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If tasked with making a “runner’s wishlist” of the wildest desires I’ve had while going the distance, it would look something like this: a playlist that hits 100 percent of the time, a drone-box fan hybrid that would hover beside me on sweltering summer runs, and an endless rotation of different terrains (mountains, beach, desert) right outside my door for constant variety. Though Tracksmith running shoes would be pretty darn high on this wishlist, too. The brand’s simple, elegantly designed staples have captured my half-marathon-racing heart in recent years. And miraculously, with the launch of Eliot Runner ($198), Tracksmith’s first-ever running shoe, it seems one of my running dreams is coming true.
The first thing you need to know about the Eliot (available for pre-order right now, shipping in mid-December) is that it’s nothing flashy. Like Tracksmith’s other pieces, there’s a stripped-down, New England casual aesthetic to these kicks, which are currently only available in white with (no surprise) the brand’s singular stripe across the side. When you hold the shoe in your hand, its simplicity offers the immediate impression that Tracksmith’s take on a training shoe isn’t following in the footsteps of running market trends (think: vibrant colorways, carbon plates, and pressurized air units). Instead, it’s intent on following the beating heart of running itself.
The story of many running shoes starts with the sole. The Eliot is outfitted with a Supercritical Pebax®—the “gold standard” insole and midsole combination that softens the terrain below your feet. However, Tracksmith has made it clear that the Eliot is in no way meant to disguise the terrain beneath your feet. “The Eliot started with a feeling many runners share—the delight in finding a natural surface while out for a run,” reads the product description. In other words, the sole softens your stride slightly so that you can enjoy the road (or trail or sand) ahead of you while still experiencing the unrelenting joy of high energy return.
The Eliot is launching in U.S. women’s sizes 5.5 through 11 and U.S. men’s sizes 7 to 13. If you do pick up a pair and decide they’re not for you, the brand offers you the chance to return the shoes within 30 days or 100 miles of purchase. But before you run to get on the waitlist, scroll down to hear about my first-hand experience lacing up these sneakers for a few incredible miles in upstate New York.
Taking the Tracksmith Eliot Runner out for a run (or three)
My first run in the Eliots was a hilly route with a big group of journalists who got together in Accord, New York, to give the sneaker a test drive. The fall foliage around us looked plucked straight out of the Tracksmith Instagram feed, so it felt like an apt day to lace up the brand’s first sneaker.
Once we were ready to go, we took off running at an easy pace. Although the shoes had felt slightly hard when I was just walking around in them, they seemed to awaken the moment my steps quickened. They weren’t as bouncy as, say, a Hoka or a New Balance option, but they did have a springiness that I didn’t expect when I first put them on. The miles went by, and before I knew it, we’d stopped to do a few quick strides.
Surprisingly, the sneakers held up just as well at a speedier pace as they did at that more easy-going gait we coasted in for half the run. And as we started our cooldown, I realized I was pretty smitten with my new kicks.
Here’s the thing: Running in the Eliot feels simple, just as simple as putting one foot in front of the other. And as I’ve taken my pair out for more and more miles, I continue to appreciate the reminder not to overcomplicate things, especially joyful things—like running.
As I wrote in a particularly dorky running essay from a few years back, “Running shoes hold the tactile memory of every bridge, beach, or forest I’ve ever covered. They’re a memory capsule of my footsteps, but before that, they’re something even better. The right pair of sneakers can give you what you need.” I still believe that, and right now, I’m letting the Eliots remind me that I need to let running be its simple self (no perfect playlist or drone-box fan intervention needed).
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Treadmills and bikes get a lot of love when it comes to cardio equipment. Rowing machines? They tend to keep a lower profile. Which is unfortunate when you consider a rowing machine engages nearly 86 percent of your muscles in a single stroke, making it one of the best full-body workouts.
Meghan Musnicki is an Olympic rower and personal trainer.
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Unlike high-impact exercises like running, rowing is low-impact yet high-intensity, strengthening while simultaneously keeping stress off your joints. “Rowing on the erg, just like on the water, uses a significant number of your largest muscles, with your core, legs and glutes doing a lot of work,” says Laura Simon, two-time Olympic hopeful and director of women’s rowing at Norcal Crew. “It’s truly a mainframe workout that uses all of the muscles that support your spine and strengthen your core,” she adds. “The arms contribute, but are more used as a follow-though–like a golf swing or swimming stroke.”
Oh and did we mention, it delivers a killer cardio session, boosting endurance and torching calories in minimal time? Yeah, there are a ton of different ways to use a rowing machine to up your fitness game.
To find the best rowing machines, we enlisted gold medal-worthy help. While Olympic rowers compete on the water, they spend plenty of time on indoor rowing machines (or rowing ergometers).
“Over the course of the year, it averages out to a 60/40 split of outdoor to indoor rowing,” says Grace Luczak, an Olympic rower for Team USA. “Erging, or indoor rowing, is used as a tool to improve fitness—something to rely on when the weather goes south and temperatures slip to the single digits, and as a way to determine our individual fitness. It’s a tool to confirm our training plan is working or needs adjustment.”
Whether you’re an experienced rower looking to refine your technique or a beginner eager to reap the benefits, investing in a high-quality rowing machine can take your fitness routine to the next level. Below, we break down the best rowing machines according to our elite experts—so you can row strong, sweat smart, and train like a pro.
There’s a general consensus among Olympic rowers (and their coaches) that the Concept2 rowing machine is the best at-home rowing machine. It’s compact and easy to store, budget-friendly, and measures your progress with a fuss-free performance monitor. “It’s the gold standard for competitive rowing in terms of measuring times and speeds,” says Gevvie Stone, an Olympic rower for Team USA. “It’s a relatively affordable piece of workout equipment, it’s durable, takes up a small amount of space when upright, it’s relatively easy to transport, and it provides plenty of data on its monitor.”
Though this rowing machine may have been designed with CrossFitters in mind, the team’s goal was crystal clear: They wanted to go head-to-head with the Concept2. And folks, they accomplished that. Rogue is known for making wickedly tough and durable products, and the construction of this machine is no different. The brand is also known for thoughtful design features, and this machine is no different. The Echo Rower's quick-release foot straps are wider than other models and allow for fast transitions on and off the rower, making it ideal if you’re using your rower as a part of a circuit-style workout. Oh, and the large tires and foldability make it a dream for small spaces. It’s just an all-around solid choice.
Hydrow delivers an immersive experience that makes you feel like you’re on the water. “Workouts are filmed live from an actual rowing boat, so you’re watching your trainer row on a body of water while you work out,” says two-time Olympic gold medalist Meghan Musnicki. Aside from the touchscreen display and speakers that give you the view and sounds of the river, you also get a similar feel with its patented drag mechanism. (If the premier model is a little too steep—or too large—for you, check out the Hydrow Wave Rower: it’s 30 percent lighter and smaller, and comes in five colors.)
Luczak loves the feel of RowPerfect. The machine is unique in that both the seat and foot stretcher move, which mimics the feel of rowing on the water in a boat. It’s also said to be gentler on your body than static machines by reducing the force your lower back experiences with each stroke.
Musnicki also likes NordicTrack for its interactive workout experience. “Similar to a Peloton bike, you can pick your workout and your trainer and get in a great sweat.” This model has a 22-inch rotating touchscreen, 26 resistance levels, and manual air resistance, but there’s also less expensive options available, like the NordicTrack RW600 Rower ($899).
If you prefer the feel of water rowers, you can’t do better than the WaterRower. Designed in the ‘80s by US National team rower John Duke, this machine combines beautiful design with unique resistance to create a streamlined experience. Its WaterFlywheel design uses a specially-formed paddle, which cups the moving water and reduces slippage. The handcrafted workmanship makes it a beautiful machine to keep in your home–choose from one of two solid hardwood colors to best match your aesthetic.
Like the WaterRower, it’s a beautiful machine handmade from American cherry wood that you won’t have to worry about hiding out of sight (though you can fold down the screen and store it vertically if you need). The water flywheel never needs to be filled–which we love. But where it really shines is in the workouts themselves. The Ergatta rower offers gaming-inspired content that’s meant to make workouts way more fun and engaging with a 17-inch touchscreen.
The Sunny Health & Fitness Elite Smart Magnetic Water Rowing Machine is a strong contender at an outstanding value. Experienced rowers will value the smooth, consistent resistance (that mimics the feel of rowing on water), thanks to the magnetic and water hybrid resistance system. You get some nice bells and whistles–like a Bluetooth-enabled monitor that tracks time, distance, strokes per minute, and calories burned–combined with a compact footprint for smaller spaces.
Need something super affordable? The TOPIOM Water Rowing Machine is built with a water-based resistance system that delivers a smooth and consistent stroke. The ergonomic seat and adjustable footrests make it easy to sync to your size (but small FYI it does sit fairly low to the ground compared to some other more propped-up models). Now, don’t expect all the bells and whistles of pricier machines: To keep costs low, the machine comes with a basic monitor that lacks advanced features–and a certain degree of reliability. That being said, this rower is well-built and will get the job done, without breaking the bank.
Luczak’s strict requirements for at-home rowing machines include good durability, low noise output, smooth operation, reasonable price, and—more recently—connected fitness. Here are the factors to keep in mind when shopping.
1. Resistance Type
Rowing machines come with four main resistance types: water, air, magnetic, and hydraulic. Water and air rowers provide the most realistic rowing experience, while magnetic rowers offer quieter, adjustable resistance. Hydraulic rowers are compact and budget-friendly but may lack smoothness.
2. Comfort and Ergonomics
“We do as much mileage in a week as a runner would for a marathon,” says Luczak. “That’s a lot of time on the rowing machine.” A well-padded seat, adjustable footrests, and a smooth, natural stroke are essential for long-term comfort. The handle design and seat height can also impact ease of use, particularly for those with mobility concerns.
3. Technology and Connectivity
Many modern rowers feature performance monitors, Bluetooth compatibility, and app integration to track metrics like stroke rate, distance, and heart rate. But there’s another piece you may want to consider: interactive workouts. “No one wants to be isolated when working out, even Olympians,” says Luczak. “Having the connected fitness component was critical for keeping me engaged and getting me off the couch when the Olympics were postponed a year.”
4. Quality and Durability
A sturdy frame (wood or steel) ensures longevity and stability, especially for high-intensity workouts. Check the weight capacity and overall construction to ensure it can handle regular use.
5. Size and Storage
Rowing machines can take up a lot of space. If you’re tight on room, consider a foldable rowing machine or a model that is able to be stored vertically. Measure your available space before purchasing to ensure a good fit.
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