May 05, 2008
A rowing exercise machine has a horizontal tubular member on which a seat is mounted on rollers for movement along the member. The horizontal member also mounts foot rests which may be removable.1
The machine is not just for those who have bad backs. A rowing machine will help build your shoulders, stretch your hips and obliques, and provide one heck of an aerobic workout.2
Rowing machines are a bit more complex and a bit harder to use than the standard stair machine, exercise bike, or treadmill. A rowing machine is a much better piece of equipment if you are looking for a new piece of equipment because it does a lot more for your body.3
Around 1980, air resistance rowing machines were introduced, and, in 1988, a hydraulic flywheel rowing machine design was released. Many modern rowing-machine designs are a hybrid of these earlier designs.5
The rowing stroke basically consists of a “drive” portion in which the rower thrusts backward, a “recovery” portion in which the rower leans forward, and a “catch” portion in which the rower makes the transition from the recovery portion to the next drive portion. To simulate this rowing motion, a typical rowing machine has a seat that slides back and forth on a rail or track.7
