While traveling the country this summer I had an opportunity to go to a Water Rower showroom. I had read reviews and heard about the machine but never used them. There is an array of designs but I’m going to review the The Classic. I have notes on others so if there is one you are curious about let me know. Realize that Water Rower makes some for home use and some for commercial use. The Classic is for home use. Some of the information I have is from the conversation with the sales rep.

What makes this different than a regular rower?

I am used to rowers that use air resistance. I have felt that I could control my workout really well. The harder I row the more difficult the workout. In comes the Water Rower which also is one that is considered self-paced. Unlike a treadmill that you might set at 4.0 miles per hour, the Water Rower allowed me to set my pace. I like that but it’s easy to get lax. My recommendation with any machine that might get boring is to listen to music or watch television while working out.

The way I worked out on this machine(s) is not unlike any other rower. The difference is the water which made the ride very smooth and quiet. I liked the feeling of the water. The stroke stayed the same throughout the entire motion rather than starting out hard and lightening up as the handle comes close to me using other rowers.

I’m not an ocean or lake rower but I have been in boats with oars or handles. The Water Rower isn’t exactly like that especially since you will not have oars but there was a feel of gliding.

Let’s use it:

Since I don’t own this and didn’t have to put it together I wanted to know what the water wheel was all about. This wheel sits under the top frame of the machine. I would pump water into the tank. The more water the harder the ride. This requires “some maintenance.” I put that in quotes because it’s really minimal. You’ll add a chlorine tablet that you will get with the machine every couple of years. The more water the harder the ride.

I sat down a bit apprehensive. If you see the picture you’ll see at first glance it looks like a platform however the seat is actually well padded, contoured and comfortable.

Like all rowers I put my feet into the straps which are mounted on two places on the machine. I was comfortable and ready to row. For those of you who work out in a gym you may at first be reminded of the low row machine.

I sat on the seat and got comfortable. As far as safety, rowers are safe in terms of not being high off the ground so even if you fall off you won’t go far. Also you will be holding on to a handle. In fact the height is about 12 inches off the ground which isn’t much. You can get a high rise adapter for those who like to be off the floor.

The WaterRower worked my body much like any other rower. All my muscle groups came into play which I loved. As I pulled on the handle which was attached to a cable the seat moved and I could hear the sound of the water which I liked. It was really quiet so I don’t think anyone would find it annoying.

As I came forward my knees bent and as I went back they straightened out. I pulled my arms back as I would do in a row for my back and biceps. Of course my legs were worked really well and if I really want to work my abdominal area I would hold it in the entire time I was rowing. Although some may think this could be harsh on the knees I didn’t find that to be true with the WaterRower. Still if you have any medical problems or are new to exercising talk with your doctor before you buy or use a WaterRower.

Rowers in general I think offer a great total body workout. I have thought other rowers simulated rowing on water but until you get on a WaterRower you won’t know what it really feels like to simulate that movement.

Naturally reading is out of the question and I found I had to stop to drink water but that’s the nature of rowers.

The Specifications:

A benefit to The Classic is the monitor though many won’t even bother to use it. It was very basic but it did give me my speed, distance, time and stroke rate.

The Classic weighs 108 pounds with the minimum amount of water in it. It measures 83 inches long by 22 inches wide by 21 inches high. It can be stored standing up and measuring 21 inches long x 22 inches wide by 83 inches high. The maximum user weight is 1,000 pounds! A heart rate monitor is an option. There is a 1 year warranty on the parts and 5 years on the frame. That one year can be upgraded to 3 years. The classic will run you about $1500 which is certainly on the high end of rowers. However this model is made of walnut, is black and I think is a beautiful machine.

I was told that this machine will handle people with an inseam of 38 inches. This should handle you if you are up to 6 feet 2 inches tall but that may be pushing it a bit.

My Final Thoughts:

I really liked this machine. The fact that it is expensive won’t stop me from giving it five stars. Although I had never used them before I’ve heard people talking who have them and they love them and have had no problems with their machine.

All my fitness review can be seen here.


Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 1500