In this Echelon Rower Review, let me save you some time right off the bat: you do not need the Echelon app or subscription to use the Echelon Rower. Sure, the app offers resistance tracking and a fancy little breakdown of your strokes, but if you’re like me, you’ll find a way to get by without it. No subscription? No problem. I’ve been rowing just fine without it—after all, you don’t need your screen counting your strokes when you can do it yourself. Trust me, counting those beeps becomes second nature. The real joy? You can get rowing, stream anything you want, and mount your iPad or phone. Not everyone needs an overly fancy dashboard.
But, before we dive too deep, let me start at the beginning. The Echelon Rower has positioned itself as a top choice for home gyms, especially for those of us who want something high-quality, without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking to improve your cardio, engage your entire body, or simply add another tool to your fitness arsenal, this rower packs a punch. It offers a surprisingly smooth ride for the price, and even if you’re not looking to join their live classes, the experience holds up.
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What is a Rower? The Ultimate Full-Body Workout Machine
What is a rower, you ask? It’s not only a piece of exercise gear. A rower, or rowing machine, is a full-body workout powerhouse that mimics the motion of rowing on water. Think of it as the Swiss Army knife of cardio machines—it works your arms, legs, back, core, and heart all in one go. If you’re picturing endless monotonous strokes, think again. Rowing is dynamic. It’s like being in a rhythm game where your body, mind, and machine sync up perfectly. Pulling is one of the most effective exercises you can do because it works roughly 85% of your muscles.
The finest aspect? It has little effect. The rower has your back whether you’re trying to give your joints a rest or are recuperating from an ailment. Unlike running, which can leave your knees screaming for mercy, rowing is kind to your body. It’s perfect for all fitness levels, from total beginners to seasoned athletes.
But here’s where the real magic happens: rowing isn’t just physical—it’s mental. It challenges your grit. Every stroke pushes you to focus, to stay consistent, to find that flow state where the world melts away, and it’s just you and the machine. So, whether you’re looking to shed a few pounds, build strength, or blow off steam, a rower is your ticket to a workout that truly delivers.
About Echelon: A Quick Intro to Their Tech-Savvy Fitness World
Echelon, as you may already know, has made quite the splash in the connected fitness world. From bikes to rowers and even fitness mirrors, they’ve got everything under the sun for those of us who prefer to sweat at home. The Echelon Rower fits right into their mission—bringing high-tech workout solutions to your living room at a fraction of what competitors charge. But what separates them from the pack isn’t just their tech. It’s the practicality. Sure, their app is great, but as I’ve mentioned, you don’t need it to get a killer workout on this machine.
Echelon’s dedication to affordability without compromising quality is a huge win in my book. No one’s saying you have to buy into a monthly subscription to enjoy what you already paid for. I’ve been rowing without any subscription and it’s still a blast—because at the end of the day, what really matters is the rower itself, right?
Check the price at Amazon here.
Build Quality and Design: Built for Your Space, and Then Some
Now let’s get down to brass tacks. The Echelon Rower is sleek, sturdy, and shockingly compact. If you’re worried about this thing gobbling up your floor space, relax. Because of its tiny shape, it folds up when not in use. Folding machines might sound flimsy, but this one’s anything but. The frame’s solid enough to handle intense rowing sessions, and the mechanics of it—the magnetic resistance, the flywheel—keep it smooth without sounding like a jet engine. Rowing in a tiny apartment? Your neighbors will thank you.
And while we’re on the subject, let’s give a nod to history. The first indoor rowing machine was invented back in 1871 by William Buckingham Curtis—one of the world’s strongest men at the time. He used a hydraulic-based damper system with a flywheel and ratchet. Now, I’m not saying this Echelon Rower is a direct descendant of that machine, but you can see how the modern-day design, with its adjustable magnetic resistance and smooth stroke, evolved from that same idea. Technology has come a long way, and the Echelon Rower brings that evolution right to your home gym.
Check the price at Amazon here.
Performance: Is the Echelon Rower the Real Deal?
You bet. Whether you’re a rowing newbie or an old pro, this machine holds up. Now, if you’ve done your research (and if you’re reading this, I’m guessing you have), you’ll know that rowing takes both physical and mental strength. I’m not just talking about the obvious—a strong back, legs, and core. Rowing requires grit, focus, and a lot of discipline.
And the Echelon Rower? It’s got your back. The rower mimics a true rowing experience better than most machines in its price range, and for someone starting out, it’s more than enough. What I love most is the quiet operation. You don’t need to crank up the TV just to drown out the noise of the machine, which is often a problem with rowers in this price range. You can row late at night or early in the morning without disturbing the rest of the house.
While I’ve mentioned you don’t need the app, if you’re curious, it’s still there for you. You’ll get metrics like stroke count, pace, and resistance level. But if that’s not important to you, rest assured, this rower does just fine as a standalone machine.
Class Experience and the “Do You Need It?” Debate
Now, the Echelon Rower does come with a connection to Echelon’s app, which has live classes, on-demand workouts, and various programs designed to improve your form and help you hit your goals. The fascinating part is that I’ve discovered that the majority of casual users never utilize the app. Why? Because this machine is easy to use and offers an excellent workout without it. In fact, I’d argue that you can put on a YouTube video or your favorite Netflix show, mount your tablet or phone, and row to your heart’s content.
But if you’re a data nerd and love tracking every ounce of progress, the app could be worth checking out. No subscription? No problem. You still get plenty of feedback on your strokes and resistance without dropping a dime on the live classes. If you want it, it’s there, but you won’t be losing out on the main experience if you don’t.
Why the Echelon Rower Stands Out in the Market
So, what makes the Echelon Rower a standout compared to others on the market? To put it simply, you’re getting high-end features for a mid-tier price. We’re talking about smooth magnetic resistance, foldable design, quiet operation, and a solid frame. The Echelon provides a cost-effective choice without significantly compromising quality when compared to competing devices like the Concept2 or the Hydrow.
In fact, many rowers in this range struggle with stability and noise, but the Echelon manages to maintain a good balance. The rowing experience is consistent, and you can ramp up the resistance without feeling like the machine’s about to wobble under you. This is key for anyone who takes their home workouts seriously but isn’t ready to drop a couple thousand dollars on a higher-end machine.
Echelon Rower vs. Competitors: Why This One Stands Out
Okay, so you’ve done the research, and you’ve seen names like Concept2 and Hydrow thrown around. How does the Echelon Rower compare? Well, if you’re looking for a connected experience with a ton of features, Hydrow’s the big player. However, there is a significant cost involved as well. Concept2? It’s legendary for a reason—athletes swear by it. But it’s not exactly designed for the casual user or someone who wants a connected workout option. The Echelon? It’s right in that sweet spot. You get connected features without the wallet-crushing cost. Plus, as I’ve said before, you can ditch the app entirely and just get to rowing.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Echelon Rower?
Let’s wrap this up. The Echelon Rower is a solid investment for most home gym enthusiasts. Whether you’re just starting your rowing journey or looking for a new way to stay fit at home, it’s got everything you need. Smooth operation, quiet resistance, a solid build, and best of all—you don’t need an app or subscription to get the full experience.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. It’s a perfect choice for beginners and intermediate rowers who want something affordable, durable, and versatile. Even if you’re a more advanced rower, you’ll find plenty to love here—especially if you’re into tracking your metrics. Don’t believe me, though; grab your tablet, turn on your favorite program, and test it out. You won’t be disappointed.
Check the price at Amazon here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Echelon Rower Review
1. Is the Echelon Rower good for beginners?
Absolutely. The Echelon Rower is a great option for beginners thanks to its smooth operation and adjustable resistance. You can start at a lower resistance and work your way up as you get stronger, making it ideal for those new to rowing.
2. Can you use the Echelon Rower without a subscription?
Yes! To utilize the Echelon Rower, you do not require a subscription. The rower functions perfectly well without it, although you won’t be able to track things like resistance levels or stroke rate without the app. But if you’re not focused on those stats, the rower works just fine on its own.
3. Can I watch Netflix on my Echelon Rower?
Technically, yes. You can mount your phone or tablet to the rower and stream whatever content you like, including Netflix. The Echelon rower doesn’t restrict you to their fitness app, giving you flexibility to watch what you want during your workout.
4. Who makes the best rower?
This is subjective and depends on what you’re looking for. Echelon is a great option for home workouts with its connected features, while Concept2 is highly regarded in the fitness community for its performance. Finding the one that best suits your needs is the key.
5. Is Echelon a Chinese company?
No, Echelon is an American company headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee. They specialize in connected fitness equipment, including rowers, bikes, and fitness mirrors.
6. Who are competitors to Echelon?
Some of Echelon’s biggest competitors include Concept2, Hydrow, and NordicTrack. With varying features and pricing points, each of these models provides a unique version of home rowing machines.
7. Can you use Echelon without paying?
You can use the Echelon Rower without a paid subscription. The rower itself functions without a membership, but the Echelon Fit app allows you to access live and recorded lessons. You’ll still get a solid workout, just without tracking specific stats.
8. Do you need the Echelon app to use the rower?
No, the app is not necessary to use the rower. However, the app can enhance your workout experience by tracking your resistance levels, stroke rate, and other metrics. Without the app, the rower still functions normally.
9. How to get Echelon free membership?
Echelon occasionally offers free trial memberships with the purchase of their equipment, including the rower. Keep an eye on their website or promotions for any such offers, as this can be a great way to test out their app before committing to a subscription.
10. How quiet is the Echelon Rower during use?
The Echelon Rower operates quietly, thanks to its magnetic resistance system. It’s much quieter than air or water rowers, making it a good choice for home use, especially if you live in an apartment or have others in the house.
11. What is the weight limit for the Echelon Rower?
The Echelon Rower has a weight limit of around 300 lbs (136 kg), which is typical for most home fitness equipment in this range. Make sure to verify the precise weight capacity of the particular model.
12. How difficult is it to assemble the Echelon Rower?
The process of assembly is simple and shouldn’t take more than an hour. The rower comes with clear instructions and all the necessary tools. Most users find it easy to put together, even without previous experience assembling fitness equipment.
