Types of Rowing Machines

You've heard about the benefits of a rowing machine and would like to buy one for yourself. So you go online and find that there are different types. Water rowers, air rowers, hydraulic rowers, magnetic rowers. It can get confusing. Let's take a look at each one.

Water rowers come closest to simulating the feel of rowing on open water although they can be used indoors as well as outdoors. They actually use water encased in a container to provide resistance.

The other types simulate the feel of rowing mechanically. These are favored by users who like the convenience of easy storage. Many of them come with a small footprint and fold up easily.

Air rowers use a flywheel that employs wind resistance for a smooth rowing motion. The most popular air rowers in the market are the commercial-grade Concept2 indoor rowers, which are often found in gyms as well as homes.

Hydraulic cylinder rowers use piston-based resistance. Magnetic rowers employ powerful electromagnets that give you control over different levels of resistance - they give a smoother rowing experience than the hydraulic rowers and tend to be quieter. However, hydraulic rowers are the least expensive types of rowers. Stamina indoor rowers and Kettler rowers come in both hydraulic and magnetic models. Stamina also has its own version of an air rower.

Concept2 Model E in Focus

It isn't always easy to find a comfortable piece of fitness equipment if you're tall or have mobility and balance problems. The Concept2 Model E Indoor Air Rower addresses these concerns.

Like its predecessor, the Concept2 Model D, this rower is a commercial-grade exercise gadget with state-of-the-art engineering and features fit for an athlete yet user-friendly enough for a novice rower. You get a smooth rowing motion through fluid wind resistance from a precision calibrated and balanced flywheel. The ergonomic handles ensure natural arm rowing positions that are gentle on your joints. The stainless steel track on an aluminum rail provides the smoothest glides. The extraordinarily sturdy construction allows for an unbeatable 500-lb. maximum user weight capacity. It even comes with 5-year guarantee on its frame and two years for moving parts.

An upgrade from the Concept2 Model D air rower, this machine sports a higher seat level at 20 inches for those with mobility, balance, or height issues. Its PM4 performance monitor is fixed instead of removable. The chains are nickel-plated rather than just plain steel. To top it off, the Model E has a glossier finish on its body.

If you enjoy the fluid motion of an air rower but want a more affordable machine, you'll find that the Stamina 35 1400 ATS price is very reasonable. Its sturdy steel chassis has a 3-year warranty, so it's pretty solid.

What's the Attraction of Indoor Rowers?

What's the attraction of indoor rowers? Could it be the magnet-based rowing machines? Kidding aside, rowers that use the magnetic brake resistance system are among the quietest and smoothest rowers you'll ever find.

The Kettler HKS Coach LS is our top pick for magnetic resistance rowers. It is German-engineered, so powerfully built that it has a lifetime warranty on its frame! Well-muscled individuals can best appreciate the strength of this machine. Its maximum user weight capacity is 285 lbs. The center oar pull works out the upper body to the max on 10 easily adjustable resistance levels that mimic real-life changing water conditions. The quick-attach backboard and footplate add 16 more exercises for general strength training. These footplates are bio-mechanically designed to prevent ankle and knee strains. The polar wireless transmitter provides you hands-free pulse and heart rate monitoring.

You'll want to view the rest of the Kettler rowing machines to fully appreciate the solid craftsmanship of German engineering. Kettler also manufactures other resistance rowers such as the piston type Kettler Favorit and the hydraulic Kettler Kadett Outrigger.

Rowing Through the Years We Go

Once you've started rowing, you're probably going to want to keep doing it for years. You see how it builds up your chest, shoulders, arms, and back as it tones your torso, buttocks, and legs. Who wouldn't want to stay fit for life?

Can your rowing machine keep up with you? Let's examine different types of indoor rowers and their longevity. The most durable model in the Stamina line of rowers is the hydraulic action Stamina 1205 Precision Rower. It has a 5-year warranty on its steel frame and 90 days on its parts. Air-powered Concept2 Indoor Rowers have a 5-year warranty on their steel frames as well but 2 years on parts and the monitor. All the German-engineered Kettler Rowing Machines have a lifetime warranty on their frames and 3 years on parts and labor.

Of course, there are other important considerations, such as price and weight capacity. The Stamina 1205 Precision Rower is the lowest-priced among the models mentioned so it's a very good deal if it fits your budget and you weigh 250 lbs. or less. Kettler rowing machines are priced from the mid- to high-level. They can seat slightly heavier persons who weigh up to 285 lbs. Concept2 Air Rowers are the most high-end in terms of price but you have to consider the fact that they are extremely heavy-duty, with the capacity to carry individuals weighing up to 500 lbs!

And remember, the secret to effective indoor rowing is using the proper technique!

You CAN Afford a Good Indoor Rower

Some of the most popular indoor rowing machines are the ones that operate on the hydraulic resistance system. Hydraulic pistons provide resistance on this type of rower. The resistance levels are usually adjusted manually with the use of clamps or levers. Hydraulic rowing machine prices are very affordable. Below are two of the most pocket-friendly models on the market.

Some of the best features of the Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 are the following:

- it is compact and portable
- its multi-function monitor provides readouts on time, distance, speed, stroke count and calories burned
- it is made of steel and will withstand years of use
- it has a comfortable molded seat and a stable center beam
- it gives an effective upper body and cardiovascular workout

Among the finest features of the Stamina 1205 Precision Rower are the following:

- it has a heavy build but a small footprint
- its dual pistons can be adjusted with a manual tension control so you can customize your workouts according to the level of resistance you desire
- its low impact workout is kind to your joints as it effectively tones and strengthens your muscles while increasing your cardiovascular fitness
- its ball bearings allow you to have a smooth and realistic rowing experience

The Stamina 1205 Precision Rower price of US$175 and the Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 best price of US$149 are two of the best bargains you'll ever get!

Row, Row...Your Bike?

Are you having second thoughts about buying a rower because you'd prefer a machine that gives you a full-body workout? Here's the answer to your dilemma! The Stamina Conversion II Recumbent Bike Rower combines the functions of a rowing machine and an exercise bike. A padded seat slides along an aluminum rail for rowing mode and locks in place with a pin at the desired position for pedaling. You can alternate the functions during any point in your workout. This machine enables you to work out both your upper and lower body, increasing strength, stamina, and muscle tone from top to bottom. The recumbent seat allows you to lie back comfortably, distributing your weight onto your back and buttocks. A magnetic resistance mechanism gives you smooth and quiet workouts at eight different resistance levels.

If you already have an exercise bike but prefer a rower that uses magnetic resistance, the Kettler HKS Coach LS is your best choice. It boasts of high-quality German engineering and includes a chest strap that monitors your pulse and heart rate with ECG precision. An LCD monitor displays standard exercise factors such as time, speed, distance, strokes and energy consumption. You even get feedback on your fitness level on a scale of 1 to 6 after each workout. This machine gives you the option of 10 resistance levels.

Another unique indoor rower is the Kettler Kadett Outrigger Style Rowing Machine that is designed like an outrigger and employs circular arm movements for rowing. You program specific workouts based on distance settings or stroke speeds. It gives out audio signals when you have reached your target so you don't have to constantly check your monitor. This models has 12 resistance or difficulty levels.

Indoor Rowing is a Breeze!

Rowing machines come in various designs and different types of resistance: magnetic, piston, water, and air. Air resistance is one of the most commonly used systems in indoor rowers. This involves the use of a flywheel that turns as you pull on the chain or cable. The air it catches in its blades provides a resistance similar to the feel of open-air rowing on water. In some models, the faster you row, the greater the resistance, giving you a more intense workout.

When it comes to cost, the Stamina 35 1400 ATS Air Rower price is hard to beat. It utilizes a metal pull chain on its sturdy steel chassis. The oversized chrome seat rail provides stability and strength, while the molded seat - which can carry a person weighing up to 250 lbs. - and pivoting foot rests offer comfort while rowing. It folds up to save on space, and its wheels let you move it from one place to another. Overall, it's a good introduction to air rowing.

More experienced rowers who want a higher level of air rowing will not be disappointed by commercial-grade air rower models. Two of the best high-grade air rowing machines are the Concept2 Model D indoor rowing machine and Concept2 Model E indoor air rower. They are pricier but are of the highest quality. They are sturdy enough to accommodate users up to 500 lbs. The flywheel is precision calibrated and balanced. Their handles are ergonomic, ensuring the most natural rowing positions.