Welcome to the ultimate guide on rowing apps! We've included apps that can assist in improving your performance on the water or in the gym, & we've checked out what's in the marketplace to help you identify the best rowing app for you. Rowing requires proper technique, strength, and endurance, and with the right app, you can track your progress, improve your form, and push yourself to achieve your goals. Regardless of your skill level, there is an app available that can help you enhance your abilities!
Screenshot courtesy of www.concept2.com
ErgData is a popular rowing app developed by Concept2 that is designed to track and analyze workout data from Concept2 indoor rowing machines. The app is available on both iOS and Android platforms and is free to download.
Features
One of the main features of ErgData is its ability to connect with Concept2 machines via Bluetooth to capture workout data in real-time. This data includes metrics such as pace, stroke rate, and heart rate, which can be used to monitor your progress and adjust your training accordingly. The app also allows you to view your workout history and compare your performance over time.
ErgData also includes a customizable display that can be configured to show the metrics you wwant to see during your workout. This feature allows you to focus on the numbers that matter most to you and adjust your technique accordingly. You can also save custom settings for future workouts.
Another feature of is its ability to sync data with other fitness apps such as Strava and TrainingPeaks. This mens you can share their workout data with your friends and contacts, and integrate it with other aspects of your training.
ErgData also includes a "games" section that offers fun challenges and games to make indoor rowing more engaging. These games can be a great way to break up long workouts and add some variety to your training routine.
Disadvantages
One of the main disadvantages is that it is only compatible with Concept2 indoor rowing machines, limiting its usefulness for those who use other types of machines. Additionally, the app can be somewhat complex and overwhelming for beginners, and may require some time and effort to fully understand and utilize all of its features.
ErgData can also be quite the drain on the battery life of your device, particularly if you are using it for long or frequent workouts. This can be particularly problematic if you are using your phone or tablet as your primary display during workouts, as it may need to be charged frequently.
Finally, some people have reported issues with the app crashing or freezing, particularly when syncing data with other apps or devices, or running in the background when other apps are being used. There have also been instances of ErgData recording heart rate wrong. While these issues may be relatively rare, they can be frustrating when they do occur and may require restarting the app or the device.
Screenshot courtesy of www.waterrower.io
WaterRower Connect connects your WaterRower machine with your mobile device to track and analyze your workout data. The app is available on both iOS and Android platforms and is free to download.
WaterRower Connect has a super user-friendly interface that makes it easy to monitor your workout data in real-time. You can view metrics such as distance, speed, stroke rate, and heart rate, which can be used to adjust your technique and improve your performance. Additionally, the app allows you to track your progress over time and set personal goals for yourself.
Another advantage of WaterRower Connect is its ability to sync your data with other fitness apps such as Apple Health and MyFitnessPal. This feature allows you to integrate your workout data with other aspects of your fitness routine, giving you a more complete picture of your overall health and wellness.
WaterRower Connect also offers a social aspect, allowing you to connect with other WaterRower users and participate in challenges and competitions. This can be a fun and motivating way to stay engaged with your fitness routine and reach your goals.
Disadvantages
As the naame suggests, the app is only compatible with WaterRower machines, limiting its usefulness for those who use other brands. Additionally, the app can be somewhat limited in terms of its features and functionality, especially when compared to more comprehensive rowing apps like Concept2's ErgData.
Overall, WaterRower Connect is a useful tool for WaterRower users who want to track and analyze their workout data. Its user-friendly interface, data syncing capabilities, and social features make it a great option for those looking to stay motivated and reach their fitness goals. However, its limited compatibility with WaterRower machines and potential battery drain may be a drawback for some users.
Image courtesy of nksports.com
NK SpeedCoach is a rowing app that connects with NK SpeedCoach GPS devices to provide real-time feedback on metrics such as speed, distance, and stroke rate on the water.
The app is available on both iOS and Android platforms, but at the time of publishing, there is no actual app, just a link system to get CSV or Excel files onto your devices.
One of the main features of NK SpeedCoach is its ability to track GPS data, allowing rowers on the water to monitor their location, speed, and distance traveled.
The module also provides real-time feedback on metrics such as stroke rate and power, allowing rowers to adjust their technique and improve their performance.
However, for those who are serious about improving their rowing performance, NK SpeedCoach can be a valuable tool. Its real-time feedback and GPS tracking capabilities make it a powerful training aid for rowers looking to enhance their technique and reach their fitness goals.
RowHero is a comprehensive rowing app marketed towards rowing coaches and teams, & is designed to track workouts and provide analytics to improve the performance of their athletes and better manage their team's training.
One of the main features of RowHero is its ability to track workout data and provide detailed analytics, allowing coaches to identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions about training. helping them to adjust training plans and techniques as needed.
RowHero also offers personalized training plans and workouts, which coaches can assign to individual athletes based on their fitness level and goals. Coaches can manage multiple athletes and monitor their progress from a single dashboard.
Image courtesy of rowinginmotion.com
The app is available on both iOS and Android platforms and offers detailed analytics for both indoor and outdoor rowing.
One of the main features of Rowing in Motion is its ability to provide real-time feedback on metrics such as technique analysis, stroke rate, and power distribution. This feedback can be used to adjust rowing technique and optimize performance.
Additionally, Rowing in Motion offers customizable displays, allowing users to focus on the metrics that matter most to them.
The app also includes team management capabilities, making it a valuable tool for coaches looking to monitor their team's progress and adjust training as needed.
Rowing in Motion can also be used to analyze data from previous workouts, allowing users to identify areas for improvement and track their progress over time.
One potential disadvantage of Rowing in Motion is that it may be too complex for beginners or casual rowers, as it is designed primarily for more advanced users. Also, their site doesn't look as professional as some, and the app clearly doesn't have the backing that some of the big names in this list have.
Image courtesy of www.startfitness.life
Startrowing, as the name suggests, is for beginners to the sport. It features guided workouts with an audio coach to help you through those tough sessions. Workouts vary so you can switch between power, endurance, fat burning or speed, and they are adding more workouts all the time.
Rowpro is designed to provide virtual indoor rowing experiences for rowers of all levels.
The app is available on both Windows and Mac platforms and offers a range of virtual rowing experiences and challenges, allowing users to simulate rowing on a variety of waterways and in different weather conditions.
Rowpro also includes real-time feedback on metrics such as distance, pace, and stroke rate, allowing users to monitor their performance and adjust their technique as needed.
Additionally, the app offers customized workouts and training plans to help users reach their fitness goals.
The Cityrow app that was created by a group of rowing enthusiasts who started by teaching classes in various studios around New York City. Now, they've become a great rowing brand with an app, rowing machine, and franchises in multiple states!
One of the coolest things about the CityRow Go app is that it showcases many of the same workouts you would perform at their live studio classes, & they have a hge library for you to choose from.
But that's not all - the app also offers a variety of other workouts including cardio, strength training, flexibility + conditioning, mat work, and free weights. So whether you're a seasoned rower or just starting out on your fitness journey, there's something for everyone on CityRow Go.
N.B. As of March 2023, this app does look live on the app stores, but doesn't seem to have a homepage bar a Google Doc, so we would advise caution in committing to this one.
BoatCoach is a rowing app that offers a range of training plans and workouts to improve your technique, fitness, and performance.
The app is available on both iOS and Android platforms and provides personalized training plans based on your fitness level and goals.
BoatCoach also includes a range of workouts with video tutorials on technique, making it a useful tool for beginners and experienced rowers alike.
One potential disadvantage of BoatCoach is that it may not offer as many advanced features as other rowing apps, such as real-time feedback on metrics.
However, for those looking for a simple and effective training tool, BoatCoach can be a great option. Its personalized training plans and video tutorials make it a valuable resource for improving your rowing technique and reaching your fitness goals.