Compact rowing machine: Domyos Woodrower

When I was talking about rowing machines recently, one aspect came up that I hadn’t described before: What do I do with the rowing machine when I’m not rowing?

Admittedly, I haven’t looked at this aspect in detail because it’s not a pain point for me personally, but I understand the requirement – not everyone has enough space or is looking for a piece of fitness equipment that is easy and ideal to stow away when they’re not working out. This is also the case most of the time.

Decathlon has now developed a new rowing machine that addresses precisely this point: A compact rowing machine that can be used as a fitness bench or additional seat. I took a detailed look at the Woodrower rowing machine, tested it and describe my impressions here.

The rowing machine has been available online since the end of 2023. There was one on display in the nearby branch in Karlsruhe. As I was passing through, I was able to combine this well and tested the rowing machine on site.

My impression was mixed, the positive aspects outweigh the negative, but there are also 1-2 things that I personally would take a critical look at. In this article, I will describe the advantages and disadvantages.

But first the hard facts:

The rowing machine has a wooden look, magnetic resistance with 15 resistance levels with a 9kg flywheel. Overall, the rowing machine weighs 62kg, but you can move it easily with the transport wheels and the mounted handle. The maximum user weight is 130 kg and it is recommended for people between 1.50 m and 1.95 m tall.

I am just over 1.80m tall – the roller rails were more than enough for my legs:

The dimensions when unfolded are: L 210 cm × W 48.2 cm × H 62 cm, when folded they are: L 106.2 cm × W 48.2 cm × H 48.2 cm.

View the rowing machine in the Decathlon store now

How does the Woodrower rowing machine work?

When you have the rowing machine in front of you, it initially looks like a training bench, which is how it is designed:

To convert the bench into a rowing machine, you need to release a hook on the side underneath the cushion, which simply needs to be pushed inwards with a small button, after which the rowing machine can be opened:

If the button is not pressed, the bench is stable and cannot be opened easily. This has been well thought out and implemented.

Practical: a small hydraulic system pushes the lifting arm for the tablet or smartphone directly upwards when it is unfolded. When the device is folded up again later, there is no need for a second handle – the hydraulics are automatically pushed together.

Once the bench has been unfolded, it can be firmly connected in the middle using locking hooks:

And then you can actually start rowing: The handle is suspended by a hook near the footrests, and the footrests are quick and easy to adjust: they can be moved up and down in various stages using flex bindings:

The additional “equipment” under the footrest may seem a little surprising; this is a function that can be used when the bench is folded up, for example as a fitness bench:

The footrest can be pulled outwards by approx. 10 cm, making it suitable for training the abdominal muscles and using the shins as a counter-pressure.

How does the rowing machine feel?

After the hard facts, now a little more emotion 😉 No, honestly – the control button with integrated TFT display is a control element that I had never seen before. And I was pleasantly surprised. This was because it works intuitively and the twist and press movement made it quick and easy to understand how to use it:

When I turn the control button, I can use it to adjust the resistance of the rowing machine. The display reacts quickly and once I have set the resistance, the display shows the following information:

• Duration
• Distance in meters
• Number of rowing strokes
• Rowing strokes per minute
• Time over 500 m
• Calorie consumption
• Heart beats per minute (with connected heart rate monitor)

Theoretically, the rowing machine is compatible with the Domyos E-Connected app, but unfortunately I was unable to test this due to time constraints. I had already tested the E-Connected app once with the Waterrower WR3, but I don’t think you can expect too much from it – if you’re used to Smartrow or ErgData, it might be rather disappointing – especially because you first need an online account to be able to use the app. But at least there is an app and the training data is not just stored in the device’s memory. The advantages of a logbook are obvious: I can track and compare my training and improve as a result.

According to the Decathlon store, the device is also supposed to be compatible with EXR, Kinomap and even Zwift. This suggests that the rowing data is transferred in FTMS format – I haven’t tested this yet.

Rowing on a magnetic rowing machine

Let’s move on to another feeling. I row on a Waterrower Performance ergometer and on the Concept2 rowing machine. Both rowing machines have a different pressure curve (more on this in the rowing machine test) – but are still pleasant to row on.

The resistance is individually adjustable

When I tested the Domyos Woodrower for the first time, I could hardly feel any counter-pressure at first. I then increased the resistance and it felt more like a rowing machine. Normally I have an average effort of 150W – 170 W, I think that this is also possible with this rowing machine – but only on a higher resistance setting. At the same time, the rowing machine lifted a few millimetres at the rear end when I pulled hard, despite its own weight of 62 kg. Could this also be due to the uneven surface?

Adjusting the resistance is definitely practical, if the device is used by different people in the same household, the resistance can be adjusted individually.

However, there is one undisputed advantage of the magnetic rowing machine: the volume. The nylon tension band only emitted a quiet whirring sound, the resistance could not be heard. (Similar to the Augletics rowing machine) Positive: The rowing machine does not require a separate power connection, as soon as you row the display starts to light up and you notice a clear resistance from the second stroke. Nevertheless, you could hear the rowing machine from time to time – the seat creaked a little, possibly because it is an exhibition machine or there was simply some lubricant missing in the running rail.

As I’ve only tested the machine briefly, I can’t say how it feels after 30 or 45 minutes of rowing – but a workout where you work up a sweat is definitely doable on it.

What makes the Domyos Woodrower special?

You have to hand it to Decathlon: Product development is in tune with our zeitgeist. If you talk to employees in the stores, you get a good impression of which products sell well and which don’t.

So far, you can find the “typical 90s rowing machines” in most stores. Plastic, coated metal, training computers. 😉 Slowly, there is a shift towards devices with connected fitness, i.e. connection via Bluetooth. The devices are in the price range up to €500. The typical device for people around the age of 40 to get fit again.

Two new rowing machines have now been launched within a very short space of time, covering the price range up to €1,000. The Waterrower WR3 and now the Domyos Woodrower. Both rowing machines are designed for training at home and are made of wood. Plastic no longer dominates. Decathlon calls this “eco-design”.

The Domyos Woodrower was designed for people who may not have used a fitness machine before due to lack of space. When folded up, it does not have to be pushed into the storage room, but is a stylish additional seat or a fitness bench that is approved for a static weight of up to 900 kg. It can also be set up in the living room.

The rowing machine is well thought out in many areas, it is not a quick fix, Decathlon writes in its own store that it took 3 years to develop. I can well imagine that – so far I don’t know of any rowing machine with this form factor.

Useful and practical features have also been incorporated, such as the USB socket in the smartphone holder to supply the smartphone with power during training:

Don’t run out of energy during training – USB power supply

The rowing machine is characterized by a simple, modern design, but the coating of the bench is still functional: non-slip, comfortable and hard-wearing – also suitable for actual training.

Conclusion on the compact rowing machine from Decathlon

I was very excited to test the rowing machine and try it out for myself. The magnetic resistance takes some getting used to at first, but you still work up a sweat. The idea of thinking of the rowing machine in a different way – i.e. for the time when it is not being used for rowing – is clever. 🤓☝🏼 This means it doesn’t run the risk of ending up as a clothes rack, but actually being used.

I am pleasantly surprised by the details and the implementation of the controls, a rowing machine with added value. For €1,000 you get several machines in one – that alone makes it worth the price. If you’re thinking of starting rowing and are looking for a compact rowing machine up to €1,000 and value additional functionality, this rowing machine is a good choice. Then all you need is the right rowing machine technique and regular training 😉