Hammer rowing machines

Why choose a Hammer rowing machine?

Hammer, in full HAMMER Sport AG, is a German brand with over a hundred years of experience in sporting goods and for decades specialised in fitness equipment. It is one of the best-known home-fitness brands in Germany, with a strong emphasis on quality and sturdiness at an attractive price. For you, that means a rowing machine that is sturdily built, rows comfortably and lasts a long time. Note: this is the German Hammer (HAMMER Sport AG), not the American strength brand Hammer Strength. Take a look as well at the other fitness equipment from Hammer.

The strength of Hammer is the breadth of the range. Where many brands carry one type of rowing machine, Hammer offers both magnetic-resistance and water-resistance models. The magnetic models are quiet and precisely adjustable, often computer-controlled, and therefore ideal for home use in an apartment. The water rowers instead give the true-to-nature feel of rowing on open water. This way you find exactly the resistance that suits you at one brand.

Moreover, the range runs from an affordable entry-level model, including even a foldable one, to smart, connected rowing machines and competition models. Hammer thereby focuses on a broad group, from the beginning home sportsperson to the fanatical rower. Are you looking for a heavy machine for continuous professional club use, then a specialised commercial brand is more logical. Do you instead want German quality with plenty of choice and a sharp price, then Hammer is a strong choice.

Which Hammer rowing machine suits you?

The right choice depends mainly on your desired rowing feel, your space and your budget. The situations below help you quickly find the right direction.

You want to train quietly and precisely adjustable: Then choose a magnetic-resistance model, such as the Pro Force, Cobra XTR or RowFlow. The resistance is quiet and, on the computer-controlled models, very precisely adjustable. Ideal for an apartment or to not disturb others. Take a targeted look at our range of magnetic-resistance rowing machines.

You want the most true-to-nature rowing feel: Then choose a water-resistance model, such as the WaterEffect 3D or Water Stream. The water resistance scales automatically with your effort and feels like rowing on the water, without a dead moment. Take a targeted look at our range of water-resistance rowing machines.

You have limited space: Hammer has a foldable model, which you fold up compactly and put away after training. Ideal for smaller spaces where the rowing machine does not have to stay in view permanently.

You want to train smart and connected: The smart, connected models, such as the RowTech Smart, let you link with an app to follow and vary your workouts.

You train performance-oriented or want to ski-on-the-spot: For the fanatical sportsperson there is a competition rowing machine, and even a ski ergometer for an intensive, standing total-body workout. Take a targeted look at our range of ski ergometers.

The Hammer rowing machines explained

Magnetic-resistance rowing machines

The quietest variant, with a magnetic resistance that you set precisely, on the higher models computer-controlled via the display. Models like the Pro Force, Cobra XTR Plus and RowFlow are ideal for home use, also in an apartment, and offer an even, controllable resistance on a sturdy, steel monorail frame.

Water-resistance rowing machines

For the most true-to-nature rowing feel. On the WaterEffect 3D and the Water Stream a paddle moves through a water tank, so the resistance scales automatically with your effort and there is no dead moment. These models have a frame of steel and aluminium and give the characteristic, calming sound of water.

Foldable model

Especially for those with little space: an affordable, foldable model that you fold up compactly after training. This way you win back your space after rowing, without concessions to a solid, steel construction.

Smart and competition

Alongside the regular models there are smart, connected rowing machines that you link to an app, plus performance-oriented competition models and a ski ergometer. This way there is a suitable Hammer for the fanatical sportsperson and the data-driven rower too.

What to look out for when buying a Hammer rowing machine?

The resistance system

First determine which rowing feel you want. Magnetic resistance is the quietest option and can be set precisely, ideal for home and rehabilitation. Water resistance scales automatically with your force and gives the most natural, fluid rowing feel. Both are low impact and train your whole body.

Stability and frame

A stable frame is important for safe and comfortable rowing. The Hammer models have a sturdy, steel monorail frame, on the water rowers supplemented with aluminium. Always check the maximum user height, especially if you are taller than 1.95 metres, so you can make a full rowing motion.

Space and storage

A rowing machine requires length, usually around two metres. Measure your space carefully in advance. Do you want to put the rowing machine away after use, then choose the foldable model or look for transport wheels to move it easily.

Computer, apps and heart rate

The rowing machines have a training computer that shows your data, such as time, distance, strokes per minute, calories and heart rate. The smart models and models with Bluetooth you can link to an app to follow your workouts; the full functions of that usually require a paid subscription, but the rowing machine also works perfectly well with its own computer without. For accurate heart-rate measurement you can use a chest strap on many models; also take a look at the rowing machine accessories.

Our advice: First choose your resistance. Do you want to train quietly and precisely adjustable, then a magnetic-resistance Hammer is an excellent choice, and do you have little space, then the foldable model is ideal. Do you instead want the true-to-nature rowing feel of water, then the WaterEffect 3D or Water Stream are more logical. Always weigh comfort, noise and your available space, and feel free to come and try the trainers in our showroom.

Who is a Hammer rowing machine suitable for?

A Hammer rowing machine suits a broad group of sportspeople who want to train full-body and low impact:

• Beginners who want to start a full-body cardio workout affordably and solidly.
• People who want to lose weight or improve their fitness with an effective, calorie-rich full-body workout.
• Apartment dwellers who want to train quietly with a magnetic-resistance model.
• Sportspeople with sensitive joints who want to train low impact without shock load.
• Fanatical and data-driven rowers who are looking for a smart, connected or performance-oriented model.

Are you looking for a heavy machine for continuous professional club use, then a specialised commercial brand is more logical. Do you instead want German quality with plenty of choice in resistance and a sharp price, then Hammer offers a strong, complete choice.

Need help with your choice?

Would you like to buy a Hammer rowing machine but are you not yet quite sure which one best suits your wishes and needs? Then we are happy to help. You can reach our specialists by phone on +31 85 773 00 57, send an email or visit our fitness store in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about Hammer rowing machines

Is Hammer the same as Hammer Strength?

No. Hammer is the German brand HAMMER Sport AG, specialised in home fitness, with over a hundred years of sports history. Hammer Strength is a completely different, American strength brand from Life Fitness, aimed at commercial strength equipment. These rowing machines are from the German Hammer.

What is the difference between a magnetic and a water-resistance Hammer rowing machine?

On a magnetic-resistance rowing machine you set the resistance precisely via the display or a button, and the machine is particularly quiet, ideal for home and rehabilitation. On a water-resistance rowing machine a paddle moves through water, so the resistance scales automatically with your effort and the rowing feel is the most natural, with a characteristic sound of water.

Which muscles do you train on a rowing machine?

Rowing is a real full-body workout. About 60% of the motion comes from your legs, around 30% from your back and about 10% from your arms, while your abdominal and shoulder muscles work along. This lets you train almost all your large muscle groups and your fitness at the same time in one flowing motion, which makes rowing excellent for losing weight.

Does Hammer have a foldable rowing machine?

Yes. Hammer offers an affordable, foldable model that you fold up compactly and put away after training. This way you win back your space, which is handy in smaller rooms where the rowing machine does not have to stay in view permanently.

Are Hammer rowing machines suitable for rehabilitation or older people?

Yes. Rowing is low impact and kind to the joints, and the magnetic-resistance models can be set very precisely and calmly, which is pleasant for controlled build-up. However, in rehabilitation always consult your doctor or physiotherapist first.

Can I try out a Hammer rowing machine first?

Yes, in our fitness store in Volkel you can compare and try out various rowing machines before you choose. The difference between magnetic and water resistance in particular you feel best when you try them side by side. Feel free to drop by or call us in advance to ask which models are ready.