Rowing Machine Reviews

Rowing: An Inside Look

Rowing isn’t just a sport with a group of athletes giving their all in order to reach the finish line. It’s not just about that. It’s about the mindset, it’s about the physical endurance and even the emotional stability. Rowing gives and delivers the best workout as it requires the use of muscles all over the body.

Aside from its common sports notion, rowing is also used for exercise while on camping. A rowing machine (or an indoor rower as it is sometimes called) is a machine used to simulate the action of watercraft rowing for the purpose of exercise or training for rowing. It is calibrated to measure the amount of energy the rower is using through the use of the equipment. The design consists of an energy damper or braking mechanism connected to a chain and/or handle.

For a closer look, here’s an overview of the design of rowers which can aid you if you are considering purchasing one for your home:

Foot stretcher. This is where the users place their feet. This is attached to the same mounting as the energy damper.

Digital display. Modern indoor rowers have digital displays or computers available to allow the user to see their stats as they exercise. It calculates the user’s powers by measuring the speed of the flywheel during the stroke and then records the rate at which it decelerates during the recovery. This calculates speed, power, distance and energy usage.

Motion type. The motion comes in three possible designs which allows the user to adjust the movement of the foot and the handle. One is a fixed head ergometer wherein the foot stretcher and the flywheel are both fixed. This is the most common. The second is known as the floating head ergometer wherein it is analogous to both the seat sliding on the boat and the boat sliding relative to the rower on the water. The seat is fixed in a specific position is the third design. Only the foot stretcher slides backward and away from the rower.

Damper Type. The piston resistance and the braked flywheel resistance comes from hydraulic cylinders that are attached to the handles of the rowing machine. It can be comprised of magnetic, air or water resistance.

Rowing machines, whatever design you might choose, work the cardiovascular system with typical workouts consisting of steady stretches of 20 to 40 minutes. Rowing machines enable the user to receive a full body workout without ever leaving the comforts of their home. Most rowing machines are convenient and even foldable, providing for easy storage.

Regardless of what design is chosen, a rowing machine will definitely help get you back in shape, whether for fitness or sports purposes.