Description and Uses of Rowing Machines

A rowing machine or an indoor rower is a workout apparatus that can be used in much the same way as one would use an actual rowboat. It has diverse system with parts that permit the trainee to row back and forth, with the seat sliding in similar motion to that of a moving boat. Indoor rowers are very convenient tools in home gyms. Rowing machines are one of the best types of exercise equipment that offer a full body exercise routines. Exercising on a rowing machine is one of the most efficient training methods for burning calories and for general body calisthenics.

Since all the routines are done while the body is in a seated position, it offers a relatively low-impact workout relieving strain on the trainee’s hips, knees or ankles and the general lower body area. The fitness benefits are countless:  working out on the rowing machine is a tremendous technique to tone up different parts of the body. The constant stretching and heaving movements of the body hardens up the abdominal region as well as the buttocks. It also assists to tone the other appendages.

Rowing machines may as well be used for strength training – body potency may be improved with the rowing action by a constant push and heave. With appropriate impedance settings, one can definitely develop their shoulder bulk, making it much broader. Also, with the extended strokes essential to adequately utilize the rowing machine one can enhance their general muscle litheness.

Types of Rowing Machines

Rowing machines mainly differ in their resistance. This resistance may be manifested as magnetic, air, water or hydraulic resistance. The most widespread variety is the air rowing machine where air-pressure replicates the dynamics that is felt while rowing a boat. These are usually loud while the flywheel is whirling. Air rowers automatically adjust to the trainee’s exertion level – the air resistance actually increases with the trainee’s speed. The air resistance offers an exceptional recreation of real rowing.

Water-based rowing machines can either be loud or quiet. Hydraulic or piston-based rowing machines are the cheapest models. This is because their action is less fluid feeling less like rowing an actual rowboat. Magnetic resistance rowers are the most silent.

Buying a Rower

The following steps should be followed when purchasing a rowing machine for the home gym. Firstly, you should identify the amount of space available for the setup – you will require room to move without banging on things. Next, you would like to investigate on the machines you would want to get. Typically, information on rowers is available in the internet on different online stores.

While sifting through this information you will have to choose the type of rower to buy. How much one is prepared to spend is really the main factor on the type of rowing machine you will acquire.  Other important pieces of information to checkout while “window shopping” are: investigating on the warranty, availability of replacement parts, its dimension and so on.

Conclusion

A rowing machine in the house is a relatively heavy but worthwhile investment. Some well-known brands that produce excellent rowing machines are Concept II, Stamina, WaterRower, Tunturi and Kettler.