Ergatta Rower Review

If you're the sort who can't wait to finish on the Concept2 at the gym to get onto the 'proper' equipment, the Ergatta Rower might just make you think again. For too long, the makers of rowing machines have been slow to embrace and exploit new technologies, but fear not, the new boys have finally arrived to spice up the humble rower.

While the Hydrow may have been the first 'connected' rowing machine on the market, the Ergatta takes a different, and many think, more imaginative approach. If you're not sure what is meant by 'connected', think Peloton - yes, those annoying adverts with the smug cyclists that make you feel guilty for sitting on your butt - especially in the New Year! But enough of my pet peeve :0) I'll be writing a Hydrow v Ergatta article later this month, but for now, let's take a good look at the Ergatta.

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Ergatta have chosen well to base their digital platform on the ever-popular and stylish WaterRower made in Rhode Island - with a few improvements. Ergatta has co-designed a different machine with the team at WaterRower, including longer, more stylish rails, a beautiful Cherrywood and stain, a collapsible arm with similar design elements to the rails, and of course a digital tablet. And, I challenge anyone not to run their hands along smooth, wooden rail on first inspection :0)

And as for the platform, instead of using conventional workouts, they're game-inspired sessions to give your training a different feel - very different. I'll cover the software a little later, but first the rower.

As with all our reviews we'll start with assembly, but with the Ergatta, you don't need to worry about this. For $199, your rowing machine will arrive pre-assembled and installed at your premises, filled with water and ready to go. Once installed, you connect the machine to your Wi-Fi, set up your account and enter your details. This includes your weight, height and select your level of beginner, intermediate, or advanced rower for the workouts. Note, this can be done for every member of your household included in your monthly membership - more details in 'Clever Stuff' below.

You're now ready to go, or row to be precise. The first thing most people notice on the WaterRower is the satisfying swoosh of the water in the tank. The rowing position is very comfortable, although a little lower than the Hydrow or Concept2 Model E. This will not be a problem for most, but if you knees are a little creaky, you may prefer a higher beam. The dual rails of the Ergatta make for a quiet, smooth action as you pull away at higher stroke rates, and the thick, well-padded handle sits nicely in the palms of your hands.

Resistance is provided by the water in the tank. Paddles in the water spin as you pull, and the harder you pull, the greater the resistance. You can add or remove water to change the amount of resistance to suit your preferences. The action is smooth and, as mentioned earlier, delivers a wonderful whoosh as you row, quiet enough not to disturb anyone, but loud enough to give you the sense you're working those muscles!

The Console/ Clever Stuff!

So this is where it gets really interesting. If it's not enough to have a beautiful, sleek rower beneath you, you'll certainly be impressed by the magic available at your fingertips - literally, it's a touchscreen!

Examples of the workouts available - click image to visit Ergatta for more info

If you're used to training with fitness class videos, the Ergatta workouts are a totally different kind of experience. Or if you're the type motivated by competition or achievement, or get a little fed-up of a smart-ass instructor trying to impress you with their life story ( I mean, what are they, 21?) then this just might be the workout platform for you.

At first use, you complete a 2,000 meter row to determine your level of performance allowing the software to personalize your workouts so they're not too easy, or too hard. This calibrates what they call 'Intensity Zones', that is, representing your speed and endurance at paces of paddle, steady, race, and sprint. So from the very start, you get the impression these guys know what they're doing and have your best interest at heart.

Note, the calibration row can be repeated any time if you feel your workouts are no longer challenging.

For the fitness nerds (just like me!), you can find all the technical stuff on Ergatta's website.

Other features include tutorials and help videos to help you get started. But note, at present there are no live, trainer-led workouts.

There are hundreds of workouts to choose from, most with a game-like set up. But note, monthly membership to get access to all the workouts is $29 a month (or $290 a year). For this you get access to all the workouts, and more are added every week. This ensures you'll never get fed up of using this rower. And this is vital as many give up a fitness regime due to boredom and lack of motivation. The fact that you can do a different workout everyday, and then see your progress over time will keep you coming back for more. Achieving a personal best never fails to give your confidence a boost, while take another inch off your waist line and a few pounds off that bathroom scale.

And before I finish, one aspect of the Ergatta that impresses me, is their commitment to their members. During my time with the machine, I got access to their Facebook group, and what is obvious is how much they welcome feedback to improve the whole experience. And they actually respond fast, with updates coming almost every week . This, in my experience, is unique when it comes to rowing machines, or even digital fitness platforms.

UPDATE APRIL 2021: Ergatta have added scenic workouts. You can now row virtually in 20 locations including Thailand and Spain :0)

Click image for more info

Summary:
The Ergatta is a damn fine machine that's great fun to use. You may question why we score the Ergatta a 95% for 'Value for Money' when it cost in excess of $2k. And we will answer, because you get one heck of machine with cutting-edge, innovative features that will get fit in ways you never imagined. Yes I know this may sound a little over-the-top, but trust me, after 10 years of trying to sound enthusiastic about the same, tried old rowers, it's like a breath of fresh air to try this one.

Beyond releasing around six or more workouts per week, Ergatta have announced they're launching two new workout games, automated rowing form analysis, social features like private challenges, and live events/races – all in the next 6 months. They say they're on a mission to develop the world’s foremost fitness gaming experience, and as chance would have it, that’s happening on a rowing machine, not an exercise bike or treadmill!. So, if you haven't already guessed, I love this rower!

Ergatta Rower: Rating 9.5/10 9.2 Stars