TL;DR

A rowing machine is one of the most effective pieces of cardio equipment you can own — full-body, low-impact, and scalable from gentle recovery work to lung-burning intervals. VERVE stocks the Commercial Rower, built for both home and commercial environments. Below we cover what makes a good rower, the different resistance types, and how to pick the right one for your space and goals.

Why a Rowing Machine?

Rowing engages roughly 86% of your muscles in every stroke. Legs drive the initial pull, your core stabilises the transfer, and your back and arms finish the movement. No other single piece of cardio equipment works this many muscle groups simultaneously.

Key benefits:

• Full-body workout — legs, core, back, arms, and grip in every rep
• Low impact — no ground contact forces on joints (unlike running)
• Scalable intensity — row gently for active recovery or sprint for maximal conditioning
• Small footprint when stored — most rowers fold or stand upright for storage
• Calorie dense — rowing burns more calories per hour than cycling at equivalent perceived effort

Types of Rowing Machine Resistance

Understanding resistance type is the most important factor in choosing a rower.

Air Resistance

A fan flywheel generates resistance based on how hard you pull — harder strokes create more resistance. This is the gold standard for CrossFit and competitive rowing because it most closely replicates the feel of rowing on water. The damper setting adjusts how much air enters the fan, changing the "heaviness" of each stroke without capping the resistance.

Magnetic Resistance

Magnets create resistance against the flywheel. Quieter than air resistance and allows precise resistance levels. Better for apartments or shared spaces where noise matters. The feel is smoother but less dynamic than air — resistance does not scale automatically with effort.

Water Resistance

Paddles move through a water-filled tank. The feel and sound closely replicate on-water rowing. Resistance scales naturally with effort (like air). The downside: water tanks add weight and require occasional water treatment.

Hydraulic Resistance

Pistons on each arm provide resistance. Compact and cheap, but the movement does not replicate real rowing mechanics. Generally not recommended for serious training.

Best Rowing Machines in Australia for 2026

VERVE Commercial Rower — Best Value Commercial Option

The VERVE Commercial Rower is built for both commercial gym floors and home gym setups that need a machine rated for heavy use.

Key features:

• Commercial-grade construction — rated for high-traffic environments
• Suitable for both home and commercial use
• Backed by VERVE's standard cardio warranty: 5-year frame, 1-year parts and monitors

Check current pricing at vervefitness.com.au.

What to Look for in a Rowing Machine

Regardless of brand, these specs separate good rowers from bad ones:

• Rail length — if you are over 185cm tall, you need a long rail to achieve full stroke extension. Most commercial rowers accommodate users up to 200cm+.
• Seat height — a higher seat (35cm+) is easier to get on and off, especially for older users or those with mobility issues.
• Monitor quality — at minimum, you want stroke rate, distance, time, and calories. Split time (time per 500m) is the gold standard rowing metric.
• Footplate adjustability — the footplates should adjust to accommodate shoe sizes from small to large without tools.
• Storage — check if the rower folds or tilts upright. Rowers are long (typically 2.2-2.5m) and storage matters in home gyms.
• Max user weight — commercial rowers typically handle 150kg+. Budget models may cap at 110-120kg.

Rowing Machine vs Other Cardio Equipment

How does a rower compare to the other options?

• Rower vs treadmill — rowing is zero-impact on joints; treadmills are higher impact but better for runners training for running events. Rowing works more total muscle mass.
• Rower vs air bike — similar calorie burn and full-body engagement. Air bikes are harder to pace; rowers allow more structured interval programming via split times.
• Rower vs spin bike — spin bikes are lower body dominant; rowers engage upper body and core significantly. Rowers are better for full-body conditioning.

Rowing Machine Warranty

The VERVE Commercial Rower carries the following warranty for both home and commercial use:

• Frame: 5 years
• Parts and monitors: 1 year

Why Buy from VERVE?

VERVE Fitness is Australian-owned, operating from the Gold Coast since 2017. Over 16,000 commercial fitouts completed. 4.9 stars on Trustpilot with 3,000+ reviews. Same-day dispatch on in-stock orders before 12pm AEST. Finance available through Afterpay, ZIP, and Humm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rowing good for weight loss?

Yes. Rowing burns 400-600 calories per hour at moderate intensity and engages 86% of your muscles. Because it is low-impact, you can row more frequently without the joint stress that running accumulates.

How much space does a rowing machine need?

Plan for approximately 2.5m x 1m of floor space during use. Most rowers fold or tilt for storage, reducing the footprint to under 1m x 0.5m when not in use.

Is air or magnetic resistance better for rowing?

Air resistance is better for serious training because it scales dynamically with effort — just like rowing on water. Magnetic resistance is quieter and better for noise-sensitive environments. For a commercial gym or CrossFit box, air resistance is the standard.

Can I use a rowing machine every day?

Yes, if you vary intensity. Rowing is low-impact, so daily use is sustainable. Alternate between easy-pace sessions (active recovery) and high-intensity intervals. Most rowing-related injuries come from poor technique, not overuse — so learn proper form first.