Rowing Machine

Our Rowing Machine Range

You determine the pace. Most rowing machines including air rowing machines, magnetic rowing machines and water rowers have some form of adjustable resistance. This is to increase the intensity of the workout.

Good Rowers

Good rowing machines will comprise of a single draw cord attached to some form of resistance mechanism, which could be magnetic, air or water. For instance the Kettler Coach rowing machine uses magnetic resistance. The Spirit R800 rowing machine uses air and the WaterRower rowing machine is self explanatory with a unique water resistance.

The Best All Round Fitness Equipment

If you can only afford one piece of fitness equipment you won't go far wrong with a rowing machine. However they do not appeal to everyone for reasons that will become clear later.

Buying Your Rowing Machine

Consider who will be using the rowing machine and what their specific goals are

It is more than likely that more than one person will be using the rowing fitness machine. It is important to consider the need's of everyone who wants to use the exercise equipment. Older users may find a rowing machine too strenuous or find the co-ordination required too demanding. Children may find some rowing machines have too stronger a resistance on the pull cord even at the lowest resistance level.

Start your shopping with a specialist fitness equipment retailer

Specialist fitness equipment dealers like us have educated staff. We sell quality fitness machines plus the ability to install and service. Meaning your workout equipment is more effective than your normal sports shop or department store.

Go to a specialist fitness equipment store and test the fitness equipment

Almost any fitness machine will feel adequate if you only test it for a few minutes. Its only when you start to put the rowing machine through its paces that you will you appreciate the quality. It's only by testing this way will you notice the major differences in quality and comfort. The best rowing machines will feel smooth through out the whole stroke and the resistance should remain constant even at the very beginning of the stroke. So go to the store prepared, in appropriate clothing and footwear so you can test the gym equipment properly.

Remember the must haves when buying a Rower

Smoothness of The Rower

How does the movement feel? This is a critical question to ask. It must feel smooth at all times from the beginning of the stroke to the very end of the stroke. Is there a jar at the start of the stroke? if so this could put a strain on your lower back. The seat should also run smoothly and quietly over its monorail. Spend some time on the rowing machine if you can. After you should not feel any discomfort on your knees, back, shoulders or hips.

Adjustable ResistanceAll rowing machines should provide adjustable resistance so that you can vary the intensity of your workout. This can take the form of magnetic resistance.

Magnectic Rowers

On a magnetic manual resistance rowing machine you physically turn a knob. Which moves the magnet closer to the metal flywheel, slowing it down.

Electro Magnetic Resistance

Electro magnetic resistance is changeable at the push of a button. These rowing machines can also of provide pre-programmed workouts. The drawback of magnetic rowing machines is the limited resistance to the strength of the greater magnet force.

Air Rowing Machines

Air rowing machines use a fan wheel and are the most popular type of rowing machine. The most famous of these is the Concept 2 rowing machine. But, the Vision AR700 rowing machine and the Horizon Oxford rowing machine are very good alternatives. Especially for those who's budget cannot stretch to the Concept 2 rower. By rowing harder and faster on an air rower you generate more airflow through the fan. This, in turn, increases the resistance, although some of these rowing machines also use a manual dampening system. This is to increase the resistance further. Finally you have rowing machines that use water such as the WaterRower. This rowing machine provides a very natural feel and you also get the soothing sound of rushing water.

Build Quality

If the build quality is poor you will never achieve the two requirements above. Smoothness is not achieveable on a rowing machine that uses cheap bearings in the seat rollers or plastic blades on the fan wheel. The seat monorail needs to be long enough to accommodate all size users. Too short and you will crash the seat into the rear of the rowing machine before you have performed the full stroke.

Console Feedback

The basics from a fitness point of view are time, distance and speed. Having a measure of calories burned can also be motivating. Consider what additional information is important to keep you motivated day after day.

Training Tips For Rowing

With a rowing fitness machine you use a lot of the muscles of the upper body. This means that the smaller muscles of the arms and chest are being used as much if not more so than the large muscles of the legs. You may find that your arms may tire before you have achieved a full 20-30 minute aerobic workout. This is the recommended time required to guarantee the proper conditioning of the heart and lungs. Therefore you have to percivier more with a rowing machine than other pieces of workout equipment. However when you get there you will be performing one of the best all round exercises on the market.

Safety & Maintenance Of Your Rowing Machine

Safety Features

Rowing machines are very safe to use. You are low to the floor so falling off is not an issue. All the working mechanisms are well out of harms way. However you do need to think carefully if you suffer from back or knee problems.

A rowing machine can be very good at strengthening the muscle of the lower back, however if you suffer from disc problems or serious muscle spasm then a rowing machine could aggravate it. The same if you have trouble with your knees. The knee has to do a lot of bending and straightening during a rowing exercise. If unsure ask your doctor or physio. When buying fitness equipment, gym equipment or any type of workout equipment safety must always be a priority.

Maintenance of Your Equipment

A good rowing machine should be almost maintenance free. A well-designed rower takes normal wear and tear into account so that you don't have to. Cheap rowing machines do not.

Warranty Information

Warranties vary from manufacturer. Please ask a Fitness Options consultant for details.