Reviews of the Best Rowing Machines - Buying Guide:
Rowing machines have been around for years, but as health clubs and fitness centers became more modern, rowing machines got better and smoother to operate. I remember using one in the early 1980's that was rigid and jerky, enough that you didn't want to exercise on it any more. The new rowing machines simulate the rowing motion very well and they help your body ergonomically. Not only are the rowing machines at gyms better than ever, the home rowing machines you can buy will give you a great workout. AVid rowers that prefer rowing on the water have come to recognize that home rowers offer the same training except you don't have to deal with the weather and outdoor elements. Rowing machines give an excellent low impact all around workout that almost anyone can do. Before buying a rowing machine, consider a few things like how much space you have available. Most rowing machines are 6 feet long and some are fold-up types that can be stored in a smaller space if needed. Rowing machines create resistance in 1 of 4 ways - we will discuss the various types below.
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. The top rowing machines per Rowingmachines.com are the Stamina ATS Air Rowing Machines ($349), Kettler Coach Rowing Machine ($899), WaterRower Natural in Air S4 ($1095) and the First Degree Fitness Fluid Rower ($1498.99). 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.
Used Rowing Machines:
You first need to determine how much you want to spend. Brand new a good rowing machine like a Kettler will cost a little less than a $1000, so assume you will be spending $500 for a quality used rowing machine. Ebay or Amazon.com offer some good used models to choose from. On Amazon.com we found the Phoenix MR 900 Power Rowing Machine 1357 used for $260, the Kettler Kadett Outrigger Style Rower Rowing Machine ($519/used), Fitness Quest Integrity 3000 Air Rower ($175/used), Edge 250 Rowing Machine 449 ($180/used), and the Schwinn Windrigger Rowing Machine ($1099/used). No matter what model you decide to buy, make sure the proper maintenance has been done on it. Stay away from the cheaper models since having to repair a rowing machine can be costly and durability is more important than a cheap price.
Benefits of Rowing Machines:
The benefits of using a rowing machine are many including cardio training, improved strength training, low-impact and joint friendly motion, and improved flexibility. As our bodies age, remaining flexible is a key to avoiding injury and rowing is a great way to do this. Rowing machines make it easy for people who don't have access to boats or rivers to actually row on. The latest rowing machines are so good at simulating the real activity that you get the exact same workout as those on the river. At first glance it might seem that rowing is all upper body, but the more you get into it you will see that leg drive is a key component of keeping a smooth rowing motion. You will get a complete body workout by rowing. One great thing about rowing, is that you can do the exercise even as you get older since you determine how much you want to put into it. I've seen plenty of people in their 70's that could out row me any day because they are in great shape from years of rowing.
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