Whereas the best rowing machines make the most of various kinds of resistance, on the Ergatta Lite, you’ll be working in opposition to the identical water you’d be on an IRL row — simply inside a tank. Like different rowers that have you ever combating in opposition to air or a magnetic flywheel, this cardio workhorse can hearth up muscle tissues all through the physique. “Rowing is a implausible full-body exercise,” says BarBend skilled reviewer Amanda Capritto. “It engages the vast majority of the physique’s muscle tissues and may develop energy and explosiveness.” (1)
Our crew thinks the whoosh of the water might help create the sensation of pulling the blades on an actual boat, but when that’s not sufficient, the Ergatta app serves up scenic digital rows and one-of-a-kind gamified exercises we haven’t seen anyplace else. Whereas the load capability doesn’t match what we see on others we’ve personally examined, the oak wooden construct may very well be a match for athletes prioritizing their lounge vibes as a lot as their health objectives. For all of the deets on our time on deck, take a look at our full Ergatta Lite evaluate. Plus, for extra data on how we check all our merchandise, head over to the BarBend equipment testing methodology.
Ergatta Lite
This water rower is a extra compact model of the Ergatta Rower, with a 17.3-inch HD touchscreen to stream Ergatta’s game-based exercises, assist for customers as much as 320 kilos, and a handcrafted design constructed with domestically sourced oak wooden.
Principal Takeaways
- Our tester finds the Ergatta app’s gamified exercises uniquely partaking and loves with the ability to save their favourite trainer-led scenic rows and studio exercises.
- Its comparatively low weight capability might exclude higher-weight customers.
- The oak wooden construct and belt-driven water resistance system allow easy pulls, creating an genuine rowing expertise for our tester.
Ergatta Lite Specs
| Value | $1,799 |
| Product Dimensions | 82” L x 23” W x 38” H |
| Weight Capability | 320lbs |
| Show | 17.3” HD touchscreen |
| Product Weight | 72lbs (with water) |
| Guarantee | 5-year body, 3-year components, 1-year touchscreen |
| Programming | Ergatta app |
As a lot as we love the sleek pull of a water rower, even the best rowing machine workouts can get a tad monotonous. If staring on the wall and grinding one other set of intervals sounds much less interesting every single day, the Ergatta Lite’s distinctive digital programming often is the jolt your rowing routine wants. “I used to be attempting so arduous to rack up an excellent rating that I didn’t even discover that I used to be sweating,” our tester, a licensed private coach, says of its partaking gamified exercises.
The extent of personalization throughout the app additionally stands out as a singular spotlight for our tester, who used the center icon on the display to avoid wasting their go-to exercises and video games for later. We additionally discover that the app can spin up useful data we didn’t notice we’d like. “I’ve additionally accomplished three 5k rows and the app whipped up this little graph exhibiting me how I had improved throughout all three periods,” our tester notes. “Total, I actually was blown away.”
Their go-to sport is Ergatta’s tackle the target-busting arcade basic, Meteor. “I’d discover myself going again to the rower a number of hours later to attempt to hit the targets I missed in my morning exercise.” Together with its video games, the app additionally presents trainer-led studio periods centered on enhancing your approach or setting private bests on and off the machine. These licensed trainers additionally information digital rows from eye-catching waters around the globe. “I like that it seems like I’m enjoying a online game, however the scenic exercises are sick, too. Plus the massive touchscreen actually brings my exercise expertise to life,” our tester provides.
Again in the actual world, the Ergatta Lite’s belt-driven resistance system stands out amongst even the best water rowing machines. “The pull is so easy and the whoosh of the water within the tank tips me into considering I’m out on open water,” our tester says. All of the internal workings are supported by a chic oak wooden body that may really feel proper at dwelling in a “Home of Playing cards”-inspired lounge.
We like that the largely wood development brings a stage of eco-friendliness missing with plastic builds, however sadly, that aesthetically-pleasing body doesn’t translate right into a weight capability as excessive as we’d wish to see. Total, although, our crew thinks the machine is thoughtfully designed — evidenced by the folding show arm and easy upright storage.
Tacking an extra $29 per 30 days on high of the worth tag for the Ergatta app membership might push it out of vary for many individuals. Nevertheless, in comparison with the dearer unique mannequin and different high-end rowers, the sheer quantity and number of the interactive digital exercises could also be the correct quantity of spice your rowing exercise routine has been missing.
Execs
Massive immersive touchscreen streams distinctive digital programming
Sturdy and trendy oak wooden construct
Our tester appreciates that the light-weight design permits upright storage
Cons
We're dissatisfied by the low weight capability
Ergatta app membership prices $29 per 30 days
Costlier than different sensible rowers
Who Ought to Use / Who Shouldn’t Use the Ergatta Lite
The Ergatta Lite is built-in with one of many best rowing apps we’ve examined, however that kind of coaching will not be for everybody. Right here’s a fast take a look at who we expect could also be an excellent match for this tech-savvy water rower.
Really helpful for:
- Individuals who love digital scenic rows and gamified rowing exercises
- Aesthetically-minded and environmentally-conscious customers preferring wooden builds over steel or plastic
- These with restricted ground area
Not Really helpful for:
- Athletes who discover digital programming distracting
- Customers who want the next weight capability
- Anybody working with a restricted price range
Our Expertise Coaching With the Ergatta Lite
After strapping in on over 20 rowing machines, like fashions from Aviron, Concept2, and extra, the BarBend crew is aware of what separates the standard machines from the posers. Our specialists run the gamut of former collegiate rowers, CrossFit coaches, and licensed private trainers who've personally used lots of the finest rowers on the market. For each we check — together with the Ergatta Lite — we use a scale of 1 (lowest) to five (highest) to fee a number of classes, like sturdiness, adjustability, tech capabilities, and extra. Try what a number of members of our crew, together with a licensed private coach, should say about their high quality time with this elegant water rower.
Ergatta Rower App
Whereas iFIT, Peloton, and lots of the best workout apps on the market supply digital programming throughout a variety of disciplines, on the subject of rowing, the Ergatta app’s rowing-focused content material is as partaking as it's distinctive. “I truly choose Ergatta’s model of programming,” our tester says, scoring its dynamic exercise packages 4.5 out of 5. “I believe the system is admittedly intelligent, utilizing video games and competitors to maintain you pushing your self.”
Ergatta lately launched a set of instructor-led lessons to accompany their game-based system. Meaning you’ll have a licensed coach heading up your studio exercise and a buddy with you throughout scenic rows in areas just like the Adriatic Sea or Bavarian Foothills — together with studio periods. Right here’s a fast snapshot of the forms of coaching you’ll discover on the app:
- Meteor: Single-player video games using intervals or HIIT-style coaching
- Stay Races: Multi-player races in opposition to different Ergatta members
- Scenic Rows: Filmed, open-water rows from around the globe
- Stay Competitions: Scheduled races with 1000's of different members
- Studio Classes: Recorded digital periods with a number of trainers
- Pulse: Single-player video games with set energy and pace targets
- Vortex: Multi-player video games calibrated for customers of various talent ranges
- Push Applications: Objective-focused packages throughout a number of periods
- Echo: Cadence-based exercises
“The choices simply appear infinite,” says our tester. “Plus, if you arrange your account, you may undergo some coaching about how to use a rowing machine, correct approach, and a information about the best way to navigate all of the programming.” That will help you get began, a handful of really helpful lessons and video games will pop up in your private library every day. “There are a ton of intuitive options, like ‘hearting’ a course so as to add to my favorites and saving my progress as I went.”
In comparison with different rowing apps we’ve tried, like Hydrow ($44 per 30 days), the Ergatta app’s $29 month-to-month subscription price is definitely a relative cut price contemplating the extent of personalization and distinctive choices. “There’s virtually an excessive amount of to listing,” our tester says. “I’ve accomplished interval exercises, competitions, the open rows, and a lot extra.” Plus, after finishing a handful of 5k rows, the app mechanically generated a fast abstract of their exercises in a nifty little graph.
Onboard Expertise
Since integration with the Ergatta app is that this rower’s calling card, a high-quality, intuitive show is important. Our tester thinks the 17.3-inch HD touchscreen suits the invoice. “Any sputtering or slow-loading content material actually disrupts a exercise,” they are saying. “So having such a transparent and simply navigable show is a necessity.” Take into account that the show solely streams the Ergatta app and never any on-demand leisure apps like Netflix.
The app and the touchscreen mix to immediate a 4 out of 5 from our tester, plus they're mainly the extent of the expertise. Oh yeah — don’t get our tester began on the audio system. “Look, the audio system on this factor usually are not good,” they observe. “I’d undoubtedly use your Bluetooth headphones like I did as a result of even on the highest quantity, I might barely hear the music or instructors over the whooshing of the water.”
Contemplating that even the best Bluetooth earbuds might wrestle to attach, maybe that score is definitely a bit beneficiant. “It took 4 tries to get my headphones related and ultimately needed to shut all of it the best way down and reboot,” they clarify. “I'll say that connecting with the Wi-Fi is simple, however as somebody who checks out a ton of sensible health tools, the Bluetooth snafu is disappointing.”
Along with your Ergatta membership, your exercise information can be saved and saved mechanically, however not for those who don’t go for a subscription. If you wish to take the health monitoring into your individual arms (wrists?), the Ergatta Lite makes use of its Bluetooth connectivity to attach with coronary heart fee displays and different gadgets like Apple Watch.
Oak Wooden Construct
In accordance with our tester, each Ergatta fashions would really feel extra at dwelling in a classy residing area in comparison with different (how do I put this frivolously…?) utilitarian health tools. “The oak wooden construct of the Ergatta Lite is simply so stunning,” they are saying. “I’d assume for those who’re going to have your rowing machine out in the lounge, this may look a lot extra elegant than some clunky, metallic eyesore.”
[Related: Ergatta Rower Review]
Aesthetics apart, that strong wooden development additionally garnered a rating of 5 out of 5. “The Ergatta Rower is fabricated from cherry wooden, so it’s a bit heavier and perhaps slightly extra ‘luxurious-looking,’ than the Ergatta Lite,” they are saying. Between the 2, the cherry wooden mannequin additionally boasts the next consumer weight capability. “Loads of rowers can assist as much as 400 or 500 kilos, so the 320-pound max on the Ergatta Lite Rower does fall a bit brief,” our tester says. “Sadly, that will preclude some folks from utilizing it.”
In case your precedence is minimizing your rower’s footprint, they add that the light-weight construct permits straightforward storage. “It’s tremendous mild, so lifting it to retailer upright isn't any downside,” our tester notes in assist of their 4 out of 5 score for footprint and portability. Nevertheless, they do point out one caveat. “As a result of it’s solely 72 kilos, it doesn’t appear as sturdy when it’s standing upright in comparison with heavier rowers,” they are saying. “Simply hold that in thoughts when you have youngsters working round it or it might get bumped in a storage or one thing.”
Adjustability and Ergonomics
Not like the best magnetic rowing machines or train bikes, the water resistance system solely has one stage — nonetheless arduous you pull. “As a substitute of choosing a resistance stage and attempting to maintain up, the consumer truly drives the resistance with their effort,” our tester explains. The Ergatta Lite’s 82-inch size is kind of normal for rowers, no matter the kind of resistance, however there are a number of pertinent particulars we found throughout testing — particularly for taller customers.
“This mannequin is definitely 4 inches shorter than the unique Ergatta,” our tester factors out. “It will not be a giant deal for lots of people, however simply be mindful the really helpful top vary tops on the Ergatta Lite tops out at 6 toes 4 inches or a 38-inch inseam.” That’s 4 inches shorter than the 6-feet-8-inch higher restrict on the unique Ergatta. We enlisted considered one of our tallest crew members to check out that vary (they measure precisely 6 toes 4 inches themself) and confirmed the Ergatta Lite’s declare. “After they reached the extent of their stroke, the seat had about an inch of area earlier than it reached the rear stoppers,” our tester experiences.
Conversely, our major tester has the opposite finish of the vary coated, as nicely. “There’s probably not a ‘decrease restrict’ on rowing machines, however I’m 5 toes 4 inches and I didn’t come near the entrance stoppers,” they are saying, score the Ergatta Lite’s adjustability and ergonomics 4 out of 5.
Talking of ergonomics, a significant consideration for anybody experiencing mobility or flexibility limitations is a rowing machine’s top off the bottom. The Ergatta Lite does sit fairly low to the bottom, however not dramatically decrease than most rowing machines we’ve examined. Our tester does observe, nonetheless, one other small annoyance. “For no matter cause, the handlebar on each the Ergatta Lite and Ergatta is simply too slender,” they are saying. This may very well be a matter of desire, however our tester doesn’t love the biomechanics. “It’s like I’m getting an enormous biceps pump.”
Neither member of our crew has a difficulty with the nylon and cotton foot straps, however the taller of the 2 thinks the location feels a bit off. “Our taller tester instantly known as out the slender foot placement,” our tester experiences. “However until your mobility is tremendous restricted otherwise you’re pushing that most top vary, I wouldn’t count on that to be uncomfortable for many individuals.”
One other non-concern? The seat. “I'm in love with this contoured seat. It’s agency, however feels cushioned and is much extra snug than some others I’ve used so much, just like the Concept2 RowErg or NordicTrack RW900.”
What to Contemplate Earlier than Shopping for the Ergatta Lite
Earlier than making the Ergatta Lite your rowing boo, take into consideration the way it would possibly slot in your area, in addition to your price range. Try the particular elements BarBend skilled reviewer Amanda Capritto recommends contemplating as you intend your future collectively.
- Programming: Earlier than committing to the Ergatta app’s premier programming, take into account whether or not its game-based digital exercises are value it. “Sensible rowers are dearer and often require a month-to-month subscription to entry full performance,” Capritto notes.
- Footprint: Among the best rowing machines for tall people can accommodate customers upwards of 6 toes 8 inches. If you happen to’re over 6 toes 4 inches tall, the Ergatta Lite may very well be a contact too brief. “Tall folks ought to verify the general size of the rower, however extra importantly, the size of the slide rail, to find out whether or not they’ll have the ability to obtain full vary of movement,” Capritto says.
- Tech Capabilities: If the high-end touchscreen on the Ergatta appears a bit frivolous to you, Capritto factors out there are many less complicated fashions on the market. “You can even select between a wise rowing machine and a ‘not sensible’ one, that means one which has a flowery display that streams stuff or one which has a easy LCD display that reads out fundamental metrics,” she says.
- Sort of Resistance: Capritto additionally recommends asking your self which kind of resistance would possibly fit your scenario. “What sort of rowing machine would you like? Air rowers use fan flywheels; water rowers use fan flywheels in opposition to the resistance of water in a tank,” she explains. “Magnetic rowers use electromagnetic resistance; and hydraulic rowers, that are inexpensive however functionally restricted in comparison with the opposite three varieties, use hydraulic cylinders within the handles to create resistance.”
Ergatta Lite Vs. Opponents
For a little bit of context, we lined up the Ergatta Lite in opposition to two different highly-rated rowing machines we’ve used. The Hydrow Wave Rower contains a related touchscreen and devoted app, plus it makes use of a singular magnetic resistance system that goals to emulate the texture of a water rower. In the meantime, the significantly extra inexpensive WaterRower eschews the interactive expertise of the opposite two to avoid wasting you some money. Try how the Ergatta Lite holds up when stacked up with these different high quality rowing machines we’ve personally examined.
| Ergatta Lite | WaterRower | Hydrow Wave | |
| Value | $1,799 | $1,099 | $1,695 |
| Product Dimensions | 82” L x 23” W x 38” H | 82” L x 22” W x 20” H | 80″ L x 19″ W x 43″ H |
| Resistance Sort | Water | Water | Magnetic |
| Weight Capability | 320lbs | 300lbs | 375lbs |
| Show | 17.3” HD touchscreen | S4 Efficiency Monitor | 16” HD touchscreen |
| Product Weight | 72lbs (with water) | 103.5lbs (with water) | 102lbs (with water) |
| Guarantee | 5-year body, 3-year components, 1-year touchscreen | 5-year body, 3-year parts | 5-year body, 1-year parts, 1-year labor |
| Programming | Ergatta app | WaterRower app | Hydrow app |
Learn our full WaterRower Review.
Ordering and Assembling the Ergatta Lite
Ordering the Ergatta Lite is straightforward sufficient — add to cart and take a look at — however you’ll have a number of choices alongside the best way. “Since that is expensive in comparison with another water rowers that don’t have Ergatta’s superior programming, I do love that they provide financing choices,” our tester says, score Ergatta’s supply and setup 4.5 out of 5. You can even pre-purchase your Ergatta app membership together with your machine or beef up your guarantee protection with an extra safety plan.
It took our tester round an hour to finish the construct (together with filling the water tank) and there have been a number of highlights all through the method. “Two nice issues: free transport and it is available in two packages,” our tester notes. “That makes it manner simpler for one individual to maneuver round and put collectively.
Locations to Purchase the Ergatta Lite
The very best place to purchase the Ergatta Lite is straight from their web site.
Model Popularity and Buyer Opinions
Ergatta has rapidly made a reputation for itself among the many best home gym equipment, thanks largely to its partaking rowing programming. The corporate itself presents a number of methods to come up with the client care crew, together with e mail, dwell chat, or by telephone. Try their contact web page to achieve out. Our dealings with customer support earn a 4.5 out of 5 from our crew.
Our crew additionally appreciates a real rarity within the area — a 30-day free trial. “As quickly as you obtain your rower, the 30-day risk-free trial begins,” their web site reads. Absolutely they'll cost you to return it. Nope, an Ergatta technician comes to choose it up free of charge. “If for any cause you determine you wish to return your Ergatta, we are going to ship somebody to choose it up for you and refund the price of the rower, transport, skilled meeting, and any taxes you paid.”
Warranties
Along with your buy, you’ll get a 5-year body guarantee and three years of protection for element components just like the handlebar, straps, and cables. Moreover, your Ergatta Lite comes with a 1-year guarantee on the touchscreen show. Ergatta’s financing, guarantee, and return coverage earn a collective rating of 4.5 out of 5 from our tester.
Ultimate Ideas on the Ergatta Lite
Whether or not you’re combating in opposition to air, water, or two magnets and a flywheel, former collegiate rower and BarBend editorial member loves the well-rounded exercises rowing machines present. “Rowing is nice for many who need a full physique exercise and are on the lookout for a type of cardio that's low influence,” she says. (1) With every pull of the belt-drive system on the Ergatta Lite, you’ll be swooshing its blades via actual water, sans concern of falling overboard.
The genuine really feel of rowing with this sensible rower is simply amplified by the immersive HD touchscreen that streams digital rows from around the globe, together with partaking video games and competitions through the Ergatta app. In case your no-nonsense HIIT rowing workouts want a jolt of enjoyable, we expect sliding alongside the elegant oak wooden construct throughout a trainer-led session may very well be the digital rowing escape you’ve been on the lookout for. Whereas we've a number of reservations, we expect this “lite” model of the unique Ergatta is value a deeper dive. Get it? Water?
Ergatta Lite Evaluate FAQs
Can you utilize the Ergatta with out a membership?
Sure, you should utilize the Ergatta Lite with out a membership, however you’ll be restricted to Open Row mode. Your real-time metrics can be seen, however you may’t create particular exercise intervals or save your exercise historical past.
What's the weight restrict on the Ergatta Lite?
The Ergatta Lite sports activities a less-than-stellar 320-pound weight capability. We’ve examined some rowers that supply most consumer weight capacities upwards of 400 and 500 kilos, so this vary is disappointing.
Does Ergatta have a month-to-month price?
Sure, to entry Ergatta’s gamified exercises and digital scenic rows requires a $29 month-to-month membership.
References
- Kang, S. R., Yu, C. H., Han, Ok. S., & Kwon, T. Ok. (2014). Comparative evaluation of basal bodily health and muscle perform in relation to muscle stability sample utilizing rowing machines. Bio-medical supplies and engineering, 24(6), 2425–2435.