Reviews of the Best Rowing Machines - Buying Guide:

Hydraulic resistance rowers are found in cheaper rowing machines and use compressed fluid or air in pistons or cylinders to get the resistance. They tend to be fold-up style machines, great for tighter areas. It's a good idea to get down on the machine in the store to make sure there is sufficient legroom, as some of these models are restrictive and don't allow a free flowing, natural motion. Air, or flywheel, resistance rowers simulate outdoor rowing and are found in many gyms even today. The pulling action creates the resistance and that spins a flywheel which is attached to a fan. The faster you pull, the great the resistance. Good, quiet rowers use magnetic resistance again using a flywheel design only this time magnetic braking creates the resistance. You get a smooth and comfortable workout in these mid to high range exercise machines. Lastly, there are water resistant rowing machines that use a special water flywheel that performs just like a boat moving through the water. Often built with wooden frames, they are expensive, but nearly silent while in use. Rowing machines can put your shoulder and lower back at risk if they don't fit you properly. Make sure the seat is comfortable and that it glides along the rails smoothly. Like exercise bikes, most rowing machines will come with some kind of console with buttons for workout options and readings for calories burned, heart rate, and distance rowed. The top brand names in rowing machines are BodyCraft, Edge, First Degree Fitness, Integrity, Kettler, LifeCore Fitness, Life Gear, Phoenix, Schwinn, Source Plus, Stamina, Tunturi and WaterRower. Concept 2 is another company that produces some great indoor rowers. The new Model from Concept 2 retails for $1200 and is an excellent low maintenance machine with a performance monitor, one-piece leg design, and a fully enclosed chain for easy cleaning. I use a Tunturi R60 Rowing Machine ($1199) at my local gym and feel like it's the best exercise rowing machine I have ever used. The magnetic resistance has a push button resistance control, pre-set programs and workout profiles, and is quite smooth. BEST VALUE - When it comes to value we consider the Kettler Kadett Outrigger Style Rower Rowing Machine one to look at. The Kettler rowing machine is an outrigger style and simulates rowing on water quite nicely. The resistance setting goes from 1 to 12 so you are guaranteed a great workout right in your home. You get features like number of oar strokes, speed of strokes, distance covered, time measurement. The weight capacity a bit limited at just 250 lbs. RECOMMENDED - We suggest shopping online at Amazon.com since they carry all the latest brands and usually have the lowest prices on the Internet. You can browse the top selling rowing machines online here.

Best Rowing Machine: RECOMMENDED - As rated by consumers and experts, the Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine is hard to beat for performance. You get the ultimately total body workout with the Concept 2 rowing machine and owners mention that the flywheel is quiet and smooth. Rowers can choose between fast boat, slow, sleek, and heavy. The PM3 performance monitor will keep track of your speed, pace, distance, and calories burned. The Concept 2 rower has a capacity of 500 pounds and the frame comes with a 5 year limited warranty. The fitness benefits are proven with rowing machines and they have been around a long time, although most gyms have transitioned to newer workout equipment. This rowing machine is recommended for home use and experts say rowing is one of the best impact free exercises anyone can take on. Owner reviews are very positive on Amazon and many call it an "awesome machine" that is "perfect for a home workout". It is true that many colleges and high schools with rowing programs use the Concept 2 D model as an indoor workout alternative to rowing on water.

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