Start rowing. Start tracking. Start improving.

By the Watta Team · Updated 10 August 2026

New to the rowing machine? Watta makes it simple. Take a photo of your screen after each session, and AI captures all your workout data automatically. The Effort Score tells you how hard you worked — no rowing expertise required.

Rowing App for Beginners: Watta is a free, AI-powered rowing workout tracker. Snap your erg screen to capture data instantly. Get a 0-100 Effort Score combining cardiac load, work output, pacing, and economy. Track heart rate zones via the Karvonen method. Join clubs and squads to train with your crew.

The Problem

The PM5 screen is overwhelming

Split time, stroke rate, watts, calories, drag factor — the Concept2 monitor displays a wall of numbers that means nothing to a beginner. Most new rowers ignore the data entirely.

No idea if you are making progress

Without understanding what good looks like or tracking sessions over time, beginners cannot tell if they are improving. This lack of feedback leads many to abandon rowing for simpler cardio options.

Rowing feels isolating

Unlike group fitness classes, rowing is often a solo activity in the corner of the gym. Without a community or accountability system, motivation fades quickly.

How Watta Helps

📱

Just Take a Photo

You do not need to understand the PM5 screen. Just photograph it after your session, and Watta captures everything. The app does the thinking for you.

💯

One Number: Effort Score

Instead of deciphering splits and watts, focus on one simple 0-100 Effort Score. It tells you how hard you worked, and you can watch it improve over time.

🎖️

Achievement Badges

Earn badges for metres rowed, sessions completed, and personal bests. Watta celebrates your progress from your very first session and rewards consistency.

How It Works

Snap your erg screen

Take a photo of your PM5 display after your workout. Gallery upload works too.

AI extracts your data

Watta reads every metric — time, split, distance, stroke rate, heart rate, and calories.

Get your Effort Score

A 0-100 score combining cardiac load, work output, pacing, and economy shows exactly how hard you worked.

Watta is Available Now

Download Watta and start tracking your workouts today.

Download on the App Store

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need rowing experience to use Watta?

No. Watta is designed to be simple for beginners. Take a photo of your rowing machine screen, and the app captures your workout data automatically. The Effort Score gives you a simple measure of how hard you worked.

What rowing machine do I need?

Watta is optimised for Concept2 rowing machines with PM5 monitors, which are the most common ergometers found in gyms worldwide. If your gym has a Concept2 rower, you are ready to go.

How often should a beginner row?

Most beginners benefit from 2-3 rowing sessions per week, allowing rest days for recovery. Watta's streak system rewards weekly consistency, motivating you to build a sustainable habit.

Will Watta help me learn to row better?

Watta tracks your metrics over time, so you can see improvements in split time, stroke rate, and Effort Score. Combined with the related guides and glossary, it helps you understand what the numbers mean as your experience grows.

Every erg counts.

Photograph your erg screen after the piece and Watta logs it for you.