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Seating Comfort when Rowing: all about the Right Rowing Machine Seat Cushion

10. July 2025

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BY Lars Wichert

Rowing is not only a holistic workout for endurance, strength and coordination, but also a strain on the body – especially for the back and buttocks. Anyone who rows regularly may know it: the unpleasant pressure or pain in the buttocks after longer sessions. This is exactly where the seat cushion comes into play. What is a seat cushion good for when rowing, who needs it most, what models are available and why are high-quality solutions more than just padding.

Why a seat cushion makes sense when rowing

The rowing seat is functionally designed to support the movement of the pelvis during the rolling phase. However, especially during longer sessions or with increased body weight, the pressure on the ischial tuberosity can become very uncomfortable. The skin, the nerves underneath and the muscles can react quickly with irritation. Pressure points, numbness or even small inflammations occur. The result: The focus is lost, the technique suffers and the fun of training dwindles.
A seat cushion therefore fulfills several functions:
  • Pressure relief: It distributes the body weight more evenly.
  • Stabilization: Thanks to its ergonomic shape, a seat cushion can help to promote the correct posture.
  • Motivation: Those who train without pain stay longer and prefer to do it.

Who should use a seat cushion?

Not everyone necessarily needs a seat cushion – but many benefit from it. It is particularly recommended for:

1. Beginners: Newcomers often feel the rowing seat after just a few minutes. A cushion makes it much easier to get used to the training.
2. People with a low body fat percentage: If there is little padding, the ischial tuberosities often lie directly on the hard seat – which quickly leads to pressure discomfort.
3. Older rowers or people with orthopedic problems: A seat cushion can make a decisive contribution to the ability to train here.
4. Long-distance rowers or indoor rowing fans: Those who sit on the machine for 90 minutes or longer can benefit from the additional comfort.
5. People with a sensitive sciatic nerve: Here, an anatomically shaped cushion helps to avoid pressure on the critical areas.


AUGLETICS DSCF9250 e1737983980657

What you should consider when buying a rowing seat cushion

Material:
Common materials are EVA foam, gel or special multi-layer systems. EVA is durable and dimensionally stable, gel is particularly pressure-relieving. Sinking too deeply into the cushion should be avoided, as this can also cause pain.
Shape:
A good cushion is ergonomically shaped, which means: It supports the ischial bones without restricting freedom of movement. Depressions for the buttocks or recesses in the middle to relieve the coccyx are useful.
Slip resistance:
The cushion should neither move nor interfere during training. Models with an anti-slip rubber underside are preferable.
Compatibility:
Not every cushion fits on every rowing machine. It is important that it matches the seat shape of your machine.
Care:
Since you sweat when rowing, the cushion should be wipeable or have a cover that can be washed

The different models

Citius Remex – More than just a seat cushion

Originally from racing, the company specializes in seating systems that meet the highest demands. The special feature: The seating system is not just a cushion, but a well thought-out, biomechanically coordinated seat shell with an individual comfort profile.
What makes Citius Remex special?
  • The cushions are available in different degrees of hardness – depending on the training goal and sitting duration.
  • A special center groove relieves the coccyx area and improves blood circulation.
  • The anatomical shape adapts to the movement of the pelvis when rolling forwards and backwards.

Which models are available?

In addition to Citius Remex, there are numerous other models that can be roughly divided into the following categories:

What you should consider when rowing with a seat cushion

A seat cushion can make your training more comfortable – but also bring new challenges. It is important:
  • Keep an eye on technique: A cushion that is too soft or unstable can distort the rowing movement. A firmer model is therefore recommended for intensive technique training.
  • Adjust seat height: Some cushions slightly increase your seating position – make sure that the foot position still fits.
  • Initial phase: If you switch from hard to soft, irritation may occur at first. Give your body time to adjust.
  • Cleaning: Especially important for sweat-intensive training – wipeable materials or removable covers are ideal.

How the AUGLETICS Eight Style harmonizes with a seat cushion

The AUGLETICS Eight Style is already one of the most comfortable devices on the market. However, those who are particularly sensitive to pressure, do long sessions or struggle with back problems can increase their personal comfort even further with a seat cushion.
Why that works:
  • The flat, stable seat surface of the AUGLETICS is well suited as a base.
  • Thanks to the exact technique guidance with the help of the Virtual Coach, the movement remains precise and efficient even with a cushion.
  • The combination of technology, feedback and seating comfort is particularly suitable for rehab, prevention and health-oriented training.

Seat Cushion
Ergonomisches Sitzkissen für Rudergeräte für verbesserten Komfort beim Training.

24,99 EUR

Details

Seat cushion – small accessory with a big impact

Whether beginner or ambitious athlete – a seat cushion can make your rowing training much more comfortable and successful in the long term. It protects against pressure points, helps with discomfort and can even improve technique.
For anyone who trains regularly, completes longer sessions or reacts sensitively to stress, it is worth looking beyond the standard accessories. In combination with a high-quality device such as the AUGLETICS Eight Style, a healthy, motivating and effective rowing workout can be designed – without pain, but with maximum training success.

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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