Considering Buying a Rowing Machine? 15 Questions to Ask Yourself First

Buying a rowing machine can be a fantastic investment in your health and fitness, but with so many options for exercise equipment out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with questions like:

• Is a rowing machine the right piece of at-home workout equipment for me? 

• How will buying, setting up, and using my rowing machine work?

• How will I feel secure that I can deal with any potential issues that arise down the line? 

In this blog post, we’ll address 15 important questions to ask yourself before buying a rowing machine, helping you navigate the process with confidence and ease. 

Is a rowing machine the right piece of at-home workout equipment for me?

1. What are my fitness goals?

People use rowing machines for a variety of reasons, whether they’re looking to build muscle, lose weight, or improve their overall fitness. Honing in on your personal fitness goals can help you determine whether a rowing machine is the right pick for your home gym. 

The great news is that rowing machines can effectively contribute to a variety of fitness goals, as they combine both cardio and strength training to burn calories, strengthen muscles across your entire body, and improve endurance. Rowing workouts are also great for cross-training alongside other workout types, as they’re low-impact and can easily be incorporated into an existing exercise routine.

If you’re looking to use a rowing machine to get back into shape, you’ll also be happy to know that this equipment caters to both beginners and seasoned athletes alike. You can easily adjust your resistance with how hard you push off with your legs and pull on your handle, meaning you can ease your way into your workouts at first and challenge yourself as you grow stronger.

Related blog: 15 Benefits of Using a Rowing Machine

2. How often will I use my rowing machine?

The cost of a rowing machine is nothing to sneeze at, so you definitely want to ensure you’re actually going to use your new piece of workout gear before you buy. Convenience and efficiency are key here—it’s a lot easier to gear up for a workout when you know you can walk over to your home gym, hop on your machine, and undergo a quick (yet highly effective!) workout. 

Rowing workouts are notoriously efficient, burning a ton of calories in a shorter amount of time than other popular pieces of at-home fitness equipment. Maximizing your workout efficiency can help you establish good habits and maintain your motivation over time. Instead of dreading 60 minutes on a treadmill or elliptical, you can wrap up your workout in just 20 minutes of high-intensity exercise on an indoor rower. 

3. What kind of monitor or display do I need?

Monitors and displays vary depending on the rowing machine you’re buying, so you’ll want to decide how much data and workout content you want at your disposal. Basic LCD monitors display metrics like your time, distance, strokes per minute, and calories burned, while more advanced LCD monitors tack on metrics like heart rate and watts, along with preset workout programs. 

Interactive displays (like the ones you’d see with Hydrow) feature a large, touch-enabled screen that houses interactive workouts, virtual rowing experiences, and a connection to online communities in addition to all the metrics above. Having a variety of beautiful workouts at your fingertips keeps your workouts interesting and helps with motivation. 

If you’re interested in tracking your heart rate during your workouts, you can also connect your rowing machine to a smart watch or heart rate monitor. 

Related blog: Join the Hydrow Community: What Does a Hydrow Membership Include?

4. Do I prefer guided classes or working out on my own?

Think about your ideal workout: Do you want someone coaching you along the way, or do you want to self-lead at your own pace? This will affect the type of rowing machine you buy, as not all models are equipped with guided rowing workouts.

Guided rowing workouts are led by an instructor who coaches you through your workout. On Hydrow, for example, guided rowing workouts are led by Hydrow Athletes who are trained to provide you with workout structure, guidance, motivation, technical reminders, and encouragement.

If you would prefer to row without any instruction or coaching, you can also select an unguided row. These are self-led and at your own pace. 

5. How can I learn how to row for the first time?

If you’re new to rowing, you’ll want to invest in a user-friendly rowing machine with intuitive controls from a company that offers resources to help you get the lay of the land. Instructional materials like videos and guides can help you learn proper rowing technique.

At Hydrow, we offer access to instructional videos on our rowing machines, including our Learn to Row and Beginner Training Camp series to help you get up to speed. And, if you want to learn from a pro, 1:1 personal coaching is available to help you ensure you’re rowing with proper form. 

6. Is this rowing machine suitable for multiple users?

If you have multiple people in your home interested in using your new rowing machine, you want to buy a machine that will allow you to have multiple user profiles—without extra costs involved. 

A single Hydrow membership does allow you to create individual profiles for a single monthly cost. So, you only need one membership even if your Hydrow is going to be used by say, you, your spouse, and one teenage child. You’ll each be able to have your own individual profile tailored to your own preferences and housing your own metrics. 

How will buying, setting up, and using my rowing machine work?

7. What is my budget?

Buying a rowing machine certainly includes a significant upfront cost but can pay off over time when compared to the ongoing costs of a gym membership. With a rowing machine, you get what you pay for — more expensive rowing machines will feature advanced technology with interactive workouts, performance tracking, and an immersive experience, along with high-quality build quality, smooth operation, and durability.

When determining your budget, you’ll also want to keep in mind ongoing costs like subscriptions and whether the rower you have in mind offers options to pay off the machine over time.

Related blog: How Much Does a Home Gym Cost?

8. Is the machine easy to assemble?

There’s nothing worse than getting your new piece of at-home fitness equipment delivered to your door, then having to agonize over setting it up. Make sure that the rowing machine you choose can easily—and safely—be assembled so you can start reaping the many benefits of rowing workouts right away. 

Hydrow users report that the assembly process typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes, but the exact time may vary depending on your experience and comfort with assembling fitness equipment.

9. How much space do I have available?

While rowing machines tend to have a smaller footprint than other types of home fitness equipment like treadmills and ellipticals, you’ll want to make sure whatever space you designate for your new rower will be sufficient.

It’s typical to leave around two feet of space between your rowing machine and anything like walls or furniture. This allows you to have the space for proper form without hitting anything.

Feeling cramped? Compact rowing machines like the Hydrow Wave take up less space without sacrificing the features, comfort, and durability of the machine. 

10. What is the height and weight capacity of the rowing machine?

Another factor to consider is the weight and height capacity of the rowing machine you’re considering, as it can vary from machine to machine. For instance, Hydrow rowing machines have a weight limit of 375 lbs and a height limit of up to 36” inseam. 

11. How easy is it to transport or store the machine?

When your machine is not in use, you may be able to store it vertically to take up less space in your home. Many rowers require additional hardware (like a vertical storage kit or mount) to ensure safe storage, while others may fold for more compact storage.

Hydrow rowing machines are equipped with front wheels, making them easier to move around by lifting one end and rolling it to a new location. Our vertical storage kit allows you to store the machine upright with a ceiling height of at least 7'3" (220 cm) and a floor space of 33" x 25" (84 cm x 63.5 cm).

12. How important is noise level to me?

Some rowing machines are louder than others, and if you are concerned about bothering neighbors or housemates, you’ll want to consider buying a rowing machine with a quieter resistance mechanism. This is especially true if you’re aiming to work out at odd times of day, such as the early morning or late at night. 

All Hydrow models use software-driven electromagnetic resistance, which is significantly quieter than alternative resistance methods employed by other manufacturers. While your rowing experience won’t be entirely silent, it is extremely quiet compared to noisy air fans or water tanks. 

This quiet performance also makes it easy to hear your workout instruction and music, whether via the built-in speakers or through your favorite Bluetooth headphones.

How will I deal with any issues with the rowing machine?

13. What is the warranty and customer service like?

Warranty and customer service are crucial when buying a rowing machine because they protect against defects and ensure the machine’s longevity and durability, providing peace of mind and cost savings on repairs and replacements. 

Comprehensive warranties indicate quality assurance, while responsive customer support offers technical assistance, guidance, and efficient resolutions to any issues. 

Hydrow offers a comprehensive warranty policy that includes a five-year warranty on the frame, a one-year warranty on components and labor, and a one-year warranty on the touchscreen display. Our dedicated Hydrow Member Services team is also available to answer questions and troubleshoot issues over the phone and through email, and also has detailed online resources you can consult. 

14. What is the return policy?

What if you just don’t like your rowing machine? Considering the significant investment and size of the rowing machine, having a clear and favorable return policy or trial period ensures you have the flexibility to make an informed decision and resolve any issues that may arise after purchase.

Be sure to thoroughly review the terms of the return policy before making your purchase to understand your rights and options.

If you are not satisfied with your Hydrow rower, you can request a return within 30 days after your delivery. More details about Hydrow’s Return Policy can be found here. 

15. What kinds of reviews does the rowing machine have?

Checking reviews before buying a rowing machine helps you gather comprehensive information about its performance, reliability, customer satisfaction, and comparative value. Check out what our Members have to say about their Hydrow here! 

Looking to buy a rowing machine? 

Now that you have a good idea of what kind of rowing machine you want for your home and whether it will work for your fitness goals, budget, and expectations for your home workouts, you’re likely feeling more ready to make a final decision. 

If you are looking to invest in a rowing machine for your home, be sure to check out Hydrow. Our state-of-the-art rowing machines are the perfect addition to any home gym, giving you an immersive and total-body workout in just 20 minutes a day. 

Hydrow’s extensive library of workout content is led by our team of world-class and Olympic Athletes and filmed in stunning locations around the world. Whether you’re looking to do a rowing workout or cross-train with yoga, Pilates, and circuit training, you’ll be transported to stunning global destinations that keep you motivated to come back again and again. 

Learn more about the benefits of a Hydrow rowing machine today!