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How Do I Find the Right Rowing Machine?

21. August 2025

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BY Lars Wichert

Your Guide to the Ideal Home Rowing Machine – with Tips, Comparison, and Recommendations

Whether for your back, endurance, general fitness, or as a balance to office life – rowing is one of the most effective full-body workouts you can comfortably do at home. However, when buying a rowing machine, many face the question:
Which machine truly suits me, my goals, and my environment?
In this article, you will learn what to consider when choosing, what differences exist between machine types, and how to find the rowing machine that fits your life – whether you are a beginner or an ambitious hobby athlete.

Why Rowing – and Why at Home?

Before you decide on a model, it’s worth looking at the advantages:
  • Full-body workout: Over 85% of muscles are engaged – legs, back, core, shoulders, arms.
  • Joint-friendly: No impact, gentle movement – ideal for knee, hip, or back problems.
  • Compact and effective: Even 20–30 minutes are enough for an intense workout.
  • Ideal for the home office: Many devices are quiet, space-saving, and always ready for use – perfect for short exercise sessions in between.

So, if you want to train regularly but don’t want to go to the gym or don’t feel like jogging in the rain, the rowing machine is the perfect tool for home.

You should ask yourself these questions before buying

To find the right rowing machine, it helps to consider a few things beforehand:

What is your training goal?

  • Muscle building & strength endurance: Machines with adjustable resistance are crucial.
  • Weight loss & improving endurance: Focus on fluid, longer sessions with moderate resistance.
  • Rehab & back training: Joint-friendly machines with gentle resistance and a feedback system.

Where do you want to train?

  • Living room or office: Look for a quiet machine with a folding function and appealing design.
  • Basement or garage: Noise level or space requirements often play a lesser role here.

Are you a beginner or an advanced user?

  • For beginners, good technique guidance is crucial.
  • Advanced users tend to focus on performance data, training programs, and long-term comfort.

06 augletics leise magnetbremse

An Overview of the Different Resistance Systems

A central selection criterion is the resistance system, as it determines the rowing feel and noise level:

Water resistance

  • Simulates a natural rowing feel and natural resistance through water
  • Gentle splashing – motivating for some, distracting for others
  • However: Weight, cleaning effort, difficult to regulate

Air Resistance

  • Often popular with competitive athletes
  • Resistance increases with pulling force
  • Disadvantage: Loud – not ideal for rental apartments, usually a bit bulkier to store

Magnetic Resistance

  • Quiet, consistent, ideal for indoor training
  • Often with fine gradation, suitable for rehab or quiet training
  • Cheaper models without electronic resistance control, which means the rowing feel suffers compared to electronic control

Electronically controlled magnetic resistance (e.g., AUGLETICS Eight Style/Sport)

  • Combines precision, quietness, and smart control
  • Enables targeted training with real-time feedback
  • Especially ideal for home office & technique training

Technical Features – What You Really Need

A look at the display can tell you more than is visible at first glance. Here are a few features that make a difference:

The smarter the device, the better you can optimize your technique, posture, and performance – even without a trainer or mirror.

Ergonomics and Comfort – Underestimated, but Crucial

It’s not just about resistance – you want to train comfortably and healthily. Pay attention to:
  • Ergonomics: The pulling plane should be just below chest height, without the strap or chain taking too steep an incline
  • Smooth rail movement: No jerks or unevenness
  • Good footrests: Firm hold, adjustable, preferably not too wide or narrow a stance, as this leads to unnatural postures

Noise Level – An Underestimated Factor in Everyday Life

Eine Frau trainiert auf dem Augletics Eight Rudergerät in einem modernen Wohnzimmer, während eine orangefarbene Katze neugierig am Gerät vorbeiläuft.

If you live in an apartment or like to train in the morning or evening, noise level plays a big role. Machines with water or air resistance are often clearly audible.

Magnetic braking systems, especially electronically controlled ones, are almost silent. This allows you to train without disturbing anyone. Particularly suitable for couples, families, shared flats, or office spaces.

The AUGLETICS rowing machine combines this quiet technology with a realistic rowing feel, thus providing a training experience that integrates perfectly into your daily life. You can fully concentrate on your performance, without distraction from loud noises. At the same time, its compact design allows you to easily use the device even in smaller apartments.

Another advantage: The quiet operation allows you to design your training flexibly. Whether early in the morning before work, while the children are sleeping, or late in the evening after a long day, with the AUGLETICS rowing machine, you are independent of external circumstances. This way, exercise becomes a real routine that seamlessly integrates into your life.

Space Requirements and Design – Does the Device Fit into Your Daily Life?

Especially when used at home, size is crucial. Ask yourself:
  • Can the device be folded or stored upright?
  • Does it visually fit into the room? (Keywords: wooden or metal frame, simple design)
  • Does it need to be transported frequently?

Tip: The AUGLETICS Eight Style has a compact design, can be easily tilted and stored in small spaces – ideal for the living room or home office.

What Does a Good Rowing Machine Cost?

A brief overview:

Important: Pay attention to warranty, service, and spare parts availability. A durable device pays off over years – especially if you want to train regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should I train with the rowing machine?
For beginners, 2–3 sessions per week of 20–30 minutes are sufficient. Advanced users train 4–5 times per week.
How much space do I need?
A rowing machine needs about 2.20 m in length when unfolded. However, many models can be stored vertically.
Can I lose weight with the rowing machine?
Yes! Rowing is a high-calorie workout – you burn 500–900 kcal per hour depending on intensity.
What’s better: rowing machine or treadmill?
Rowing trains more muscle groups, is more joint-friendly, and more effective for back & posture.

Conclusion: How to Find the Right Rowing Machine

A good rowing machine is an investment in your health – but also in your motivation. The better it fits your daily life, your fitness level, and your goals, the more likely you are to train regularly and with joy.
Pay attention to:
  • the right resistance system
  • ergonomic design
  • smart technology and quiet operation
  • realistic goal setting and space conditions

If you are looking for a quiet, precise, and modern device that integrates perfectly into your daily life, then a device like the AUGLETICS Eight Style is the best choice. It combines technology, comfort, and design – and brings the rowing experience directly into your living room.

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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