Why rowing machines are so expensive, why water resistance is better than air resistance and what exactly are the advantages of rowing machines over other fitness machines
This question is on the minds of almost everyone who is starting to think about getting an exercise machine at home, and a great many of our customers have asked us this question every day.
We decided to answer these questions in detail.
Firstly, rowing machines work the whole body, which you can’t do on devices other than ski machines. Rowing activates more than 80 per cent of the body’s muscles, increases endurance and burns up to 1000 kcal/hour of calories, and strengthens the cardiovascular system.
In the USA, rowing machines started to be used intensively more than 15 years ago, and no training could do without them. Of course, rowing machine sales in the US and worldwide skyrocketed after the TV series House of Cards, where Frank Underwood (played by Kevin Spacey) was constantly training on a WaterRower rowing machine in his basement. After each series, WaterRower sales shot up.
Waterrower Training
Rowing machines are becoming increasingly popular.
What’s so special about rowing machines with water resistance, such as WaterRower, FirstDegreeFitness, Hunter, and ViktoryFit?
Fluid Resistance allows you to quickly switch resistance without interrupting your workout, so you can choose the correct resistance for your warm-up, strength, cardio or interval training. The resistance is very finely tuned, which is essential for top-class athletes and general amateurs.
Everything you wanted to know about adjustable water resistance in rowing machines!
Users with varying levels of fitness can use the machine and choose the proper workout individually.
The ability for professionals to train in the off-season or in addition to on-the-water training; the work on the simulator is as close as possible to rowing ‘solo’.
For water resistance trainers, this is a unique feature and First Degree of Fitness know-how.
Note that exercisers with other types of loading (magnetic or air) also have a resistance adjustment function, but they lack rowing simulation’s critical feature.
We’ll detail the pros and cons and show you what to look out for when buying.
Benefits of rowing machines with water resistance:
Resistance
The rowing machine tank is about half full, 12-20 litres, depending on the model. Some models have resistance adjustment, some do not. The beauty of the water-resistance rowing machine is that the load depends on the strength of the row. The harder you pull, the heavier the load—a complete simulation of real rowing.
WaterRower FlyWheel
This creates the necessary conditions to eliminate the possibility of rowing injuries.
Full simulation of natural academic rowing on the water. It’s really amazing how well the water’s load feels and how close rowing on a water simulator is to natural rowing on the water. As soon as you try it, you’ll notice right away.
When rowing on a rowing machine with water resistance, there are no dead zones that cause micro-trauma to the muscles, and the resistance is even over the entire length of the rowing stroke. Rowing is perfect for the joints, it strengthens them without, again, the possibility of injury.
Note:
Tip: Not only resistance is vital when choosing a rowing machine pay attention to the seat and the ergonomics of the movement.
Sound
Even with the most intensive training on rowing machines with water resistance, there is silence all around, and only the splash of water can be heard, you can easily immerse yourself in the sensation of paddling on a pond if you have a good imagination.
You can study deep into the night without worrying about the neighbours.
Note:
Tip: Pay attention to the seat’s movement on the rails, in metal models and wooden ones, if the surface is not properly sanded, the noise may come from this movement.
Longevity
Water-loaded rowing machines are more durable than rowing machines with magnetic or hydraulic loads. A trainer like this can last more than 10 years.
Design
Rowing machines with water resistance are much more attractive than other rowing machines and other fitness equipment. They have an unrivalled design, which is also due to the combination of wood and water. Different materials determine the colour of the simulator.
The WaterRower rowing machine, for example, is in the Lisbon Design Museum in London.
Storage
All rowing machine models can be stored either horizontally or vertically. In the upright position, it occupies an area slightly larger than a chair.
Other Benefits
Some other benefits of rowing or simulating rowing:
– comprehensively working almost all human muscles;
– Can burn up to a 1000 calories which means you get rid of excess weight quickly;
– All muscle groups and body systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous) work simultaneously; this makes for a balanced workout and a harmonious body;
– maximum safety; it is impossible to get injured during exercise; rowing is also recommended for users with knee or other joint problems;
– The splashing of water (from oars in a boat or the tank of a jet ski) has a calming and anti-stress effect.
Disadvantages of rowing machines with water resistance.
Price
Rowing machines with water resistance are usually more expensive than other rowing machines. Although ViktoryFit rowing machines are well priced and already available to the middle class.
Filling with water
All rowing machines with water resistance are filled with water, this is done with a hand pump and can take 10-15 minutes. But this seems to us to be a disadvantage for individual buyers only.
The filling is carried out to the maximum fill line indicated on the tank. Crossing the filling limit can lead to leakage during vertical storage.
The best rowing machines with water resistance
DFC R403B
The budget-friendly device is designed to help those who want a slim, toned figure but don’t have the resources. Once installed, you can pump all muscle groups and strengthen your cardiovascular system without any problems. Two hydraulic cylinders are responsible for the load. It is adjustable on the handles.
Advantages:
* affordable price;
* LCD display showing calories burned, distance travelled, exercise time, number of strokes;
* The handle rotation range is 360 degrees.
The downside:
* There are no pre-installed programmes;
* does not unfold;
* 100kg weight limit
CardioPower RW600
The main feature is to provide a smooth ride like a real paddler. The blades move without jerking. In terms of quality, they are comparable to professional models. Its length makes it suitable for taller people. The steel casing and quality components create an occupation-friendly atmosphere.
Advantages:
* The ergonomic design eliminates foot fatigue and relieves stress on the shoulder joint;
* Smooth, silent gliding on the guide rail;
* 6 operating modes;
* vertical placement for extra small spaces;
* The polyurethane seat facilitates long sessions;
* An informative display shows speed, distance travelled, calories burned and heart rate;
* German quality.
The downside:
* no-load controller. Its role is performed by water, to be drained down and reversed when it is raised. A special pump is included.
First Degree Fitness Omega PRO
The new flagship model sets a high standard of quality. The ergonomic handles recreate an actual paddle’s tactile sensation in the small details—sturdy double frame made of aluminium and steel. The installation is monumental. The model has the largest tank with enlarged blades and thus increases the load by 65% compared to competitors.
Advantages:
* Bluetooth monitor will provide complete control of the process;
* The footrests are placed at an optimum distance for the comfort of athletes of all sizes;
* Silent running of the seat with ergonomic relief due to air bearings with a minimum friction coefficient;
* self-cleaning skid system;
* Vertical storage is permitted.
The downside:
The best magnetic rowing machines
Torneo Octopus V-210
A representative of the budget segment of the home sports market. It is used to increase the body’s endurance and work for all muscle groups. The foldable storage feature is a definite plus for those without a dedicated training room. The bottom of the frame is fitted with wheels for easy movement when assembled and ready for use. The low weight of the structure will not cause difficulties for women and children. It is equally suitable for beginners and professionals.
Advantages:
* easy to use;
* Intuitive assembly;
* The display shows all the required parameters;
* Quiet in operation;
* budget option;
* All the necessary tools are included.
The downside:
* No heart rate monitor;
* It is not possible to fix the footrests on an incline, the straps are not tight;
* The counter is reset every 10 km.
Sport Elit SE-104
Smooth, measured movements that mimic paddling exactly. There is no jerking or sagging during operation. The informative display shows everything you need to know during your workout.
It incorporates two types of sporting equipment:
* A cardio machine that develops endurance strengthens the heart and burns excess weight;
* power. It will improve your muscles and build the figure the user has been dreaming of for a long time.
Advantages:
* Steel tubes and channels with reinforcing ribs act as a base;
* A large seat slides silently over the frame;
* Leg locks on the pedals;
* autonomous operation;
* folding mechanism;
* compact dimensions.
The downside:
* small display;
* There are no built-in programmes.
COACH 2
The novelty is given a stylish industrial design, characterised by double aluminium rails. The length is optimal for tall people over 2 metres. Developed in cooperation with professional rowers. They chose the optimum seating height and wide footrests to accommodate them.
Advantages:
* 6 kg flywheel;
* 5 operating modes, easy to switch;
* Smooth and quiet operation;
* integration with the KETTMAPS application;
* compact dimensions;
* vertical storage;
* Suitable for people who are obese up to 150 kg;
* German quality.
The downside:
* Additional accessories are not included;
* 1 training programme.
Each of the models featured at the top can help a person improve his or her health and build a muscular physique.
These trainers are quite common and can easily be purchased at your local sporting goods outlet or online shop.
Take into account several specific parameters when choosing an exercise machine. Only then can exercise be enjoyable, and the exerciser will not burden you with its presence.
If you have or had any experience with any of the models featured at the top, be sure to write about it.