| Rowing machines come in two models: water and | | | | especially for out-of-shape and older people. The most |
| hydraulic. With the water model the workout is | | | | important thing when using a rower is proper form, |
| generated by a flywheel overcoming the effect of | | | | which is not necessarily obvious to the exerciser. Bad |
| drag in a water tank. Hydraulic rowers, which include | | | | rowing form can harm the knees and back. People |
| most home rowing machine versions, consist of shock | | | | who already have problems in these areas may want |
| absorbers attached to handles that you use like oars. | | | | to avoid the equipment before learning proper |
| Both types generally include a sliding seat on a track | | | | technique. |
| that the exerciser can pull and push himself on. Both | | | | Buying Considerations |
| types offer similar benefits although the water rowers | | | | It is very important that the rowing machine fits the |
| are very good at emulating rowing a boat through | | | | user's frame. People over six feet tall find many |
| water. Some people find this a more pleasant | | | | rowing models do not allow enough room for their |
| experience. | | | | strokes. Common seat sizes may not comfortably |
| Advantages | | | | accommodate 250 pound frames. Like all exercise |
| Rowing is one of the best all around machine | | | | equipment rowing machines take up room and storage |
| exercises. All major muscle groups including legs, arms, | | | | is a consideration. Many home rowers, however, can |
| back, abdominal and buttocks get a training effect | | | | be folded and stored under a bed. |
| while rowing. Rowing also provides aerobic conditioning | | | | Other things to look for include a sturdy frame and |
| and strength training which makes rowing a very time | | | | smooth movement throughout the strokes. If the |
| efficient exercise. This dual-purpose workout is a great | | | | machine includes a track, experts recommend a seat |
| calorie burner as well. Because rowing is an impact | | | | that moves on ball-bearings, which tend to last longer. |
| free activity, it can be a life-long form of exercise. | | | | The footrests should swivel, and they should not be at |
| Rowing is also one of the few exercise machines that | | | | a sharp angle. Finally, make sure the seat is |
| can strengthen the back. | | | | comfortable. If it is not, the machine probably won't get |
| Disadvantages | | | | much use. |
| Rowing machines have tended to gather more dust | | | | Costs |
| than other fitness equipment. Although they provide a | | | | Hydraulic rowing machines are generally cheaper, |
| great workout, many people find that the exercise can | | | | although many people prefer a water rower because |
| get repetitious. This is probably the reason interest in | | | | it feels more like real rowing. Hydraulic rowing |
| them had diminished, although rowers may be making | | | | machines can range from over $200 to more than |
| a popularity comeback. | | | | $3,000. Water rowers can cost $1,000 and more. |
| Rowers can be somewhat rough on the body, | | | | |