not simulate on-water rowing very well. | This rowing machine is economical, but simulates rowing on-water the least. |
- Magnetic Resistance
- This rowing machine uses magnetic resistance. They are generally quiet, but do not simulate on-water rowing very well.
- Hydraulic Resistance
- This rowing machine is economical, but simulates rowing on-water the least.
The two market leading rowing machines in the UK are Concept 2 and WaterRower. Both are well built and extremely durable.
Concept2 is currently the leading supplier of rowing machines in the UK. Their rowing machines can be found in gyms, rowing clubs and homes up and down the country. They are also used by our GB rowers and for all British Rowing competitions. The Concept2 rowing machine simulates rowing on the water by using air pressure and a flywheel.
Key Features Include
| Monitor | The monitor provides distance, speed, pace, calories, and watts for each workout. You can choose between five display options. You can also play simple games whilst using the machine. The latest version of the Concept2 monitor is the PM5 which has Bluetooth technology. Previous versions (PM2, PM3 & PM4) are also still commonplace in many gyms, but do not have Bluetooth technology. |
| Variable Resistance | The damper (resistance setting) allows airflow to the flywheel to be adjusted using a range of levels 1 (light) to 10 (hard). A higher setting allows more air into the flywheel which slows the wheel more quickly on the recovery and offers greater resistance on the drive. A lower damper setting admits less air to the wheel and so slows it down less quickly on the recovery and offers less resistance on the drive. We recommend a resistance level of 4 or below to allow good technique to be maintained for longer. |
| Rowing App Compatibility | Most of the rowing apps on the market are designed to be compatible with Concept2 rowing machines. Concept2 also has a free to download app called ErgData which provides additional feedback and automatically stores all your workouts directly to your device. These apps work wirelessly with the PM5 but a connecting cable is required with older monitors (PM3 & PM4). |
| Adjustable Footrests | Adjustable footrests allow for quick and easy sizing for a range of feet sizes. |
| Two-Part Performance Rower Design | Concept2 rowing machines come in a black or satin finish and the design is that of a high tech performance machine. They come in two sections that can be easily connected or split for transport/storage. |
| Manoeuvrability | Easy to move about using wheels and can be stood on its end for easy storage subject to a minimum ceiling height of circa. 250cm. |
- Monitor
- The monitor provides distance, speed, pace, calories, and watts for each workout. You can choose between five display options. You can also play simple games whilst using the machine.
The latest version of the Concept2 monitor is the PM5 which has Bluetooth technology. Previous versions (PM2, PM3 & PM4) are also still commonplace in many gyms, but do not have Bluetooth technology.
- Variable Resistance
- The damper (resistance setting) allows airflow to the flywheel to be adjusted using a range of levels 1 (light) to 10 (hard). A higher setting allows more air into the flywheel which slows the wheel more quickly on the recovery and offers greater resistance on the drive. A lower damper setting admits less air to the wheel and so slows it down less quickly on the recovery and offers less resistance on the drive. We recommend a resistance level of 4 or below to allow good technique to be maintained for longer.
- Rowing App Compatibility
- Most of the rowing apps on the market are designed to be compatible with Concept2 rowing machines. Concept2 also has a free to download app called ErgData which provides additional feedback and automatically stores all your workouts directly to your device. These apps work wirelessly with the PM5 but a connecting cable is required with older monitors (PM3 & PM4).
- Adjustable Footrests
- Adjustable footrests allow for quick and easy sizing for a range of feet sizes.
- Two-Part Performance Rower Design
- Concept2 rowing machines come in a black or satin finish and the design is that of a high tech performance machine. They come in two sections that can be easily connected or split for transport/storage.
- Manoeuvrability
- Easy to move about using wheels and can be stood on its end for easy storage subject to a minimum ceiling height of circa. 250cm.
WaterRower is currently the leading supplier of water rowing machines in the UK. Their rowing machines, which use water resistance and are designed to simulate rowing on the water, have long been a popular choice for home rowers and they are increasingly commonplace in gyms nationwide.
Key Features Include
| Monitor | The Series 4 (S4) performance monitor shows stroke rate, rowing distance, duration and more. |
| Natural Resistance | The WaterRower has a WaterFlyWheel inside a sealed drum. Each stroke moves a paddle which cups the moving water and creates a natural, self-regulating resistance. |
| Recreating the On-Water Experience | The WaterRower is designed to recreate the feel and sounds of being on water that you would experience in a rowing boat. It is generally very quiet, with the only noise being the sloshing of water in the drum. |
| Manoeuvrability | The WaterRower is relatively compact, has adjustable feet and is easily manoeuvrable. |
| Unique Design | In contrast to most traditional exercise equipment, WaterRowers are made of wood, have an aesthetically pleasing design which complements the décor of most rooms in the home and, at 209cm long, are compact enough to be stored upright in most rooms. |
| Adjustable Foot Rests | Adjustable foot rests allow for quick and easy sizing for a range of feet sizes. |
- Monitor
- The Series 4 (S4) performance monitor shows stroke rate, rowing distance, duration and more.
- Natural Resistance
- The WaterRower has a WaterFlyWheel inside a sealed drum. Each stroke moves a paddle which cups the moving water and creates a natural, self-regulating resistance.
- Recreating the On-Water Experience
- The WaterRower is designed to recreate the feel and sounds of being on water that you would experience in a rowing boat. It is generally very quiet, with the only noise being the sloshing of water in the drum.
- Manoeuvrability
- The WaterRower is relatively compact, has adjustable feet and is easily manoeuvrable.
- Unique Design
- In contrast to most traditional exercise equipment, WaterRowers are made of wood, have an aesthetically pleasing design which complements the décor of most rooms in the home and, at 209cm long, are compact enough to be stored upright in most rooms.
- Adjustable Foot Rests
- Adjustable foot rests allow for quick and easy sizing for a range of feet sizes.
New indoor rowing machines are being regularly developed by a range of manufacturers in the health and fitness industry, with the key aim to improve the experience of taking part in the sport through advances in technology or movement experience. You may come across other machines in your gym, school, college, university or club and these could include:
FloatRower: The world’s first fully integrated rowing machine that brings the sensation of rowing onto dry land with an innovative float & roll system combined with dual resistance.
Hydrow: Combines powerful live outdoor reality technology with a state-of-the-art rowing machine.
NordicTrack: Combines technology and live trainer led sessions integrated with a indoor rowing machine model.
RP3 Rowing: Accurately simulates dynamic rowing motion experienced in a boat. It is used by Olympic and elite rowers from clubs and schools all over the World, giving rowers the best possible land training experience.
Skillrow: A fully connected rowing machine designed by gym equipment supplier TechnoGym that trains both cardio and power at an athlete’s level, thanks to its sport-specific design, exclusive technology and performance-oriented workouts.
If you are thinking of buying a rowing machine and are still uncertain which is best for you, there is much more information on the supplier websites and you will find some great reviews online.