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The rowing machine has been a staple of many commercial and private gyms the good part of the last few decades.  While it isn’t as popular as treadmills or stationary bikes, the rowing machine has been shown to exercise more muscles and produce better workouts than most other cardio-based fitness equipment.

A variation of the stationary bike became popular in the 70’s and 80’s, adding in moving handlebars that allowed people to work their arms and chest using motions that mimicked the way the rowing machine worked.  While the equipment was generally fine, it caused unnatural movements that ended up jerking the body at times.  The rowing machine, on the other hand, accomplishes the exact same thing that bike tried to facilitate while keeping the actions and movements natural and smooth.

Who Should Use It

Anyone who’s looking to get fit, gain strength or develop endurance should use a rowing machine.  Because of their relatively low strain on the joints, people of any age can use it, save for very small children (who might not even reach the handles properly) and pregnant women.

Benefits can be gleaned by practically anyone who uses a rowing machine, regardless of what results you’re looking to get.  Need to trim fat?  Row at high speeds with adequate amounts of resistance to facilitate caloric burn.  Looking to gain strength?  Set the resistance to higher levels and row a far distance.  Want to tone your muscles?  Row at heavy resistance using deliberate moments to effectively simulate a weights workout.

Handling

A rowing machine is an uncomplicated equipment.  Watch someone use it the first time and you’ll likely know how to exercise on it yourself.  Some units also come with instructional manuals and DVDs to make sure you get the most out of your workouts.  Pretty much all electronic rowing machines will include an easy-to-use control panel from which you can view real-time data on your workout as well as modify settings.

Rowing machines intended for home use are also incredibly compact, able to operate with minimal space requirements.  They can even fold easily when not in use to store in unobtrusive spots like under the bed or behind the couch.

Shopping For A Rowing Machine

As with any workout plan, it’s a good idea to check with a doctor before deciding to invest in a rowing machine to make sure your body is up to its physical requirements.  If you are unsure whether a rowing machine is right for your needs, you can take advantage of trial memberships in health clubs to get a feel for the exercise.

While most good rowing machine models can be had for around $500, there are a wide variety in choices, from cheap basic units that cost a mere $200 to more expensive equipment designed for athletes and professional rowers.  Make sure you factor in delivery and shipping costs when you order a rowing machine.  Low-priced units abound in the internet but keep in mind that these exercise equipments typically weigh around 70 kgs – that translates to a lot in shipping charges.