Start the New Year with top indoor rowing apps

The indoor rowing app market has transformed dramatically over the last five years and with more apps entering the scene, we’ve updated our list of indoor rowing and fitness apps for 2021..

 Rowing machine-specific apps

 Ergdata (Concept2)
This is Concept2’s own app for tracking your workouts. It is compatible with the PM3, PM4 and PM5 monitors from Concept2. It automatically synchronises with your Concept2 logbook, so you can upload your workout easily when you finish. The logbook now also syncs with Strava and Training Peaks (see below). The Ergdata app will connect wirelessly via Bluetooth for the PM5 monitor, but you’ll need to buy the cable to connect to the PM3 or PM4 monitors. Free download and use. IOS and Android compatible. https://www.concept2.com/service/software/ergdata

Float/Ergstick (Concept2)
This app will connect to your Concept2 rowing machine and track your workout. It gives visual feedback and shows your progress. It can connect wirelessly to the PM5 monitor, or you can purchase an ‘ergstick’ to connect easily to the PM3 or PM4 monitors. It’s a nice solution to avoid using a cable connection. Free to download, with in-app paid upgrades. IOS and Android compatible. https://usefloat.com/#features

RP3 Rowing App (RP3)
If you’re an RP3 user, the app options are more limited. RP3 has developed their own app that is currently only compatible with android and have released a ‘light’ version for iOS. It connects with the RP3 machine to provide real-time insights into your workout. It records and displays your force curve, speed, stroke rate and more. Connection via cable required. https://www.rp3rowing.com/downloads/

RowKeeper (All models)
If you’re looking for a low-tech app compatible with all types of rowing machines, this is your solution. You have to manually enter the data, but it will track your workouts and show you progress over time. And, you don’t have to worry about connecting it to your monitor. 0.99 $ to download, iOS compatible. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/row-keeper/id813405252

Rowing workouts & coaching apps

 Asensei
A rowing app focused entirely on coaching and performance. After downloading the app and paying the membership fee, users can set goals and follow the programmes set up by the Asensei coaches – including none other than Eric Murray. The app provides a series of lessons to help users improve over time. It is available for iOS – and the membership fee is 12.50 USD per month. https://asensei.com/

 LiveRowing
This iOS app will link to your Concept2 rowing machine. It allows you to choose a workout and will then programme the monitor for you. At the end, it will save your data and give you an analysis of your performance. It also connects to your Strava account. Wireless connection to PM5 monitor, cable connection to PM3 and PM4 monitors. Free to download, login required, in-app paid upgrades. IOS compatible. Android coming soon. https://liverowing.com/

RowVigor
RowVigor offers video workouts both on and off the rowing machine. The instructors in the video give technique and training tips. You can pair the app with a Concept2 PM5 monitor and it will track your progress, or follow the video workout on any indoor rowing machine. Free to download. IOS and Android compatible. https://rowvigor.com/

Kinomap
Kinomap provides workouts, tips, videos and tracking for rowing as well as other sports.  You can row, run or cycle around the world while watching pre-filmed courses and getting coached by the Kinomap experts. It also offers challenges and a social aspect. The app is compatible with iOS and Android, but charges a membership fee (free-trial available). https://www.kinomap.com/en/

Rowing games & virtual apps

EXRGame
This app is currently still in development, but if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to try the beta version. It allows you to watch a virtual rower during your workout – while providing interesting data. The app boasts not only making rowing fun, but providing feedback and reports to help rowers progress. Expected full-launch in 2021. https://exrgame.com/

Erg Dude
The iOS app by Erg Dude allows users to play a game while on the Concept2 rowing machine. When the rower completes a stroke the Erg Dude will jump and collect points. In an arcade-style, the harder you row, the more points you can collect. The app works best with the Concept2 PM5 monitor. https://www.coachbergenroth.com/erg-dude-a-concept2-rowing-game/

General fitness tracking apps

Garmin – ErgIQ
The Garmin fitness tracker provides a ‘rowing’ setting for which split data can be entered. You can also connect your Concept2 PM5 machine to your Garmin device with the ErgIQ app: https://apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/2fc7c56b-f7f8-4fc4-b92e-8d3bde99f693#0

Polar Beat
A heart-rate monitoring app that can be used for rowing – Polar Beat helps to indicate your heart-rate zones and provides feedback on your heart rate during training. https://www.polar.com/en/beat

Strava
One of the most-used fitness tracking apps for outdoor fitness such as running and cycling – Strava also has a rowing function. This is ideal for tracking rowing and split times during outdoor exercise. The Concept2 logbook now also allows users to share their data with external apps like Strava and Training peaks.

If you have more rowing app suggestions, please let us know at media@fisa.org