Kristen - Guru Team

A few important factors to consider are how much space you have available and what your ceiling height is. Ellipticals are large and will lift you up off the floor 12-18". They also require a significant amount of space depending on which model you get. We recommend measuring your room to ensure you have enough space. When you have multiple users in your home, having adjustable foot pedals and multi-position handlebars is helpful. This makes it so the elliptical can be adjusted for people of different heights. Otherwise, the main factors are just whether it has the features and programming you want.

All good questions. You are correct that the Concept 2 rower is built to withstand years of CrossFit abuse and is nearly indestructible. This is one of the main reasons it is found in commercial gyms and professional training facilities. Neither the Hydrow nor the Ergatta are designed to withstand the type of commercial environment that the C2 can handle. We don't have long-term durability data on the Hydrow, but we don't hear a significant amount of negative feedback either (believe me - we hear plenty of negative feedback about all types of equipment). The Hydrow feels and functions like a solid piece of home-fitness equipment. It may not be designed to challenge the top athletes at the CrossFit Games, but it will certainly provide smooth, consistent training with impressive content for those who wish to row at home. Water Rower as a brand has been around for a long time. The Ergatta has a few flaws that could be problematic over time. The nature of the pulley system under the seat could be cut, fray, or break, which would render the rower inoperable. This would only happen if someone (or a child) damaged the machine, but it is possible. The handle strap frays along the sides and this is something we've already noticed on our Ergatta and mentioned in our video review. Any wood furniture should be treated with care, set away from direct sunlight, and may require a coat of oil over time depending on your ambient temperature, humidity, sun exposure, etc. The water tank requires a chlorine tab every three months and the tank should be drained yearly or so. While none of this adds up to a significant amount of maintenance, it is certainly something to consider. While the Concept 2 rower is certainly durable - it also looks (and sounds) like commercial equipment. It's loud, looks industrial, and may not be the look or feel you want in home exercise equipment. None of these three rowers has significant issues that would cause us to hesitate recommending them. They are simply designed for varied uses in different environments.

That's not an option. The Ergatta is designed to measure your wattage, stroke rate, and other metrics to provide detailed data that is then converted into a gaming interface. Simply attaching a screen wouldn't provide the same feedback.

Water rowers require a bit more maintenance than air rowers. An air rower may get dust and lint in the fan which needs to be cleaned off occasionally, and if the air rower has a chain drive it may need periodic lubrication, which isn't difficult (it's like greasing a bike chain - super simple). Water rowers do typically require a chlorine tablet every three months or so to keep the water clear. If you plan to move your rower to a different location or store it for a long period of time, you'll need to drain the tank. Once per year, we make sure and drain all our rowers and refill them with fresh water. It isn't a terrible hassle - but it keeps the water fresh and clear.

@bdwigginsWe keep all our equipment in a training facility. People walking by often assume it is a gym. However, it is reserved for Guru reviewers and isn't open to the public.

Great question! We've heard chatter about a Peloton rower as well, but haven't seen anything concrete on that. There have been indications that Peloton has a rower in the works, but no official word from the company. You can read our blog about this topic here.

That's a great question. Based on the fact that development for games is significantly different than filming an outdoor video, we don't foresee Ergatta adding videos anytime soon. It could happen, but right now they are making headway in the industry with their gaming interface. Hydrow, on the other hand, could easily incorporate some simple games into their programming. We'll have to see where they choose to go...

We haven't tested First Degree Fitness rowers, but hopefully someone else can provide some insight!

Concept 2 has a dedicated following! As much as the C2 is a great rower, it does have some drawbacks. It is fantastic for quick sprints and intervals, but isn't as engaging for long rowing sessions. It's also loud. If you are new to rowing and looking for something to keep you engaged while you develop a love for the sport, the Ergatta is a fantastic option. My assumption is, all those C2 devotees haven't used the Ergatta, so while devoted, they are not fully informed.

Hybrid ellipticals allow for varied movement on the pedals - you can move them up and down like a stair stepper, or front to back like treadmill, or in a circular motion like an elliptical. This feature provides more movement patterns but can feel a bit unstable if you're not used to it. You can get a great workout on either a standard elliptical or a hybrid model.

Good question. The narrow foot position can be an issue for larger users. For those under 6 feet, you should be okay. You can also loosen the straps on the top of your shoe to allow for a bit more lateral float and ankle rotation while you're rowing if the narrow position is an issue.

Rowing works the most muscle groups. But, many of the bikes and treadmills feature strength classes, yoga, and bootcamp options with a subscription. I recommend whichever machine you are most interested in and most excited to use. If you don't want to pay for a subscription, but want to get a full body workout on a single piece of equipment, a rower is probably your best option. Check out the Ergatta or Hydrow rowers - they offer engaging content and can be stored vertically to save space.

Typically, they are pretty close. Without GPS to track your actual speed, it's hard to fully replicate the accuracy of an outdoor ride, but most bikes use a combined speed and RPM metric to determine your total distance. For accurate calorie information, select a bike that syncs with a heart rate chest strap. A HR chest strap is the best way to get accurate calorie data.

Maybe look at the Sole F63...? It's a great treadmill for a good price, doesn't require an additional subscription, and has a lifetime warranty. If you want something with a subscription to keep you occupied while training, maybe look at the Nordictrack EXP 10i. The Horizon T202 is another budget option that has enough horsepower for running.

We recommend contacting the manufacturer of your treadmill to determine which lubricant they recommend. Some treadmills don't require lubricant, so verify with the company directly.