Do you want to exercise at home but need something more than dumbbells or rubber bands? Do you want to improve your resistance and tone your muscles with just one device? In that case, rowing machines are an optimal alternative.
To find out about all the advantages they offer you, as well as the criteria you should take into account to choose a model according to your needs, we recommend that you continue reading this complete article we have prepared on this apparatus.
Specification
The Bluefin Fitness paddle with magnetic resistance has dimensions of 166 x 74.5 x 51 cm. It has an LCD screen where you can see your progress and choose one of the 8 levels. It is also compatible with the Kinomat app to improve your workout.
Key Features
This rowing machine is one of the best valued by users for its ergonomics and comfort, with a padded seat and non-slip pedals. With its 8 levels, it adapts to all types of users and physical objectives. It is compact and easy to store.
Specification
The V-Fit model measures 212 x 44 x 74 cm and can be easily folded. It has 6 functions and a display on which you can choose and see your metrics at every workout. The machine uses resistance proportional to strength.
Key Features
This compact rowing machine is the ideal model for sports at home. You can store it almost anywhere when not in use. It offers 6 functions, more than enough for sporadic and regular training. For everything, it has good ratings.
The 5 best rowing machine according to Musclopedia
With the many advantages and benefits of doing sport with this device, you are probably wondering which is the best model or where to start your choice.
To help you, here is our comparison table with the three models we have selected in Musclopedia. We have listed their features so that you can compare them and choose or discard them according to your needs. Take a look!
Benefits of a home rowing machine
Complete exercise
Would you like to do a workout that improves your cardio and, at the same time, tones many of the muscles in your body?
If the answer is yes, rowing with a rowing machine at home (or elsewhere, as the case may be) is one of the best options available today.
Work your muscles
It is a device with which you will work and improve quite a lot of the muscle groups of the upper body, the lower body and also the middle body. In short, you will work almost the entire body.
It does not punish the joints
At the same time, it is not an exercise that punishes the joints, as can be the case of the knees when running. In fact, it has been proven to have the opposite effect and to prevent pain in the joints.
And if you still need another advantage offered by the practice of this exercise is that it is very comfortable and simple, you can even do it while watching TV or your favorite series. This way you avoid the monotony that can arise after using it several times if it is the only exercise you do in the session. If you combine it with others, there will be no monotony.
Why use a rowing machine?
Improve your endurance
One of the main reasons why you should consider starting to row is that it will improve your cardiovascular fitness and endurance, since you will be doing a continuous aerobic exercise.
Thus, you will notice an improvement in the general circulation system, in the lungs and in the heart.
Improvement of your muscles
On the other hand, you will be working many muscles of the body, such as those of the legs, the buttocks, the hips, but also those of the arms, the back and the pectorals. Thus, you will tone up a great part of your body. The opinions of the users who already use it are very favorable in this aspect.
Reduces stress
In addition, another of the most important reasons is that it will help you reduce stress, like many other exercises, although with this device you will burn more adrenaline than with others. You will have a physical and mental benefit.
Finally, although it should not be the main reason for practicing sport, using this machine also helps you lose weight in a healthy way, along with other exercises and a balanced diet.
How to choose a rowing machine?
In order to make the right choice and according to what you are looking for, it is necessary that you take into account certain points or factors of these machines. To help you in the process, we detail the essential ones below.
The functions
There are several aspects that would enter the field of functions offered by this device. Among them are the display, the setting control and the options or programs.
To begin with, the screen is digital and should look good, so that the person who is rowing can follow the different metrics offered by the machine (distance traveled, time, calories, average times and distances… will depend on the model) and carry out an adequate training.
Then, the adjustment control is the one that allows you to regulate the resistance levels, in case the model has several levels. This is usually manual and depending on the type of rowing machine will be in one place or another.
On the other hand, the options or programs will depend on how advanced or simple the model is. There are those that have stopwatches, countdowns and even that can be connected to other home rowing machine and make races while you see on the screen how the participants are advancing. This option is available for Concept rowing machines, for example, which are usually used for Crossfit.
The structure and accessories
There is no doubt that having a robust structure is important for all types of sports machines. They are one of the fundamental aspects of the safety of the machine and for the athlete.
In the case of the structures, we find two main differentiated types: the folding home rowing machine and those that are not.
Folding models have the advantage that they can be stored more easily or take up less space when not in use. They are ideal for people who do not have much space. However, the structure may not be as robust. Models that do not fold will take up more space, but usually have immovable structures.
As far as the accessories or other parts of the structure are concerned, we have the seat or chair, the footrests and the levers or handlebars that you hold with your hands. All of them must be ergonomic and comfortable, so that the person who uses it does not have discomfort when rowing.
The seat is usually shaped like the buttocks, to fit well. And the footrests, depending on the model, have straps to secure the feet well and that they do not come off with the movements, as well as adjustments for different sizes of feet.
The weight supported
As in other devices, the maximum weight the machine can support is an important factor to take into account and more so if it is going to be used by several people. Take a good look before deciding on one model or another, as it is a criterion that influences safety and efficiency.
In the case of the most professional machines, this factor will not be a big problem, as they are usually very resistant and support high weights.
However, in the case of simpler models or folding rowing machines, weight will be a major factor to consider.
Resistance levels
In this aspect, there are two types of machines: those with a single level of resistance and those with several levels.
The first ones have only one resistance level that you can’t change. They are good models for beginners or for people who simply want to do some exercise without looking any further. They are not recommended for professionals.
The ones with several resistance levels are more complete models that allow you to vary your workouts and, in addition, improve session after session. Although they tend to be more expensive, the expense is worth it. They are ideal for athletes or people who want to have the possibility of modifying the resistance as indicated in their programming or as they wish.
The use
Are you going to row intensively every day or are you going to do it only sporadically? Are you going to use the machine as a complement to other exercises or will it be the main element of your workouts? Do you need a model to equip your gym or professional box or is it for rowing at home?
Before deciding to buy, you should answer these questions, and others that may arise, in order to rule out certain models that do not fit your objectives.
If you are going to row sporadically, a simple and compact model will surely be enough, which will also be cheaper. However, if you are going to use it intensively, you should opt for more complete models, with air, magnetic or water inertia.
Les différents types de rameur
Pour répondre à la question : quels sont les différents types de rameur, nous avons choisi de classer les rameurs par types de freinage.
Models with air resistance
This model works like a fan whose blades rotate according to the force you exert during exercise. The resistance is regulated by giving it more or less air. In other words, the faster and harder you row, the more air you generate and the greater the resistance.
This is a type of rowing machine with a very good price-performance ratio. Whether for regular use or not, this model is more durable and robust than the others. Moreover, they give a good impression of realism (feeling of rowing on the water).
Models with water resistance
This model has a tank filled with water with blades, which are the ones that will generate the resistance. This model offers the greatest sense of realism, although it is more expensive to purchase.
Used in sports halls or for intensive use, these models are recommended for professionals. In addition, they are bulkier and noisier, but given the noise of the water, you may find them pleasant.
Models with magnetic resistance
To create resistance, these models are equipped with a system of magnets. The resistance is generated through electromagnetic inertia, ensuring a smoother and more fluid movement. They therefore offer less resistance than air models, but the resistance can be adjusted according to the needs of the exercise (unlike air rowers).
Noise level, they are the quietest models. Their slightly higher cost compared to standard models makes them more suitable for more intensive use.
Models with piston
This model has hydraulic pistons. These are connected to the handlebars independently and determine the resistance. So it is the force you put into the handlebar that will generate resistance.
Some are adjustable and some are not. This model doesn’t give the real feeling of rowing but allows you to work your muscles according to the sessions.
Rowing with resistance by rubber bands
These machines have a karabiner with which you switch to different rubbers, which have different levels of resistance. They are cheaper, but also tend to last less. They are recommended for sporadic or low intensity use.
FAQ
Q. How much is a rowing machine worth?
R. It all depends on the model and brand. You can find simple models for around 200 euros, even for smaller amounts. On the other hand, the more complete models can be around 500 euros and the water or professional models are over 1000 euros.
Q. Where can I buy a rowing machine?
R. This type of machine can be found very easily on marketplaces such as Amazon. There, you will have a great variety of models to choose from and prices that are quite affordable to all pockets. You can also look in some sports stores or with this department.
Q. Which brand of rowing machine is best?
R. Nowadays, there are many manufacturers and brands that invest in research to create the best designs and models. Among the brands that stand out for having quality specimens are Concept, Ultrasport, BH Fitness, Sportstech, CapitalSports, and WaterRower, among others.
Q. What type of rowing machine is best?
R. With the variety of types on the market, the choice will be based on your needs and goals. The air resistance and magnetic resistance types are best for professionals, while the piston or rubber band types are best for beginners.
Q. How many calories does the rowing machine burn?
R. This will depend on many physical factors of the person. However, to give you an idea, it is generally estimated that 15 minutes of rowing burns about 120 calories. Therefore, if you row for an hour, you will burn approximately 500 calories.
Q. What muscles are worked by rowing?
R. There are many muscles that are exercised by using a rowing machine and from various parts of the body. The muscles that are worked are: deltoids, biceps, triceps, rhomboids, trapezius, broad dorsal, abdominal, oblique, spinal erector, quadriceps, hamstrings and gluteus.
Highlights of the home rowing machine
By incorporating a rowing machine into your workout, you’ll be adding doses of cardio and bodybuilding that will be noticed relatively quickly. Not only will you improve your cardiovascular capacity and strength, but you will also gain in general health and well-being.