If you are considering buying a rowing machine, first let me say congratulations, you are making an excellent investment in your health and fitness! Rowing provides a wonderful full-body workout, strengthening muscle groups in your arms, back, shoulders, abdomen and of course your legs. All with no impact on your joints!
Most modern rowing machines offer variable resistance in one form or another, so you can take full advantage of this workout regardless of your current fitness level. One word of caution: start slowly with light resistance, and employ proper rowing techniques. Over-exerting too soon or using improper form can hurt you.
Which style of machine, and which price range is right for you?
Rowing machines come in a variety of styles, with different resistance mechanics. And of course they are offered in a range of prices, from under $500 to over $2000. While it is true that you get what you pay for, a closer look at how you'll be using the machine will go a long way to ensure that the machine you choose will most closely fit your needs. You may not need to pay top dollar for a premium rower in order to get a machine that will satisfy your requirements and give you many maintenance-free years of happy rowing.
A quick look at the components of a rowing machine will help determine the rower that's right for you.
Modern rowers are built on a frame that is usually metal (although some models are made from wood) with a seat that slides on that frame. The frame should be sturdy and heavy enough to remain steady on the floor when you row. The seat should be comfortable and should slide smoothly and effortlessly. The foot pads should be easily adjustable; if they pivot, all the better. Four types of resistance are available on modern rowers. Choosing the right type of resistance for your rowing needs will pay off long into the future.
Piston-type Rowing Machines: Resistance is supplied by gas or hydraulic pistons, attached either to the frame or to the handlebars, which act as the oars. Changing resistance levels is achieved manually, usually by adjusting knurled knobs on or near the pistons. The better piston-type machines use "out-rigger" style handlebars, to more closely mimic the actual movement of oars.
These machines tend to be reasonably priced, but if you are serious about rowing, a piston-style rower is probably not for you. The pistons will heat up during workouts that last longer than 30-45 minutes, and the added heat will affect their resistance. Eventually, hydraulic pistons will fail and need to be replaced. For the serious rower, one of the other resistance types outlined below is strongly recommended.
Magnetic Rowing Machines:
These machines have a flywheel with a magnetic brake to provide resistance. Most units offer twelve or sixteen variable resistance levels, usually adjusted on the control panel. Some, but not all, magnetic units, can be folded for storage, so if space is a consideration in your workout area, take note of whether your unit can be stowed folded. Magnetic resistance machines are extremely quiet, and also provide a very smooth rowing experience. Prices will be higher than piston-type machines, but the tradeoffs are well justified.
Air-Resistance Rowing Machines:
The flywheel on these rowers is similar to a fan blade, and wind resistance is created as you pull on the handle. How quickly you pull determines the amount of resistance, and resistance tends to increase through your stroke as the flywheel speeds up. Some rowers say that this is not a natural feeling of rowing, and they prefer either the magnetic or fluid models.
Adjustments and preset programs are limited on air-only machines, so if program features are important to you, you may wish to consider other magnetic or fluid models. A number of modern rowers now employ a combination of Magnetic and Air Resistance, and these machines fall in the mid to upper price ranges. Most of these combination units do allow for programming adjustments.
Fluid-Resistance Rowing Machines:
These rowers feature a paddle-type wheel that is in a water tank. Resistance is initiated by pulling the handle, which spins the flywheel which drags against the water. Just like an oar in the water, the resistance is immediate and consistent throughout the stroke (unlike an air-resistance rower where the resistance increases through the stroke as the fan speeds up). As you pull faster, resistance increases and it becomes harder to row. Slow down your pace and the resistance decreases, just like rowing a boat in water.
Fluid-resistance rowers tend to be the most expensive rowers, but aficionados of these models claim the realistic experience justifies the added cost. Many of the fluid rowers are made of wood, and as such, are not only exercise equipment but also beautiful pieces of furniture that you can be proud to display.
Other Elements to Consider:
Once you have decided on the type of resistance mechanism, other features to investigate include the type of display monitor on the machine, and its programming options. Is the display easy to read, and can you make adjustments to the program easily or do you have to stop your workout? How many programs will it store, and will it keep an ongoing record of your workout progress? Many machines have a heart rate monitor included in the display. Some are wireless, some require a chest strap, some clip to your ear lobe. If this a feature you're looking for, consider how you are most comfortably wired to the machine... it can make a difference.
As you finalize your decision on which rowing machine to invest in, don't forget the details of the warranty. Higher end machines will have far superior warranties, including lifetime coverage of the frame and five- or even ten-year coverage of parts. The irony is that the more expensive units are so solidly constructed that the warranty is nearly an afterthought... but it should help you sleep better after that splendid workout!
I hope that you found this information helpful. For more ideas on achieving a healthier lifestyle, from choosing the right exercise equipment to great tasting recipes and food plans, please feel free to explore my website, Fit For Life At Last!... I look forward to seeing you there!
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