The Rowing TutorHandy Rowing Machine Accessories
The handy rowing machine accessories worth buying first: a floor mat, cloth, chain oil and heart rate strap, with what to look for and what to skip.
By Louis Zaidman · Updated · 4 min read
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The handy rowing machine accessories worth buying first are a firm floor mat, a cleaning cloth, the right chain oil if your machine has a chain, and a heart rate strap if you want to train by effort. Almost everything else can wait until you know what’s missing.
If your budget only stretches to one item, buy the mat. Skip the heart rate strap unless you plan to act on the numbers.
The priority list
| Priority | Item | Buy it if | What to look for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Floor mat | You row on carpet, wood or upstairs | Firm rubber, at least as long and wide as the machine |
| 2 | Cloth | Every machine | Soft and non-abrasive, kept with the machine |
| 3 | Chain oil | Your machine has a chain | The product named in your manual |
| 4 | Heart rate strap | You train by zones | Bluetooth Smart or ANT+, matched to your monitor |
| 5 | Seat pad | The seat hurts on long rows | Thin, firm, non-slip base |
| 6 | Device holder | Your monitor has no holder | Stable, away from moving parts |
Floor mat
A mat protects floors, reduces noise and stops the machine creeping. Firm rubber beats a soft yoga mat, which can compress under the machine feet and let it wobble.
Measure before you buy. A Concept2 RowErg has a 244 x 61 cm footprint, while a WaterRower Original takes up 209 x 57 cm. A mat that’s too short leaves the machine’s feet at the edge, where it may rock or creep.
Cloth and chain oil
Sweat is the main thing you need to clean off. Wipe the rail and handle after use, as Concept2 recommends for its monorail, with a soft cloth. Avoid bleach and coarse abrasives. See how to clean your rowing machine for a full routine.
Lubrication depends on the drive. Chain-driven machines may need light oil, and others need none, so check your manual. For a Concept2, the official schedule is:
| Job | Interval | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Wipe the monorail | After use | Cloth, plus soap and water or glass cleaner |
| Oil the chain | Every 50 hours of use | 1 teaspoon of purified mineral oil, 3-IN-ONE or 20W motor oil on a paper towel. Wipe along the chain and remove the excess |
| Check the flywheel for dust | Every 250 hours of use | Use a torch, and vacuum if needed |
Do not use WD-40 or other solvents. For a home user, the sums are friendly. Three 30-minute rows a week is 1.5 hours, so 50 hours arrives after about 33 weeks and 250 hours after about 3 years.
Other machines need a different kit list. Water rowers have a tank to look after, so follow the manual’s water treatment schedule and buy only what it names. Machines with a belt or strap don’t need chain oil at all, so skip it, and check the belt or strap for fraying when you clean. Whatever you own, a note in your phone of the date you last oiled or checked it saves guessing.
Heart rate strap
Make sure your monitor supports the type you buy. A Concept2 PM5 takes Bluetooth Smart or ANT+ straps, and most PM4s take ANT+ only. A chest strap is generally more accurate during exercise than a wrist-worn optical sensor, which is why it’s the usual choice.
A strap is only useful if you act on the numbers. Heart rate zones for rowing shows how to set easy and hard targets.
Comfort
- Seat pad. It helps on sessions of 30 minutes or more if the seat feels hard. A thick, soft pad can change your seat height and feel, so stay thin. See choosing a rowing seat cushion.
- Gloves. Most rowers skip them. Our gloves guide weighs it up.
- Shoes. Flat, firm trainers work well. Specialist shoes aren’t essential on a machine.
- Towel and water bottle. You will use both every session. Keep the towel away from the chain or strap.
Training and recovery extras
| Item | Use it for | Worth it if |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance bands | Shoulder warm-ups and strength work | You have no gym access |
| Foam roller | Quads and upper back after a session | You enjoy it. Gentle stretching also works. Avoid rolling over sore joints |
| Interval timer | Sessions such as 30 seconds on, 30 seconds off | Your monitor can’t program intervals |
| Machine cover | Keeping off dust | The machine lives in a garage or spare room |
| Earbuds or speaker | Long, steady rows | You row at 30 minutes or more |
What to skip
- Gadgets that duplicate your monitor.
- Cheap straps that don’t pair reliably.
- Anything promising to “boost” calorie burn.
- Bundles that are padded out with items you won’t use.
- Solvent sprays for the chain.
Own a RowErg? Concept2 rowing machine accessories covers the model-specific extras. Still choosing a machine? Start with the best rowing machine guide, then come back to this list.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a mat under my rowing machine?
On a hard floor it is optional but useful. On carpet or wood it protects the surface and reduces noise. Choose firm rubber, and measure your machine first.
How often should I oil a Concept2 chain?
Concept2 says every 50 hours of use. Three 30-minute rows a week is 1.5 hours, so that works out at roughly every 33 weeks.
Do I need rowing gloves?
Most rowers skip them. Calluses are normal and a relaxed grip prevents most blisters, so try a lighter grip before you buy anything.
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