I’m not one to throw money at fitness equipment lightly, but let me tell you, the Ergatta rower has won me over. It’s not just a workout machine; it’s a sleek, gamified experience that makes you want to sweat.
With its stunning cherrywood design and interactive software, it’s like having a personal trainer and a video game console rolled into one. If you’re serious about fitness but dread boring workouts, this rower is your ticket to fun, effective cardio.
Trust me, it’s worth every penny for the motivation and results it delivers.
My Experience With The Ergatta Rower
I’ll never forget the day my Ergatta rower arrived.
It was like Christmas morning, but instead of toys, I got a gorgeous piece of fitness equipment that looked more like modern art than a gym staple.
The delivery team handled everything—white-glove service meant it was fully assembled and ready to go in my living room.
No wrestling with tools or cryptic manuals, which, let’s be honest, is a win for anyone who’s ever tried to build furniture.
The first thing that struck me was the cherrywood frame. It’s not just functional; it’s a statement piece. I’ve had guests ask if it’s a designer table before noticing the water tank and handle. At 86 inches long, 23 inches wide, and 40 inches tall, it’s substantial but not overwhelming.
When I’m not rowing, I prop it upright, and it takes up less space than my dining chairs—perfect for my cozy apartment.
My first row was a 1,000-meter calibration test, which the 17.3-inch touchscreen guided me through with ease. The interface is intuitive, and the graphics are crisp, making it feel like I’m playing a high-end video game.
I chose a “Meteor” game, where my rowing speed controlled an orb’s height to score points. It was surprisingly addictive—I forgot I was exercising! The water resistance, with its soothing “swoosh” sound, mimics rowing on a lake, and the belt drive ensures every stroke feels smooth. I rowed for 30 minutes without realizing it, something I’d never done on a treadmill.
Over the next few weeks, I explored the variety of workouts—races, interval sessions, and scenic rows. The software adapts to your fitness level, so every session feels challenging but doable. My husband even set up his own profile, and we’ve had fun competing in live races.
The Ergatta has become a staple in my routine, turning cardio from a chore into something I genuinely look forward to.
Pros of The Ergatta Rower
The Ergatta rower isn’t just another piece of gym equipment—it’s a game-changer. After months of use, here’s why I think it stands out.
- Stunning Design: This rower is a looker. The cherrywood frame and clear water tank make it feel like a piece of furniture you’d see in a high-end design magazine. It’s not something you hide in a garage; it belongs in your living room, where it sparks conversations. Guests are always drawn to it, and I love that it doesn’t scream “gym equipment.”
- Engaging Gamified Workouts: The real magic lies in the software. Instead of a drill-sergeant instructor yelling at you, Ergatta turns workouts into games. Whether it’s racing against others or keeping an orb afloat in Meteor, you’re so focused on “winning” that you forget you’re burning calories. The platform recalibrates based on your progress, so it’s always pushing you just enough.
- Compact and Easy to Store: For a machine that’s over 7 feet long when in use, it’s shockingly space-efficient. I can tilt it upright, and it takes up less than 4 square feet—about the size of a barstool. The wheels make it easy to move, even for someone like me who isn’t exactly a bodybuilder. It’s perfect for small spaces like my apartment.
- Smooth and Quiet Operation: The water resistance system is a dream. It’s quieter than air rowers, with a calming “swoosh” that feels meditative. I can row early in the morning without waking my husband or annoying the neighbors. The belt drive adds to the smoothness, making every stroke feel natural and fluid.
- Unlimited Profiles for the Household: One $29 monthly membership covers everyone in your home. My husband, my sister when she visits, and even my curious 10-year-old nephew have their own profiles. Everyone’s stats are tracked separately, so my competitive streak doesn’t mess with their progress. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
- Low-Impact, Full-Body Workout: Rowing engages 86% of your muscles, and the Ergatta makes it accessible without joint strain. I used to dread high-impact workouts like running, which left my knees aching. With the Ergatta, I get cardio, strength, and endurance training in one go, and my body feels great afterward.
Also Read: Is DB Method Squat Machine Worth It?
Cons of The Ergatta Rower
No machine is perfect, and while the Ergatta is close, there are a few drawbacks worth mentioning.
- High Price Tag: At $2,199 plus $199 for shipping and an optional $249 for professional assembly, this isn’t a budget buy. Add the $29 monthly membership, and the first year costs around $2,746 if you pay upfront. Financing at $62 a month helps, but it’s still a significant investment.
- No Instructor-Led Classes: If you thrive on a charismatic trainer cheering you on, the Ergatta might disappoint. It’s all about gamified workouts, with no live or pre-recorded classes like you’d find on Peloton or Hydrow. While I love the games, I sometimes miss that human touch for motivation.
- Limited Off-Machine Workouts: The Ergatta focuses solely on rowing. Unlike some competitors that offer yoga or strength training sessions, there’s no cross-training content. I’ve had to supplement with YouTube videos for variety, which isn’t a dealbreaker but feels like a missed opportunity.
- Low Seat Height: The seat sits just 12 inches off the ground, which can be tough for folks with mobility issues. I’m fine with it, but my friend with knee problems struggled to get up and down. The optional Rise Bundle raises it by 8 inches, but that’s an extra cost.
- Screen Glare and Size: The 17.3-inch touchscreen is sharp, but it can catch glare in bright rooms, making it hard to see. It’s also smaller than the 22-inch screens on some competitors. For the price, I expected a slightly larger, less reflective display.
Maintenance Tips For Your Ergatta Rower
Keeping your Ergatta in top shape is straightforward, but it does require some care to ensure it stays as beautiful and functional as the day it arrived. Here’s how I keep mine running smoothly.
- Cleaning the Water Tank: The water tank is the heart of the Ergatta’s resistance system, so you’ve got to treat it right. Every three months, I add a water purification tablet (Ergatta sells these) to keep the water clean and prevent algae. If it starts looking cloudy, drain it using the included siphon pump, wipe the tank with a soft cloth, and refill with distilled water. It takes about 15 minutes, and I do it while catching up on a podcast.
- Wiping Down the Frame: The cherrywood frame is gorgeous but shows dust and sweat marks if you’re not careful. After every workout, I wipe it down with a damp microfiber cloth and a mild cleaner—nothing harsh, as it can damage the finish. Pay extra attention to the handle and seat, where sweat tends to accumulate. A quick wipe keeps it looking pristine and prevents wear.
- Checking the Belt Drive: The nylon belt drive is low-maintenance compared to chain drives, but I still check it monthly for fraying or looseness. If it feels off, a quick call to Ergatta’s customer service (which has been stellar in my experience) usually sorts it out. They’ll send replacement parts under the 3-year warranty if needed. I also ensure the belt is free of dust to maintain that smooth pull.
- Adjusting Foot Straps: The foot straps can loosen over time, especially with multiple users. I check them weekly to ensure they’re snug but not too tight. If they’re slipping, I adjust the pegboard settings—there are nine options, so it’s easy to find the right fit for my size 8 shoes or my husband’s size 11s.
- Storing Properly: When I’m not using the rower, I store it upright to save space. Always make sure the monitor arm is folded down securely to avoid stress on the hinges. I also keep it away from direct sunlight to prevent the wood from fading. If you’re in a humid area, consider a dehumidifier to protect the wood and electronics.
- Software Updates: The touchscreen needs occasional software updates to keep the workouts fresh and glitch-free. Ergatta notifies you when updates are available, and they take just a few minutes to install. I’ve found that staying current prevents lag and ensures new games and features are available.
Comparison of Ergatta Rower With Other Brands
To help you decide if the Ergatta is your best bet, I’ve compared it to the Hydrow Rowing Machine, Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine, Merach Q1S Rowing Machine, and Echelon Row-S Rowing Machine. Each has its strengths, but here’s how they stack up.
- Ergatta Vs. Hydrow Rowing Machine
The Hydrow, priced at $2,495, is the Ergatta’s closest premium competitor.
Its magnetic resistance is adjustable and whisper-quiet, while the Ergatta’s water resistance depends on your effort, offering a natural, lake-like swoosh.
Hydrow’s 22-inch touchscreen delivers immersive instructor-led classes filmed on scenic waterways, which I found motivating but sometimes chatty when I tried a friend’s.
The Ergatta’s 17.3-inch screen focuses on gamified workouts, like races and point-scoring challenges, which keep me engaged without needing a coach.
Hydrow is heavier at 145 pounds versus Ergatta’s 105, making the latter easier to store. If you want guided classes, Hydrow shines; for interactive freedom, I prefer the Ergatta.
- Ergatta Vs. Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine
The Sunny Health & Fitness Rowing Machine, around $250, is a budget-friendly option with magnetic resistance across eight levels. I tested one at a local gym, and it’s sturdy for the price but lacks the Ergatta’s polish.
There’s no touchscreen or connected features—just a basic LCD for metrics like time and distance. The Ergatta’s cherrywood frame and gamified software feel luxurious by comparison, but the Sunny’s compact 77-inch length and foldable design are great for tight budgets and spaces.
It’s noisier than the Ergatta’s water system, and the seat isn’t as comfy for long sessions. If cost is key, Sunny works; for a premium experience, Ergatta wins.
- Ergatta Vs. Merach Q1S Rowing Machine
The Merach Q1S, priced at about $300, offers magnetic resistance with 16 levels and a small LCD screen. It’s Bluetooth-enabled, so I paired it with an app for basic tracking during a demo, but it’s nowhere near the Ergatta’s immersive software.
The Merach is lightweight at 57 pounds and folds for storage, which is great for small apartments, but its plastic frame feels flimsy compared to the Ergatta’s cherrywood. The Merach’s resistance is adjustable, unlike the Ergatta’s effort-based system, but the rowing motion isn’t as smooth.
For casual users on a budget, the Merach is solid; for aesthetics and engagement, I stick with Ergatta.
- Ergatta Vs. Echelon Row-S Rowing Machine
The Echelon Row-S, at $1,299, blends affordability with tech.
Its magnetic resistance has 32 levels, and the 22-inch rotating touchscreen supports Echelon’s app with live and on-demand classes, including off-rower workouts like yoga.
I tried one at a store, and the classes were engaging, though the interface felt clunky compared to the Ergatta’s intuitive games.
The Echelon is heavier at 124 pounds and less stylish, with a steel frame that’s durable but not as elegant.
The Ergatta’s water resistance is quieter, and its upright storage is more space-efficient. If you want cross-training, Echelon’s a contender; for sleek design and fun, Ergatta’s my pick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, you can use the Ergatta without a subscription, but it’s like buying a sports car and only driving it in first gear. Without the $29 monthly membership, you’re limited to the “Just Row” mode, which tracks basic metrics like distance and time. You miss out on the gamified workouts, races, and personalized programs that make the Ergatta special. I tried it without the subscription for a week, and it felt like a regular rower—fine, but not worth the $2,199 price tag. If you’re investing in the Ergatta, the membership is a must for the full experience.
The Hydrow and Ergatta are both premium connected rowers, but they cater to different vibes. The Hydrow uses magnetic resistance, which is adjustable and super quiet, while the Ergatta’s water resistance relies on your effort and has that iconic swoosh sound. Hydrow’s strength is its instructor-led classes, with pros guiding you through scenic rows, whereas Ergatta focuses on gamified workouts where you control an avatar in races or challenges. The Hydrow’s 22-inch screen is larger than the Ergatta’s 17.3-inch, but the Ergatta is lighter (105 pounds vs. 145 pounds) and easier to store. I prefer the Ergatta’s autonomy, but Hydrow’s guided approach suits those who love a virtual coach.
Absolutely, the Ergatta is beginner-friendly, and I say this as someone who’d never rowed before. The touchscreen offers a “Getting Started” program with video tutorials on form, breaking down the four phases of rowing: Catch, Drive, Release, and Recovery. The calibration test tailors workouts to your fitness level, so you’re not overwhelmed. The gamified format makes it fun, not intimidating, and the AI coaching helps refine your technique. That said, the low seat height might be tricky for beginners with mobility issues, so consider the Rise Bundle if that’s a concern.
Reliability depends on your needs, but the Concept2 RowErg is widely regarded as the most durable and reliable home rower. Its air resistance system is built to last, with minimal maintenance beyond occasional chain oiling. I’ve seen Concept2s in gyms take a beating for years without breaking down. That said, the Ergatta is also reliable, with a 5-year frame warranty and responsive customer service. I’ve had no issues with mine after six months, and the water tank maintenance is simple. If you want tech and aesthetics, the Ergatta is a strong contender; for bulletproof simplicity, go with Concept2.
Why The Ergatta Rower Is Worth It?
If you’re looking for a rower that’s as fun as it is effective, the Ergatta is a no-brainer. Its sleek design, engaging games, and low-impact workout make it a joy to use, whether you’re a beginner or a fitness junkie.
Sure, it’s pricey, and the lack of instructor-led classes might not suit everyone, but the motivation it sparks is unmatched. I’ve never stuck with a cardio routine this long, and that’s saying something. Invest in the Ergatta, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.