Rowing Machines 101

If you are thinking about getting in shape or are finding an activity to keep you in shape then you may want to think about indoor rowing. Indoor rowing using a rowing machine is the most complete workout available of any cardio machine to work your whole body. If you think this statement just is not true than you have not been on a rowing machine. Indoor rowing has come a long way in recent years with rowing machines being able to mimic rowing on water.

Benefits of Rowing 

There are many benefits of rowing as a form of exercise. Unlike using other forms of cardio machines like treadmills, stationary bikes and steppers, rowing machines offer a complete workout. Your arms, your back your chest and your legs are all involved in rowing. Rowing machines also provide a very low impact workout, without any jarring of your joint likes your knees and ankles which is very common with other forms of cardio. 

Another benefit of rowing machines is that because it works your upper, lower body and core you burn more calories than any other stationary cardio machine. You can get to an aerobic fitness level training on a rowing machine that will keep your heart, mind and body healthy. 

Types of Rowing Machines

There are many types of rowing machines that you different forms of resistance for the user to complete the rowing motion.

Piston Hydraulic rowing machines have independent pistons that provide resistance from oars that dictate a rowing motion. Each oar has to be adjusted manually for resistance which is a problem with these types of rowers as the resistance on each oar can be out of sync. None the less these units are fairly small and are perfect for small places as there footprint is much smaller compared to magnetic resistance rowing machines. They are also priced right for those looking to get in shape without spending a lot of money.

Magnetic resistance rowing machines are the industry standard and have produced many great rowing machines. They use a handle bar which is attached to a fly wheel generating magnetic resistance. The pull is very smooth and is comparable to that while on the water. These rowing machines are much larger and are not ideally suited for smaller spaces.

Water rowing machines seem to be a novelty more than anything else. The idea is that amount of water in a container will dictate the resistance but this is not necessarily that easy to predict and is often cumbersome.  These rowers are very costly and not necessarily practical but do have a following.

What to Look for in a Rowing Machine

If you are planning to purchase a rowing machine there are a few key things you should look for before you buy. First off you will want to make sure the rowing machine can accommodate your weight and height. This will vary as some of the better rowers will accommodate taller individuals and can accept weights of up to 500 pounds.

Second, a rowing machine is a solid investment. Look for features that you can grow with like programs and software that can be downloaded as new versions are developed. If you are serious about rowing, make sure you can for a rowing machine that will allow you to transfer your workout data to your computer via USB or card. Look for one with an easy to read panel that will show you your workout time, heart rate, calories burned, and distance. Many good models provide heart rate monitoring via a chest strap or even wristwatch.

For additional details on some of the best rowing machines available please see our product links at the top of the page. Companies like Concept 2, Tunturi, Stamina and Kettler make some of the best rowing machines available.