Air Resistance

Whether you want to work on your health, fitness, lose weight or need to rehabilitate, with an air resistance rowing machine you always go for a full-body workout where you engage almost all your muscles. An air resistance rowing machine is ideal for home use and makes training possible whenever it suits you. Track your training data such as calories, distance and rowing strokes via the display and work step by step towards all your set goals.

Air resistance rowing machines, also called air-braked rowing machines or air resistance rowing machines, are one of the most popular types within the complete range of rowing machines. They work with a flywheel with fan blades that creates resistance through air displacement. The resistance automatically adapts to your effort and can also be manually adjusted on most models. The main selection criteria are the resistance levels, build quality, ergonomics, monitor functions and dimensions.

An air resistance rowing machine is a rowing machine that makes use of a flywheel with fan blades. As soon as you pull the handle the flywheel starts turning, causing the fan blades to displace air and create resistance. The harder you pull, the faster the flywheel turns and the more resistance you experience. This principle makes air resistance rowing machines particularly suitable for both quiet endurance training and intensive HIIT sessions.

A great advantage over water resistance rowing machines is that on most air resistance models you can set the basic resistance yourself via a resistance adjuster on the flywheel. This gives you more control over the training intensity regardless of your rowing power.

Why choose an air resistance rowing machine?

Air resistance rowing machines offer a smooth and natural rowing movement that closely approximates the rowing experience on water. The combination of automatically scaling resistance and the ability to manually set the basic resistance makes them suitable for a broad spectrum of training forms and fitness levels.

The benefits of training with an air resistance rowing machine include:

• Smooth and natural rowing movement with automatically scaling resistance
• Resistance manually adjustable via a dial on the flywheel
• Full-body workout engaging virtually all muscle groups
• Suitable for both quiet endurance training and intensive interval training
• Effective for fitness improvement, fat burning and muscle building
• Low joint load for low-impact training
• Broadly applicable for all levels from beginner to top athlete

Which air resistance rowing machine suits you?

You want a full-body cardio workout and are looking for a rowing machine that scales with your effort: Every air resistance rowing machine is particularly suitable for this. The automatically scaling air resistance ensures that the machine always remains challenging, whether you row quietly or give maximum power.

You want to do intensive interval training such as HIIT or CrossFit rowing: Choose a robust model with high maximum user load and a sturdy frame. With explosive, powerful rowing strokes stability is essential. Air resistance rowing machines are standard at many CrossFit and interval gyms because of their versatility and durability.

You want to be able to set the resistance precisely for rehabilitation or low-intensity training: Choose a model with a well-adjustable resistance dial on the flywheel. This gives you the control to also train at very low resistance, which is essential for rehabilitation purposes. Always consult your physiotherapist or doctor first when rehabilitating.

You want to track your progress and train result-oriented: Choose an air resistance rowing machine with an extensive display showing time, distance, strokes per minute, calorie consumption and heart rate. Some models also support app connectivity for linking with training platforms. Combine with a heart rate monitor for accurate heart rate monitoring.

You have limited space and want to store the rowing machine after use: Choose a foldable model with transport wheels. Air resistance rowing machines are generally somewhat more compact than water resistance models with a water tank. Check the dimensions when folded before purchasing.

You want to consciously save on a quality rowing machine: View our range of used rowing machines. Air resistance rowing machines are durable machines that with good maintenance last for years.

Air resistance vs. water resistance: what are the differences?

Both types are excellent choices, but they differ on a number of points that may be decisive for your situation.

An air resistance rowing machine has a flywheel with fan blades and produces a characteristic humming sound. The resistance is automatic and on most models also manually adjustable. Generally more compact and more affordable than water resistance variants. With air resistance rowing machines there can be a small dead spot after each stroke.

A water resistance rowing machine has a water tank with paddles and produces a calming lapping water sound. The rowing stroke is smoother without a dead spot and gives the most natural feel. Generally slightly more expensive but also more elegant in appearance. The resistance is less precisely manually adjustable than with air resistance models.

What to look for when buying?

Resistance levels and adjustability

Check whether the model has an adjustable resistance dial on the flywheel. The more levels, the more precisely you can set the basic intensity. This is especially important for beginners and rehabilitation athletes who also want to train at low resistance.

Build quality and durability

Choose a rowing machine made of high-quality materials that can withstand regular and intensive use. A sturdy frame, good flywheel bearings and durable seat upholstery are indicators of quality. Also check the maximum user load and choose a model that is well above your own weight.

Ergonomics

Pay attention to the design of the seat, handles and foot pedals. A comfortable seat with good upholstery quality makes longer training sessions more pleasant. Adjustable foot pedals with straps ensure a safe and correct foot position during every rowing stroke.

Display and monitor functions

A good display gives you real-time feedback about your training. Training time, distance rowed, strokes per minute, calorie consumption and heart rate are the most valuable parameters. Also check whether the display is illuminated for use in less well-lit spaces and whether the operation is simple.

Noise level

Air resistance rowing machines produce more noise than magnetic rowing machines due to the humming flywheel, especially at high intensity. Do you live in an apartment or do not want to disturb others at home? Then take the noise level into account when choosing your model.

Dimensions and storability

Measure your available space in advance. An average air resistance rowing machine is 2.0 to 2.5 metres long and 50 to 60 cm wide. Choose a foldable model if storage space is a priority. Place the rowing machine on a protective mat for floor protection and extra stability.

Our advice: Choose an air resistance rowing machine with an adjustable resistance dial if you want to set the resistance precisely. This is the biggest practical advantage of air resistance over water resistance rowing machines. Invest in a quality model from an A-brand for a durable and pleasantly feeling rowing experience in the long term.

Who are air resistance rowing machines suitable for?

• Beginners who want to start with rowing training in a low-threshold way and want to set the resistance precisely.
• Advanced athletes and CrossFitters who want to do intensive interval training on a robust and versatile rowing machine.
• Athletes who want to lose weight and benefit from the high calorie burn of full-body rowing training.
• Athletes in rehabilitation who want to train in a controlled and low-impact way with precisely adjustable resistance. Always consult your physiotherapist first.
• Home athletes who want to train at any time of day without being dependent on a gym or the weather.
• Commercial users such as gyms, CrossFit boxes and physiotherapy practices looking for a durable and versatile rowing machine.

Need help with your choice?

We will be happy to help you. You can reach our rowing machine specialists by phone on +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our store in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about air resistance rowing machines

What is the difference between an air resistance and a magnetic rowing machine?

In an air resistance rowing machine the resistance is created by air displacement via a flywheel with fan blades. Rowing harder automatically gives more resistance. In a magnetic rowing machine the resistance is determined by magnets and is completely manually adjustable regardless of your effort. A magnetic rowing machine is quieter, an air resistance rowing machine gives a more dynamic and for many athletes more pleasant rowing experience.

Does an air resistance rowing machine make a lot of noise?

Air resistance rowing machines produce a characteristic humming sound from the rotating flywheel, which increases as you row harder. The noise level is higher than with magnetic rowing machines but is experienced by many athletes as pleasant and motivating. Do you live in an apartment or do not want to disturb others, then consider a magnetic rowing machine or a model that is specifically described as quiet.

Can I adjust the resistance on an air resistance rowing machine?

Yes, in two ways. Firstly the resistance automatically scales with your rowing power. Secondly most models have a resistance dial on the flywheel with which you can manually set the basic resistance. This gives you more control over the training intensity than with a water resistance rowing machine.

Is an air resistance rowing machine suitable for beginners?

Yes. The resistance automatically scales with your effort, so quiet rowing is also possible at low intensity. Start at a low resistance setting and gradually build up in intensity and duration. The simple movement makes air resistance rowing machines accessible for athletes of every level.

What is the difference between an air resistance and a water resistance rowing machine?

Both types automatically adapt the resistance to your effort. An air resistance rowing machine uses air as resistance and produces a humming flywheel sound. The resistance is also manually adjustable. A water resistance rowing machine uses water as resistance and produces a calming lapping water sound. The rowing stroke of a water rowing machine is slightly smoother without a dead spot and closer to the authentic rowing experience, but the resistance is less precisely manually adjustable.

How do I maintain an air resistance rowing machine?

Air resistance rowing machines are relatively easy to maintain. Wipe the frame and seat after use with a dry cloth. Regularly check whether the belt connection between the flywheel and handle is in good condition. Periodically lubricate the running rail with a drop of silicone spray for smooth gliding of the rowing seat. Always consult the maintenance protocol of your specific model.