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An alternative to the gym – train more effectively, live more flexibly

9. January 2026

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BY Lars Wichert

The gym has long been considered synonymous with an active lifestyle. Membership, locker, training plan. Anyone who wanted to do something for their health went to the “gym”. But in recent years, at the latest since the Corona pandemic, this picture has fundamentally changed. More and more people are consciously looking for an alternative to the gym. Not out of convenience, but out of conviction: lack of time, overcrowded studios, rigid opening hours or simply the desire for more self-determination in training mean that classic gyms are losing their appeal for many.

At the same time, there is a growing awareness that effective training is not tied to a location. Performance enhancement, muscle building, endurance training and health prevention can now also be achieved outside the gym. During the lunch break in the home office, shortly before or after work, or just quickly in the evening, and often even more sustainably. The question is therefore no longer whether there are alternatives, but which ones really work.

Time, an elementary factor that must be saved

A central reason for looking for an alternative to the gym is the time factor. The way to the studio, changing clothes, waiting for equipment. 30 to 45 minutes quickly add up, which have nothing to do with the actual training. For professionals, parents or ambitious amateur athletes, this is difficult to reconcile with a structured everyday life, where every minute is worth its weight in gold.

In addition, there is the training quality. In many studios, people sweat a lot, but train little systematically. Machines isolate individual muscle groups, movement sequences are often artificial and not very functional. However, studies show that complex, multi-joint movements are significantly more efficient – both for muscle building and for the cardiovascular system.

Psychological factors also play a role. Not everyone feels comfortable in the gym. Glances, noise, pressure to compare or a lack of individual support are more demotivating than encouraging for many.

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What a real alternative to the gym must offer

A sensible alternative to the gym should be more than just “exercise at home”. It must meet several criteria:

  • Full-body workout instead of isolation

  • Combination of strength and endurance

  • Scalability for beginners and advanced users

  • verifiable health effects

  • Long-term motivation

This is exactly where functional training differs from short-term trends. Jogging alone does not replace strength training. Short home workouts without progression quickly reach their limits. Anyone looking for a real alternative needs a training system that challenges the body holistically – similar to competitive sports.

Home gym, outdoor & co. – an overview of alternatives to the gym

Compared to classic gyms, various training methods have become established. Rowing training stands out in particular when it comes to a complete alternative to the gym. It combines endurance training, strength training and coordination in a single movement. An approach that is scientifically well documented.

Rowing training as an alternative to the gym – scientifically based

When rowing, around 85–90% of the entire musculature is activated: legs, glutes, back, torso, shoulders and arms work together in a harmonious movement sequence. At the same time, the heart rate quickly rises into effective training ranges.

A study by Harvard Medical School shows that a balanced training program consisting of aerobic activity and strength training improves physical fitness, strengthens cardiovascular health and has a long-term positive influence on many health parameters. This is consistent with the benefits that rowing offers as a combination of endurance and strength.

Accordingly, rowing is one of the most efficient full-body training methods, as it significantly improves both aerobic performance and muscular strength. At the same time, the stress on the knees and ankles is significantly lower than when running. A decisive advantage for long-term training health.

Rowing is also interesting from a training physiology perspective: Due to the high proportion of leg muscles, a large metabolic stimulus is set. This leads to high calorie consumption, both during and after training (keyword afterburn effect).

More than cardio: Why rowing replaces classic studio training

Many people still associate rowing exclusively with endurance training. In fact, this is exactly where the misunderstanding lies. When performed correctly, rowing is a strength-endurance training that can be shifted strongly towards muscle building or basic endurance, depending on the intensity.

In contrast to isolated machines in the gym, rowing trains functional muscle chains. This not only improves strength values, but also posture, core stability and movement economy in everyday life. Back pain in particular, a common problem with office work, can be demonstrably reduced through regular rowing training. A study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research shows that athletes who row regularly show significant improvements in core stability and hamstring strength. Two factors that play an important role for a healthy lifestyle and fewer complaints in everyday life.

Why the AUGLETICS Eight Style is the Best Alternative

The AUGLETICS Eight Style relies on a state-of-the-art magnetic braking system and offers some of the most advanced features in home rowing.
A special highlight is the Virtual Coach, which analyzes the technique in real time and gives the athlete immediate feedback. This function helps to avoid mistakes and develop a clean technique.
The large 15-inch touchscreen ensures an interactive training experience. In addition to pre-installed workouts and technique analyses, the display also offers access to streaming services such as Netflix and YouTube, making training even more entertaining.
Another advantage is the space-saving design. Thanks to the foldable rail, the rowing machine can be easily stored after training. The robust magnetic braking system also ensures a long lifespan and consistently precise resistance control.

Motivation and training continuity – the often underestimated factor

A common reason why gym memberships fail is a lack of continuity. According to a study by the European Health & Fitness Market Report, over 40% of members cancel their membership within the first year – often due to a lack of time or motivation.

Training at home significantly lowers these entry barriers. Those who have the device in their own living space train more often, shorter and more regularly. Rowing training in particular is suitable for structured units between 20 and 45 minutes. Ideal for everyday life.

The AUGLETICS rowing machine supports this approach through clear training goals, visual feedback and measurable progress. Motivation does not arise through compulsion, but through visible development. The AUGLETICS Eight Style in particular impresses with innovative technology, high-quality design and individual adjustment options. Anyone looking for a long-term, versatile and quiet training solution will make the best choice with a high-quality magnetic rowing machine.

For whom is the gym still useful – and for whom not?

Of course, the gym is not bad per se. For people who are looking for social interaction or want to work specifically on maximum strength with free weights, it can still be useful. But for the majority of health-oriented exercisers, endurance athletes and busy people, a modern alternative to the gym often offers more advantages than disadvantages. Rowing training at home is a convincing solution, especially for people who want to train efficiently without having to rebuild their weekly schedule around opening hours.

The search for an alternative to the gym is not a trend, but an expression of a changed understanding of training and health. Effectiveness, time economy and sustainability are becoming increasingly important. Rowing training meets all these requirements. Especially when it takes place on a high-quality system such as the AUGLETICS rowing machine. It combines scientifically based full-body training with modern technology and maximum flexibility.

Anyone who takes their training seriously does not need an overcrowded studio. They need a system that works – anytime, individually and sustainably.

About the author

Lars Wichert

Lars Wichert ist Sportwissenschaftler und ehemaliger Leistungssportler im Rudern. Er war 13 Jahre Teil der deutschen Nationalmannschaft. Dabei kann er auf zwei Teilnahmen an den Olympischen Spielen sowie drei Weltmeistertitel zurückblicken. Er war nach seiner Ruderkarriere als Trainer tätig und konnte mit seinem Team die Europameisterschaft gewinnen. Mittlerweile ist er in seiner Freizeit im Triathlon unterwegs und hält dort die Weltbestzeit der Amateure über die Ironman-Distanz. Lars verfügt über das Wissen als Trainer, Leistungssportler und Sportwissenschaftler, sodass sich jeder angesprochen fühlen kann. Sein Ziel ist es, Spaß an der Bewegung zu vermitteln und zu verdeutlichen, dass mit geringem Aufwand viel für die Gesundheit getan werden kann – denn es gibt keine bessere Vorsorge als die in seine eigene Gesundheit. Lars Wichert è uno scienziato dello sport ed ex atleta agonista di canottaggio. Ha fatto parte della nazionale tedesca per 13 anni. Ha partecipato a due Olimpiadi e ha vinto tre titoli mondiali. Dopo la carriera di canottiere, ha lavorato come allenatore e ha vinto il campionato europeo con la sua squadra. Nel tempo libero pratica il triathlon e detiene il record mondiale amatoriale sulla distanza Ironman. Lars dispone delle conoscenze necessarie come allenatore, atleta agonista e scienziato dello sport, in modo da poter soddisfare le esigenze di tutti. Il suo obiettivo è quello di trasmettere il piacere del movimento e di dimostrare che con poco sforzo si può fare molto per la salute, perché non c’è prevenzione migliore che quella della propria salute. Lars Wichert is a sports scientist and former competitive rower. He was a member of the German national team for 13 years. He can look back on two Olympic appearances and three world championship titles. After his rowing career, he worked as a coach and won the European Championship with his team. He now spends his free time competing in triathlons and holds the world record for amateurs over the Ironman distance. Lars has the knowledge as a coach, competitive athlete and sports scientist, so that everyone can feel addressed. His goal is to convey the fun of exercise and to make it clear that a lot can be done for one’s health with little effort – because there is no better prevention than taking care of one’s own health. Lars Wichert est scientifique du sport et ancien athlète de haut niveau en aviron. Il a fait partie de l’équipe nationale allemande pendant 13 ans. Il a participé à deux reprises aux Jeux Olympiques et remporté trois titres de champion du monde. Après sa carrière d’avironneur, il a travaillé comme entraîneur et a remporté le championnat d’Europe avec son équipe. Aujourd’hui, il consacre son temps libre au triathlon et détient le record mondial amateur sur la distance Ironman. Lars dispose des connaissances nécessaires en tant qu’entraîneur, athlète de haut niveau et scientifique du sport, ce qui lui permet de s’adresser à tout le monde. Son objectif est de transmettre le plaisir de bouger et de montrer qu’il est possible de faire beaucoup pour sa santé avec peu d’efforts, car il n’y a pas de meilleure prévention que celle de sa propre santé.

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