Differences Between Indoor and Outdoor Rowing

For people thinking about adding rowing to their general fitness program, there’s one key question to take into consideration; should I use a machine or row on water? The answer to this question is not so black and white because there are many factors to consider. Some people are better suited to indoor rowing (on a machine) while others are better suited to outdoor rowing (in a boat).

Whether you’re rowing on your local water body or enjoying your workout indoors, there are numerous benefits to your general fitness. Both forms provide a killer full-body workout and are guaranteed to improve your cardiovascular health. However, while the two forms of rowing are similar in nature, they have so many differences between them. Some of the differences cannot be easily detected without trying both.

Here are some of the main differences between rowing on the water and indoor rowing:

1. Experience

The levels of experience required to row indoors and outdoors are vastly different.

• Outdoor

For people who’ve never rowed outdoors before, you can join a rowing club where you’ll learn the proper technique. In a rowing club, you may also learn other important pointers like how to maintain balance and how to set up the scull. These skills will be of tremendous help when you set off on your own.
Although it’s possible to learn how to row by yourself, the process will appear more complicated and will be time-consuming. Learning from an experienced rower allows you to quickly learn how to feather the blades, hold an oar properly, perform a proper stroke, and maintain balance.

• Indoor

Using an indoor rower does not require any training; you can simply hop on and go. However, you may need to learn how to maintain proper form while rowing to maximize your results and avoid injury. Your personal trainer can provide assistance with the proper rowing form. YouTube videos can also guide you on the proper rowing technique and form.

2. Attention level

• Outdoor

Rowing on the water, whether it’s by yourself or with a team, requires attention at all times. You play a huge role in determining the boat’s direction and you need to be on the lookout in order to get from one point to the other.

A slight change in the boat’s direction can easily cause you to veer off course or even crash. You will often find yourself with limited spaces and you need to pay keen attention to your surroundings. Unlike on a rowing machine, you can’t simply get in your boat to row and stop a few minutes later.

• Indoor

On an indoor rowing machine, you can stop rowing at any time or after hitting your target time or distance for the exercise. You also don’t have to worry about things associated with outdoor rowing such as bumping into land or other boats.

This is perfect when you simply want to row and zone out.

3. Scenery

• Outdoor

Outdoor rowing gives you breathtaking views that change constantly as you row making it dynamic and fun. Moreover, rowers get to enjoy the experience of breathing in the fresh air.

Outdoor rowing can also be meditative and quiet which is an added benefit.

• Indoor

When it comes to indoor rowing, the only scenery you’ll have will be what you have in the direction you are facing. This could be other gym equipment, a television, or even a wall.

This is not necessarily a bad thing because some people enjoy working out while listening to music or audiobooks or watching the news or TV shows. The outdoor setting is unsuitable for such things.

Read more about the Hydrow rower HERE!

4. Price

• Outdoor

Rowing outdoors is not cheap. Costs associated with outdoor rowing include purchasing the boat and oars and in most cases, a car rack.

• Indoor

Most modern rowing machines cost a fraction of the cost associated with outdoor rowing. Moreover, most professional rowers and other athletes use indoor rowing machines for training off the water.

5. Balance

• Outdoor

It is essential to know that rowing outdoors in a boat requires great balance. This is particularly important when rowing alone.

You can easily tip over if you’re not properly balanced. Therefore, it’s important to wear a life jacket, especially if you don’t know how to swim.

• Indoor

The indoor rower does not require a lot of expertise to use. This is especially true when it comes to balancing which could be a major issue for most people. Just get on the machine and start rowing.

6. Convenience

• Outdoor

The outdoor rowing experience is thrilling. However, it requires a lot of work is required before you can get in the water and start enjoying the experience.

In most cases, you may have to get your rowing equipment out of the storage area, load them into your car, drive to the target area, remove the equipment from the car, carry them to the launch area, set everything up, and then start rowing. At the end of your rowing session, you have to go through the same process again to get your equipment home.

• Indoor

If you have a rowing machine at home, you can simply hop on and start rowing. If you don’t have one, you’ll have to get to your local gym to access the machines. When you’re done, you can just hop off and move on to something else.

Indoor rowing can be easily fixed into tight schedules. In 30 minutes you can warm up, row, and cool down.

The bottom-line

Rowing outdoors in a scull or boat is an exhilarating experience. You get a great workout, fresh air into your lungs, and beautiful scenery all at the same time. Outdoor rowing can also be meditative and extremely peaceful.

Although the outdoor rowing experience cannot be fully replicated on indoor rowers, it can be fairly close in many aspects to outdoor rowing. It is also important to keep in mind that indoor rowing is also more convenient, much cheaper, and requires minimal training to use.

Whichever form of rowing you prefer, you can rest assured that you will be burning calories and dripping sweat, too.