10 Rowing Equipment Favorites, From Bestselling Shorts to an Editor-Loved Bottle

2 weeks ago 13

Published on Nov 7, 2025 at 6:40 PM

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Whether you're a bonafide rower, have always dreamt of joining a crew team, or just want a new high-intensity toy for your home workouts, rowing machines have loads of benefits. Since rowing works 86 percent of your muscles, it's an especially efficient way to burn calories — perfect for people with a packed schedule who still want to squeeze in a full-body workout.

To kick start your next rowing chapter, I've curated all the goods you'll need. In addition to a rowing machine that guides you through workouts led by Olympians and world-class athletes, you'll also find suggestions for what to wear (including a pair of budget-friendly shorts that continue to sell out), how to hydrate (our editor's favorite water bottle included), and discounts on accessories like Apple Airpods Pro 2 earbuds. Keep scrolling for my top 10 rowing equipment picks, and keep an eye out for a PS-exclusive shopping code.

Lululemon Luxtreme Training Headband ($14)

There's nothing more distracting than being slapped by sweaty wisps of hair during an intense workout. This sweat-wicking headband has just enough pressure to hug your head without causing a headache or slipping off. It comes in 10 different colors, so you can color coordinate with your 'fit.

LMNT Zero Sugar Electrolytes ($24 for 12)

Dump one of these electrolyte packets into your water bottle to feel replenished after your workout. They're packed with 1000 mg of sodium, 200 mg of potassium, and 60 mg of magnesium, are sugar-free, and actually taste good.

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle ($30)

Staying hydrated during a high-intensity workout is key, and this water bottle not only keeps your drink cold but also has a dual-function straw. Our editor tested it out and breaks down the details in this Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle review.

Editor Quote: "Beyond its aesthetics, I fell in love with the dual-function straw. What makes it so great is that you can either sip through the built-in straw (ideal for avoiding spills when it's full) or swig from the spout opening when you need a lot more water at once (perfect for those intense Sculpt classes)." — Marisa Petrarca, contributing shopping writer

Zella Liana Restore Soft Lite Tank ($39)

You're going to work up a sweat quickly, so a moisture-wicking tank top is clutch for staying cool but will also allow for unrestricted arm movement. This one is a tad longer in the back, so you won't have to deal with the annoying sensation of having it constantly riding up your back. Did I mention it looks great with leggings?

Athleta Elation Ultra High Rise 7" Short ($59)

Buttery soft with the right amount of stretch and medium compression, these shorts are ideal for rowing. They'll prevent annoying chafing and won't get caught in the machine's rollers. They also have over 1,000 5-star reviews on Athleta's website and are budget-friendly compared to premium brands.

Powr Labs Rowing Machine Mat ($50)

Protecting floors with a cushioned mat is essential, especially if you're setting your machine up on top of hardwood floors. This one has high ratings without the overwhelming price, so it's a great way to save.

Nike Metcon 10 ($155)

Unlike your running shoes, you'll want to skip sneakers that have thick, cushioned soles and opt for flat, harder soles to position your foot at the ideal angle. You can go for lightweight, barefoot-style sneakers or a shoe you'd use for cross-training and weight-lifting. These Nike kicks are still supportive but lightweight and flat enough to do the job.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds ($199, originally $239)

The noise-cancelling mode on these Apple AirPods is perfect for getting into the zone for a workout. While they rarely drop in price, you can grab them for just $199 as an early Black Friday deal. As one PS editor said, they're "comfortable and 100 percent worth the hype." Read our in-depth review of the Apple AirPods for more details.

Editor Quote: "The AirPods Pro have three settings: normal, transparency mode, and noise-cancelling. The noise-cancelling mode is a game changer. I wore them on a plane, and it was like being in another world. I couldn't hear anything except my music, and that's the dream." — India Yaffe, former associate shopping editor

Hydrow Origin Rower ($1,695, originally $2,195)

If you're looking for an at-home rowing experience that transports you to the water, you'll love this machine. Created by actual rowers, the workouts are led by Olympians and world-class athletes and there are over 5,000 to choose from. From November 6–12, Hydrow is holding a site-wide early Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale, which knocks $500 off the Hydrow Origin Rower. PS readers also get to enjoy an exclusive discount code (POPSUGAR) that can be stacked, bringing the total discount to $550.

Angela Elias (she/her) is a contributing editor for PS Shopping, where she reviews everything from beauty products to kitchen gadgets, curates can't-miss sales, and creates "best of" shopping roundups. In her former roles at PS, she led the relaunch of its Latine identity and family-focused verticals, directed its Home vertical, and hosted shopping segments. She has nearly 15 years of experience working in the lifestyle space as a writer, editor, content strategist, director, on-camera talent, and publicist.

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