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One of the more interesting niches in the fitness world is that of water rowing machines, or hydro rowers. Anyone who has done CrossFit has become intimate with rowing machines and knows how intense a rowing workout can be. Rowing is a full-body strength exercise that has a cardio aspect, too. That’s what makes rowing a great addition to any workout regimen. It can even help with arthritic back pain, as a low resistance workout in the mornings can help grease the gears and loosen everything up.
Picking a water rower for your gym is about adding a different type of resistance to your workouts. Like air and magnetic rowers, water rowers have pros and cons depending on what you’re looking to add to your gym. Let’s take a look at some of the best water rowers on the market so you can make an informed decision.
Best Overall
Sunny Health u0026 Fitness Obsidian Surge
Pros
- High weight capacity
- Easy-to-use interface
- Endcap levelers
- Can be stored vertically
Cons
- Heavy even when empty
- Does not fold up
Product Specs
- Brand: Sunny Health u0026 Fitness
- Dimensions: 80 inches x 22 inches x 34 inches
- Weight: 91.9 pounds empty
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds
Best Value
Merax Water Rowing Machine
Pros
- Inclined tank for extra resistance
- Stores vertically
- Smart digital monitor for workout tracking
- Large contoured seat
Cons
- Shape is bulkier than other designs
Product Specs
- Brand: Merax
- Dimensions: 78 inches x 20 inches x 25.5 inches
- Weight: 72 pounds empty
- Weight capacity: 330 pounds
Premium Pick
Xterra Fitness ERG650W
Pros
- High weight capacity
- Pressure-tested tank
- Over 15 programmed workouts
- Stores vertically
Cons
- Higher price point
Product Specs
- Brand: Xterra Fitness
- Dimensions: 79.5 inches x 20.7 inches x 33.9 inches
- Weight: 76 pounds empty
- Weight capacity: 350 pounds
Honorable Mention
Sunny Health u0026 Fitness Phantom Hydro
Pros
- Inclined tank for extra resistance
- Foldable design
- 11 pre-installed workout programs
- Two-way adjustable footpads
Cons
- Heavy empty weight
- Shape is bulkier than flat tank designs
Product Specs
- Brand: Sunny Health u0026 Fitness
- Dimensions: 81.5 inches x 21 inches x 39.5 inches
- Weight: 88.2 pounds empty
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds
Best Compact Water Rowing Machine
Stamina X Water Rower
Pros
- Multi-function monitor
- Fill marks on the tank for resistance levels
- Wireless heart rate monitor included
Cons
- Does not fold or store vertically
- It doesn’t appear to have adjustable stabilizers
Product Specs
- Brand: Stamina X
- Dimensions: 63 inches x 20inches x 37.5 inches
- Weight: 96 pounds empty
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds
Best High-End Water Rowing Machine
Water Rowing Club S4
Pros
- Highest weight capacity
- Stores upright
- Series 4 digital monitor
- Solid ash wood frame
Cons
- Sits very low to the ground
- High price point
Product Specs
- Brand: Water Rowing Club
- Dimensions: 83 inches x 24 inches x 21 inches
- Weight: 117 pounds empty
- Weight capacity: 1,000 pounds
Why you should trust us
My background for the past 20 years has been in sports, the military, and fitness. I’ve sweated my bacon off several times on the seat of a rower. My first-hand experiences and those of fellow fitness junkies have taught me what to look for in good rowers. I’ve taken these experiences and have combined them with reviews from experts and customers to give the best analysis available.
Types of water rowing machines
The interesting thing about water rowers is that they are a subcategory of rowing machines. This means that there aren’t many variations of water rowers, specifically. However, the position of the flywheel/tank is the biggest variation that can change performance. Let’s take a closer look at water rowing machines.
Flat tank
One of the reasons most people purchase water rowers is for the “life-like” feel of water resistance. A flat tank sits parallel to the floor and offers a feeling that is similar to rowing in a boat. Because the tank is flat, this style tends to appear sleeker and less bulky. Many flat tank designs can even be stood up on end to preserve space when not in use.
Inclined tank
Unlike other types of rowers, water rowers get their resistance from the amount of water in the tank. This is especially true for flat tanks. Inclining the tank to something like a 45-degree angle changes the resistance by incorporating gravity. With these models, the gravity is wanting to keep the water at the bottom of the tank, which requires more effort on your part to turn the flywheel. The difference isn’t drastic, but it is enough to break through or prevent plateaus.
Key features of water rowing machines
Tank
The most prolific feature on water rowing machines is the water tank, also known as the flywheel. This is a round, generally see-through container that stores the water. It can be flat or inclined depending on the model. Inside of the tank will be an impeller, a bladed device to push the water. You’ll want to make sure it’s easy to fill or empty the tank, and this will vary by model.
Interface
Having a good interface is key to a successful rowing workout and program. There are many types, as each manufacturer uses its own style of interface. What you’ll want to look for is an easy-to-see, easy-to-use interface. Most are going to be battery-powered, so you’ll want to identify the type of battery and get some spares to keep on hand.
Seat
Any good rower has a good seat. While the small seat itself is important, so are the beam and rollers that allow the seat to move back and forth. You’ll want to make sure that the seat is comfortable enough that you can see yourself rowing for any length of time. The rollers will need to glide easily without catching, grinding, or squeaking. Nothing ruins a good row like a jerky seat.
Grip/footpad
Every rower needs something to row with and something to hold your feet in place. These are generally located at the front of the rower. The grip typically is a flat bar with a cable or flat strap that goes into the tank. Many grips are covered with thin rubber coatings to maximize gripping when sweaty, but some can be soft foam padding as well. The footpads are commonly flat pieces of plastic on either side of the beam. Nice models will have adjustable extensions on the footpad to allow for varied size feet. All footpads should have an adjustable strap to keep your foot on the pad while rowing.
Benefits
Physical health
The list of physical health benefits one gets from rowing is quite extensive and exhausting. Most notably is heart health. Because rowing is an aerobic exercise, it works your heart and lungs the most. This creates a high burn rate for calories, which is great for fatties like me who want to lose fat. Rowing can also be an anaerobic exercise, though, if you adjust the resistance and rate of rowing. Aerobic workouts help build muscle at the expense of fat and are ideal for those looking to cut. A personal benefit I have experienced from rowing is that it reduces the pain in my back. Any simple five- to 10-minute workout is enough for my back to feel ready to do more dumb stuff. All of this can help your posture as keeping proper rowing form will strengthen your posture and prevent future injuries.
Mental health
A commonly explored, but rarely examined, benefit of exercise is the effect it has on mental health. There are tons of books, articles, podcasts, and movies about how working out helps one’s state of mind. I feel that many of these miss the scientific reasoning behind that, but they are still great resources. Aside from the hormone creation that gives you a great feeling, there are a few other mental health aspects to consider. Confidence is built by doing something and proving to yourself you can, which has a vital role in overall mental health. Building the discipline of rowing will boost your confidence and give you a double dose of “wow, I feel like a badass!” The other aspect is that long rows can be meditative. Scientists like Roy Baumeister and Kelly McGonigal have proven that meditation can increase willpower and self-discipline, thus increasing one’s happiness.
Pricing considerations for water rowing machines
Budget
Because water rowers are a niche market, the pricing categories are pretty tight. If you find a water rower under $500, you can consider that a bargain price. You can easily find some quality rowers in this category, but they will generally be basic designs without a lot of features. These will work for home gyms and are ideal for those who want basic water rowers.
Mid-range
Water rowers priced between $500 to $700 are considered mid-range. This is where you see the blend of extra features, fancy designs, and special materials at more affordable prices. These are ideal for home gyms and those looking to have variable rowing workouts.
Premium
Any rower that is over $700 fits this category. Rowers in this price range will have proprietary features, be made from special materials, or come from a prestigious brand. These rowers are best suited for professional athletes, rowers who need the realistic feel for training, or commercial gyms or fitness centers.
How we chose our top picks
The selection of water rowers was based on comparing personal experience with in-depth research. Each rower had to be priced appropriately, and we avoided rowers with unrealistic pricing or exaggerated claims. The machines also had to be functional with dimensions that would allow them to be used in most spaces. We did not consider brands or rowers with known reliability issues.
FAQs on water rowing machines
You’ve got questions, Task & Purpose has answers.
Q. What’s the difference between normal rowers and water rowers?
A. There are four types of rowers based on what they use to create resistance: magnetic, air, hydraulic, and water. Water rowers utilize water in a tank with an impeller to create resistance for your workouts.
Q. How long do water rowers last?
A. According to some manufacturers, these machines can last up to five years of continuous use without maintenance. As with anything, if you use it properly and get routine maintenance, it can last much longer.
Q. Are water rowers better?
A. This is a subjective question. They’re just different from other rowers, which offer a different form of resistance for your workouts.
Q. How often do you need to change the water?
A. You can probably go up to six months before changing the water in the tank. That being said, most tanks are clear and you can see if there are any bacteria forming inside of them. Read your owner’s manual to see if there are any recommendations or approved treatments for keeping your tank clean.
Q. Will a water rower freeze?
A. Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. If your rower is subjected to this type of weather, then it could possibly freeze.
Q. Can I get fit with just rowing?
A. Yes. Rowing is a great full-body workout that is also a form of cardio.
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Scott Whisler is a Marine Corps veteran and family man. He’s an avid student of philosophy who strives for self-growth and challenge, both found in his outdoor adventures. As a new Okie, his focus is on exploring the South Central region. His lifetime goal is to have excursions in all of the National Parks.