Choosing the best rowing machine is not easy. That is why it is important to have at least a minimum knowledge of the different types and be aware of the essential criteria you must pay attention to before making your purchase. You will find many models on the market offering different loads, quality and price.
Each rowing machine has its own unique characteristics, but you should also know that it has its advantages, so there are disadvantages. To help you make the best choice, we have prepared this guide, which will discuss what this fitness device is, how it works, its advantages and the features you should pay attention to. Follow our tips, and you will choose the perfect model according to your needs.
Which is the best rowing machine?
To choose a good machine, you need to know what benefits you are looking for from the device.
If you are an athlete dedicated to rowing, a professional device will greatly benefit you. If you are looking for a way to exercise as fully as possible, then a home device will do well.
When choosing, you should also pay attention to the noise level during the exercise. If you prefer to be quieter when training, you should choose a model that does not make much noise, in which case it will be most advantageous to choose a model with water or magnetic resistance.
If noise is not an issue for you, then you can pick up with air resistance.
A device with adjustable resistance and a real rowing feel can also help you prepare better. Comparing different models can be a decision when choosing. If you still don’t know what to buy, this list may help.
1. Nordictrack rowing machine
The Nordictrack machine is controlled by the 26 digital resistance levels, which ensure the overall load of the body.
This is a highly efficient, fully automated machine that is ideal for professional athletes because it strengthens the back, legs, abdomen and, improves posture and offers comprehensive exercises with varying degrees of difficulty.
Available with transport wheels and a 22-inch touch screen. It is large, heavy and suitable for both cardio and strength training.
This device is not cheap at all, but it is undoubtedly an excellent investment.
2. Body Sculpture BR3010 Rower and Gym
If you want to exercise all the muscles in one exercise, you can consider this an effective machine.
This is an ideal piece of equipment for those dedicated to rowing as a sport and even for those looking for a way to exercise all muscle groups in one exercise. It is foldable and has extremely long aluminium rails.
In addition, it has three resistance cords with the ability to adjust three different resistance levels. It has a screen to monitor the elapsed time, a number of scoops, calories burned and more. The maximum supported weight is up to 100 kilograms.
3. Merax Rowing Machine
The Merax brand offers you this device, suitable for beginners and intermediate users, where you can train fully and effectively.
This is a home device, but that doesn’t make it any less effective. It is recommended for everyone who loves sports.
With one central button, you can choose between 8 levels of resistance and monitor the data from the current workout on the LCD screen.
The device is distinguished by its magnetic resistance, high efficiency and ease of assembly. Due to its size, it is suitable for taller people weighing up to 120 kg.
4. V-fit Tornado Air Rower
This model from V-fit is a device with air resistance.
Perfect for strengthening the upper body, shoulder muscles, back, arms and legs.
One of its main features is the LCD, on which you can monitor the duration of the workout and the calories burned.
This is a medium-priced device, ideal for exercising at home. Its maximum maintained weight is 100 kg.
5. TOPIOM Rowing Machine
Equipped with a water tank, namely, it is one of its significant advantages, as it will give you the feeling of real rowing with 3 working levels.
It comes with a console that shows you calories burned and heart rate. With this model, you will also be able to establish coordination in which you can control the time, number of strokes, and rotation rhythm.
This is a solid device with good quality and a maximum maintained weight of 180 kg.
6. JLL Ventus 2 Air Resistance Home Rowing Machine
This model is equipped with a quiet air-magnetic brake system for comfortable and smooth rotation. It includes 7 functions and 8 levels of resistance. Its computer with an LCD screen provides information about each workout, such as distance, time, calories burned, heart rate, and strokes. Includes a long frame suitable for tall users and a comfortable seat with bearings.
It features a variety of training programs and the ability to fix the floor.
What is a rowing machine?
A rowing machine is a fitness device that is specially designed to simulate the action performed during academic rowing perfectly. It is used mainly by athletes practising this sport for their training during bad weather. In recent years, however, rowing has become a sport in itself, thanks to its many advantages in the same way as training with an exercise bike, elliptical trainer, treadmill, stepper training or other muscle-building equipment.
The modern rowing machine can also be called an ergometer (a device that measures the volume of work performed), as it measures the amount of energy used by the user during the fitness sessions.
This fitness equipment includes almost 85% of muscle mass. In addition, cardio training with the machine has a beneficial effect on your cardiovascular system. Despite the availability of many different types of fitness equipment on the market, the rowing machine remains the best in the field of cardio training. This device allows better weight gain, permanent weight loss, heart rate regulation, and the work of different muscle groups for regular or intensive use.
As a rule, the device consists of a frame, a beam. It handles serving as paddles, a sliding seat on a rail system, a footrest, a console (LCD screen allowing easier control of the exercises and display of all related data) and a resistance.
Different types of rowing machines
There are different types of rowing machines that allow you to do exercises for different purposes.
With flywheel
This type of rowing machine is especially recommended for cardio exercises and endurance. Allows asymmetry of movements, which helps to develop harmonious muscles throughout the body. This device is silent and intuitive to operate. The proper rhythm for training is quickly found during the first sessions. Flywheel models allow you to work the whole body, as they include both the upper and lower body.
With magnetic resistance
This species uses electromagnetic force to create resistance. It is very quiet, so it is an ideal choice for those who live in an apartment and want to train very early in the morning or late in the evening because with this species, they will not make much noise.
With air resistance
This is one of the most modern, as it creates resistance according to the rowing of the user. The harder you row, the greater the resistance will be. This type perfectly simulates the experience while rowing in water.
With water tank
This is one of the most expensive options but at the same time one of the best on the market. It is easily recognizable because it has a tank full of water that allows you to simulate the experience of rowing outdoors. It is no coincidence that this is the model preferred by professional athletes.
Hydraulic
The hydraulic also has 2 rowing handles that allow horizontal movement. Training with this type is more difficult because the movements are partially guided, which makes them quite similar to rowing. The specific movement of the hydraulic machine implies a greater opening of the chest due to the increased movements of the arms. Therefore, the muscles of the back and shoulders will be more loaded.
Advantages of the rowing simulator
Using a rowing machine at home is a good alternative to the equipment present in the local gym. You don’t have to be a fitness expert or a professional athlete to use this type of sports equipment.
Improves cardiovascular function
Rowing is excellent for the heart and lungs because it makes every important muscle group work. This causes your heart to pump more blood to the muscle tissue to provide energy and nutrients to the cells.
Increase the overall muscle strength and endurance of the body
By training with this device you can increase muscle strength, although endurance is the main beneficiary. This is due to repeated pressing with the feet and pulling with the body and hands against the resistance.
Low impact on the joints
Your feet remain in contact with the pads, and your hands maintain contact with the handles, reducing the chances of injury to your ankles, knees, wrists, elbows, or shoulders.
It can be practised individually or in groups
As with the actual practice of sports, this exercise can be done individually or in groups.
Relatively low price
Whether you buy a home device or use one in the gym, the investment is relatively low compared to other cardio equipment. Some models can be purchased for less than BGN 400, although low-cost devices also offer lower quality.
Accessibility
Not everyone has a lake or river nearby – let alone a boat. These devices are available in almost all gyms, and you do not need to wear a life jacket or know how to swim.
Buying guide
Before you buy a comb simulator, you need to consider several critical criteria. It is certainly a fitness device that allows you to work simultaneously with most of the muscles of your body. But the models that will measure the market are not the same. To make the right choice, you will need to consider your goals and the way you plan to use it (warm-up, daily workouts, fitness, weight loss, improved physical fitness), frequency of use (intensive, regular), of course, and your budget.
Storage
In addition to the convenience of use, which is essential, the comfort of storage is also necessary to choose a home comb simulator. Not all of us have the opportunity to have a place reserved for our sport. Some rowing machines have built-in wheels that will make it easier to move the machine. It is also possible to find models that fold to save space when not in use. In most cases, they save a lot of space, as you can store them in a closet or even a closet.
Noise level
Some models are noisier than others. But not everyone has to choose a silent device. Some people may like noise and accept it as motivation and feel that they are working hard.
Maximum user weight
These products can usually withstand more weight than other fitness equipment. There are fewer moving parts that can be affected by heavier users.
Display
Most good models come with a handy console that lets you know information such as distance, time and calories burned. This information can be motivating during a workout.
By monitoring the data on the screen, you can directly judge whether you are training hard.
Easy to assemble
You want to assemble your machine only once without wasting much time. Make sure the device is easy to assemble.
Type of resistance
As discussed above, they are available in four different types of braking systems. Air, water, hydraulic and magnetic resistance. Each type has its own unique advantages and characteristics that will benefit consumers depending on their individual needs.
Rowing is a rhythmic sport in which slow and fast phases alternate. It is recommended to follow the same alternation with the home comb simulator for better results. When set to low intensity, you want to row with a smooth racing boat. At high intensity, the feeling is the same as that felt on a large rowing boat. If you want to use the home comb simulator intensively, it is better to choose one that offers different resistance levels.
Objectives
You need to think carefully about your goals and the exercises you want to do before buying it. Some are designed to help with a specific goal, while others focus on other areas.
Quality
This is a very important factor if you weigh more than 100 kg, as most of the cheaper models will not withstand this weight.
Robust frame
The rail on which you move while training is a key part of its construction, as it absorbs much of the load during training. It must be made of some strong material such as steel or reinforced aluminium.
Fixed vs folding model
The fixed module does not allow folding for storage, so you will need enough space to keep it permanently. Folding equipment does exactly what its name suggests: it folds to optimize space.
Seat, handles and footrest
You need to make sure that the model you choose provides the necessary comfort during training. Also, it should have some seat with porous rubber.
