| The Rowing machine is used to simulate the action of | | | | machine to live, you do not want to find that it does |
| watercraft rowing; they not only work the major | | | | not fit in your desired space once it has been |
| muscle groups, but provide excellent cardiovascular | | | | delivered! Mot websites display all the dimensions of |
| exercise. Rowing machines are so popular because | | | | the equipment they sell on the product details page |
| they; | | | | Always check what warranty comes with the rowing |
| • offer low impact exercise. | | | | machine? |
| • are suitable for almost all ages and abilities. | | | | Most of the rowing machines sold nowadays come |
| • can be used for endurance and sprint | | | | with a minimum 1 year parts and 1 year labour |
| training. | | | | warranty, and often longer. I would recommend looking |
| • have low maintenance, keeping costs down. | | | | for a branded model which has an on-site warranty. |
| • are small in size, with some models able to | | | | You do not want to have a rowing machine which you |
| store upright. | | | | are liable to send back to the supplier if it has a fault. |
| • are an effective tool for fat loss. | | | | What are programmes and how do they benefit me? |
| • generally do not require a power source. | | | | Many of the rowing machines sold nowadays come |
| I have outlined a few essential tips to bear in mind | | | | with variable and interval programmes, including heart |
| when purchasing a rowing machine. | | | | rate controlled programmes (when using the heart rate |
| What is your budget? | | | | strap). In the case of the Tunturi models, these can be |
| Rowing machines vary in price enormously depending | | | | controlled from the handlebar. Having more |
| on the features and design. A high end rowing machine | | | | programmes is often a necessary aid to keep your |
| can cost upwards of £1000, although not | | | | commitment to your goals… |
| everyone can or wants to spend £1000 on a | | | | How is the resistance level adjustable? |
| rowing machine! As with most exercise equipment you | | | | With many cheaper rowing machines, the resistance is |
| get what you pay for, basic rowing machines start | | | | provided by an electro-magnet, whilst these provide |
| from £299. Many of the rowing machines sold | | | | excellent training, machines using air or water |
| nowadays have features found on commercial | | | | resistance (such as the WaterRower range) will |
| models, and all are built to last for years. | | | | provide a smoother action. Many experienced rowers |
| Generally with more expensive rowing machines, you | | | | find the action of the WaterRower the closest to boat |
| will find more stable, robust machines, manufactured | | | | rowing. |
| from the highest grade materials. | | | | Although the electro magnetic resistance rowing |
| How much space do you have? | | | | machines do have a different action, they often benefit |
| When purchasing a rowing machine it is always best | | | | from features such as being foldable and can |
| to measure the space in which you intend the rowing | | | | sometimes be used for strength training. |