Why fitness enthusiasts are turning to EXR for better indoor rowing in 2026

The world of indoor rowing has changed dramatically in the past decade. Firstly, CrossFitters are pushing their limits on rowing machines motivation-boosting features turn every training into a first-class training experience. From fun challenges and guided workouts to a global community that shares your passion, EXR makes indoor rowing more social and exciting. Curious about the best indoor rowing app?

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Indoor rowing trends in 2026

The world of indoor rowing has changed dramatically in the past decade. Firstly, CrossFitters are pushing their limits on rowing machines at the gym to prepare for their 1k race at Hyrox competitions and hobby athletes train at home for the World Rowing Virtual Indoor Championships. Secondly, due to lower prices, owning one (or even several) rowing machines is as affordable and easy as never before. And thirdly, hightech fitness gear like heart rate monitors, breath trainers and body temperature sensors track the smallest physiological training effects.

 

Beyond the way people row, the reasons why people train on the indoor rowing machine have evolved as well. While indoor rowing has previously been limited to rowers and cardio-athletes to train for their specific sport, the scientific world and the general public have realized its transformative power of boosting your mood, improving cardio-vascular health and promoting longevity. Thanks to the option to train online and share your progress with a worldwide community, every indoor rowing session has become a unique and social experience that you don’t want to miss.

Smart rowing machines and how to upgrade your old ergometer

Indoor rowing has its place in the workout schedules of millions of people. For instance, a British Rowing study conducted in 2017 found that about 13.3m English have used a rowing machine before. In general, the indoor rowing market has huge potential and is expected to grow significantly until 2031. And a bigger market drives competition as well as innovation.

 

Concept2’s RowErg has been dominating the indoor rowing market for over 50 years now. Due to their sturdiness, accuracy and repairability, Concept2 rowing machines have earned the reputation of being the gold standard. Other well established brands like Waterrower and RP3 Rowing are strong competitors and market leaders in their own, distinct fields. While the standard models of all brands only come with a small computer and display attached for basic functionality and data, manufacturers are upgrading their hardware to compete with smart rowing machines.

 

While these high-tech setups are becoming more common, the real issue isn’t finding the most advanced erg out there, it’s making better use of the rowing machine you already have. Most people already own a rowing machine, so instead of buying a completely new setup, they’re looking for a relatively cheap way to upgrade their workout gear and bring it up to a smarter, more connected level.

The easiest upgrades for your indoor rowing machine are SmartRow and EXR. With the SmartRow Power Handle and the Power Pulley, you add Bluetooth connectivity to rowing machines without FTMS Bluetooth. Plus, more accurate data than the one shown on your rowing machine’s computer will be displayed in the SmartRow app.

 

In combination with the virtual rowing app EXR, this turns a simple rowing machine into a connected fitness experience with access to weekly training plans, sharable performance data and tons of achievements that boost your workout motivation!

What makes EXR better than traditional rowing apps

EXR is often called the Zwift of rowing, and for good reason. It combines accurate data with captivating virtual worlds and real-time stroke synchronization, turning every indoor rowing workout into an interactive experience. Instead of just staring at numbers on a screen like with traditional indoor rowing apps, you’re following a personalized workout while sharing 3D waters with rowers from all over the world. With its many modes, third-party app syncing options and customizations, EXR goes beyond just visuals or data. It combines motivation, enjoyment and precise performance tracking in one seamless experience.

Especially for newbies, indoor rowing can be a bit nerve-wrecking as you might not know how fast to go or what workout to follow. To provide beginners and pros with the perfect training experience, EXR uses your individual fitness level as a baseline. This means that the pre-made workouts are always perfect to push you just a tiny bit further, overcoming your limits and helping you live up to your fitness ambitions. To test how fit you are on the rowing machine, you can take in-app FTP tests.

A popular highlight in EXR are the group rows where hundreds of rowers gather to train together. Beyond regular events like Sunday RowAlong Group Rows, you can jump into training sessions with Olympians like Niki van Sprang, Phil Doyle or Simon van Dorp. On special occasions like Christmas or during the Head of The Charles Winter Challenge, exciting challenges invite you to join group events and unlock rewards!

It’s easy to upgrade your home gym as the EXR app is compatible with lots of rowing machine brands like Concept2, Rogue, FluidRower and more! Additionally, it runs on devices you already have at home: your smartphone, tablet, laptop or Apple TV work perfectly! Just download the app for free from the EXR Website, your Play Store or App Store and you’re ready to row!

In 2026, indoor rowing is more popular and innovative than ever before. While all-in-one smart rowers are on the rise, those with older machines are upgrading their home gyms with SmartRow and EXR, bringing precise data, virtual worlds and next-level motivation to every workout. Indoor rowing in 2026 is not just about numbers anymore, it’s an experience that makes every training smarter, more efficient, and a lot more fun!

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