The best rowing machine is appreciated for its versatility, since it allows everyone to train completely without moving from home. In fact, during the exercises with this instrument, about 80 percent of the body muscle mass is stimulated, from the legs to the arms, from the abdominals to the pectoral ones.
This brings significant benefits in terms of aerobic consumption of calories, promoting weight loss and muscle toning and improving blood circulation.
The rowing machine is one of the most purchased equipment for physical activity, like the elliptical bike and the folding exercise bike: it is compact, does not take up much space, and is suitable for both men and women.
From the point of view of operation, this device simulates the rowing with a mobile seat typical of rowing. To be reliable, it must present a safe traction system even if subjected to prolonged and intense stresses. The saddle and footrest must also be sturdy and comfortable, and the flywheel must be heavy.
The fitness rowing machine for home fitness does not forget, of course, the technology. Most of the equipment is equipped with a computerized display, which provides precise and real-time training data, such as the number of strokes per minute, distance traveled, speed, time, calories burned.
Table of Contents
The rowing machine types
Every time a ” rowing ” is carried out with this instrument, a resistance is generated that the user must overcome. Depending on the types of resistance, there are four types of rowing machines: hydraulic, magnetic, electromagnetic and water.
To this distinction, another is added concerning the traction, which can be of central or Scandinavian / Latin type. The former favors fluid and symmetrical movements, particularly indicated for cardiovascular training. The second, which simulates the rowing of the rowing more closely, allows a rectilinear movement and simultaneously urges the muscles of the back and the lower limbs, requiring considerable coordination.
Hydraulic rowing machines
Hydraulic resistance is the simplest. It is the most suitable for those who have never rowed or, more generally, has no experience in rowing. The devices of this type are equipped with two hydraulic pistons that generate resistance at both oars.
Compared to other types of rowers, they are among the most convenient and take up little space: they are foldable.
Magnetic resistance rowing machines
In this type of instruments, the movement takes place through a bar connected to a rope, which in turn is attached to a flywheel held in place by a series of magnets. These allow you to adjust the level of resistance and effort.
The simulated movement of the rowing is thus more faithful to reality than previous models and allows this type of rowing machine to be placed between semi-professional equipment.
Electromagnetic resistance rowing machine
The electromagnetic resistance is probably the one closest to the goal of the athlete who trains regularly. It is silent, precise both in the control of the effort and in the measurement of energy produced, thanks to the motorized magnets that regulate the flywheel.
The precision of an electromagnetic resistance rowing machine is comparable to that of the ergometer in the category of exercise bikes. Those of the last generation have work programs that allow to adapt the required effort based on the detection of the user’s heartbeat.
In this way, it is possible to quantify with greater precision the energy to be used (measured in watts) to generate the rowing movement with appropriate programs. Electromagnetic tools, which also require little maintenance, are recommended for professional training.
Rowers with water flywheel
In this type of machine, work exploits water resistance with the help of a flywheel immersed in a tank containing water; this tank is positioned at one end of the tool.
The movement is self-regulating, ie the resistance of the flywheel in water is proportional to the speed of rowing: the rowing is then simulated as if it were carried out ” from the truth “. This type of machine is silent, but also structurally heavy and requires more space than other types of rowers.
The best rowing machine
For its completeness, the rowing machine is a leading tool for exercises in the gym and in home fitness. Reproducing the athletic gesture of the rowing of the tank top, it moves not only the muscles of the upper and lower limbs, but also the abdominals, the pectoral muscles and the shoulder muscles.
In addition, its use improves the resistance, aerobic activity and metabolism of our body, typical of the activities that go under the name of cardio-fitness and that help to reduce the risks related to stress diseases.
Choose the best rowing machine, evaluate what technical and dimensional characteristics it must have, compare prices … are all considerations to make before buying.