How to Choose a Rowing Machine

Posted on August 17, 2009
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Fitness rowing machines give an excellent all round exercise which is gentle on the joints but gives a strenuous, aerobic exercise that uses muscles in both the upper and lower body. They are expensive however so it’s a useful idea to research before you purchase one to make sure the machine you finish up with is the most fitting for your needs. The least expensive rowing machine you will probably find is approximately $500 and the priciest nearly $2500 so you certainly need to identify which type to obtain and which features you would need.

Some Considerations When Purchasing a Fitness Rowing Machine

Rowing machines do take up rather a lot of room so if you do not have the room to leave one set up all the time you could get a machine that can be folded and put away. You will additionally want quite a large, well ventilated space to use your rowing machine in, if at all possible with space for a TV as exercising can be quite uninteresting when done for extended periods. Several machines do make quite a lot of noise so if is a concern you possibly will want to look for a magnetic rowing machine as these are much quieter. If you expect to use the machine every day we would advise a magnetic rowing machine that is designed for heavy use. For sporadic use a hydraulic machine is definitely more fitting as these also are usually much smaller and easier to put in a cupboard to store.

Several of the less expensive rowing machine do not have computers for things like time, distance rowed and your stroke rate. Though not truly indispensable these are excellent ways to check your progress and to prevent you being fed up during training. They on occasion come as optional extras but we would suggest obtaining them as they will make your work out much more helpful and enjoyable.

Variable Resistance Machines

Most of the rowing machines you can buy have a variable resistance so confirm the range as a few are somewhat limited. A machine with a wide variety is much more useful as you can effortlessly vary the intensity of the workout by adjusting the resistance.

More Considerations Before You Purchase

Ensure that the seat and foot plates are completely variable and that you are inside the recommended weight limits of the machine.

Before you Buy – Try One out!

Machines differ a lot in their movement and in how comfortable they are to use. try out some different models at your local gym if possible. If you’re buying online ensure 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 an alternative one.

Some Different Some Different Types of Fitness Rowing Machines

Hydraulic Rowing Machines

These are generally the cheapest machines and also tend to be smaller which makes storing in a cupboard a good deal easier. They work on cylinders full of oil for resistance. The motion can be slightly erratic and they do tend to leak after heavy, regular use. We would not suggest a hydraulic rowing machine for heavy, every day use.

Air Resistance Rowing Machines

In these types of machines air flows over a fly wheel to to produce the resistance. Though you can come across air rowing machines from under $200 we suggest spending a little bit more to acquire a better class machine at around $400. Resistance frequently covers a wide range which in effect replicates the feeling of rowing in water and resistance increases as you row faster. Though they do have the drawback of being very noisy specially at high speeds.

Water Resistance Rowing Machines

In these rowing machines, a cylinder filled with water provides the resistance. They are among the dearer machines with prices starting from in the region of $1000. They give a very efficient motion which is very similar to the sensation of rowing in water and you can even hear the sound of water moving as you row! They do require some looking after however as you will have to to replace the water on a regular basis.

Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machines

A magnet that is adjustable provides the resistance in these sorts of rowing machines. They are rather small machines which makes storage much easier than some others and they are exceptionally quiet. They do not need any upkeep and impart a very smooth action.

Final Thoughts

Buying a good fitness rowing machine is a comparatively large investment so you need to ensure before you buy that you are sure to use it on a regular basis. If at all possible you are familiar with rowing machines at the gym so that you are acquainted with this type of exercise. A rowing machine is an example of a fitness exercise machine that is a good purchase as it will give you an exceptionally good all-round aerobic exercise which tones every one of the muscles of the body in one exercise.

For more information see Choosing a Fitness Rowing Machine

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