A rowing machine is a great piece of equipment for keeping fit, either by joining a gym or as a home use machine. It works all the major parts of the body for a good cardiovascular workout. This includes the heart and lungs for cardio, and the arms legs and stomach for a full body workout. This will give your body a quality shape and give a strong balance throughout the body.
Add to this the importance of mental discipline as well, where you train yourself with the ability to continue on when your body demands that you stop.
Why spend monthly membership on a gym membership when you can row your way to a better body at home with a decent machine? Here are some general guidelines to follow when looking for a rower, followed by some details about specific models.
General Rowing Machine Construction
You should try out any rower before you purchase it. Does it have a smooth, stable workout? Is the frame designed for users of your size and weight? Does it feel comfortable to sit on. has it got that feeling that it will last. Does it fold away after use.
Performance Monitors
When looking at row or erg machines as they are also known, don't forget about the performance monitor. Look for a performance monitor that shows multiple readouts at once so you don't have to scroll through your workout stats. Some of the more expensive models like the concept 2 rowing machine, also come with heart rate monitoring equipment. All you need is a strap for the chest and your readings will be on screen. Any new rower you buy should display workout intensity, stroke rate, heart rate, zone bar, duration, and distance. You should also be able to easily adjust the resistance for a more challenging workout. The latest models of the concept 2 rower allow you to connect it to the internet and row against others. This is a great incentive.
In a new rower you want a complete rowing experience, but if you re looking for a realistic rowing simulation, be prepared to pay more for that luxury.
Concept 2 Rowing Machine
In my opinion the best erg machine on the planet by far. Walk into any gym in the UK and you will find concept 2 rowing machines. They are built to last and last for years. They have everything you need for a complete row and have the capabilities of logging onto the internet so you can test your performance against others. This alone is a great incentive to go out there and improve your times.
Kettler Coach Rowing Machine
For serious athletes interested in measuring and monitoring their overall fitness levels, the Coach is equipped with a fitness test that evaluates heart-rate recovery patterns and rates performance on a scale of 1 to 6. The large, easy-to-read computer monitor records every aspect of your workout: speed, total strokes, time, strokes per minute, distance, calories burned, heart rate, and time of day.
LifeCore Fitness R100 APM Premier
This rowing machine incorporates the latest magnetic resistance rowing technology. For the very best in magnetic-resistance options, the LifeCore Fitness R100 APM Premier Rower incorporates the latest rowing technology with quiet, smooth, adjustable magnetic benefits.
Integrity 3000 Air Rowing Machine
Giving you a great total body workout with virtually no impact, the Integrity 3000 Air Rowing Machine uses air resistance instead of bulky pullies or cables.
Schwinn Windrigger
A whispery-smooth rowing machine with pre-set workout programs that auto-adjust resistance to match your workout goals. It s an excellent training tool for rowers of all levels, and has a Regatta mode that simulates a race and challenges you to beat the program. The Schwinn Windrigger Rowing Machine uses exceptional air-flow resistance technology to match resistance to your effort level.
WaterRower
WaterRower's patented water flywheel technology produces an unbeatable simulation of real-life, on-the-water rowing. WaterRower technology can be found on a variety of models. It s pricey, but you get what you pay for.
Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050
A good solid starter rower sold on Amazon. It comes in at a reasonable price and has good reviews.
In summary a erg machine is a superb piece of equipment to use to improve your overall fitness and to get you in shape. You can either join a gym or buy your own for home. Either way you will benefit from the use of a rowing machine that will help to improve your physical fitness. Check out our rowing machine reviews.
