If you’re looking for an efficient cardio exercise that gives you a great lower-body workout, yet also works your upper body as well, it’s hard to go wrong with a rowing machine. With a rowing machine, you work your quads in the upper front of your legs, as well as your glutes and calves. And, if you’re considering adding a rowing machine to your home gym, here’s what to look for when purchasing one.
Folding vs. Non-Folding Rowing Machines
There are two types of machines – folding, and non-folding. The benefit of a folding machine is if your home or apartment is pressed for space, you can fold up your rowing machine when done and store it against the wall or in a closet. And, this seems to be the preferred choice for most homes. But, if you have the room, a non-folding machine is a bit more durable and may last you longer.
Water, Air, or Magnetic Resistance
To provide you with a good workout, you need resistance against your rowing stroke – and that can come from a number of different resistance sources. Water Resistance, like you find in the First Degree Fitness E316 Fluid Rower, provides a realistic stroke feel. without any dead spots in the stroke. Air Resistance rowers, like the BodyCraft VR500 Pro Rowing Machine, use air to provide resistance – the harder you row, the more airflow you need to push, which makes rowing harder. And, the air movement can help keep your workout area more comfortable as you row. And, Magnetic Resistance rowing machines, like the Spirit CRW800 Rower (which uses a combination of air and magnetic resistance) allows you to adjust your resistance to whatever level you choose – great for those starting out with a rowing machine.
Check the Seat and Track
Make sure the seat and track are made of durable materials, as this is where most of the stress on the machine will reside. The seat needs to fit comfortable, with no pressure points or pain. Make sure it’s made of durable materials that also don’t rub or chafe. And, you want to endure the seat glides smoothly along the track and doesn’t bind up or drag.
Price Range
Pricing on rowing machines runs a wide range – higher priced models may be made of higher end materials like wood (which may look great in your home, but also weigh a bit more) – and may also incorporate additional features like multi-function displays and variable resistance controls & settings. Cheaper rowing machines may be made of lower-quality materials and lack features that may help you in your fitness program. Set yourself a range as well as a list of what are “must have” features, and do some research to see what brands and models fit your price range.
Choose Quality Brands
Always go for quality when it comes to buying a rowing machine. Higher quality brand machines have unique features and are more reliable than ordinary machines. Following is the list of quality manufacturing brand that produce rowing machines. An example of quality brands include :
- Concept 2
- Spirit
- First Degree Fitness
- BodyCraft
Warranty
As rowing machines do experience a bit of stress during your workouts, make sure you find a machine that features a good warranty. And purchase your rowing machine from a reputable, specialty fitness equipment dealer that stands behind their brands, and can help you arrange for warranty service in the event you have an issue with your rowing machine.
Test It Out!
Before you purchase, stop into your local specially fitness equipment dealer and try out a couple of rowing machines. Get a feel for them, and make sure that before you buy, you choose a rower that is comfortable and as the features you need for your workouts. In the Phoenix area, Fitness 4 Home Superstore has 3 Valley locations – stop in and see our selection of rowing machines. Try one on for size – and find that perfect rowing machine for your home!
