Rowers to train at home

How to choose a rowing machine for home workouts?

Choosing a rowing machine mainly depends on the type of resistance you're looking for and the space available at home. A water rower, like the Christopeit Colorado, simulates a gliding sensation similar to outdoor rowing and is ideal for those who want a gradual and quiet workout. Other models, with magnetic or mechanical resistance, often take up less space and provide a more straightforward intensity adjustment.

Before buying, check the space needed when the machine is unfolded, as well as the possibility of easily storing it if it folds. The weight capacity indicated by the manufacturer and the height of the seat are also useful criteria depending on your body type.

Water rower or classic rower: what’s the difference in use?

The difference mainly lies in the rowing feel and the noise level. A water rower, like the Christopeit Colorado, offers resistance that naturally varies with your pulling speed, providing a feeling close to real rowing, with the sound of water rather than mechanical noise. A magnetic or hydraulic resistance rower, such as the VirtuFit Aqua 200i, generally allows for precise adjustment of a constant effort level, independent of movement speed.

Your choice will therefore depend on what you're looking for: an experience close to the original sport gesture, or easier control of intensity during workouts.

Christopeit and VirtuFit: the rowing machine brands available

The catalogue features rowing machines from Christopeit and VirtuFit, two brands recognised in home fitness equipment.

• Christopeit designs water rowers, including the Colorado, aimed at providing a complete cardio workout with a natural rowing sensation.
• VirtuFit offers rowing machines like the Aqua 200i, designed for regular use with easily adjustable intensity settings.

What other cardio training devices should you consider?

If you’re unsure between several types of equipment, the site has other pages dedicated to cardio training that you can check out separately:

• Treadmills, for mimicking walking or running indoors.
• Exercise bikes, a compact option for seated cardio.
• Elliptical bikes, which combine leg and arm work without joint impact.
• Biking bikes, more similar to intensive cycling practice.
• Steppers, for targeted leg work in a compact format.

You can also find all these devices on the cardio training device page.

When to take advantage of the best deals on rowing machines?

Several times of the year are great for keeping an eye on prices for cardio training equipment. Black Friday usually kicks off the major sales seasons, followed by the end-of-year holidays, then winter sales and the French Days in spring.

To make sure you don’t miss out, you can directly check the site's dedicated pages: the offers for Black Friday, the sales, clearance, or even the good deals that are updated regularly. If you're looking for a rowing machine available quickly, the 24-hour shipping page can help filter options too. Finally, the new arrivals page lets you spot models that have recently been added to the catalogue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a rowing machine really help with weight loss?

The rowing machine engages multiple muscle groups at once, making it an effective cardio exercise for burning calories. As with any fitness equipment, the result mainly depends on the regularity of your sessions and the intensity of your effort, not just the equipment you use.

Is space needed to set up a rowing machine at home?

A rowing machine requires a length of space when unfolded, generally longer than an exercise bike, but most models can fold or be stored vertically once the workout is finished. It's useful to check the folded and unfolded dimensions before purchasing based on your available space.

Is a rowing machine suitable for beginners?

Yes, the movement is easy to learn and most rowing machines allow you to start with light resistance. The important thing is to maintain good posture, back straight and legs initiating the movement, to avoid relying solely on your arms.

What’s the difference between a rowing machine and an elliptical bike for the back?

The rowing machine engages the back and shoulder muscles more due to the pulling motion, while the elliptical bike mainly works the legs with a swinging motion of the arms. Your choice will depend on the areas you wish to target most.

Is a water rowing machine noisy to use?

The noise from a water rowing machine comes from the movement of the water in the tank, a continuous sound often considered less disruptive than repetitive mechanical noise. However, it is still audible, which should be considered if you’re training in a shared living space or during late hours.