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Home fitness reinvented: Why the rowing machine beats all others

19. December 2025

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BY Lars Wichert
There are many home fitness machines. From the well-known exercise bike to bulky treadmills to steppers and smart mirrors with training apps. But when it comes to effective, joint-friendly and holistic training at home, one device consistently plays to its strengths: the rowing machine.
What was long in the shadow of the cardio classics is now one of the smartest home fitness machines of all. Not only for competitive athletes, but also for health-conscious people, those returning to exercise, and professionals with little time. Why? Because rowing can do so much more than just drive up the heart rate. It is strength training, endurance training and flexibility training in one. And with the right equipment, such as the AUGLETICS Eight Style, the living room becomes a high-tech gym.

What makes a home fitness machine really good?

Anyone who buys a home fitness machine wants one thing above all: to stay fit easily at home – efficiently, healthily and with lasting motivation. But what does that mean in concrete terms?
An ideal home fitness machine should challenge the entire body and address as many muscle groups simultaneously as possible. It must be calorie-intensive in order to effectively burn energy, but at the same time remain gentle on the joints, so that training is possible in the long term and without the risk of overload. At the same time, the device should be able to be integrated into everyday life in a space-saving manner and can also be used easily in apartments or smaller rooms.
Modern training devices should also provide relevant training data, make progress measurable and thus support motivation and training control. Last but not least, training should not become boring even after months, but should inspire in the long term through variety and a pleasant feeling of movement. Exercise bikes and treadmills meet some of these requirements, but only partially cover them.
Rowing, on the other hand, combines all these aspects in a single, flowing movement. Quiet, efficient, with minimal space requirements and maximum impact on strength, endurance and coordination.

Rowing: The underestimated king of home fitness machines

Full-body workout instead of one-sided movement
While you mainly use your legs when cycling and mainly your calves and thighs on the treadmill, rowing challenges up to 85% of your entire musculature.
  • Legs and glutes drive the movement.
  • Torso and abdomen stabilize and transfer the power.
  • Back and arms complete the pulling phase – powerful, but controlled.
So you train the entire body. Symmetrically, functionally and completely without a weight bench and without impact with the risk of overloading the tendons and ligaments. This is unbeatable in terms of training efficiency.
Higher calorie consumption in less time
Because more muscles are involved, rowing burns significantly more calories than cycling or walking in the same training time. Just 30 minutes of moderate rowing can burn between 300 and 500 calories, depending on the intensity.
Gentle on the joints and yet challenging

Rowing is fluid and shock-free, there is no impact like running. The movement follows the natural biomechanics of the body. Ideal for people with knee problems, back tension or beginners who want to start gently.

Why rowing works perfectly at home

A common criticism of home fitness machines is: they take up space, are loud, unsexy and end up unused in the corner after a few weeks. The rowing machine puts an end to all this – at least if you pay attention to quality.

Compact and suitable for the living room

High-quality rowing machines such as the AUGLETICS Eight Style can be set up vertically, are particularly quiet and, with their elegant design, even fit into the living room. No ugly plastic monster – but a well-thought-out sports device with style.

Bildschirmfoto 2025 01 23 um 15.26.05

Motivation Through Smart Technology

The Virtual Coaching of the Eight Style analyzes your technique in real time, corrects errors and keeps you in your optimal training zones, whether fat burning, endurance or interval training. You don’t need an external app, your training partner sits directly in the device.

Entertainment during training

With Netflix, YouTube and music directly on the screen, even the longest unit flies by. Boredom? No longer exists. The home fitness machine becomes a media center and remains permanently attractive – without a course subscription or studio.

Home fitness machine for body and mind

A good home fitness machine strengthens not only the body but also the mind. Rowing promotes concentration, improves body awareness and demonstrably reduces stress. The rhythmic flow of movement puts you in an almost meditative state. Moderate Zone 2 training is also excellent, as it sustainably strengthens your cardiovascular system and also offers optimal fat burning.

Augletics Eight rowing machine in a stylish living room with wooden elements and elegant interior

The rowing machine beats bicycle & treadmill – a comparison

Why the AUGLETICS Eight Style is the perfect home fitness machine

The AUGLETICS Eight Style is not just a rowing machine. It is a smart training partner that helps you achieve goals – whether you want to lose weight, build muscle or improve your endurance.

Advantages at a glance:

  • Virtual coach with live feedback
  • Heart rate control for Zone 2 training
  • Magnetic brake – quiet & maintenance-free
  • 15″ touchscreen with entertainment & analysis
  • Stylish design for every living room
  • Training data, programs

You don’t have to be a competitive athlete to benefit from this technology. On the contrary: Beginners and those returning to exercise in particular benefit enormously from the clear structure and guidance. And those who are ambitious can control, analyze and improve down to the last detail.

Training variety & motivation: More variety on the rowing machine

Both sports offer the possibilities of all variants of endurance training. The disadvantage of the treadmill is the inertia of the running surface, which is definitely a minus point, for example, with shorter interval loads.

Man trains on a rowing machine in a stylishly furnished living room with plants and cozy decor.
  • Endurance training (even stroke rate or running pace)
  • Interval training (alternation of load & recovery)
  • Technique training (coordination & economy)
  • Strength endurance (low frequency, high resistance / with the treadmill, the control is via the incline)

Devices such as the AUGLETICS Eight Style also come with a Virtual Coach that corrects your technique in real time. The Virtual Coach is not only for beginners, but also for advanced or professional users. The two evaluation settings enable a differentiated assessment of the five parameters that determine the rowing technique on the AUGLETICS. In addition, you can even stream series, row virtual routes or watch YouTube videos on the large display. So boredom is guaranteed!

Space requirements, volume & suitability for everyday use

You think a rowing machine takes up a lot of space? Think again. The AUGLETICS Eight Style is foldable and only 1.81 meters long when rowing. It can be easily set up vertically after training and is then just 1.70 meters high.
The rowing machine also scores points in terms of volume – the AUGLETICS Eight Style has a magnetic brake, which is why it is one of the quietest rowing machines on the market. It is almost silent, while treadmills are often uncomfortably loud due to the impact sound – especially in apartments with poor sound insulation. Furthermore, the motor of the treadmill has a certain inherent volume.

Who is which device suitable for? Target groups in comparison

  • Treadmill: For people who specifically train for running events or love the feeling of running. Only conditionally suitable for obesity or joint problems.
  • Bicycle: For endurance training, but less in the area of holistic muscle building. Some holding work for the core, but not as strong activation as with rowing.
  • Rowing machine: For anyone who wants to combine as many training effects as possible with little joint/tendon stress. Particularly recommended for back problems, obesity, in old age – and for anyone who wants to train quietly and effectively at home.

Home fitness machine was yesterday – rowing is today

The classic image of the home fitness machine has changed. Instead of monotonous pedaling, intelligent, effective full-body training is in demand today. And this is where rowing sets new standards. Functional, time-saving and beneficial for body and mind.
So if you are looking for the one device for your home that motivates in the long term, makes you holistically fitter and is also visually appealing, then the answer is clear: rowing machine instead of home fitness machine – or better: the rowing machine is the home fitness machine of today.
Discover now: AUGLETICS Eight Style – your smart companion for health, fitness and a real training feeling at home.

FAQs – Frequently asked questions about rowing machine vs. treadmill

Is rowing more strenuous than running?
Not necessarily – it’s just different. Since more muscles work at the same time, it feels more intense, although the stress on the joints is lower.
Can I lose weight with rowing like with jogging?
Yes, even better. Due to the higher muscle proportion in training, calorie consumption increases significantly – and you build muscle at the same time.
Is rowing suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! Rowing is ideal, especially if you have low fitness or complaints – if you pay attention to clean technique, which the AUGLETICS Eight Style can teach you with the Virtual Coach.
What is better for knee problems?
Clearly: Rowing. The movement is gentle on the joints, as it takes place without impact and the guided movement allows you to achieve a higher joint angle than with other sports. This can lead to better formation of joint fluid and you get or maintain a higher mobility.
Is a rowing machine loud?
High-quality models such as the AUGLETICS Eight Style work almost silently. Perfect for apartments.

Conclusion: Why the rowing machine is a real alternative

If you have to decide between home fitness machines, you should ask yourself these questions: Do you want to train the whole body? Protect your joints? Burn a lot of calories quickly? Then the rowing machine is clearly an advantage.
Of course, running and cycling also have their place, but if you are looking for a space-saving, quiet, joint-friendly and highly effective full-body workout, then a modern rowing machine like the AUGLETICS Eight Style is hard to beat.

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.
Picture of Lars Wichert

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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