Rowing Machine Benefits
Fitness rowing machines provide an excellent all round exercise which is gentle on the joints yet gives a strenuous, aerobic exercise that uses muscles in both the upper and lower body. They are expensive however so it’s a good idea to do research before you buy one to make sure the one you end up with is the best for your needs. The cheapest row machine you will probably find is around $500 and the most expensive around $2500 or you really need to know which type to buy and which features you would need.
Considerations When Buying an Air or Water Rowing Machine
Rowing machines to take up quite a lot of space so if you do not have the space to leave one set up all the time you can buy a collapsible machine that can be folded and put away. You will also need quite a large, well ventilated space to use run machine in, preferably with room for a TV as rowing can be quite boring when done for long periods. Some machines do make quite a lot of noise so if this is a consideration look for a magnetic rowing machine as these are much quieter. If you’re going to use the machine daily we would recommend a magnetic rowing machine that is designed for heavy use. For occasional use a hydraulic machine would be suitable and these also tend to be smaller and easier to store. Some of the cheaper machines do not have monitors for things like time, distance rowed and your stroke rate. While not strictly necessary these are very good ways to monitor your progress and to stop you being bored during exercising. They sometimes come as optional extras but we would recommend buying them as they will make your training much more effective and fun.
Variable Resistance
Most of the air rowing machines on the market have a variable resistance so check the range as some are quite limited. A machine with a wide range is much more useful as you can easily vary the intensity of the workouts by increasing the resistance.
Other Things to Check before You Buy
Make sure that the seat and the foot rests are fully adjustable and that you fall within the weight limits of the machine.
Try Out Before You Buy
Machines vary a great deal in their motion and in how comfortable they are to use. If at all possible try to visit a gym where you can try out some different models before you buy. If you’re buying online make sure that the supplier has a return policy so that if you find the rowing machine is not suitable for you it can be swapped for another one.
Types of Rowing Machines
Hydraulic Rowing Machines
These are usually the cheapest machines and also tend to be smaller which makes storage much easier. They use cylinders filled with oil for resistance. The motion can be slightly jerky and they do tend to leak after a lot of use. We would not recommend the hydraulic rowing machine for heavy, daily use.
Air Rowing Machines
In these types of machines air flowing over a flywheel creates the resistance. Although you can find air rowing machines from as little as $200 we recommend spending a little more to get a better quality machine at around $400. Resistance usually covers a wide range which effectively replicates the feeling of rowing in water and resistance increases as you row faster. However they do have the disadvantage of being very noisy especially at high speeds.
Water Rowing Machines
In water rowing machines, water in a cylinder provides the resistance. They are among the more expensive machines with prices starting at about $1000. They give a very smooth motion which is very like the feel of rowing in water and there is even the sound of water moving as you row! They do require some maintenance however as you will need to replace the water regularly.
Magnetic Rowing Machine
An adjustable magnet provide some resistance in these types of machines. They are fairly small machines which makes storage much easier than some others and they are extremely quiet. They do not need any maintenance and give a very smooth motion.
Conclusion
Buying a good air or water rowing machine is quite a large investment so you need to make sure before you buy that you are going to use it regularly. Preferably you will have used rowing machines at the gym so that you know that you like this type of exercise. Fitness air rowing machines are good buys as they give you a very good all round aerobic exercise which works all of the muscles of the body at the same time.
You might also be interested in the following products:
Insanity: The Ultimate Cardio Workout and Fitness DVD ProgramShaun T's Insanity workout is the best of its kind. No other workout can get you these types of results in just 60 days? Guaranteed!
Shaun T's Max In... Read More >
Valeo Deluxe Speed Jump RopeValeo's JRS Speed Jump Rope is 10 feet long, adjustable, and constructed of durable, solid rubber rope. It features molded handles with foam grips and sealed ball bearings for an even rotation.
P90X Resistance Bands Workout Kit--3 bands: Light, Medium, HeavyMaximize your workouts!
Resistance bands have been proven to help you burn fat and tone lean muscle faster. Just as effective as free weights, resi... Read More >
HIP HOP ABS DVD Set - 6 Workouts Set(1)SECRETS TO FLAT ABS: Shaun shares his targeted training technique, TILT, TUCK & TIGHTEN, which activates your upper, middle, and lower abs and o... Read More >
Max Fitness 65cm Exercise Ball with Foot Pump (Pearl White)65 cm Max Fitness Exercise Ball with free pump included. Incorporate the versatility and effectiveness of the Max-Fitness exercise balls into your wor... Read More >