Dr. Will Murtagh is a performance physical therapist and writer who helps Fitness Athletes elevate their fitness and train pain-free.
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Did you know that almost every CrossFit Open workout has a rower? This means if you want to train and improve your performance in CrossFit at home, then having a rower in your equipment list is critical.
To help you make the best choice possible, we’ll dive into my top seven rowing machines on the market today for CrossFitters.
These seven rowers are hand-picked based on what I have seen CrossFitters need training at home over the last 10-plus years. Over that time, I have coached CrossFitters to improve their fitness and help them rehab back to full strength after an injury as a part of my 1:1 Pain-Free Performance Program.
Now, I will help you elevate your home gym training as well!
If you are genuinely training CrossFit, having a rowing machine is necessary. Not only because it is tested in almost every CrossFit competition but also for the full-body workout that it provides and its impact on your aerobic training.
The rower was a non-negotiable addition when I set out to build my home gym. And let me tell you, it was one of my best decisions. The variety it brings to Metcons (Metabolic Conditioning workouts) is unparalleled.
Whether you’re chasing the clock in a high-intensity interval or ripping through a grueling EMOM, the rowing machine is vital to add to your home gym, so let’s get started.
My Top Picks For The Best CrossFit Rower
Best Overall: Concept2 RowErg
Best For Durability: Assault Fitness Rower Elite
Best Smart Rower: NordicTrack Smart Rower
Best Magnetic Rower: Hydrow Wave
Best Water Rower: Topium Water Rowing Machine
Best Priced Magnetic Rower: Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine
Best Priced Air Resistance Rower: Stamina ATS Air Rower Machine
You might be wondering – with countless rowing machines on the market, what sets the best apart? It’s not just about the brand or the price tag but about finding a rower that best fits your needs. For example, you may want to purchase a rower you know will last you a lifetime. Or, maybe you need one that is quiet as you train in the early morning or late at night.
In the following sections, we’ll explore the top contenders for the title of the best rowing machine in 2024, considering factors like durability, resistance options, and the potential for CrossFit compatibility.
What Is The Best CrossFit Rower For A Home Gym?
Concept2 RowErg
Concept2 RowErg
MY TAKE: When choosing the best rowing machine for CrossFit training at home, there’s a good reason why the Concept2 RowErg stands out as the top choice. It is manufactured with high-quality standards and is a versatile system. But most important is that the Concept2 RowErg is the primary rowing machine used in CrossFit. So if you are a CrossFit athlete having one at home is a no brainer.
The flywheel design ensures an effective full-body, low-impact workout and minimizes noise, providing a smooth and satisfying rowing experience. With the inclusion of the Performance Monitor 5, this rower gives you accurate and comparable data for every row, allowing you to track and optimize your performance seamlessly.
It has a 20-inch seat height, nickel-plated chain, adjustable footrests, and ergonomic handle, which contribute to your workout sessions’ overall comfort and efficiency. But, what sets the Concept2 RowErg apart from a feature standpoint is its ease of storage – it quickly separates into two pieces, and caster wheels make it conveniently mobile or flip to an upright position.
As the primary rower used in prestigious events like the CrossFit Open, Sanctionals, and the CrossFit Games, this rower has become the only choice for rowers if you are involved in competitive CrossFit training. If you aim for the peak of CrossFit performance at home, the Concept2 RowErg is the best in the game.
Assault Fitness Rower Elite
Assault Fitness Rower Elite
MY TAKE: When choosing the next best option for your CrossFit home gym, the Assault Fitness Rower Elite is not a bad option as a rowing machine. It’s designed by professional athletes and trainers and is crafted to deliver a high-level training experience similar to their Assault bike.
What sets it apart is the solid steel frame construction, ensuring durability and longevity even during the most intense workouts. The robust dual-stage chain and belt drive system provide a smooth, low-maintenance rowing experience. Assault Fitness is known for producing the Assault Bike, which also brings its expertise to the rowing machine, providing another quality product for CrossFitters.
It has a 4-way leveling/stabilizer system, which allows for precise adjustments to terrain and training needs and increased stability for various exercises.
If you’re serious about taking your CrossFit workouts to the next level, the Assault Fitness Rower Elite is worth the investment. Plus, it is backed by a 1-year labor warranty, a 5-year frame warranty, and a 3-year warranty for non-wear parts.
NordicTrack Smart Rower
NordicTrack Smart Rower
MY TAKE: If you’re into CrossFit workouts but also want a fun stand-alone rowing machine, this rower could work for you. It comes with a 30-Day iFIT Family Membership, which allows you to stream live and on-demand workouts directly onto the 22″ HD Interactive Touchscreen Display.
You can be coached by elite trainers who dynamically adjust your smart rower’s resistance through 26 digital levels, simulating famous bodies of water if you ever want to hit a longer rower-only aerobic session.
It has an innovative SpaceSaver Design that ensures compact storage post-workout, making it perfect for home use, and it can connect to your devices via Bluetooth.
This rower has a 250-pound user capacity and solid warranties – a 15-year frame, 5-year parts, and 2-year labor – thus, the NordicTrack Smart Rower is a reliable investment.
Whether using it for CrossFit training solo, enjoying on-demand classes, or catering to multiple fitness needs at home, this intelligent rowing machine is a viable option for a family-shared home gym.
Hydrowave Rowing Machine
Hydrowave Rowing Machine
MY TAKE: Magnetic rowers, like the Hydrow Wave, are a good choice for those who need to minimize noise when they train, especially in shared living spaces or apartments. This is not the case with. louder air or water-resistance rowers. If you train early or late at night and need to keep noise to a minimum, this rower could work for you.
The enclosed resistance mechanism uses magnets and a flywheel that shields the rower from dust and debris and reduces the amount of maintenance required. The rower can fold to dimensions of 80 “L x 19” W x 43 “H and has a weight limit of up to 375 pounds, combining convenience with performance.
The Hydrowave rowing machine has a 16″ HD touchscreen display and access to over 4,000 live and on-demand workouts. For a $44/month membership, you get full access to the Hydrow library for diverse full-body workouts, from rowing to strength training, mobility, yoga, pilates, and circuit training.
The Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine offers a blend of quiet operation, low maintenance, and on-demand workouts, which make it a good option for those seeking these benefits from their rowing machine.
Topium Water Rowing Machine
Topium Water Rowing Machine
MY TAKE: If you train CrossFit but also want a more authentic “on water” feel then a water rower could work for you. As well as if you do other training like Orange Theory and want to recreate their workouts at home. But, where it has a familiarity to water rowing it lacks in specificity to CrossFit.
The Topium Water Rowing Machine is made from high-quality solid oak certified by FSC; it’s a water rowing machine that brings water rowing into your home gym. The water tank holds up to 19L of water, creating dynamic resistance that closely mimics the feel of rowing on actual water. As you train with each rowing stroke, the water swirls in the tank, creating visual feedback for the workout.
Like magnetic rowers, the Topium water rower operates quietly for those who need to keep noise down. It has a high-quality display provides real-time visibility of workout metrics, including distance, rowing time, and intensity level.
Easy to assemble and with a space-saving design, the water rowing machine enhances comfort with its 3D ergonomic seat and adjustable foot straps. The Topium water rowing machine has a three-year warranty for the rowing machine body and slide rails, so you can rest knowing you are covered for intense CrossFit training.
Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine
Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine
MY TAKE: For CrossFitters looking to add a rowing machine to their home gym without breaking the bank, the Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine is a good choice. This water rower alternative allows users to experience the stimulus of rowing without the hefty price tag, making it an attractive option for those on a budget.
While it may not mimic the Concept2 RowErg commonly tested in CrossFit, the Sunny Health Rowing Machine can be an option for a rowing stimulus inside metcons with its 8-level magnetic resistance system. Users can easily adjust the resistance knob to customize their workout intensity, catering to both novices and experts. It can also easily be folded and stored in tight areas.
Despite its budget-friendly nature, this rowing machine doesn’t compromise on features, making it a practical and space-efficient addition to any home gym.
Stamina ATS Air Rower Machine
Stamina ATS Air Rower Machine
MY TAKE: For CrossFitters looking for a budget-friendly rowing experience that closely mirrors the machines used in competitions, the Stamina ATS Air Rower Machine is the best choice. It’s air resistance-based but is not higher-priced like the Concept2 RowErg or the Assault Fitness Rower Elite.
The multi-function monitor displays essential metrics such as speed, distance, time, and calories burned, offering comprehensive feedback on performance. With a comfortable and upholstered sliding seat, you can avoid irritation to your backside in longer rowing workouts. The sturdy steel construction of the Stamina ATS Air Rower is built to last, providing durability without the hefty price tag.
This rower is the ideal solution for CrossFitters who prioritize similarity to the Concept2 RowErg without breaking the bank, making it a top choice for home gyms. Additionally, users gain free access to müüv, the smart audio coaching app, enhancing their workout routines with guided coaching sessions.
Different Types of Rowers For A CrossFit Home Gym
When selecting the optimal rowing machine for your home gym, understanding the various types is crucial. Different rowers come equipped with distinct features, resistance mechanisms, and advantages. Below are the primary categories with their benefits and how they work to inform your decision on which is best for you.
Air Resistance Rowers:
How They Work: Air rowers utilize a flywheel with fan blades that generate resistance in tandem with your pulling motion.
Benefits: Perfect for high-intensity workouts, it is the go-to choice for traditional CrossFit training.
Magnetic Rowers:
How They Work: Magnetic rowers use a magnetic resistance system to regulate the resistance level. Adjustment is typically electronic and has a smooth and quiet rowing experience.
Benefits: Operates silently, offers precise control over resistance levels, and requires minimal maintenance.
Water Rowers:
How They Work: Water rowers feature a water tank. The water level in the tank determines the resistance, providing a realistic and soothing rowing sensation.
Benefits: Delivers a smooth and natural feel and feedback on the handle like rowing.
Hydraulic Rowers:
How They Work: Hydraulic rowers utilize pistons filled with hydraulic fluid to create resistance. These rowers are often more compact, and resistance levels are adjustable.
Benefits: Space-efficient design, budget-friendly, and suitable for those with limited space or for beginners.
Hybrid Rowers:
How They Work: Hybrid rowers combine features from various types, such as air and magnetic resistance. This versatility allows users to customize their workout experience.
Benefits: Provides a range of resistance options, catering to diverse workout preferences.
My Take On Types of Rowing Machines For CrossFit
Although there are plenty of options based on your home gym’s unique needs, I prefer rowers with an air resistance system. I have tried every type of rower that can be used on the market today. Something about the air resistance fan makes it a more enjoyable experience as far as suffering on the rower goes during a CrossFit workout alone in your home gym. Air resistance rowers are also the primary type of rower that will be tested in CrossFit competitions and most CrossFit athlete’s daily training.
I have found that water resistance for a rower can create an uneven force against the pulley system, and to be quite honest, if you are a CrossFitter, then the hydraulic rowers really shouldn’t be considered due to their lack of resistance and how far away they are from what the Concept2 RowErg feels and performs like. Everyone will have their preferences, but I would stick to a rower with an air resistance system like the Concept2 RowErg or the Assault Fitness Rower Elite.
Essential Factors To Consider When Choosing A Rowing Machine
Now that you know the types of rowing machines available for CrossFit workouts, let’s explore some crucial factors to consider before purchasing.
Resistance System
The type of resistance system is a critical consideration. Water resistance rowers provide a natural rowing feel, air resistance rowers allow for dynamic resistance adjustment, and magnetic resistance rowers offer quiet operation.
Size and Storage
Consider how much space is in your home gym. Some rowing machines are more compact and easier to store, making them ideal for small spaces. Ensure the rower you choose fits comfortably in your workout area, and check if it has built-in wheels for easy movement.
Performance Monitor
A good rowing machine should come with a performance monitor. Look for one with a clear LCD screen that displays essential metrics like distance, time, stroke rate, and heart rate. Some rowers even offer connectivity to fitness apps for tracking and analyzing your progress.
Price Range
Rowing machines come in various price ranges. Remember that the most expensive option is only sometimes the best for your specific needs, but also know that in most cases, you get what you pay for.
Built-In Features
Some rowing machines have extra features like on-demand classes, heart rate monitors, and interactive screens. If these features are important to you and align with your CrossFit goals, prioritize the rowers that offer them.
Durability
CrossFit workouts can be harsh on equipment. Look for rowing machines known for their durability and build quality. Read reviews and consider brands with a reputation for long-lasting products.
Ease of Use
Consider how easy the rowing machine is, especially if you’re new to rowing. Adjustable resistance levels, comfortable seating, and good form support contribute to ease of use.
Wrapping Up On The Best CrossFit Rower!
Choosing the ideal rowing machine is key to enhancing your CrossFit training in a home gym. Each machine discussed caters to different preferences and budgets.
Whether you prioritize performance with the Concept2 RowErg, durability like the Assault Fitness Rower, or want budget-friendly options like the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine, there’s a rower for anyone training at home.
Now, let’s take action and add one of these top-notch rowers to your home gym so you can enhance your CrossFit training, improve your rowing performance, and chase down your CrossFit training goals.
