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Rowing machine without water - The best alternatives to water resistance

14 February 2025

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FROM Lars Wichert

Rowing is one of the most effective full-body workouts and offers an ideal combination of endurance and strength training. Many people associate Rowing machine with water resistance, as this is intended to imitate the real feeling of rowing on the water. However, there are numerous alternatives that can be more realistic and even more practical for home use. One Rowing machine without water offers many advantages: It is often quieter, maintenance-free and in many cases more compact. But what alternatives are there and which system is best suited to your training?

1. what resistance systems are there besides water?

Whilst water resistance enables a natural and dynamic way of training, there are also magnetic, air and hydraulic resistances that offer other advantages. Here is an overview of the alternatives to water resistance:

Magnetic resistor - Quiet and precise

Rowing machine with magnetic resistance are particularly popular for home use. The resistance is generated by magnets that move closer to or away from a flywheel to regulate the intensity.

Advantages:

Extremely quiet - ideal for rented flats or late-night training sessions
Precisely adjustable resistance - perfect for customised training
Smooth motion sequence - no fluctuations as with water resistance
High-intensity training options - perfect for interval and performance training
Maintenance-free - no refilling or cleaning necessary

Air resistance - dynamic and intensive

Air resistanceRowing machine work with a flywheel that moves air through a valve. The faster you row, the stronger the resistance becomes.

Advantages:

Dynamic resistance - the stronger the pull, the higher the resistance
Realistic rowing feel - resembles the natural resistance of water
High-intensity training options - perfect for interval and performance training

Combined resistor - magnet + air

Some high-quality Rowing machine combine air and magnetic resistance to utilise the advantages of both systems.

Advantages:

Adjustable basic resistance through magnets
Dynamic adjustment through air flow
Suitable for different training intensities
Very expensive

Hydraulic resistance - compact, but less realistic

Hydraulic Rowing machine are often small and inexpensive, but function differently from classic Rowing machine. The resistance is generated by cylinders that work with oil or air when rowing.

Advantages:

Very compact and easy to stow away
Favourable purchase price
Ideal for occasional workouts

Disadvantages:

Resistance not even - Feels jerky
Not suitable for intensive training
No real rowing feeling

2. advantages of a rowing machine without water

Many rowing enthusiasts think that only a water-braked device offers a realistic rowing experience. But Rowing machine without water have clear advantages - especially for home use.

1. lower volume

While water-braked devices produce a constant splashing noise, which can be pleasant for some people, magnetic and hydraulic systems work almost silently. This is particularly practical if you live in a flat or want to do your workout late at night.

2. low-maintenance and durable

A Rowing machine without water does not require regular cleaning or maintenance. Water devices have to be treated with tablets or emptied from time to time to prevent algae formation - with magnetic and air systems, this effort is completely eliminated.

3. more compact and lighter

Many water-braked rowing machines are bulky and heavy. MagneticRowing machine how the AUGLETICS Eight Style on the other hand, are lighter, often foldable and therefore perfect for smaller spaces or for stowing away after training. The AUGLETICS Eight Sport and Style is one of the most compact rowing machines on the market. At just 181 cm long and 45 cm wide, it is one of the most space-saving machines. After training, the Rowing machine only 56 x 45 x 170 cm, so it can be put away almost anywhere.

4. uniform resistance without power fluctuations

Electronic magnet systems such as the one from AUGLETICS offer a realistic rowing sensation as the resistance is dynamically controlled via the cable, which is ideal for beginners in particular. With water resistance, the resistance varies more depending on the movement and, depending on the model, there is a loss of pressure in the front stroke if the water tank does not fit perfectly with the blades of the bike.

5. individual setting options

While water-braked devices only regulate the resistance through their own tractive force or by filling the tank, magnetic and air systems allow more precise adjustment via digital settings or manual adjustment of the fan wheel.

3. comparison: magnetic resistance vs. air resistance vs. water

Magnetic resistance is the best in terms of noise and maintenance-free operation. For those who are looking for training that is easy on the joints, quiet and customisable, a magnetic resistor is the best choice.Rowing machine the best choice.

4. the AUGLETICS Eight Style - the best choice for a rowing machine without water

The AUGLETICS Eight Style combines modern technology with an intelligent magnetic braking system and offers a highly sophisticated training experience. In the independent test of rowing machines in the F.A.Z. was able to AUGLETICS Eight Sport the test victory for magnetically braked Rowing machine retract. The advantages of the AUGLETICS are convincing:

1. modern magnetic brake system

The AUGLETICS Eight Style uses an eddy current brake that provides gentle resistance. This makes every rowing stroke feel particularly smooth, while the resistance can be precisely adjusted.

2. virtual coach for perfect technique

A highlight of the device is the integrated Virtual Coach. This analyses your rowing technique in real time and provides direct suggestions for improvement. This is particularly helpful for beginners to learn the right technique from the start and avoid incorrect postures.

3. interactive training options

The large touchscreen display offers:

Ready-made training programmes for strength, endurance or fat burning
Technique analysis with live feedback
Streaming services such as Netflix & YouTube to make training more enjoyable

4. space-saving design

The foldable rail system means that the AUGLETICS Eight Style to a compact size and easy to store - a great advantage for small living spaces.

5. individual resistance adjustment

Thanks to the 15 finely tuned resistance levels, the training is perfect for both beginners and advanced users. From endurance training to strength-intensive training within the last five levels, with the AUGLETICS Eight Style training never gets boring.

Conclusion: Why a rowing machine without water may be the better alternative

A Rowing machine without water is the ideal choice for anyone looking for quiet, maintenance-free and flexible training. Magnetic resistance in particular impresses with its even load and precise adjustability.

The AUGLETICS Eight Style combines all these advantages and goes one step further with additional features such as the Virtual Coach. If you are looking for a high-quality rowing machine for your home that offers technical training, entertainment and a space-saving design, this is the perfect choice.

About the author

Lars Wichert

Lars Wichert is a sports scientist and former competitive rower. He was part of the German national team for 13 years. He can look back on two participations in the Olympic Games and three world championship titles. After his rowing career, he worked as a coach and won the European Championships with his team. In his spare time, he now competes in triathlons, where he holds the world's best amateur time over the Ironman distance. Lars has the knowledge as a trainer, competitive athlete and sports scientist, so that everyone can feel addressed. His aim is to make exercise fun and to make it clear that a lot can be done for your health with little effort - because there is no better prevention than investing in your own health.

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