As a physical fitness training machine, a rower keeps you fit with the cardiovascular, physical exercise of the body’s major muscle groups. This includes upper body and leg workouts, along with endurance, strength and balance. Let’s not forget the importance of mental discipline as well, where you train yourself with the ability to continue on when your body demands that you stop.
Why spend monthly on a gym membership when you can row your way to a better body at home with a rowing machine? Here are some general guidelines to follow when looking for a rower, followed by some details about specific models.
General Rower Construction
You should try out any rower before you purchase it. Does it have a smooth, stable workout? Is the frame designed for users of your size and weight?
Performance Monitors
When looking at rowing machines, don’t forget about the performance monitor. Look for a performance monitor that shows multiple readouts at once so you don’t have to scroll through your workout stats. Some of the more expensive models also come with heart rate monitoring included, usually by ear clip. Any new rower you buy should display workout intensity, stroke rate, heart rate, zone bar, duration, and distance. You should also be able to easily adjust the resistance for a more challenging workout.
In a new rower you want a complete rowing experience, but if you’re looking for a realistic rowing simulation, be prepared to pay more for that luxury.
Kettler Coach Rowing Machine
For serious athletes interested in measuring and monitoring their overall fitness levels, the Coach is equipped with a fitness test that evaluates heart-rate recovery patterns and rates performance on a scale of 1 to 6. The large, easy-to-read computer monitor records every aspect of your workout: speed, total strokes, time, strokes per minute, distance, calories burned, heart rate, and time of day.
LifeCore Fitness R100 APM Premier
This incorporates the latest magnetic resistance rowing technology. For the very best in magnetic-resistance options, the LifeCore Fitness R100 APM Premier Rower incorporates the latest rowing technology with quiet, smooth, adjustable magnetic benefits.
Integrity 3000 Air Rowing Machine
Giving you a great total body workout with virtually no impact, the Integrity 3000 Air uses air resistance instead of bulky pullies or cables.
Schwinn Windrigger
A whispery-smooth with pre-set workout programs that auto-adjust resistance to match your workout goals. It’s an excellent training tool for rowers of all levels, and has a Regatta mode that simulates a race and challenges you to beat the program. The Schwinn Windrigger uses exceptional air-flow resistance technology to match resistance to your effort level.
WaterRower
WaterRower's patented water flywheel technology produces an unbeatable simulation of real-life, on-the-water rowing. WaterRower technology can be found on a variety of models. It’s pricey, but you get what you pay for.
Hands-down, the best value in a home gym is a rowing machine. It’s an ideal machine for anyone from beginners to elite athletes, providing a complete cardio workout. This is truly a handy piece of home exercise equipment.
