Latest news with #Concept2
Forbes
10 hours ago
- Forbes
Owners Of The Fitbit Charge 6 Get Four Great New Features
Fitbit Charge 6 Good Fitbit news tends to be outweighed by the bad these days, but Fitbit Charge 6 owners have a reason to feel happy as it has just received a handful of new features. The key substantive change if the Fitbit Charge 6 can now connect to more exercise and gym equipment. This is used to send heart rate data to the machine, letting you take part in heart-rate-led sessions without having to keep your hands on those grimy sensors the whole time. Concept 2 is the brand added to the compatibility list in this firmware update. And that's a biggie, as its rowing machines were once considered the go-to for commercial gyms and workout spaces. Here's the full list of brands supported at present by the Fitbit Charge 6: The bad news: two of the most common gym brands remain unsupported, Life Fitness and TechnoGym. Fitbit's update also adds three watch faces to the Fitbit Charge 6, called Momentum, Geometric and Axira. Charge 6 watch faces 'They're designed to provide you with more comprehensive data at a glance,' says Google, although you'll only truly notice this on the Momentum face. It really packs in the stats, including daily steps, heart rate and distance, among others. Geometric and Axira are more subtle, instead slotting a health stat or two into what is still a more style or design-led face. Google says the update also brings 'general bug fixes' and tweaks to, alongside the Charge 6, the Inspire 3, Sense 2 and Versa 4. However, the Charge 6 getting new features while the Sense and Versa series largely do not is consistent with the Fitbit trajectory seen over the last couple of years. Fitbit's smartwatch families have been deprecated, while areas not served by Google's own-brand wearables are allowed to flourish. That includes the Fitbit Charge 6, and the Ace LTE, a watch made for children. Even the Fitbit Charge 6 is quite old at this point, though, released in October 2023.
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Ayrshire team set World and British record after completing 100K ski erg challenge
Ski Sirens beat the younger, mixed team target by 10 minutes. An Ayrshire team has set a world and British record after completing a 100K 'ski erg' challenge. The team of 10 determined women, called 'Ski Sirens,' beat a younger, mixed team record by 10 minutes and set a new record in the small, women's, 40-49 age category. The challenge took place at ULT Fitness and Crossfit in Ayr, one year after the first ULT event and was held in aid of Ayrshire Hospice. Team member Evey Prentice, 54, said: "We sang, we danced, we laughed, we counted and miscounted, we sweated, and we swore. "We alternated every minute for the first half, then with 40K to go we switched to 45 second changeovers, which was hard to count when you were starting to feel the bite of exhaustion. "We kept each other going and kept the pace sub two until the last 15K, by which time it had crept up to 2:00:1. With only 30 seconds to blast it and enough time to recover, we began to chase the sub two pace and by the end, although our final screen read a 1:59:9 pace, our verification screen showed a 1:59:8 pace." The team was coached by Annie Atkins, 61, a multiple British and World record holder in Concept2 indoor rowing. Evey first met Annie at Prestwick Rowing Club, where she was inspired by Annie's World record achievements. Aged 50, Evey joined Annie in March 2022 in Rhyl, and earned her first four British and four World records with a large women's team, We Rowed All Night. In the 30-39 and 40-49 age category they set records for 24 hour distance row and 26 hour longest continuous row. A few months later, in December 2022, Annie's journey took a turn when she underwent emergency treatment after a ruptured bowel led to sepsis. Overnight she learned she had stage four bowel cancer, was fitted with a stoma and left with a hernia, yet her determination never waned. At the time of starting chemotherapy, Annie was already planning her comeback regime. Six weeks after surgery and 12 hours after starting chemo she was back to training. Annie said: "I think having goals and a positive mindset definitely helps your recovery. I would also add that because I was so fit on the lead up to my illness, it definitely helped and although this would be conjecture, I honestly believe I wouldn't be here now had I not initially been so fit." Annie was in remission in 2024 and joined ULT gym with Evey where the duo found a bunch of like-minded people and formed ULT Rowtorious Lassies, who broke the same records as Rhyl but in a small team of 10women in the 40-49 age category. Evey said: "In October 2024, Annie and I had competed took solo first and second place, respectively in our age categories in the Driathlon, but we were hungry for more. As the ski erg is part of the Driathlon, Annie looked for a record she thought we could take. There was no record set for the 100K ski erg in the 30-39 and 40-49 age categories. "Annie approached our original ULT Rowtorious Lassies and managed to get most of them to agree. We needed a couple of others to make up our team of 10 and found them easily from the ULT membership." The new team involves 10 members, Annie and Evey, Candice Christie, Clare Holland, Geraldine Hunter, Kathryn Chalmers, Lorna McEwan, Lyndsey Lamount, Hilary McNally and Maria Coughtrie. On May 1, 2025 Annie set up a chat and began posting workouts to prepare the team for the challenge. The team trained together as much as possible, with one, honorary-ULT member, doing her training in Dundee. Ski Sirens initially aimed for a 2.04 pace, the benchmark set by a younger mixed team, but under Annie's guidance the team improved their technique. "Most of us had never seen a sub two, below 2mins/500m, pace and some of us were hovering around the 2.10-2.15 pace. However, Annie provided tips on technique and we trained hard to compete easy", said Evey. Annie added: "The training was hard but I really enjoy training hard. It gives you a focus, drive and so many other great benefits." Just weeks before the record attempt, Annie received devastating news that her cancer was back. Evey shared: "She was confused and devastated. With results and treatment up in the air, we all wanted to do what was best for Annie and she wanted us to carry on but, thankfully, passed the baton to me for organising. "We had already decided, as a team, to donate to Ayrshire Hospice, and Annie wanted to use their Super Summer Draw campaign idea for us." Supper Summer donations could be put towards a fish supper on the private terrace for families to share with a loved one. Dinos and Renaldo's kindly donated fish suppers and ice creams to the team, while Dinos also donated suppers to Ayrshire Hospice and Outcast supported the team with free iced coffees. Annie said: "It's always an amazing feeling to crack another endurance event or world record but to know you have been able to help a charity too is an additional bonus. "I have faced a number of testing times and not just my own battle with cancer but my youngest daughter has faced complex medical issues throughout her life and that is why I actually started doing charity events. "Then tragically last year my beautiful first grandson passed away at just three-days old. Being able to raise awareness for charities and turn tough times into positives certainly helps me cope better." While talking about the challenge, Annie said: "I have done many endurance fitness challenges over the years and each have their own unique demands. "With both the Ski Erg and rowing too, I have had to work at adapting my technique to cater for my abdominal surgery, stoma and incisional hernia. I didn't realise just how much my triceps compensate for my core so three hours into the ski erg event, my triceps were certainly feeling it. "I always remember, though, that the pain is only temporary unlike the enduring pain others face every day and that helps you power through." She added: "I will need to review my goals depending on future treatment but I will definitely be advocating and encouraging a 'training through treatment' approach. "I'm also sure there will be plenty of other challenges and records to break in the future but I really need to keep this quiet as the team will be blocking my number and running the other way when they see me. "I've managed to get Evey to agree to a cumulative 160K each, on any erg, in the month of August, for the 160K people living with cancer." To support Ski Sirens charity fundraiser, please visit here.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Rower Vs. Treadmill: Which Cardio Machine Is The Better Burn?
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." You walk into the gym at 5:30 p.m. on a Tuesday, hyped up for you ready for your weekly run, when the inevitable happens: all the treadmills are accounted for. You've been neglecting your cardio, and know you know you need to get something in. What machine should you pick instead? Enter: the rower. You might only associate rowing with people sweating bullets in CrossFit workouts or your militant high school crew team, but the machine is less intimidating than you'd think. It's a great low-impact, full-body workout that anyone can do. Should you wait it out for a treadmill, or test out the rower for the first time? 'Both are excellent tools in the cardiovascular health toolbox,' says Sohee Carpenter, PhD, CSCS*D, a fitness coach and member of the WH advisory board. We asked the experts to compare and contrast the two modalities. Meet the Experts: Sohee Carpenter, PhD, CSCS*D, is a fitness coach and member of the WH advisory board. Erica Coviello, CPT, is a level 2 certified RRCA running coach and owner of Run Fit Stoked. Michelle Reno-Parolini, CPT, is a master trainer at Concept2, and Director of Training and Product Strategy at RowHouse. Each machine will work your cardiovascular system, but in slightly different ways. A treadmill can replicate any kind of walking, jogging, or running you would do outside or on a track, says Erica Coviello, CPT, a level 2 certified RRCA running coach. Your quads, hamstrings, glutes, core, and calves work together to power your propulsion forward, whether you are walking or running. It's great for building power, strength, speed, and endurance, she says. If you're running or jogging, it might cause a bit more impact through the joints of your lower body—important for increasing your bone density, but might not be ideal if you have joint issues. Talk to your doctor before starting a running program if you've had lower body injuries in the past. The main differentiator between the rower and the treadmill is the muscles each recruit. Your whole body is involved on the rower. Sure, you might get subtle upper body action on the treadmill as you swing your arms—but you're truly using the muscles of your upper back and biceps to power the rowing movement, says Michelle Reno-Parolini, CPT, master trainer at Concept2. That's in addition to the muscles of your legs, namely the quads and glutes, that you'll use to push through the foot plates. 'This means higher energy demand (calorie burn) and increased oxygen use (aerobic capacity), even at moderate intensity,' she says. Plus, it's low impact on your joints, so you can train without the joint strain. However, the rower is a bit more technical than other forms of cardio, Reno-Parolini says. 'Without proper form, it's easy to get discouraged or miss out on the benefits.' Because of this, it might be worth it to work with the coach for a few sessions to ensure you have the form down before adding the rower into your regular routine. There's positives to both the treadmill and the rower, but deciding which is best for you will largely depend on what your goals are in the gym. Fat loss is, at its simplest, about calories in versus calories out—if you're consuming less than you're burning, your body will use extra fat as fuel. The rower requires more output from your body because you're using more muscles of your upper body to power the machine, Reno-Parolini says. So, theoretically, you'll burn more calories in a shorter amount of time on the rower than the treadmill, assuming equal intensity levels. However, the best cardio machine for weight loss is really the one you're going to use most often, Coviello says. You might burn more calories on the rower, but if you absolutely hate using it and thus skip out on cardio day whenever it comes around, you're better off using the treadmill. Of course, the quickest way to build strength is to strength train. But, that doesn't mean that your cardio routine can't help you get stronger. You'll gain some strength through your glutes and quads when you use a hefty incline on the treadmill, Coviello says. But, you're going to gain a bit more strength through the whole body on the rower, because the machine places more resistance on you (either through wind or water resistance, based on the type of machine you're using). Both machines will help improve your cardiovascular health, Carpenter says—what really matters is how, and how often, you use it. You can utilize a lower intensity, think 70 to 80 percent of your maximum heart rate, to go for what is known as zone 2 cardio. This type of cardio can increase the amount of mitochondria in your muscle cells (the part of your cell that provides the fuel your muscles need to contract)—improving your performance and energy. More intense cardio (think 80 percent of your maximum heart rate or more), strengthens your heart's muscles, improving its ability to pump blood throughout the body. Factor in at least 150 minutes of low intensity cardio, or 75 minutes of high intensity cardio per week to reap all these benefits, according to the American Heart Association. If you've never used these machines before, or are just looking for a new way to challenge yourself on your favorite machine, our trainers provided some useful first time workouts that you can factor into your cardio days, below. You can get both your high intensity and steady state cardio in on the rower. If you're looking for a quick and dirty sweat, try incorporating intervals into your workout, Reno-Parolini says. Try rowing at full effort for 30 seconds on, and then resting for 30 seconds for 5 rounds. Interval training is great for 'building power and improving your anaerobic threshold,' she says. Make it more challenging by increasing the amount of rounds or length of time you spend sprinting. If you'd rather take the zone 2 approach, try to maintain a slow to medium pace for five to 10 minutes. You can increase that amount as your body adapts and you feel like you can handle more. You can also use the treadmill for short bursts of high intensity, Carpenter says. Use distance or time to set your interval. Try running fast for 30 seconds, walking for 30 seconds for five rounds. As that gets easier, you can add more rounds or try to run faster. You can also use the treadmill for some of that steady state cardio. Find a nice medium pace you can maintain for five to 10 minutes, and increase time as you adapt. 'This is when you can pop in some music or a podcast and zone out,' she says. Learn all its functions. Make your equipment work for you by familiarizing yourself with its abilities. For example, many treadmills nowadays can program incline or speed increases so you're not hitting the 'up' arrow a bunch of times when doing intervals, Coviello says. Some also have pre-programmed hill and interval workouts that can be extremely useful. Ask a trainer at your gym to give you a little crash course to learn more about the specific machine you're using. Get a coach. A little guidance never hurt anyone—especially when it comes to the rower. Row technique is difficult to master, so it might be worth grabbing a trainer to help you get a feel for the movement. 'A good coach can help you learn faster, stay injury-free, and unlock the full value of the machine,' Reno-Parolini says. Start slow. 'You want to, of course, not start off doing too much too soon,' Carpenter says. You run the risk of causing overuse injuries if you do. 'It's better to start off with shorter, less intense sessions and let your body adapt over time as you make the sessions harder.' Mix it up. Best part about cardio? You don't have to just pick one outlet. 'If you're trying to optimize your health and stay well-rounded with your fitness, it's not a bad idea to engage in multiple forms of cardio to cross-train,' Carpenter says. 'So even if you may primarily use the treadmill, maybe add in a [row] session every now and then - and vice versa!' You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cumbrian athletes excel at World Indoor Rowing Championships
Cumbrian athletes delivered impressive performances at the 2025 World Indoor Rowing Championships. Celia Whittam from Troutbeck achieved her third consecutive victory in the 500 metres heavyweight women's 65 to 69 age category. She set a new British record with a time of 1 minute 46.4 seconds, 1.1 seconds shy of the world record. Celia Whittam, 500m British record holder with her gold medal (Image: Supplied) Ms Whittam said: "Achieving three wins in a row was my goal, and I'm thrilled to have accomplished it. "Setting a new British record and achieving a personal best made it even more special. "It felt surreal." Sam Ayres from Eaglesfield claimed a silver medal in the women's lightweight 50 to 54 age category, completing the 500 metres in 1 minute 54.3 seconds. Sam Ayres, who claimed a silver medal in the women's lightweight 50 to 54 age category (Image: Supplied) She also secured a bronze in the 2,000 metres. Ms Ayres said: "I was lucky to compete as my training leading into the event was disrupted by illness. "I was surprised to come away with two medals." Nick Cowan, also from Eaglesfield, narrowly missed a podium finish in the 2,000 metres, coming fourth in the 65 to 69 age category with a time of 7 minutes 01.3 seconds, just 0.6 seconds off the bronze. The 2025 World Indoor Rowing Championships, presented by Concept2, was a global event held both in person and virtually over two weekends in February. It featured 1,600 athletes from 75 countries, including 40 British competitors.
Forbes
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
The Best Rowing Machines Of 2025, With Insights From A Pro Rower
Rowing machines provide one of the most effective low-impact exercise options to build endurance, lose weight or support whatever fitness journey you're on. To find the best rowing machines on the market, I researched top options from brands like Concept2, Hydrow, NordicTrack and Ergatta, and spoke with an expert at USRowing to learn more about these machines. After comparing models, I found that the Concept2 RowErg emerged as the clear winner. It's a durable machine used by collegiate athletes and beginners alike, and it's easy to set up and use. Break a sweat with one of the best rowing machines. Whether you're a diehard rower or just getting started, there are a few variables to consider before buying one of these machines. For example, the type of resistance affects how the experience of rowing feels, while its profile and foldability determine whether a full-size or compact model works best in your home. Features like a big screen and rowing classes can make workouts more engaging, but they also add to the sticker price. And details like a padded seat, rail length and secure foot straps make a big difference in terms of comfort. With these things in mind, and with insights from an expert at USRowing, here are the best rowing machines you can buy today. Concept2 Dimensions: 24 x 96 x 20 inches | Weight: 64 pounds | Resistance: Air | Resistance levels: N/A (Based on stroke rate) | Display: PM5 LCD The Concept2 RowErg is a popular rower that checks all the boxes for anyone in need of a comfortable, durable, reliable machine that's ready to withstand regular use. As the first machine to make an appearance in the CrossFit games back in 2015, it's competition-ready and designed to take your training to the next level. While this is the go-to erg for many professional rowing teams, it can adapt to all skill levels; the expert I spoke with at USRowing had nothing but great things to say about it, recommending it for athletes at all stages in their rowing journey. Designed with a heavy-duty steel and aluminum frame, the RowErg is a solid pick that can withstand heavy use. The flywheel and damper system deliver smooth resistance that's consistent, though unlike rowers with selectable resistance levels, the RowErg's perceived resistance is a result of how hard you row—it doesn't have adjustable 'levels' to choose from. Because it can support up to 500 pounds and is available in a 14- or 20-inch seat height, it's a great option for big and tall users, too. The frame separates into two pieces without tools, so you can store it away and save space, and the nickel-plated chain needs to be lubricated every now and then. Otherwise, maintenance is minimal. While it's a dependable and well-made rower with a proven track record, the RowErg isn't packed with all that many features. The basic LCD display tracks split times, meters rowed and intervals, but it doesn't offer guided workouts or other entertainment options. Technically, it comes with a device holder, so you can clip your smartphone in and sync it with training apps via Bluetooth to log progress and follow workouts, but that's as far as it goes to make the experience more immersive. If you're after guided workouts, games or the ability to stream media from a large display, models like the Peloton Row, Ergatta Rower and Hydrow Pro will better meet your needs, though you'll pay at least twice as much for that technology. But if you want a gym-quality rower for less than $1,000 that has a proven track record, this one is hard to beat. Amazon Dimensions: 89 x 18.9 x 23.6 inches | Weight: 60.9 pounds | Resistance: Magnetic | Resistance levels: 8 | Display: LCD monitor If you're looking for an affordable rowing machine that's perfect for casual use, the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine is a solid pick. At less than $300 (and often dropping below $200 when it's on sale), this is a budget-friendly rower that helps you stay active. Granted, it skips a few features, but still delivers a solid workout experience. Weighing just under 61 pounds, it's the lightest rower in this guide, and the steel rail folds up and out of the way for easy storage. The basic tension control dial offers eight levels of resistance, which is less than what you'll find on higher-end models, but expected at this price, and the tiny digital monitor keeps things simple with just three buttons. Because it uses magnets, resistance is consistent from the beginning to the end of each stroke, making it perfect for steady-state cardio. It's incredibly quiet, too. It may not feel as natural as air or water resistance, but that's less of a priority at this price. Unfortunately, taller and heavier users will have to look elsewhere for a more accommodating rower—the 46.5-inch slide rail can feel a bit short, and with a 250-pound weight capacity, it doesn't meet the industry standard of 300 to 350 pounds. If you need additional room or support, models like the Concept2 RowErg or Aviron Strong Go (Aviron's more affordable rower that lacks a display but supports up to 500 pounds) will better meet your needs. But if simplicity and price are your biggest concerns, this rower is a great option. Hydrow Dimensions: 86 x 25 x 47 inches | Weight: 145 pounds | Resistance: Magnetic | Resistance levels: N/A (dynamic, based on stroke rate) | Display: 22-inch swivel touchscreen If you're looking for a rowing machine that creates a realistic on-water experience, the Hydrow Pro Rower should be on your list. It uses a patented electromagnetic resistance system that you can adjust via its 22-inch touchscreen display. Hydrow calls this the 'drag setting,' and it ranges from 50 to 300. Like the Concept2 RowErg, the actual resistance you feel is mostly based on your stroke rate, not the drag setting. In fact, Hydrow doesn't really recommend changing it from the default setting of 104—but the option is there if you want to fine-tune the experience. What really sets the Pro Rower apart is its interactive programming. Unlike other platforms that feature instructors rowing on machines, Hydrow's classes are filmed on open water for a more immersive experience. You can also stay active with some off-rower content, like yoga and strength training, if you swivel the display around, but rowing definitely remains the focus here. To access the classes, you'll need to purchase a membership that runs you $44 per month, which is the same as Peloton's subscriptions service and slightly more expensive than NordicTrack's $39 per month iFit plan. Weighing 145 pounds, this is one the heavier rowers in this guide, but a set of front wheels make it a bit easier to move. With that said, it doesn't fold or disassemble, so you'll need a dedicated space to house it. If storage is a concern, Hydrow sells an $80 upright kit to stow it vertically. Or consider the Hydrow Wave Rower that's 30% smaller if you're sold on the Hydrow Pro's features but don't have the room for it. Amazon Dimensions: 94 x 24 inches | Weight: 156.5 pounds | Resistance: Magnetic | Resistance levels: N/A (Based on stroke rate) | Display: 23.8-inch HD swivel touchscreen If you're after a premium rowing experience from a reputable brand, look no further than the Peloton Row. In classic Peloton fashion, it features a swiveling 24-inch HD touchscreen display (the largest in this guide), making it perfect for traditional rowing workouts or off-rower workouts. The rower hits the industry-standard 300-pound weight capacity and accommodates users up to 6 feet, 5 inches tall. And the adjustable footplates fit shoe sizes up to men's 13.5, so it's a comfortable, customizable experience. And again, magnetic resistance maintains a consistent, quiet environment, though the Row creates resistance automatically—it increases, or gets harder, the faster you pull. Given Peloton's premium products (which come at premium prices), it may not come as a surprise to learn the Row is the most expensive model in this guide, at $3,300. When you add in the $44 monthly membership that gives you access to rowing classes along with Peloton's full library of workouts (including strength training, yoga, Pilates and more), it's even more expensive. Still, you get two free months of membership with your purchase, and if you have HSA or FSA funds, you can put those toward the rower as well. That said, if you're looking for a similar experience that uses the same quiet magnetic resistance system and comes with a large screen but costs less, consider the Hydrow Pro. NordicTrack Dimensions: 86.5 x 22 x 42.8 inches | Weight: 117 pounds | Resistance: Magnetic | Resistance levels: 26 | Display: 7-inch HD touchscreen The NordicTrack RW600 proves you don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy a high-quality rowing machine. As the more affordable sibling to the RW700 and RW900, it's a great entry-level machine at just under $1,000, and with 26 levels of magnetic resistance, it offers plenty of room to progress. The smooth drag mechanism makes it feel like a high-end rower, and the adjustable footplates are great for households in which multiple people are going to share the machine. The long slide rail also allows for a full range of motion, making it a better option for taller folks. NordicTrack's iFit subscription costs $39 per month, which is on par with Peloton in terms of quality and the library of classes to choose from. You'll have access to rowing, strength, treadmill and elliptical classes, though the smaller 7-inch touchscreen isn't all that compelling. (For reference, it's smaller than an iPad Mini.) If you're after a rower with a bigger screen, you'll have to level up to the Ergatta Rower, Hydro Pro Rower or Peloton Row instead, but keep in mind that you'll spend a lot more for the upgrade. One of NordicTrack's biggest strengths is its durability, and it shows in the rower's 10-year frame warranty—the same one offered on its higher-end rowers. With that said, the 250-pound weight capacity is below the industry standard, and it falls behind the 300-pound weight limit of the RW900. If that's not a dealbreaker, this is a great beginner-friendly rower that offers whisper-quiet magnetic resistance and meets basic needs. Ergatta Dimensions: 86 x 23 x 40 inches | Weight: 105 pounds | Resistance: Water | Resistance levels: N/A (Based on stroke rate) | Display: 17.3-inch HD touchscreen If you're looking for a rower that doubles as a work of art, the Ergatta Rower is hands-down the best-looking option in this guide. Made in the USA from cherry wood, it looks more like a piece of furniture than gym equipment, and the 17.3-inch HD touchscreen could serve as a TV replacement if you're ready to cut ties with cable and streaming. Joking aside, this machine uses water resistance, which means you'll need to fill the tank yourself, but step-by-step instructions break it down. You'll also need to treat the water, though doing so only requires adding a provided purification tablet every six months. Technically speaking, there's no adjustable resistance because it doesn't have a flywheel or electronics, but you can add or remove water to tweak the resistance—the sloshing of water will create subtle differences in resistance from stroke to stroke. If you're rowing slowly, it's a peaceful ride; go faster, and it feels a lot like rowing against the current. Just keep in mind that it isn't as versatile as air or magnetic resistance. For bigger and taller users, the 500-pound weight capacity and 80-inch height limit make this one of the more accommodating rowers on the market. It's spacious and sturdy, but the five-year warranty is a little lackluster at this price. A $39 monthly subscription fee gives you access to gamified programming, including races, scenic rows and interval challenges, for fun and interactive workouts. The Forbes Vetted health and wellness team consists of editors, writers and staffers who put together fitness guides, test products and share insights to help our readers make more informed buying decisions. From equipment like treadmills and walking pads to apparel like shoes and shirts, we cover a range of products across the health and wellness space. To find the best rowing machines, we set our sites on models that create a smooth, effective workout while balancing performance, comfort and long-term durability. Here's what we looked for: When the time comes to invest in a rowing machine, there are a handful of important factors to keep in mind beyond the type of resistance (though that's important, too). From how smooth it feels to how you can interact with the machine and even how easy it is to store away when it's not in use, here's how to break it all down: Rowing machines feature different forms of resistance (including air, magnetic, water and hydraulic) and each one creates its own unique experience. Ultimately, the type of resistance isn't the only variable to consider, but it is the most important one because it directly impacts the overall experience. 'Whether someone is a beginner looking to build cardio or a competitive athlete training for their next regatta, there's likely a machine that fits their specific needs and environment,' says Choi. Rowing machines are big investments, both literally and figuratively. They take up a lot of space, which is why it's important to consider how and where you'll store your rower. 'If space is tight, I'd recommend looking for a rowing machine that can either fold, separate into components or stand upright,' says Choi. 'Concept2 (C2) and Hydrow's products are great examples. C2 can separate into two pieces and both C2 and Hydrow can be stored vertically, which helps minimize the floor space it takes up when not in use.' While a rowing machine that folds in half or disassembles might be cause for concern because it introduces a point of weakness, Choi points out that these machines are just as sturdy and reliable as their traditional counterparts. 'Just because a machine can fold or be stored upright doesn't mean it's less durable," he explains. "These features are built with high performance and long-term use in mind, not as a compromise.' From basic LCD displays to Bluetooth speakers and even HD touchscreens with interactive workouts, modern rowing machines come with a range of features to enhance your workouts. If you want guided workouts or virtual training, models like the Ergatta, Hydrow and Peloton offer immersive, app-connected experiences, though you'll pay more upfront for the rower itself and over time if you purchase a subscription service. For those who want to track their progress, Choi explains that, 'At a minimum, you'll want a rowing machine with a screen that tracks basic metrics: meters rowed, split time, watts, stroke rate, etc." Fortunately, industry standards have reached a pint that ensures most rowing machines come with at least a basic LCD screen to record metrics. And if you prefer simplicity and don't need immersive screens, speakers or fancy add-ons, a no-frills rower like the Sunny Health And Fitness Magnetic Rower is enough to work up a sweat. A rower that's thoughtfully designed should offer a smooth and natural pull, whether you're using it for 10 high-intensity minutes or an hour. Look for a comfy, well-padded seat, a grippy handle and adjustable foot straps to help keep your body positioned and secure. 'Comfort matters a lot, especially for anyone planning to row consistently over time,' says Choi. 'Most standard rowing machines are designed with ergonomics in mind, but smaller adjustments can make a big difference. Seat pads, for example, can improve comfort for longer sessions, and handle grips vary in shape and texture.' Foot placement is usually an afterthought, but it's also an important factor to consider. While adjustable footplates are standard on most machines to accommodate different shoe sizes and leg lengths, budget-friendly models tend to offer less adjustability. 'Ideally, users should be able to strap in securely while still having free movement through the ankle and hip during the stroke,' explains Choi. Based on our findings and insights provided by Peter Choi, director of sports growth and chief of staff at USRowing, the Concept2 RowErg is the best rowing machine for home use. Trusted by Olympic athletes, CrossFit gyms and everyday rowers, it's durable, smooth and designed to fold in half if you're looking to save space. Not only that, but it costs less than $1,000, making it far more affordable than tech-laden models from Hydrow, Peloton and Ergatta. It's still an investment, but one that pays off if you're looking for a combination of performance and durability. Yes, you can lose weight by rowing 30 minutes a day, though it's important to pair exercise with a balanced diet. Rowing offers a full-body workout that elevates your heart rate and helps build lean muscle, which can help speed up your metabolism. Like any exercise regimen, consistency is key, so you'll have to stick with a rowing routine if you want to see results. How much you should spend on a rowing machine depends on the features you want and how often you intend to use it. Budget-friendly options like the Sunny Health & Fitness Rower cost under $200 but may lack displays, classes and long-term durability. On the other end of the spectrum, high-end models like the Peloton Row offer built-in screens, speakers and virtual classes, though they can cost over $3,000. Consider your budget, workout frequency and must-have features to find the right model for your needs.
