Air vs Magnetic vs Water Rowing Machine

W orking out at home wasn’t a novelty when the pandemic stroke, but this new situation completely changed the way people think about their training corner. Many have added a few extra pieces of equipment, but there is a new trend to bring home the large machines found in gyms, which are more motivating and make it easier to exercise. This is how the race for the best rowing machine started as people discovered a way to stay fit while doing a fun exercise, and all without hitting the gym anymore. Rowing got more popular and is still on the rise, with influencers praising its ability to get you in shape and researchers uncovering the many benefits it offers every day.

The only dilemma that remains to be solved is which is the best mechanism behind these machines, seeing how the offer includes air, magnetic, and water models. The opinions are divided, since some reviews tend to favor price over luxury, while others consider that it isn’t even worth buying a rower if you are not going for the best. What we believe is that each machine is suitable for a certain situation, and the purpose of this article is to highlight the pros and cons of every option and match them against real-life scenarios, thus making it easy for you to understand which suits you best.

Why You Should Go for a Rowing Machine

“Rowing is the new running”, this is what fancy sports and lifestyle magazines say, and it is easy to see why athletes would prefer rowing inside the house with the AC on instead of running 10 miles through suffocating heat. But the truth is that this new way of training brings a lot of benefits for the average man as well. For example, according to the American Academy of Anti-Aging, Preventative, and Regenerative Medicine, you can lose up to 500 calories in only 1 hour of rowing, which is the equivalent of running 6 to 7 miles. Quite impressive, isn’t it?

This technique will also make you a lot stronger. If you have heard that rowing inside has nothing in common with the real water experience, you need to check your facts again, as this study has shown that the two activities are very similar in what concerns the development of the muscles.

The main reason specialists recommend this machine is that it doesn’t put a lot of pressure on your joints. It is the perfect pick if your knees are aching after an injury or your hips are no longer as flexible as they used to be, as the latest research results have shown low-impact exercises to be more efficient during the recovery.

Woman Training with Air Rowing Machine

Air Rowing Machines

The first mechanism we decided to present is the simplest of all, as it doesn’t need any accessory to produce resistance but the wind. Exactly as in an air bike, the pull mechanism is connected to a flywheel, which spins faster and faster as you increase your effort. This also leads to it opposing more resistance, so the key with an air model is that, if you wish to work out harder, you just need to work out harder. Odd, isn’t it? You can nevertheless adjust the resistance level by controlling the volume of air that reaches the wheel, and for this purpose, these machines include a damper.

Advantages

• These models are cheaper – they are the traditional option, so it usually isn’t anything fancy about them; thus, you can easily get one at around $500.
• The movement is smooth, and they can oppose a lot of resistance, so they are great for intense training.
• You can adjust the resistance level, and in most cases, there are plenty to choose from.
• The mechanism is resistant to wear.

Disadvantages

• They tend to be loud to the point that you won’t be able to have a conversation with somebody or watch TV while using them.
• Cheaper models don’t come with accurate parameter monitors.

Woman Exercising with Magnetic Rowing Machine

Magnetic Rowing Machines

The mechanism behind a magnetic machine is very similar to the one you would find in an indoor magnetic bike: two magnets influence the rotation of the flywheel by getting closer or further to it. The control of the intensity is in your hand, as you will be turning the knob to select the desired level.

Advantages

• Magnetic models are extremely quiet – they are the ones to go with if you want to watch TV during your workouts.
• They are super easy to maintain as the magnets don’t require any special care.
• They are among the most compact and a good pick for apartments or small workout corners.
• Exceptionally smooth glide.

Disadvantages

• They provide the least resemblance with rowing on water, which shouldn’t be a big problem if you are only seeking a way to work out.
• Cheaper models sometimes don’t provide enough resistance.

Man Training with Water Rowing Machine

Water Rowing Machines

Luxurious and ultra-performant, water models often come with a wood frame and a transparent water reservoir, which help create the sensation that you sit in a real boat. In this case, the water is the one opposing resistance. When you pull the handle, the flywheel spins, and its paddles touch the water, increasing the opposing force.

Advantages

• With a water mechanism, you get as close as possible to the outdoor experience. Not only that you can see the water in the reservoir, but you can actually heat the paddles hitting it.
• Not too loud. The only noise you will be hearing is the sound of the water, which can be quite therapeutic.
• The movement is smooth and consistent, providing excellent results.
• Many models come with luxurious wood frames that turn them into genuine décor objects.

Disadvantages

• They tend to be more expensive than air and magnetic models.
• They are quite large, so you will need to clear up some space to accommodate them.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Rowing Machine

While it is easy to see that a water mechanism is the most comfortable and performant, this doesn’t mean that it is always the best choice. Let’s see what criteria you need to take into account when making your pick.

• Space: If you don’t have a lot of space at your disposal, it would be unpractical to try and squeeze a huge frame in the room, first because it would get in the way and second because you won’t be able to relax while working out if the space feels too tight. In this situation, a magnetic rower is the best for you, as these models aren’t only compact but some of them can even be folded so you can get them out of the way at the end of each session.
• Budget: If you are not willing to spend a lot of money on gym equipment but don’t really care about the noise it may produce, you can easily go for an air machine. The resistance these models offer is strong enough to provide efficient training, and the great deal is that there is basically no maintenance involved.
• Looks: Water machines look spectacular in a studio, but if your budget and space allow it, you should definitely get one for your home and transform your workouts into a transcendental experience. Studies have shown that rowing can provide emotional comfort and help you deal with stress, and the sound of water these models offer will definitely induce the right mood.

In Conclusion

Since they don’t put a lot of pressure on your joints, rowing machines have come to replace the traditional running and walking, which can now be performed indoors and on the horizontal. The offer has increased a lot in the past years as a response to the increasing request, so the good news is that you have plenty of options to choose from. Now that you have familiarized yourself with the most common mechanisms behind these apparatuses, it should be easier for you to make the right decision and pick one that is consistent with your budget and space limits but can also match your aesthetic taste.