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Rowing Articles & Guides

Buying guides, comparisons, workouts and answers to common rowing machine questions.

  • 8 Thoughts Every Indoor Rower Has During a Long Workout

    You’re settled in, your feet strapped down, and the never-ending rhythm of indoor rowing begins. It doesn’t take long for your mind to wander, leading to some pretty funny thoughts. Each stroke becomes a mental journey where your brain is free to entertain itself while your body keeps up the hard work. As you pull

  • Water vs. Air Rowing Machine: What is the Difference?

    Choosing the right rowing machine for your home gym can be a perplexing task. With the market offering a variety of resistance types, the most prominent being water and air rowers, it’s essential to understand their differences and similarities. Both offer a comprehensive full-body workout, burning calories and improving cardiovascular health, yet they do so

  • Best Home Rowing Machine 2026

    If you’re looking for the best home rowing machine you’ve come to the right place! I have been helping people find the best rowing machine models for over 7 years and have personally helped over 1,000 people through direct emails. Selecting a rowing machine can be tough because everyone has different preferences and needs. However,

  • Rowing Machine Knee Pain – The Ultimate Guide

    The rowing machine is good for bad knees and it can often be used as a rehabilitation and recovery machine for physical therapy. As a low-impact exercise, rowing doesn’t put too much stress on the joints and is even recommended for people with arthritis. Then, why do people complain of rowing machine knee pain? In

  • What Rowing Machine Does OrangeTheory Use?

    OrangeTheory uses the WaterRower M1 HiRise, a market-leading rowing machine. The WaterRower M1 HiRise is the only rowing machine available at the OrangeTheory facilities and is one of the three components of OrangeTheory workouts. These workouts are a combination of rowing, running on the treadmill, and exercising on the strength floor. According to OrangeTheory’s WaterRower

  • Will Rowing Tone My Arms?

    Does the Rowing Machine Burn Arm Fat? Yes, rowing will tone your arms because each stroke efficiently activates and trains the triceps, biceps, shoulders, and forearms. Moreover, the rowing machine allows you to build endurance and strength and switch from cardio to a muscle-building workout. So, whether you want to tone flabby arms or bulk

  • Calories Burned on Rowing Machine

    Many people purchase a rowing machine to help them get in shape and lose weight. The best formula for losing weight is to burn more calories than you take in. Calculating the calories burned on a rowing machine can be very difficult and it is a question that often comes up. Rowing machine calories burned while

  • Squat Assist Row-N-Ride Before and After Results

    When people ask about the benefits of using a Row-N-Ride machine, what they really want to know is “How will it make me look and feel?” Put another way, “What Row-N-Ride results can I expect!?” We all love seeing the “before and after” style pictures that highlight the progress and transformation we expect to see.

  • Squat Assist Row-N-Ride Machine Benefits

    Are you looking to improve your squat performance, boost lower body strength, and have a safer workout? If so, then you might enjoy reading about the Row and Ride Machine benefits! Row and Ride Machines, like the Sunny Row-N-Ride and the DB Method Machine, have become popular in recent years! Mostly, thanks to their promotion

  • Complete Guide to Rowing Machine Shoulder Pain

    Rowing machine shoulder pain is a very real concern for people who have suffered from shoulder injuries in the past. It’s even more concerning for people who are currently experiencing pain during or after their rowing sessions! Due to the specific movements utilized while rowing, the shoulder becomes one of the most critical joints used.

  • WaterRower Tank Cleaning Guide [All Water Rowing Machines]

    So you’ve been using your water rower for a while and you’re wondering how to clean the WaterRower tank!? One of the best things about a water rower is that utilizing water provides a more natural feel and the relaxing sound of swishing water. Of course, this is also its downside. If you don’t clean

  • Vertical vs. Horizontal Rowing Tank

    Wondering what the difference is between a vertical vs. horizontal rowing tank? Well, you’re in the right place! Rowing machine manufacturers are always looking for ways to innovate and create newer, better equipment. If you compare the models available today to those available 15, 10, or even 5 years ago, I’m sure you’ll see a

  • The Ultimate Guide to Rowing Machine Back Pain

    Rowing isn’t just one of the best forms of exercise; it’s also one of the oldest in the world! This means rowing machine back pain has been around for a long time! Really, for as long as there have been boats, people have been rowing them around. It’s only in modern times that rowing has

  • Can You Use a Rowing Machine While Pregnant?

    Being pregnant is already life-altering, but now you need to find alternative cardio exercises too?! Before pregnancy, rowing was your go-to, now you wonder – can I use a rowing machine while pregnant? Whether this is your first pregnancy, second, or your fifth, safety is of utmost importance to you and your baby. You want to

  • What Is The Proper Rowing Machine Foot Position?

    When you hop on a rower, your first question might be – how do I put my foot in this thing!? Rowing machine foot position is one of the most important steps when you first start out! Rowing is a full-body workout with so many health benefits but to get those benefits, you need the

  • Proper Rowing Machine Grip and Hand Position

    Whether you’re totally new to rowing or you’ve been at it a while, I’m sure you want to get your rowing machine hand position and grip just right. After all, the right grip is important for maintaining correct form, and the wrong grip…well, it can lead to joint strain and possibly even repetitive use injuries

  • 6 Fun Facts about Rowing

    Did you know that rowing machines are the oldest cardio machines in existence? That’s right — even treadmills, which are the most popular pieces of cardio equipment on the market today, are thousands of years younger than rowing machines. Many athletes have a love-hate relationship with rowing, but it has a long history of helping

  • Complete Guide to Best Rowing Machine Apps

    Do you have a rowing machine but you’re bored of listening to music or podcasts? Are you looking for the best rowing machine apps to keep you engaged? Well obviously from the title you can tell you’re in the right place! I’ve tried to do as much research as I could on the topic to

  • 23 Funny Rowing Jokes & Memes

    In the midst of all the chaos (global pandemics, work, family!) – we can all use some funny rowing jokes! Or my favorite – rowing memes :) I’ve heard a few good ones in my time but I decided to scour the internet for the best rowing jokes & memes. I’ve even created a few

  • What is the Best Cardio Machine?

    “What is the BEST cardio machine!?” That’s what the guys in the photo are asking each other. Just kidding, it’s actually just some crappy stock photo I found. But seriously, if we had a discussion, what would you consider the best cardio machine? It’s a very difficult question to answer because it ultimately depends on

  • Top 32 Best Rowing Quotes & Sayings

    I always believe it helps to post rowing quotes on your wall or erg to remind yourself to push harder while training! There are plenty of days you will feel down and need a little extra boost of motivation to get you through the day. Posting quotes on your desk or laptop will help remind

  • Should I Use a Rowing Machine Everyday?

    Is it ok to use a rowing machine everyday? While the short answer is yes (sometimes), I want to answer more questions about rowing everyday in my full breakdown below. Some people buy a rowing machine and immediately fall in love with the activity! They want to row everyday, but sometimes this can be a

  • Top 9 Best Rowing Gifts

    Whether it’s for the holidays, a birthday, or another special occasion, finding great rowing gifts can be difficult! Luckily, I’ve broken down the different gift ideas into my top 9 categories with a few options in each. These gifts range from rowing books to high-end rowing clothing. I even have some rowing gift ideas for

  • Concept2 Rowing Machine Financing (Interest Free!)

    If you’re looking for Concept2 rowing machine financing options, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve analyzed the different options and compiled a list of the best opportunities. Rowing machines can be expensive, so I understand the need for a payment plan. What’s even better is some of these plans are interest free! Meaning you

  • Best Rowing Machine for Tall People

    If you’re reading this post, you’re obviously tall, and you’re obviously looking for the best rowing machine for tall people. Rowing has long been known to be a sport for the taller than average person. Unfortunately, not all rowing machines will fit tall rowers. I’ve been asked countless times, “what is the best rowing machine

  • Rowing Machine Resistance Types

    The process of finding the right rowing machine can be downright difficult! Choosing from so many different brands, price ranges, features, and warranties can really give you a headache. One of the most important things to consider when looking for a rowing machine are the different rowing machine resistance types. The resistance type can usually

  • How to Prevent Rowing Machine Butt Pain?

    Experiencing rowing machine butt pain can be a very discouraging feeling! All you want to do is workout but you can’t because it is so uncomfortable. This article will break down some of the causes of rowers bum and how to prevent it from happening. Believe it or not, a few simple stretches or positioning

  • Concept2 Model D vs. Concept2 Model E

    Today we’re comparing the Concept2 Model D and E rowing machines. I own the Model D, but have used the Model E extensively in studios and when training clients who own one. So, I have experience with the two models. It’s important to note that while manufacturers still carry machines labeled Model D and Model

  • Rowing Machine Abs Benefits

    I get asked a lot of questions about rowing machine abs benefits. Mainly, asking if rowing is a great workout for building better abs. While I always had my personal opinion based on how a rowing machine effected me, I decided to dig into this question deeper. I wanted to truly see how a rowing machine

  • Which Is Better: Treadmill or Rowing Machine?

    Which is better, a treadmill or rowing machine? A lot of people ask this question so they can better understand what piece of equipment to use. While this is a tough match up, when I put the rowing machine vs. treadmill through a few tests, there was only one winner! This topic is dear to

  • 2K Erg Test Strategy & Preparation

    Thinking of performing a 2k erg test? Want to know the best tips for strategy and preparation? I’ve scoured the internet to find the best strategy and preparation tips before completing a 2k row. If you are reading this article, I assume you know the 2k is the gold standard of rowing races. It is

  • House of Cards Rowing Machine

    I’ve finally caved and decided to acknowledge the “House of Cards Rowing Machine.” Too many readers have asked me questions like, “What is the rowing machine on House of Cards?” or “Is this the Frank Underwood rowing machine?” Every time I laugh at how such a popular rowing machine became even more popular by being

  • What Does a Rowing Machine Do For Your Body?

    “What does a rowing machine do for your body?” Is this the thought that runs through your mind as you walk past one in the gym? Each piece of equipment in a gym has a specific purpose for your body. So you begin to go through each piece. Free weights and weight machines are for

  • Will A Rowing Machine Help Me Lose Weight?

    “..will a rowing machine help me lose weight?” This is a common question I see asked on many different forums scattered across the web. I also get emails from visitors of Rowing Machine King, so I wanted to answer that question here publicly in case others had the same question. To answer the question. It’s Yes. Si.

  • Famous Rowers – Celebrities Who Row & Rowers Who Became Famous

    This is a fun little article to name some of the famous rowers out there. Rowing is a very small community compared to some of the world’s major sports like baseball and soccer (…ok football). So when you discover a person rows or did row, you feel like you have some small connection to them.

  • What is the Best Quiet Rowing Machine?

    Looking for the “best quiet rowing machine”? If so, this article breaks down the noise level of each resistance type. Learn how the 4 resistance types differ from each other and which models are crowned “King” of silent rowing machines. Compare the sounds produced by each rowing machine to help you decide which model is

  • How Long Should You Row on a Rowing Machine?

    A lot of readers ask me “how long should you row on a rowing machine?” I even get the question, “what is the least amount of time I can spend on a rowing machine?” These are very difficult questions because there really is no right or wrong answer! Everyone will be different because everyone has

  • Rowing Machine Before and After: Transformations & Weight Loss Results

    Looking for some good rowing machine before and after photos to help motivate you? Do you want to know “how will rowing change my body?” I can show you this and more! I help break down some of the main benefits of using a rowing machine as well as key factors for losing weight. Factors

  • Concept2 Noise Level (Video & Reduction Tips)

    I can’t tell you how many times I’ve received the question, “How loud is the Concept2 noise level while rowing?” I usually have to write a long-winded answer because it is very difficult to describe! Finally, I have written an article that breaks down everything you need to know about the Concept2 noise. You can

  • Bowflex Rowing Machine (Best Model & Technique)

    Are you interested in learning about the Bowflex and Bowflex rowing machine models? In this review, I break down the different benefits of using a Bowflex, as well as which Bowflex models change into a rowing machine. I’ve used a couple of different models at this point and have several thoughts to share. We’ll also discuss

  • Conor McGregor Rowing Machine (History & Training)

    Have you seen a Conor McGregor rowing machine workout on “The Mac Life” or “UFC Embedded”? Are you wondering why McGregor and other UFC stars are starting to incorporate rowing into their training regime? Rowing machines provide a ton of full-body benefits that transfer well into fighting inside the Octagon. Whether it’s the benefits of

  • Rowing Kettlebell Workout (Benefits & Examples)

    Looking to add a rowing kettlebell workout to your exercise routine? Well, you should and I’ll tell you why! A rowing and kettlebell workout is one of the best ways to get a full-body “functional” workout. Each exercise is a true “strength” and “endurance” movement. Adding variation to your workouts will help you burn more

  • Top 10 Concept2 Accessories

    Looking to add some top Concept2 accessories to your rowing collection? I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 items you need to make the most of your Concept2 rowing experience. A few people may buy some recommended accessories with their Concept2 Rower but most just start rowing with gear they have lying around their

  • Air vs. Magnetic Rowing Machine: What is the Difference?

    Recently many people have asked me, “What is the difference between an air vs. magnetic rowing machine?” While many people can use their imagination to make a decent educated guess, I’m sure a lot don’t even know both exist! Most people see a rowing machine in a gym and don’t think, “Is this an air

  • Concept2 Slides Complete Guide

    Looking for a complete guide to the Concept2 slides? I break down what they are, why you should use them, and how they are used! Concept2 is the only rowing machine that enables a user to convert from a static rower to a dynamic rower by adding erg slides. Don’t worry, I explain all of

  • Top 3 Best Rowing Seat Pads

    Do you feel like your rowing seat pad is a rock? Do you think it’s time to invest in a new rowing machine seat cushion? Lets take a look at a scenario. You are excited to finally get a rowing machine and you have been waiting a long time to get in shape. You’ve done

  • Best Indoor Rowing Shoes

    Minimalist trainers The WHITIN Minimalist Trainers, available in a range of sizes and colors, have proven to be a great choice for indoor rowing. Their zero-drop, flat sole design closely mimics the feeling of being barefoot, offering a natural, balanced stance on the rowing machine. This is particularly beneficial for maintaining proper posture during intense

  • Rowing Machine Buyer’s Guide

    This Rowing Machine Buyer’s Guide outlines exactly what you need to know to buy a new rower! Learn how to choose the best piece of fitness equipment you can own! Rowing simultaneously provides a great full-body workout and a killer cardiovascular workout. Some people believe rowing machines are for off-season rowers only, but that’s far

  • Best Rowing Gloves

    So you think you’re tough because you don’t wear rowing gloves!? Well you could be hurting your performance! The best rowing machine gloves will protect against painful blisters and allow you to train at your best. Blisters are an inevitable part of rowing and something we all must deal with. They occur for a number of

  • Muscles Used on the Rowing Machine

    Want to know an interesting fact!? The rowing machine muscles used while rowing equal about 84% of the total muscles in your body! Now what other workout machine can boast these types of numbers? Rowing machines are known as a full body workout because they exercise every major muscle group and provide a fantastic cardiovascular workout. Rowers