Which Rowing Machine Is Actually Worth It for Your Home Gym?

If you want a single machine that works your whole body, fits a home gym, and holds up to consistent training, a rowing machine is one of the few pieces of cardio equipment that genuinely delivers on all three. The question is which one is right for you, and what actually separates a good rower from one that ends up gathering dust.

This guide covers what to look for before you buy, how the main resistance types compare, and why the RW900 is worth a close look, along with when the RW700 makes more sense instead.

The Short Answer

The NordicTrack RW900 is the rower to look at first. Its 24-inch pivoting HD touchscreen makes trainer-led rowing genuinely immersive in a way a smaller display can't match, and it carries the same 26 digital resistance levels, Silent Magnetic Resistance, and SmartAdjust compatibility that make NordicTrack's rowers worth owning in the first place.

If the larger screen isn't essential to you, or the price gap matters more than screen size, the RW700 is a legitimate alternative. It shares the same resistance system, build quality, and iFIT compatibility at a smaller display and a lower price point. It's not a lesser machine, it's a different tradeoff.

More detail on both is below.

Why Rowing Works for Home Training

Rowing machines have a reputation as underused gym equipment, which is genuinely strange given what they do. Research published in The Sport Journal identifies rowing as a whole-body movement that works nearly 85% of the body's musculature. [1] The American Council on Exercise describes rowing as a total-body, cardiovascular, muscle-building workout. [2]

Each stroke runs through four phases: the catch, where you sit forward with arms extended; the drive, where leg power initiates the pull; the finish, where the handle comes to your lower chest; and the recovery, where you return to the starting position. [2] The National Academy of Sports Medicine identifies the rowing machine as one of the most effective HIIT equipment options in a fitness facility. A noted benefit is that it requires the arms and legs to work together, which increases overall calorie expenditure. [3]

That full-body demand also means rowing qualifies as the kind of vigorous aerobic activity the American Heart Association recommends: at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, preferably spread throughout the week. [4] A 20-minute rowing session on most days of the week puts you within that range.

One more practical point: the American Council on Exercise notes that low-impact exercises do not place large amounts of strain or weight on a person's joints, and that these exercises do not cause increased stress on joints and connective tissue, making them effective for preserving joint health. [2] Rowing is non-weight-bearing. You are seated throughout. That matters for anyone who wants to train hard without the cumulative joint load that comes with running or jumping.

What to Look for Before You Buy

Resistance Type

There are three main types: air, water, and magnetic. Each creates resistance differently and the choice matters for home use.

Air rowers use a flywheel fan. The harder you pull, the more air resistance you create. They tend to be affordable and are the standard in commercial gyms. The drawback at home is noise. The fan gets loud at higher intensities, which is a real issue if you share walls or train early in the morning.

Water rowers circulate a paddle through a water tank to create resistance. They produce a sound closer to actual rowing on water, which some people find appealing. They tend to be heavier, take up more floor space, and require periodic water treatment to keep the tank clean. If space and maintenance matter to you, this is worth factoring in.

Magnetic rowers use opposing magnets positioned around the flywheel to create resistance without friction. There are no moving parts making contact, so the operation is nearly silent. Resistance is digitally controlled, which means you can adjust it mid-stroke without reaching for a manual knob. For home use, magnetic resistance is the most practical choice for most people.

Both NordicTrack rowers use SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance technology, which delivers 26 digital resistance levels adjustable from the console.

Space and Dimensions

Rowers are longer than they look in photos. The NordicTrack RW900, for example, is 82 inches long and 22 inches wide. Plan for additional clearance behind the rail so you can complete a full stroke without hitting a wall.

If storage matters, look for front-mounted transport wheels. Both NordicTrack rowers have them, so you can tilt the machine upright and roll it to one side when not in use.

Screen Size and Connected Training

A connected rower with a touchscreen gives you access to guided workouts that adjust resistance automatically as the trainer changes intensity. Without that, you are rowing at whatever level you manually set, which works fine for some people and leads to stagnation for others.

NordicTrack rowers connect to iFIT, which gives you access to global rowing workouts, live and on-demand classes, and trainer-led programmes that automatically control the machine's resistance through SmartAdjust technology. The difference between NordicTrack hardware and iFIT is not hardware versus software. They are one training system: the machine handles the mechanics, and iFIT handles the instruction and progression. Neither is complete without the other.

Screen size affects how immersive that experience feels. The RW900's 24-inch pivoting touchscreen makes global rowing footage and trainer-led detail genuinely legible in a way a smaller screen can't. The RW700's 10-inch tilting display is clear and entirely usable, just smaller.

Weight Capacity and Build

Check the maximum user weight before purchasing. Both NordicTrack rowers support up to 250 lbs (113 kg).

Frame warranty matters for a machine you expect to use for years. NordicTrack rowers include a 10-year frame warranty, a 2-year parts warranty, and a 1-year labour warranty.

The NordicTrack Rower Lineup

NordicTrack RW900

The RW900 is the top of the NordicTrack rower range, and the one worth the closest look. The 24-inch pivoting HD touchscreen gives you a genuinely immersive experience for scenic global rows and trainer-led workouts, large enough that the terrain on screen actually feels like a destination rather than a video playing nearby. The screen pivots off the machine so you can use it for floor work or stretching after your session.

Specifications include 26 digital resistance levels, SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance, an inertia-enhanced flywheel, an ergonomic moulded seat, SoftTouch ergonomic handles, oversized pivoting pedals with adjustable foot straps, Bluetooth headphone connectivity, a premium sound array, and front-mounted transport wheels. SmartAdjust automatically controls resistance during iFIT workouts.

Who it fits: anyone who wants the full connected training experience without compromise, and trains often enough that the larger screen earns its place in the room.

NordicTrack RW700

The RW700 is the alternative worth knowing about if the RW900's screen size and price aren't what you're optimising for. The 10-inch tilting HD touchscreen gives you a clear, fully usable display for iFIT workouts, just smaller and lighter on the footprint and the price than the RW900.

It shares the core build with the RW900: 26 digital resistance levels, SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance, inertia-enhanced flywheel, ergonomic seat, SoftTouch handles, oversized pivoting pedals, adjustable foot straps, Bluetooth connectivity, premium sound, and front-mounted transport wheels. SmartAdjust works the same way.

Who it fits: anyone who wants the same resistance system and build quality as the RW900 but doesn't need the largest screen NordicTrack offers, or wants to spend less to get there.

Comparing the Two Models

*Prices as of September 2026. Verify current pricing at NordicTrack.com.

iFIT Rowing Programmes Worth Knowing

The rowing library on iFIT covers everything from scenic endurance rows to structured interval programming. If you want a series built around measurable progression, the Scandinavia Power and HIIT Series with iFIT Trainer and Olympic gold medallist Alex Gregory is worth starting with. Filmed on the waterways of Lofoten, Norway, the eight-workout series cycles through endurance rows, power intervals, speed sessions, and strength endurance work. Each workout builds on the last, with Alex coaching stroke efficiency and power output throughout.

Explore More

• Build Real Power on the Water with the Scandinavia Power and HIIT Series
• Watch iFIT | Scandinavia Power and HIIT Series with Alex Gregory

References

1. Nabavizadeh O, Herda AA. Relationships Among Muscle Characteristics and Rowing Performance in Collegiate Crew Members

2. American Council on Exercise. Reap the Benefits of Rowing With 3 Fast and Efficient Workouts

3. McCall P. HIIT Workouts: Programming, Exercises, and Benefits

4. American Heart Association. American Heart Association Recommendations for Physical Activity in Adults and Kids

Disclaimer: The primary purpose of this blog post is to inform and entertain. Nothing on the post constitutes or is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information provided on the blog is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, and please consult your doctor or other health care provider before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information available on this blog. NordicTrack assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner's manual of your fitness equipment.