What are the benefits of Rowing Machines?
As far as cardio equipment go, rowing machines provide the most intensive workouts - they engage a wide range of muscles and body areas, allowing you to obtain a complete body workout. The major strength of rowers are that they simulate outdoor rowing, providing you with the means to train indoors regardless of the weather outside.
Rowing machines look to work your upper body (arms, shoulders and back) and lower body (legs). They provide you with a workout option that simulates outdoor water rowing – perfect for during the colder months when getting out on the water isn’t an enticing option.
Rowers, whilst focusing on the arms and upper body, are also beneficial for your abdomen and leg muscles, providing you with a complete body workout every time you use them. Rowing machines work by providing you with resistance when you pull back on the handles, just as it would were you doing the activity for real.
The repetitive motions of rowers, combined with the output of strength needed when pulling back on the apparatus, ensures you can build muscle strength quickly and efficiently. Increasing resistance on your rower will lead to greater muscle definition.
How much should I spend on an indoor rower?
The price of rowing machines vary a lot, from as little as a couple of hundred dollars, to a couple of thousand dollars. How much you choose to spend, is really determined by how much you are willing to spend and how intense you are going to be using the rower.
Here is a summary of the price and features you get:
- < $500 : Basic indoor rower. No console or very basic console. Manual, hydraulic resistance. Light-duty frame. Small seat.
- $500 - $1000 : Standard rower. Basic Console. Manual magnetic resistance. Standard-duty frame. Good seat.
- $1000 - $2000 : Excellent Rower. Good Console. Automatic magnetic resistance. Heavy-duty frame. Large, comfortable seat.
- > $2000+ : Premium rowing machine. Advanced console. Heavy, strong resistance. Choice of air/magnetic or water chamber resistance. Heavy-duty frame. Possible corporate/commercial use.
What features should I look for in a rower?
There are several features you should look for in a rower that can help you find a good rower. These include:
- Resistance Type : Magnetic/Air resistance is the best. It is the most reliable. There are other types of resistance (hydraulic or water), but they are prone to breaking or leaking.
- Seat-rail length : If you are tall, then you want a longer seat rail. Opt for a smooth metal-alloy rail.
- Metal Foot-plates : As you row, you put immense pressure on the foot-plates. The bracing and brackets of each foot plate should be made of metal, not plastic.
- Pulling Drive-system: Chain or belt? We prefer the belt systems as they are quieter and just as strong as chain. The belts should be made of the same material as car seat belts.
- Computer Console : The console should be automatic with manual over-ride for the resistance. It should display your workout details including: Overall time, Time over 500 meters, Distance, Number of Strokes, Strokes Per Minute, and in-built programs.
What are popular rower brands?
The brands of rowing machines include:
- Concept2 : The original designer of indoor rowing machines. The most well known brand.
- Infiniti : An excellent manufacturer of rowing machines, they are innovative and very good quality. We believe Infiniti are better than Concept2; and are the best available for home-use.
- aBlaze : A new-comer to rowing machines - good quality rowers, with solid frames.
- First Degree : Makers of the indoor water rower. Their rowing machines feature self-container water chambers with adjustable resitance.
- York : A good brand of budget rowing machines.
What are the best rowing machines?
Here are our recommendations for the best rowing machines:
- < $1000 - BodyWorx KR6000 Manual Magnetic Rower
- $1000 - $1500 - Horizon Oxford 4 Rowing Machine
- $1500 - $2000 - Infiniti R9 Rower
- > $2000 - Infiniti R200 Commercial Rowing Machine
If you are looking for a rowing machine, at Fitness Market we only stock the best. To learn more about our range of indoor rowers, call us today on 1300 557 773.
