HYROX MAGI HUMANINDEPENDENT RACE GUIDE

Independent equipment guide

Best Rowing Machines for HYROX Training

Choose by training purpose, not by the longest feature list. The Concept2 RowErg is the race-specific option; quieter and cheaper home rowers can build fitness, but they do not reproduce HYROX performance data or feel.

Updated 16 September 2026 · specifications checked against manufacturer and official race sources

Athlete training on an indoor rowing machine in a bright functional fitness gym
Original editorial illustration. Confirm the exact model, configuration and current listing with the seller.

Race demand

1,000 m

Workout order

Station 05

What follows

Farmers carry

Our verdict

Buy the RowErg for specificity. Buy alternatives for the home.

Rowing is station five: 1,000 m after 5 km of accumulated running, followed by another run and the farmers carry. The machine therefore needs to teach controlled output, not just a fast fresh score.

The Concept2 PM5 makes 500 m pace, stroke rate and repeatable interval comparisons useful for specific preparation. A WaterRower or magnetic home rower can still improve aerobic capacity, but the numbers should stay within that machine rather than be treated as projected HYROX splits.

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Decision table

Match the machine to the job

OptionBest forMain trade-off
Concept2 RowErgExact race-specific practice, pacing and repeatable 1,000 m testsLargest investment and a long operating footprint
WaterRower OriginalQuiet home conditioning and upright storage in a living spaceDifferent resistance feel and data from the race machine
Sunny SF-RW5515Budget aerobic conditioning and a foldable home setupNot suitable for exact HYROX pace or race-feel rehearsal
Gym accessFirst-time racers and athletes who need occasional specific sessionsAvailability, maintenance and machine type may vary

Recommended shortlist

Three rowers, three different jobs

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Best for exact race-specific practice

Concept2 RowErg with PM5

The direct choice for repeatable 1,000 m practice on the same machine platform used in HYROX competition.

  • PM5 displays 500 m pace, stroke rate, distance and interval data
  • Air resistance and damper system support repeatable setup
  • Separates into two pieces when full-time floor space is limited

Consider first

Allow about 274 × 122 cm of operating space. Confirm whether the listing is the 14-inch or 20-inch seat-height model.

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Learn the rowing station →
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Best for quiet, design-led home training

WaterRower Original

A water-resistance home rower for athletes who value quieter operation, upright storage and furniture-like construction.

  • Water resistance provides a smooth home-training experience
  • Stores upright without splitting the machine
  • S4 monitor supports core workout feedback and connectivity

Consider first

Its resistance response and monitor data are not directly comparable with the Concept2 used in HYROX.

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Best for budget general conditioning

Sunny SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rower

A simpler magnetic rower for general aerobic sessions when price and folding storage matter more than race-specific feel.

  • Eight resistance levels for accessible home conditioning
  • Foldable rail reduces its stored footprint
  • Basic LCD tracks common session metrics

Consider first

This is not an exact HYROX rehearsal machine. Do not translate its display pace into an expected RowErg race split.

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Space check

Measure the training footprint

Concept2 lists the standard RowErg at roughly 244 × 61 cm and recommends 274 × 122 cm while in use. WaterRower lists the Original at about 210 × 56 × 53 cm and stores it upright. A folding magnetic rower saves storage space, but still needs a clear rail-length training area.

Race-specific value

Train the exit, not only the row

  • Use a sustainable 500 m split instead of opening at fresh-test pace.
  • Watch stroke rate and technique before adding more force.
  • Rehearse the 1,000 m after running, then transition into loaded carries.
  • Keep drag factor and setup consistent when comparing sessions.

Sources and method

Official format. Manufacturer specifications.

Competition distance and station order come from HYROX. Dimensions, monitors, resistance and storage claims come from each manufacturer. We separate race-specific suitability from general home fitness and do not invent hands-on scores.

Official race format Concept2 specifications WaterRower specifications Sunny specifications

FAQ

HYROX rowing machine questions

Which rowing machine is used at HYROX?

HYROX uses the Concept2 RowErg for the 1,000 m rowing station. If your priority is exact familiarity with the monitor, handle, resistance response and race pacing, the RowErg is the relevant reference machine.

Do I need to buy a rowing machine for HYROX?

No. Most first-time racers can prepare with gym access and a small number of focused RowErg sessions. Buying makes more sense when access is unreliable, several people will use it or rowing is part of your year-round training.

Is a WaterRower or magnetic rower good for HYROX?

Both can build aerobic fitness and rowing coordination, but their resistance and performance data do not reproduce a Concept2 RowErg. Use them for general conditioning, not direct comparison with race-day 1,000 m splits.

How much space does a Concept2 RowErg need?

Concept2 lists the assembled machine at approximately 244 by 61 cm and recommends about 274 by 122 cm of clear operating space. It separates into two pieces for storage, but it does not fold like some home magnetic rowers.

Learn all eight HYROX stations