Collection: Rowing Machines

A home rowing machine works most of the body in one low-impact movement, using legs, trunk and arms together, which is why it suits people wanting full-body work without joint impact. Resistance types — magnetic, water, air and hydraulic — feel and sound quite different. Technique matters more on a rower than most machines. Think about the resistance type you prefer, the space you have including length, and learning the stroke properly from the start.

What resistance type suits you?

The resistance mechanism changes the feel and the noise:

• Magnetic rowing machine: quiet and smooth with adjustable resistance levels, good for apartments and shared homes.
• Water: a paddle in a water tank giving a smooth, realistic stroke and a swishing sound many find pleasant.
• Air: a fan where resistance rises the harder you pull, favoured for training but noticeably loud.
• Hydraulic: compact pistons, usually the cheapest and smallest, though the stroke feels less natural.

What is the correct rowing technique?

The stroke is legs first, then body, then arms — and reversing that order is the most common mistake, which both reduces the work done and strains the lower back. Drive with your legs while keeping your arms straight and your back firm, then swing your body back slightly, then pull the handle to your lower ribs. Return in reverse: arms out, body forward, then bend the knees. Keep your back straight rather than rounded throughout, and pull with your back and legs, not just arms. Tip: if your lower back aches after rowing, you're likely rounding your back or pulling with arms first.

How much space does a rowing machine need?

Rowers are long — typically around 2 to 2.5 metres — so measure the full length plus room to get on and off at both ends. Many stand upright or fold for storage, which reduces the footprint between sessions considerably, so check whether the model you want does and how tall it stands when upright. You also need enough ceiling height if storing it vertically. Water rowers are heavier once filled, so consider where it'll live before filling it. Allow the full length in use, and check the folded or upright dimensions for storage.

Common questions

What muscles does a rowing machine work?
Most of the body — legs drive the stroke, the trunk and back transfer it, and arms finish the pull. It's a full-body, low-impact movement rather than an arms-only exercise.

What's the correct rowing order?
Legs, then body, then arms on the drive, and the reverse on the return. Pulling with arms first is the most common mistake and strains the lower back.

Which rowing machine is quietest?
Magnetic rowers are the quietest, suiting apartments and shared homes. Air rowers are the loudest, while water rowers make a swishing sound many people find pleasant.

Do rowing machines fold up?
Many fold or stand upright for storage, cutting the footprint between sessions. Check the folded dimensions and whether you have ceiling height for it to stand vertically.

Can I pay for a rowing machine with Afterpay?
Yes. You can split it with Afterpay, Zip, Klarna or PayPal Pay in 4. Our rowing machines start from $117, which is four fortnightly payments of $29.25.

Build your home gym

A rower works with the rest of your setup. Add a floor mat underneath, an exercise bike for variety, and weights for strength.

A $117 rowing machine splits into four fortnightly payments of $29.25 with Afterpay, and Zip, Klarna and PayPal Pay in 4 do the same. Every order ships from our Australian warehouse, dispatched within 1–2 business days, with a 12-month warranty and 30 days to return it. We're a family-run Australian store, going since 2016, rated 4.66 out of 5 across 5,363 reviews.