First, let’s find out what a rowing machine is and what its benefits are. The name might suggest that it imitates rowing, so it’s aimed primarily at people who row professionally, but that’s not entirely true.
Rowing machines are considered to be one of the best full-body workout machines available on the market today.
Rowing machines have many advantages over other cardio machines. For example, you can burn up to 1,000 calories per hour on a rowing machine (one of the best) and increase your metabolic rate for several hours after your workout.
The only direct competitor for burning calories is probably the treadmill, and that’s assuming you use a treadmill incline.
The rowing machine will provide a complete cardiovascular workout and is the only machine that works the upper and lower body muscles effectively at the same time, covering over 84% of muscle mass.
If you’re looking for a cardio trainer to lose weight and build muscle, buying a rowing machine is a great decision when it comes to your health and fitness.
The rowing machine is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, and there is reduced stress on the joints in the knees and ankles. With this in mind, it is ideal for all members of the family.
Most rowing machines are foldable, and some can be stored upright, so they can be used in almost any room, unlike treadmills, which require considerable space.
There are many rowing machine models on the market today in a wide price range.
How do they differ fundamentally, apart from price, and how do you make the right choice?
Essentially, choosing a rowing machine comes down to selecting the type of resistance that creates the load during rowing movements. The choice of resistance type is the most critical decision when choosing a rowing machine.
Depending on the type of resistance you choose, you’ll get completely different results and a diverse training experience.
Generally speaking, rowing machines can be divided into aerodynamic, magnetic, electromagnetic, aquatic and mechanical. A combination type can also be found today: aeromagnetic rowing machines. Each type has its pros and cons.
Finding the best aerodynamic rowing machine (with air resistance)
Aerodynamic rowing machines use resistance from a flywheel rotating a fan. When the rower pulls the propeller lever, the flywheel starts to turn, and the fan blades take up air resistance. Thus, the harder you row, the more strain you feel. Such resistance is called variable resistance. The resistance level is how fast you row and depends on your physical ability.
The aerodynamic rowing machine allows you to row intensively and, to vary the load, you need to reduce or increase the frequency of your strokes. For this reason, aerodynamic rowing machines are top-rated for high-intensity interval training.
The air resistance works thanks to the long seat rail ideally and ensures smooth paddling.
Aerodynamic rowing machines are used for workouts that simulate rowing on water. Mainly due to the high resistance levels, smooth paddling and realistic feel. They are also more affordable than water rowing machines.
A significant disadvantage of this type of rowing machine is the high noise level. This annoys some people who want to combine working out with watching TV or listening to music.
The main characteristics of aerodynamic rowing machines:
* Price range: from RUB 30,000 and above;
* Dimensions: Generally have a more extended base than other types of rowing machines and consequently larger dimensions;
* Storage: Most models can be folded in half for easy storage;
* Load regulation: The resistance is “variable” and depends on the intensity of the rowing, the more expensive models can adjust the airflow;
* Noise level: have the highest noise level;
* Rowing resistance: does a good imitation of rowing outdoors;
* Ideal for people of all fitness levels looking for a comprehensive full-body workout (beginner, intermediate and advanced levels);
* Ideal for taller people due to the longer rails.
Finding the best rowing machine with magnetic resistance
Magnetic resistance rowing machines use a magnetic braking system to create resistance by moving the magnet closer or further away from the metal flywheel. This creates more or less resistance to its rotation and increases or decreases the load. Resistance level adjustment can be either manual or electronic. Magnetic resistance creates no friction and is virtually silent. The size of this type of rowing machine is comparable to an aerodynamic rowing machine. Magnetic rowing machines provide the same smooth rowing motion as aerodynamic rowing machines, but with a low noise level.
It would seem to be the best option, but no – in terms of realism and smoothness of rowing, they are still inferior to the aerodynamic ones. Also, rowing machines with magnetic resistance create less resistance than electromagnetic, aerodynamic and water rowing devices. Magnetic resistance rowing machines have recently become very popular due to their affordable price and lack of noise—a great option for morning sessions.
The main features of rowing machines with magnetic resistance:
* Price range: RUB 12,000 and above;
* Size: usually has a long base;
* Storage: Most models can be folded in half for easy storage;
* Load regulation: Depending on the model, they have manual or electronic resistance level adjustment;
* Noise levels: The quietest – ideal for those who need a quality workout in silence;
* Paddling resistance: not smooth and strong enough, does not give the feeling of paddling on the water;
* Great for beginners, intermediate and professionals.
Finding the best rowing machine with electromagnetic resistance
Rowing machines with electromagnetic resistance are an advanced type of magnetic trainer. The propulsion resistance is created by an electromagnet with variable electromagnetic field force acting on the metal flywheel. The more powerful the electromagnetic field, the harder it is to pull the propeller arm and vice versa.
The main characteristics of rowing machines with electromagnetic resistance:
* Price range: RUB 42,000 and above;
* Size: usually has a long base;
* Storage: Can be easily folded and stored away. Some models can be placed upright;
* Load regulation: has an electronic resistance level control system;
* Noise levels: The quietest – ideal for those who need a quality workout in silence;
* Paddling resistance: strong, but not as smooth as the aerodynamic ones, it doesn’t give the feeling of paddling on the water;
* Great for beginners, intermediaries and professionals.
Finding the best rowing machine with water resistance
Rowing machines with water resistance use water to create resistance. When you pull the rowing lever towards you, the blades, set in a sealed tank of water, begin to rotate, starting a very similar resistance to rowing in a boat.
The harder you pull the propeller lever, the faster the blades will rotate. The quicker the blades spin, the harder it is to remove the propeller arm. This is because the resistance level is linked to the intensity of rowing and your physical abilities. The water resistance, like the aerodynamic resistance, has a variable load. The main difference is that instead of air resistance, water resistance is used here.
The resistance can also be further adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount of water in the tank, and the most advanced models can change the resistance by changing the angle of the blades in the tank. The more water, the ‘heavier’ the rows will be given (like rowing with passengers in a boat).
The less water, the “easier” the paddling will be. Water rowing machines usually take up a lot of space and are heavy because of the water tank. They are quite noisy, but many users find the sound of water pleasant and soothing. In terms of noise generation, they fall between the magnetic and aerodynamic types. Water rowing machines provide the smoothest rowing motion of all resistance types. They are the closest thing to actual rowing. The significant disadvantages of this type of fitness equipment are the high price, large size and weight.
The main features of rowing machines with water resistance:
* Price range: from 100,000 roubles and above;
* Size: have a larger size due to the more extended seat rail, quite heavy due to the water tank;
* Storage: Most models can be stored upright;
* Load regulation: This type of resistance creates a “variable load” since the resistance is directly related to the paddling intensity. The load can be further adjusted by changing the amount of water in the tank or the blades’ angle.
* Noise level: Mimics the sound made by the oars when rowing, the noise is not as loud as with the aerodynamic models;
* Resistance to rowing: very closely resembles paddling on the water.
* Great for beginners or professionals and anyone in between.
* Feature: It’s the best simulation of floating on the water.
Mechanical rowing machine reviews
This type of exerciser uses the resistance of hydraulic pistons. Most mechanical resistance models have two pistons, one on each side per propeller arm. Some simulators are equipped with only one central piston.
Mechanical rowing machines have adjustable resistance, which is controlled by turning a knob on the piston. Load levels usually vary from 1 to 8. Rowing machines with mechanical resistance (with two pistons) are the only type of rowing machine that allows independent training for each arm.
This is important when rehabilitating and correcting muscle imbalances. The main advantages of mechanical rowing machines are their affordability and low noise level. Also, rowing machines with mechanical resistance are compact, making them an excellent option for smaller flats. But that’s where their advantages end.
These exercise machines are not suitable for people who are very heavy or tall. The disadvantages include possible overheating of the hydraulic pistons in prolonged use, so training time should be no longer than 20 minutes. It is advisable to use a mat, as oil leaks can occur, but this is usually rare.
The main characteristics of mechanical rowing machines:
* Price range: from RUB 8,000 and above;
* Size: the most compact of all types of rowing machines;
* Storage: folding models are also available on the market;
* Load control: The pistons usually have a resistance level set;
* Noise level: quieter than the aerodynamic ones;
* Rowing resistance: nothing to do with rowing on the water, no smoothness in the load;
* Ideal for people with beginner to intermediate fitness levels, suitable for people after 50 years of age;
* Features: Not the best option for taller people.
Aeromagnetic rowing machine reviews
This is a new type of rowing machine. Represents a combined type of magnetic and air resistance. Thanks to the combination of two kinds of resistance at once, the load can be adjusted both by magnetic resistance, which is not always sufficient and air resistance when the rowing motion’s intensity is increased. Here you get a relatively low noise level at an intense workout and have the opportunity to significantly increase resistance levels through air resistance during intensive workouts.
Combination rowing machines are designed for taller heights and heavier weights and are in the higher price ranges. This machine has more advanced settings and a system for tracking exercise performance.
The resistance on combination rowing machines is usually the strongest because of the two types of resistance working simultaneously.
Aeromagnetic rowing machines are suitable for those who are not looking for an ‘on-the-water rowing counterpart.
The main characteristics of aeromagnetic rowing simulators:
* Price range: from RUB 27,000 and above;
* Size: large, thanks to the long seat rail;
* Storage: Most models can be folded in half for easy storage;
* Load regulation: This type of exerciser has two loading systems using a magnetic braking system combined with an air resistance system;
* Noise level: due to the lower fan speed it is quieter than the aerodynamic ones but louder than the magnetic ones;
* Rowing resistance: can be heavier than other types of rowing machines due to the two kinds of resistance – air and magnetic – and the movement is not entirely smooth, there can be jerking, the feeling of training has little resemblance to rowing on the water;
* Suitable for all fitness levels (beginners (with the system set up for minimal exertion), more suitable for intermediate and advanced levels);
* Features: Suitable for those who need a heavier load, have the most vigorous resistance.
Now that you are familiar with all types of rowing machines and understand the operation and features, it’s time to think about and choose the most suitable type for you and narrow down your search to specific models. If you still have questions, the Begomen.com experts will be happy to help you choose the rowing machine that’s right for you.