Rowing machines provide low-impact exercise for arms, legs and the core body trunk including back and abdominal (stomach) muscles. They work more muscles than exercise bikes, treadmills and even elliptical machines.
Popular brands include Concept 2, Stamina, Kettler, Tunturi and Body Sculpture.
Piston (Outrigger) Rowing Machines
Piston rowing machines most closely follow the circular movement of real oars. However the resistance feels mushy as there is no inertia in the mechanism. They are typically the lightest, smallest and cheapest rowing machines.
A resistance piston (looks like a car shock absorber) is attached to each "oar". The oars pivot on outrigger bars, just like regular oars, creating a circular movement.
The resistance of each piston is set separately. They can sometimes be out of synch, with one piston giving more resistance. The resistance can change as the pistons heat up. The pistons can get hot enough to hurt skin if accidentally touched. They can also loosen and wear out from the friction.
Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machines
Magnetic resistance machines offer multiple resistance levels that are easy to set. Many models are medium-priced at a few hundred dollars.
Instead of two oars, both hands pull on a bar. The bar is attached to a magnetic resistance flywheel through a cord or chain. The flywheel provides inertia, resulting in a more realistic and satisfying pull.
Some models can be converted to a recumbent exercise bicycle.
Air and Water Resistance Rowing Machines
These are like magnetic resistance machines, but with the resistance provided by paddles turning in air or in a container of water. Many are expensive, over a thousand dollars.
Resistance increases with speed, just like rowing a real boat. This allows explosive kick starts at the beginning of each stroke.
The level of resistance is otherwise harder to control. Water machines can be controlled by adjusting the amount of water in the container but this is troublesome. Some machines are combined with magnetic flywheels to allow easy control of the resistance.
Rowing Machine Features
The resistance mechanism is the most important feature. Other features include
- Maximum rider weight. This is typically 250 pounds but some models claim up to 500 pounds.
- Maximum and minimum rider height. Some machines don't fit tall or short people well. Ill-fitting foot rests and foot straps are a common complaint.
- Seat height. Most are low. Higher machines are easier for weak people to mount and dismount.
- Folding frame for easy storage.
- Adjustable seat incline. Increasing the slope increases leg resistance without changing arm resistance.
Rowing Machine Control Panels
Control panels aren't strictly necessary. Rowing machines will function perfectly well without one. For keep-fit enthusiasts looking for a budget machine, a simple or no-control-panel model is a good way to keep costs low.
Serious athletes who want detailed information and customized workouts will want to spend more for an advanced control panel.
Basic control panels will display
- Speed.
- Distance.
- Time.
- Total strokes.
- Strokes per minute.
- Calories burned (not always accurate).
Advanced control panel features include
- Chest strap heart rate monitor.
- Automatic connection to popular wristwatch heart rate (pulse) monitors.
- Transfer of log data to PC for record keeping and analysis.
- Pace boat function.
- Programs to change resistance to maintain a set heart rate.
- Pulse recovery mode to monitor how quickly pulse recovers after rowing.
- Force curve display.
The Best Rowing Machine
Anyone unsure about which type to buy should get a magnetic resistance rowing machine. They offer a good balance of performance, reliability, adjustable resistance levels and price.
If price, space or low weight are important, a piston machine is the way to go.
For the best approximation to real rowing, an air or water resistance rowing machine will give the most enjoyable experience.
Yuen Kit Mun - Kit Mun is a self-confessed information junkie, reading an average of a book a week over the past two decades. His growing Internet ...
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