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One thing the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us is that we should be prepared to take care of our general health all by ourselves. This includes working out in our own homes. This basically means acquiring the equipment as well as the motivation we need to effectively exercise on our own.
In order to build an effective, consistent workout routine, it is essential to create a favorable environment that keeps you motivated to achieve your fitness goals. However, when it comes to purchasing fitness equipment, you should exercise due diligence to avoid investing in things that will simply collect dust without helping you get in shape.
What are rowing machine apps and how do they work?
When you hit tough days when you’re not motivated to work out, using a workout app can boost flows in energy and motivation.
In addition to helping you boost your motivation and performance, rowing machine workout apps also keep track of important metrics and even connect and compete with the global rowing community. Metric monitoring, planning, analysis, and data capture are just some of the features that will improve your workout.
In fact, some apps have been touted not only for their capacity for improving fitness experiences but also for helping users by connecting them to communities that help them maintain accountability for their health and goals.
If you already own a rower or are planning to buy one, here are some of the best rowing apps to keep you progressing towards your fitness goals.
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LiveRowing
Designed to work specifically with Concept2 Rowing machines, the LiveRowing Rowing Machine App has a lot to offer. You can subscribe to the premium version but they also offer a free base version of the app.
Features of the base app (free version)
- Provides comprehensive post-workout data and easily viewable leader boards
- Allows you to compete against friends or teammates and compare data
- Connect with the Concept2 rowing community
- Choose from a list of workout programs instead of making your own
- The app programs the monitor according to the workout you have chosen. Therefore, you don’t have to customize the program on the PM5 monitor and on the app
- Ability to share exercises with your workout partners and friends
- Additional exercises analytics and customization
- Ideal for rowing teams, clubs, as well as coaches
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Metrownome Rowing App
Metrownome is a free app designed for iOS platforms and is ideal for finding your rhythm. The app includes metrics such as a stroke rate as well as the option to set your own stroke-to-recovery ratio.
Rowing teams rely on the ratio to reduce wasted energy or “check” by rowing in harmony with one another. Whether you are rowing alone or as a team, practicing these basics sets you up for more effective and efficient rowing sessions downstream.
Features and benefits of the Metrownome Rowing App
- Provides vital visual as well as audio cues
- Helps you learn the ratio concept
- Equipped with a minimal interface that encourages you to focus on results
- Helps you adhere to a consistent stroke rhythm
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iFit
iFit is a great app for immersive global adventures and high-energy studio workout sessions. It works on iOS and Android systems. The app is mainly geared towards connected fitness.
When connected to an iFit-enabled rower, the app lets you exercise with the guidance of expert instructors who adjust your rowing machine’s digital resistance automatically as you row.
Although this feature is not available when the app is used with a piece of equipment that is not iFit enabled, it still gives you access to a wide variety of exercises ranging from multi-part global adventures to sweat-drenched exercises taught by world-renowned trainers. Moreover, iFit’s partnership with Google Maps allows you to design your own custom route.
Key features and benefits
- Amazing virtual rowing workouts filmed on location in different parts around the world
- Studio workouts led by trainers
- Includes off-the-rower exercise for cross-training workouts
- Offers exercise for other cardio equipment including a treadmill, bike, and elliptical
- Includes strength training exercises using bodyweight and accessories such as dumbbells
- World-class trainers including Olympic gold medalists and pro athletes
Being able to virtually visit outstanding locations during this global pandemic is just perfect. Although the iFit App has a free 30-day trial, users have to purchase monthly or annual subscriptions after the 30-day period has lapsed.
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Apple Fitness+
For anyone who owns an Apple Watch, ignoring this app would mean missing out on one of its best features to date. Available only on the iOS platform, the overall experience of using this app is highly streamlined and intuitive. Whether you’re using a spin bike, rower, elliptical, your body weight or a set of dumbbells, the Apple Fitness+ App offers a wide range of high-energy exercise options to choose from.
When it comes to rowing in particular, the app offers creative and fun workouts designed and led by famous athletes such as Josh Crosby. Moreover, the app displays your activity and heart rate rings in a motivating and useful fashion. One of Apple Fitness+ App’s best features is the post-workout stretching, mindful cooldowns, and meditation sessions designed to end all sessions on a healthy high and initiate recovery.
Key features and benefits
- Seamlessly integrates into the Apple app suite
- Available on various Apple products including Apple Watch, Apple TV, and iPhone
- Offers various strength training exercises using dumbbells, bodyweight, and more
- Empowering and accessible for beginners
- Includes workouts for other cardio equipment such as bike, elliptical, and treadmill
The app is available on a free one-month trial but users must purchase monthly or annual subscriptions after the trial period.
Conclusion
There are many rowing machine workout apps that are designed to help you get as much out of rowing as possible. Moreover, these apps consolidate all your workout results in one convenient place in order to give you an insight into your progress towards achieving your health and fitness goals.
