Benefits of Rowing Machines

One of the best aerobic fitness workouts you can get is by using an exercise rowing machine. Working out with a rowing machine works your cardiovascular system and builds muscle, especially in the upper body -- shoulders, chest, biceps, triceps, forearms, upper and lower back, and abdomen.

But, rowing machines also work the calves, thighs and gluteus. This means that you can get a full body workout by using just one machine. Of course, there are other individual machines that can work the upper and lower body, as well as the cardiovascular system. But no one machine can work all the major muscle groups while providing a vigorous aerobic exercise the way that a rowing machine can.

Activities such as jogging or running on a treadmill, while providing a good cardiovascular workout, do very little for the upper body, and are actually very high-impact exercises. This means that each time you jog or run on a treadmill you are endangering your joints, cartilage and bones. And unfortunately, many people develop knee, hip and other joint problems later in life from performing high-impact exercises like this.

A much better solution is to insist on a low-impact training schedule, and this is where exercise rowing machines have a great advantage. The machines provide a smooth, low-impact, high-results workout that is suitable for nearly anyone in good health. The risk of damaging knee or hip joints, for example, on a rowing machine is significantly less than with jogging or other high-impact, high-risk exercises.

When it comes to purchasing an exercise rowing machine, there are several things you will want to keep in mind, including the type of machine and the resistance it provides.

The most important difference between rowing machines is how they create resistance. Some types use a fan that creates a high level of resistance by forcing air through a compression chamber. This "air resistance" type of machine provides very smooth action, and a decent level of resistance. On the downside, these machines can also be quite noisy.

Hydraulic rowing machines use a mechanical hydraulic chamber to create a high level of resistance. Hydraulic machines are not as smooth as the air type, but on the plus side, they do tend to be extremely quiet, and are easy to adjust from one level of resistance to another.

Whichever type of machine you decide upon, you also want to consider the kind of footrest used. Ideally, you want solid foot rests that are comfortable, but not too restrictive. Also make sure that the foot rests are large enough, and provide some type of anti-skid traction on the surface to keep your foot firmly in place.

Finally, like all exercise machines these days, most rowing machines will also have a computer on board to help you keep track of speed, time, distance, and even pulse rate. While it is important to note that an exercise rowing machine with a built-in computer tends to be quite a bit more expensive than their non-computer counterparts, in the long run they are worth the additional expense if you're serious about getting the best workout.

Rowing Machines Buying Guide

The Rowing Machine action is used to simulate the action of watercraft rowing; they not only work the major muscle groups, but provide excellent cardiovascular exercise. Rowing Machines are so popular because they;

• offer low impact exercise.
• are suitable for almost all ages and abilities.
• can be used for endurance and sprint training.
• have low maintenance, keeping costs down.
• are small in size, with some models able to store upright.
• are an effective tool for fat loss.
• generally do not require a power source.

We have outlined a few essential tips to bear in mind when purchasing a Rowing Machine.

What is your budget?

Rowing machines vary in price enormously depending on the features and design. A high end rowing machine can cost upwards of £1000 plus, although not everyone can or wants to spend £1000 on a rowing machine! As with most exercise equipment you get what you pay for, basic rowing machines start from £65. Many of the rowing machines we stock have features found on commercial models, and all are built to last for years. Generally with more expensive rowing machines, you will find more stable, robust machines, manufactured from the highest grade materials.

How much space do you have?

When purchasing a rowing machine it is always best to measure the space in which you intend the rowing machine to live, you do not want to find that it does not fit in your desired space once it has been delivered! www.argos-sports.co.uk displays all the dimensions of the equipment it sells on the product details page.

Always check what warranty comes with the rowing machine?

All the rowing machines sold on www.argos-sports.co.uk come with a minimum 2 year parts and 1 year labour, on-site warranty, and often longer. All of the brands that www.argos-sports.co.uk represent provide comprehensive warranties. You do not want to have a rowing machine which you are liable to send back to the supplier if it has a fault.

What are programmes and how do they benefit me?

Many of the rowing machines stocked on www.argos-sports.co.uk come with variable and interval programmes, including heart rate controlled programmes (when using the heart rate strap). In the case of the Tunturi models, these can be controlled from the handlebar. Having more programmes is often a necessary aid to keep your commitment to your goals…

How is the resistance level adjustable?

With many cheaper rowing machines, the resistance is provided by an electro-magnet, whilst these provide excellent training, machines using air or water resistance (such as the WaterRower range) will provide a smoother action. Many experienced rowers find the action of the WaterRower the closest to boat rowing.

Although the electro magnetic resistance rowers do have a different action, they often benefit from features such as being foldable and can sometimes be used for strength training.