Do you need other equipment with a rowing machine?

A rowing machine is a self-contained workout system that doesn’t strictly require additional equipment to be effective. The beauty of a dynamic rowing machine lies in its ability to provide a complete, full-body workout straight out of the box. However, certain accessories can enhance your rowing experience, protect your investment, and help you achieve your fitness goals more effectively. While the rowing machine itself delivers both cardio and strength benefits, complementary items like floor protection, tracking devices, and comfort accessories can optimize your overall experience and results.

What do you need for a complete rowing machine workout?

For a complete rowing machine workout, you need very little beyond the machine itself. A quality dynamic rowing machine provides everything necessary for an effective full-body workout, engaging approximately 86% of your muscles with each stroke. The primary equipment is already built in: the resistance mechanism, sliding seat, footrests, and handle.

That said, a few basic items can enhance your experience:

• Comfortable, fitted workout clothes that won’t catch on the machine
• A water bottle to stay hydrated during your session
• A small towel to wipe away sweat
• Suitable athletic footwear (though many prefer rowing in socks for better feel)

While these basics are helpful, the true value of a rowing machine is its self-contained nature. Unlike many fitness regimens that require multiple pieces of equipment, rowing provides cardio conditioning, strength training, and flexibility work in one efficient package. Remember to consult with your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine, especially if you have existing health concerns.

What floor protection do you need under a rowing machine?

Floor protection is an important consideration for any rowing machine setup. A quality mat under your rowing machine serves multiple purposes: it protects your flooring from scratches and dents, reduces noise transmission, absorbs vibration, and provides stability during intense workouts.

The ideal floor protection options include:

• Equipment mats – Purpose-made fitness equipment mats are typically 3-6mm thick, offer excellent durability, and are sized appropriately for rowing machines
• Rubber gym flooring – Interlocking rubber tiles provide substantial protection and can be configured to your specific space
• High-density foam mats – These offer good protection while being more affordable than specialized equipment mats
• Carpet protectors – Rigid plastic mats designed specifically to protect carpeted areas

When selecting floor protection, consider the surface you’re protecting. Hardwood and laminate floors benefit most from mats that won’t leave marks or trap moisture underneath. For carpeted areas, a firmer mat helps prevent the machine from sinking in and becoming unstable during use. Regardless of your flooring type, ensure your mat extends beyond the full range of motion of your rowing machine to catch any sweat droplets that might otherwise damage your floor.

How can you track your performance while rowing?

Tracking your performance during rowing workouts helps optimize your training and keeps you motivated through visible progress. While most quality rowing machines include a basic performance monitor, additional tracking tools can provide more comprehensive insights into your workouts.

Effective performance tracking options include:

• Heart rate monitors – Chest straps or optical sensors that connect to your rowing machine’s monitor or a smartphone app
• Fitness watches or trackers – Devices from brands like Garmin, Polar, or Fitbit that record workout data
• Smartphone apps – Dedicated rowing apps that can connect to your machine via Bluetooth or USB
• Stroke analyzers – Advanced tools that measure aspects of your rowing technique beyond basic metrics

Modern tracking technology allows you to monitor metrics such as stroke rate, power output, split times, heart rate zones, and even stroke technique in real-time. This data helps you track improvements over time, identify areas for technical refinement, and ensure you’re training in the right intensity zones for your fitness goals.

For those new to rowing, even basic tracking provides valuable feedback on consistency and progress. As you become more experienced, more detailed metrics can help you fine-tune your performance for specific training objectives, whether that’s building endurance, increasing power, or improving technical efficiency.

What maintenance supplies should you have for your rowing machine?

Proper maintenance extends the life of your rowing machine while ensuring consistent performance. Having the right maintenance supplies on hand allows you to quickly address any issues and keep your machine in optimal condition.

Essential maintenance supplies include:

• Microfiber cloths – For wiping down the machine after use to remove sweat and dust
• Non-abrasive cleaner – A mild cleaning solution suitable for the materials of your specific rowing machine
• Lubricant – The appropriate lubricant for your machine’s chain, rail, or other moving parts
• Soft brushes – For cleaning hard-to-reach areas and components
• Basic tool kit – Allen keys and wrenches that fit the bolts on your specific model

Regular maintenance includes wiping down the machine after each use, checking and tightening loose bolts monthly, and lubricating moving parts according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. For dynamic rowing machines, pay special attention to the rails and any moving components that simulate the on-water rowing motion.

The sliding elements of a dynamic rowing machine require particular care to maintain smooth operation. Clean the top and bottom of the main bar regularly to prevent dirt buildup that could affect the machine’s performance and your rowing experience. Following your specific machine’s maintenance schedule will help you avoid costly repairs and ensure years of trouble-free use.

What comfort accessories can improve your rowing experience?

While rowing machines are designed for efficient workouts, certain comfort accessories can make your sessions more enjoyable and sustainable, especially for longer training periods or if you’re new to rowing.

Popular comfort-enhancing accessories include:

• Seat cushions – Provide additional padding for comfortable longer sessions, particularly important for beginners
• Rowing gloves – Protect hands from blisters and improve grip on the handle
• Tablet/phone holders – Allow you to follow workouts or entertainment during sessions
• Bluetooth headphones – Enable distraction-free listening without cords that might interfere with your stroke
• Fan or cooling system – Helps manage body temperature during intense workouts

For those new to rowing or those with specific comfort concerns, these accessories can make the difference between a sustainable, enjoyable fitness routine and one that’s quickly abandoned. The seat cushion is particularly useful for beginners whose sitting bones haven’t yet adapted to the pressure of longer rowing sessions.

When selecting comfort accessories, focus on those that address your specific needs without compromising proper technique. For example, while a seat cushion can increase comfort, one that’s too thick might affect your hip position and rowing mechanics. Similarly, gloves provide hand protection but should still allow you to maintain proper handle grip and feel.

Key takeaways: Creating your ideal rowing setup

Creating your ideal rowing setup involves balancing the essentials with personal preferences to match your fitness goals and available space. The most important aspect is starting with a quality rowing machine that provides the foundation for effective workouts.

Essential elements for most rowers include:

• Proper floor protection to safeguard your home and stabilize your machine
• Basic tracking capabilities to monitor your progress
• Minimal maintenance supplies to keep your machine in working order

Beyond these basics, prioritize accessories based on your specific needs. If you’re concerned about comfort, invest in a good seat cushion first. If you’re data-driven, a heart rate monitor or advanced tracking app might be your priority. For those with limited space, focus on creating a compact but functional setup rather than accumulating accessories.

At RP3 Rowing, we design our dynamic rowing machines to provide a complete workout experience with minimal additional equipment needed. Our focus on creating realistic rowing simulation means you can achieve professional-quality training with just the machine itself. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a low-impact full-body workout or an experienced rower training for performance, the right setup will help you achieve your goals efficiently and enjoyably. Understanding the science of rowing can further enhance your workout effectiveness and help you maximize your results.

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of rowing, reach out to our team of experts today.