Rowing is your best bet if you’re looking for a total-body workout at home or the gym. Rowing machines or indoor rowers emulate the action of watercraft rowing. A rowing machine is said to strengthen major muscles around the legs, core and arms. It also improves cardiovascular endurance.

If you’re consistently using a rower, you’ll notice an improvement in strength and feel less out of breath during the workout. Over time, you may also notice muscle gain. That’s why the Echelon smart rowing machine is one of the best options for training your rowing muscles

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One of the best things about rowing machines is that while they give you a full-body workout, they’re low-impact. Defined muscles, belly fat loss and defined abs are some benefits of consistent rowing.

Keeping in mind the benefits of rowing machines, we’ve put together this guide to review one of the best indoor rowers: the Echelon Smart Rowing Machine. This machine is perfect for at-home exercise, and its foldable design is suitable for in-between sessions.

You’ll be able to make an informed decision after reading this review.

Echelon Smart Rowing Machine

 

 

Echelon Smart Rower is a high-end machine by Echelon. The machine features thousands of on-demand classes and workouts that you can stream via Echelon’s app. This comes with a monthly subscription cost, but if convenience is your priority, then this machine is the right place to start.

It offers a low-impact full-body workout, making it appropriate for different age groups, including older adults suffering from joint issues and athletes looking for cross-training.

Echelon Smart Row’s foldable design offers the needed convenience in-between sessions so you can store it away when you’re not working out. However, the machine isn’t equipped with a screen, so users have to connect their devices.

The design choice is interesting, but you can view your progress through the app. In case of cancellation, you can use the machine but won’t be able to track workout stats.

Echelon Row Design

The design is just like any other rowing machine. It has a resistance mechanism, an attached seat, a slider and handlebars at the front. However, some differences make this machine stand out.

For instance, the joint in the front seat is flexible, so you can easily fold the slider for easy storage. Moreover, the quick-release feature makes it easy to fold and unfold without assistance.

The best thing about its vertical folding slider is that it doesn’t affect the machine’s durability. Once you click the slider back, the machine is stable enough to withstand vigorous workouts. Additionally, it features adjustable footplates to keep your feet firm during the workout.

Echelon Smart Rowing Machine comes with 32 magnetic resistance levels allowing users to move between different levels with handlebar-based controls. This way, you can focus on the workout conveniently.

The device holder and adjustable arm above the handlebar keep your smartphone or tablet device in your view and stable during the workout. You can plug it in to connect the machine to the Echelon app to view your workout stats.

Usage Convenience

The rowing machine is in two parts when it arrives, so you have to assemble the rower. Assembly is straightforward, with a few screws that join the resistance mechanism and slider and attach the feet.

The machine weighs 108lbs or 49kh. You may or may not need help assembling the machine. The resistance mechanism is where you might need assistance because it’s heavy. Nonetheless, you can manage the assembly on your own.

Luckily, assembly is a one-time thing and once you’re done folding, unfolding and using this rower is a breeze. The machine requires little upkeep thanks to Echelon Smart Rower’s magnetic resistance mechanism.

You need to connect the machine to the Echelon Fit app to monitor your progress. The app is user-friendly and functional, so it doesn’t affect your workout. The tablet device version is easier to navigate than the smartphone one due to the bigger display screen.

Performance and Functionality

If you have been using air and water-based rowers, be prepared to be blown away by Echelon’s Smart Rower. Unlike noisy air and water-based rowers, Echelon’s rowers are quiet due to the magnetic system.

The machine is almost silent even when you’re using the handlebars at 32 resistance level. If you want to turn down the noise more, you can also use headphones connecting them to your tablet or smartphone device. The handlebar controls are designed to ensure user comfort, so your hands don’t blister.

This rowing machine is engineered keeping in mind all the otherwise overlooked features. For instance, Echelon’s rower comes with foot straps to grip the feet, making it easier to pull during a workout and undo when the session ends.

The Echelon app provides access to a plethora of live sessions and on-demand classes. Additionally, the app also allows you to integrate with other fitness apps and watches, such as Apple Watch and Strava.

Once you work your way around all of this, you can enjoy a good total-body workout. The instructors are clear, motivational and energetic, and the workout programs are challenging yet attainable.

Value For Money

The Smart Rower does give you value for money compared to other machines with similar features. Echelon Smart Rower can function without a subscription unlike other subscription-based rowing machines.

However, you can make the most from Smart Rower using a monthly subscription to access live classes and on-demand workout routines. Besides monthly subscriptions, you also have biennial and yearly options.

Smart Rower Workouts

There are various levels of workouts that you can choose from every day. Additionally, you can filter the results based on difficulty level and duration or join live sessions. A handful of sessions are scheduled every day.

What’s worth noting is the fact that you can also access the Echelon Fit web on your smart TV so you can watch the workouts on a bigger screen. Echelon recommends Screen Mirror or Apple TV to monitor your Smart Rower metrics. Other third-party apps that you can use with your Smart Rower include TV Cast and Samsung TV and Video.

You can also access other workout routines besides rowing, such as boxing, strength training, pilates, meditation classes and more. The variety of workouts in the library gives Echelon Smart Rower an edge over other similar machines.

Other Noteworthy Features

The machine is long but slender, as expected of a rowing machine. Its narrow profile makes it easy to use on any ground, including a carpeted floor.

Besides its folding feature, the rower also comes with transport wheels so you can trolley it away outside workout sessions. Unlike other expensive NordicTrack rowers, the on/off button is near the cable to monitor the machine easily. The machine itself is comfortable to use thanks to its large, comfy seat, and you can enjoy intensive workouts.

The resistance control is placed ergonomically under the thumbs so the user can adjust the resistance level without stopping mid-rowing. This is a cool feature that’s absent in other rowing machines you’ll find in the market.

There’s a USB port next to the tablet holder to charge the device while you continue the workout. You can also rotate and flip the tablet holder to 180 degrees to take the workout from the machine to the floor.

The customer reviews are mostly positive noting that the machine is easy to assemble and use. Most customers appreciate the 32 resistance levels and live streaming option.

Echelon offers 30-day free trial to users to get a glimpse of its Premier Membership Program, where you can access 3,000+ classes led by the best instructors. Class duration range from 5 to 45 minutes for beginners to pro rowers.

Reasons You Should Buy Echelon Smart Rower

• Build quality is excellent
• Compact and sleek design
• Near-silent magnetic resistance
• Foldable and transport wheels
• Excellent placement of resistance toggle

Reasons You May Not Consider Buying Smart Rower

• No integrated display

Final Verdict

Echelon Smart Rowing Machine is well-designed, and its build quality is good-to-excellent. The slender-looking rower is convenient and easily foldable, and its whisper-quiet magnetic resistance makes it perfect for indoor and at-home workouts.

The machine is near-perfect at a competitive price. However, it lacks an integrated screen which may complicate things. Nonetheless, using the Echelon Fit app, you can easily join live sessions and access the extensive library for on-demand and built-in classes. You can also use it without a subscription.

Whether a novice or an experienced rower, you’ll find a wide range of workout choices. Its filtering option makes it easy to find the right instructor and class that fits your needs. The app also allows you to access and monitor the workout stats you may lose in case of subscription cancellation.

However, the foldable design, whisper-quiet feature, machine and app combined make it a perfect package.

The rowing machine is a great way to make the most of your time at home. We recommend Echelon Smart Rower due to its high-end and value-adding features, sleek design, levels of resistance, foot strap and other features mentioned above. The Smart Rower is an excellent choice for a full-body workout. You can buy it on Amazon by clicking the link here.