Even the lower end rowing machines have the ability to keep track of several types of fitness information. The more expensive models can monitor a wide variety of performance statistics including speed, strokes per minute, time elapsed, calories used and 500 meter split times. With these devices, all rowers can document their workouts to obtain the best results as well as vary their workout routines to alleviate boredom.

The development of the Concept 2 Rowing Machine in 1981 was the beginning of the sport of competitive indoor rowing.

Millions of people now compete in a variety of indoor rowing championships. The World Indoor Racing Championship is held annually in Boston, MA. A variety of other competitions are held internationally throughout the year with hundreds of thousands of people competing. Indoor rowing enthusiasts may also compete online against other indoor rowers based on their times and appropriate age categories.