# Rowing Machine

For indoor cardio when weather is too bad for running.

## Resistance Types

| Type          | Feel                      | Noise             | Maintenance   | Price    |
| ------------- | ------------------------- | ----------------- | ------------- | -------- |
| **Air**       | Dynamic - harder = faster | Loud              | Low           | Mid-high |
| **Magnetic**  | Consistent resistance     | Quiet             | Low           | Mid-high |
| **Water**     | Natural, smooth           | Moderate (swoosh) | Tank cleaning | High     |
| **Hydraulic** | Choppy, limited motion    | Quiet             | Piston wear   | Low      |

Air or magnetic recommended. Hydraulic feels unnatural. Water is nice but pricey.

## Key Selection Factors

- **Rail length** - Check if it fits your height (>185cm needs longer rail)
- **Folded dimensions** - Most fold to ~120-140cm upright
- **Monitor** - Basic: time/distance. Better: pace per 500m, watts, HR connectivity
- **Build quality** - Weight capacity as proxy for sturdiness
- **Noise** - Air is loud, magnetic is apartment-friendly
- **Garmin connectivity** - Nice to have for Forerunner 965 integration (see below)

## Garmin Forerunner 965 Connectivity

The Forerunner 965 supports ANT+ FE-C (Fitness Equipment Control) for rowing machines. However, in practice only the **Concept2 PM5** monitor properly supports this protocol.

- Concept2 PM5 connects as a "Smart Trainer" sensor
- Logs: pace, power (watts), distance, strokes, SPM
- Alternative: ErgIQ app from ConnectIQ store

Budget rowers (including Domyos) do not broadcast ANT+ FE-C data. You can still manually start an indoor rowing activity on the watch and get HR/time, but no stroke data sync.

**Conclusion:** Garmin connectivity is another point in favor of Concept2 if upgrading later.

## Options Considered

| Model              | Type     | Price                | Notes                                          |
| ------------------ | -------- | -------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| Concept2 RowErg    | Air      | €900 new, €600+ used | Industry standard, holds resale value          |
| **Domyos 120**     | Magnetic | €250                 | Entry-level, foldable, returnable at Decathlon |
| Budget marketplace | Various  | €100-150             | High risk of poor experience                   |

## Decision

**Domyos 120** - Sweet spot between cheap enough to experiment and good enough to not ruin the experience. If rowing sticks after 6+ months, upgrade to Concept2 and resell the Domyos.

Try in-store first if possible - seat comfort and rail smoothness matter.

## Links

- https://www.decathlon.nl/p/roeitrainer-120-opvouwbaar-vliegwiel-van-4kg/301442/m8501452

#fitness #cardio #rowing #gear #exercise