esportelo.com – Virtual rowing, also known as indoor rowing on ergometers (or “ergs”), has exploded in popularity as a full-body, low-impact workout that mimics real on-water rowing. With advanced apps and gamification, machines like Ergatta and Concept2 turn repetitive strokes into engaging, competitive experiences. Whether you’re a beginner seeking fun motivation or a serious athlete tracking performance, these two stand out as leaders in the virtual rowing world.
The sleek Ergatta rower (left and center) with its gaming interface, compared to the robust Concept2 RowErg (right), the gold standard for serious rowers.
What is Virtual Rowing?
Indoor rowing machines simulate the motion of rowing a boat, engaging 86% of your muscles while being gentle on joints. “Virtual” aspects come from connected apps: scenic virtual rows, live races, leaderboards, and gamified challenges. This tech integration makes workouts addictive, helping users stick to fitness goals longer than traditional cardio.
Ergatta: Gamified Rowing for Fun and Motivation
Ergatta revolutionized home rowing with its game-based platform. Built on a beautiful cherry wood water rower (similar to WaterRower), it features a 21.5-inch touchscreen displaying immersive games like racing opponents, pushing virtual objects, or interval challenges tailored to your fitness level.
Key features:
- Personalized workouts: Adaptive programs that calibrate to your performance.
- No live classes: Focus on on-demand games and scenic rows for a non-instructor-led experience.
- Aesthetics: Designed to blend into home decor like furniture.
Ergatta’s engaging game interfaces and home workouts make rowing feel like play rather than exercise.
Pros: Highly motivating for those who get bored easily; subscription includes new content. Cons: Higher price point (around $2,500 + subscription); less emphasis on raw data for elite training.
Concept2: The Benchmark for Performance and Community
The Concept2 RowErg (formerly Model D) is the industry standard, used by Olympic rowers, CrossFit athletes, and gyms worldwide. Its air resistance system provides realistic feel, and the PM5 monitor tracks precise metrics like watts, stroke rate, and split times.
Virtual features via apps:
- ErgData app: Connects to leaderboard for global rankings.
- Third-party integrations: Apps like Zwift, EXR, or asensei for virtual worlds, races, and coaching.
- Logbook: Online community for challenges and seasonal rankings.
Concept2 users in intense sessions, with app interfaces showing detailed performance tracking and virtual competitions.
Pros: Durable, accurate, affordable (around $1,000); massive online community. Cons: Basic monitor (add a tablet for better visuals); less “fun” out-of-the-box compared to Ergatta.
Ergatta vs. Concept2: Which One for You?
- Choose Ergatta if you want beautiful design, gamification, and motivation without instructors—perfect for casual users or home aesthetics.
- Go for Concept2 if you’re data-driven, competitive, or on a budget—ideal for serious training and global leaderboards.
Both offer excellent virtual experiences, turning solo rowing into a connected, rewarding fitness journey. In 2025, with partnerships like Ergatta’s with World Rowing, virtual rowing continues to evolve. Ready to hit the (virtual) water?
