Showing posts with label buy a rowing machine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label buy a rowing machine. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

How To Buy A Rowing Machine Part 4: Recommended Models And Brands

The purpose of this buying guide is to help you find the best rowing machines for you to buy.


Here are links to the complete guide:


You have read through the buying guides to find out about rowing machine benefits, types of rowing machines, and various rowing machine features. Now it’s time to give you our recommended models and brand names.


Let’s find out!


recommended-rowing-machines



Recommended Manufacturers


Considering the fitness niche is so popular, there are always new manufacturers and brand names on the market. There are always new innovations with making rowing machines feel smoother and more natural and more fun to use as part of your exercise regimen. Rowing machines themselves have a wide variety of quality and prices.


Here are a few of our recommendations for the top rated rowing machines for home.


The manufacturers we would recommend:


1. Stamina Products Rowing Machines


stamina-products


Stamina Products (official site) was founded in 1987. Since its inception, it has always desired to be a top name in exercise machines and is our recommendation as a top rowing machine. Stamina customers get cutting edge innovation and quality inexpensive exercise equipment for home use.


While Stamina has developed a variety of rowing machines, its most popular machines are its hydraulic piston rowing machines such as the Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine and the Stamina 1215 Orbital Rowing Machine


Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine     Stamina 1215 Orbital Rowing Machine


2. Concept2 Rowing Machines


concept2


Concept2 (official site) is the top name in quality rowing machines. They began in 1976 in the back of a bread truck when, fresh from Olympic training, Dick and Pete Dreissigacker, started making composite racing oars. Concept2 has gone on to become rowing experts with quality oars and rowing machines.


Concept2 Rowing Machines are by far the most popular Air Rowers on the market. Their two most popular machines are the Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine (left) and the Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machine. (right)


Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine     Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machine


3. Kettler Rowing Machines


kettlersport


Kettler USA (official site) prides itself on affordable quality rowing machines. Kettler offers well-balanced and well-designed rowing machines. Whether you are a novice or personal trainer, young or old, Kettler rowers offer the perfect workout suitable for all ages and skill levels.


Kettler provides a bit nicer quality smoothness in their hydraulic piston rowing machines, but at a bit of a higher price. They are also known for their outrigger style rowing machines such as the Kettler Kadett Outrigger Rower seen below.


Kettler Kadett Outrigger Style Rower Rowing Machine


Recommended Models


Here are some recommended individual models. Not surprisingly, all of them are already mentioned above.


1. Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine


Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine


  • 4 out of 5 stars

  • Inexpensively priced

  • Hydraulic Piston Resistance on Ball-Bearing Roller System

  • Adjustable gas-shock resistance

  • Reasonably compact for storage

  • Multi-Function fitness monitor

2. Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing MachineConcept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine


  • 4.5 out of 5 stars

  • Expensive

  • Air Resistance Rowing Machine

  • Performance monitor

  • Quiet flywheel for smooth and realistic motion

  • Adjustable intensity

3. Stamina Air Rower Rowing Machine


Stamina Air Rower Rowing Machine

  • 4.5 out of 5 stars

  • Moderately Expensive

  • Air Resistance Rowing Machine

  • Multi-function performance monitor

  • Comfortable grips, seats, and large footplates

  • Inexpensive for an air rower

While Stamina makes quality affordable piston rowing machines, they also make many other models including this air rower model. Not as smooth as the Concept2, however the Stamina air rower is also less than half the cost of the Concept2.


4. Kettler Kadett Outrigger Style Rower


Kettler Kadett Outrigger Style Rower Rowing Machine


  • 4.5 out of 5 stars

  • Moderately Expensive

  • Hydraulic Piston Resistance

  • Fantastic ergonomic outrigger design

  • Very well designed and engineered – feels great

  • Does not weigh much, is portable

5. HCI Fitness Sprint Outrigger Scull Rower


HCI Fitness Sprint Outrigger Scull Rowing Machine pic


  • 4.5 out of 5 stars

  • Moderately Expensive

  • Hydraulic Piston Resistance, 12 adjustable levels

  • Easy to read LCD training display

  • Solidly built and easy to put together

  • Portable

That Concludes Our “How To Buy A Rowing Machine” 4-part Buying Guide


We hope that this “How to Buy a Rowing Machine” buying guide has provided you with a lot of good tips and information to help you research through various rowing machine reviews and testimonials to find the best rowing exercise machine for your fitness program.


Good luck!


References:


Here are links to the complete guide:


Cheers!


Check out more reviews, tips, and guides to buy rowing machine online

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Tuesday, February 18, 2014

How To Buy A Rowing Machine Part 3: Rowing Machine Features

The purpose of this buying guide is to help you find the best rowing machines for you to buy.


Here are links to the complete guide:


Now that you are familiar with rowing machine benefits and the different rowing machine types we bring you now to the different features rowing machines have so you can become familiar with them. As you go through this guide, think about your own situation and what might work for you.


confusionclipart



Features To Consider When You Buy A Rowing Machine


Resistance Type


Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing MachineAs we covered in How To Buy A Rowing Machine Part 2, there are four main different resistance types. The more natural feeling is also the more expensive. In order from least expensive to most expensive: hydraulic piston resistance, air resistance, magnetic resistance, and water resistance.


Shown to the right is the Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050, the most popular hydraulic rowing machine on the market.


Size


Since rowing machines models vary from having a conveniently compact design to having a non-foldable property, you should consider the appropriate size of the equipment which can be rightfully accommodated at your home. If you do not have much space to permanently allot to this machine, it is best that you consider a lightweight and compact model to allow easy storage when it is not in use.


On the other hand, if you have enough room to allocate for a rowing machine, then heavy and non-foldable models should not be a problem for you.


Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing MachineAgain there is a some direct correlation between size and how natural the rowing machine feels. The smallest, most compact rowing machines are all hydraulic piston resistance. Both the magnetic rowers and water rowers are pretty fair in size, but are not popular for home rowing machines for a few reasons (which we covered in detail in How To Buy A Rowing Machine Part 2).


That leaves us with the air rowing machines which are very popular rowing machines for home. They are also quite large. The benefit is that it gives you a very nice long natural feeling range of motion. The downside: not portable, not easily movable to storage.


Shown to the right is the Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine, the most popular air rowing machine on the market.


Resistance Change


flywheel-and-damperHow easy is it to change the workout activity? Many times that is just a manner of turning the resistance up. Most hydraulic rowers have a tension dial you can turn to adjust the resistance up or down.


The air rowers use what’s called a damper/flywheel/drag system (shown right on the Concept2 Model D Rower) to control airflow through the flywheel in an effort to change resistance. This gives you quite a flexibility in how you row and how you create more intense workouts.


Here’s a quick video we found which explains the flywheel/damper/drag system, how it works, why it works, and how to change it on a Concept2






Price


This is already implied. Price directly relates to the quality of the rowing machine and usually the resistance type. It is not directly affected by how compact and portable a rowing machine is though the correlation is similar.


It is expected that the cost of rowing machines is among the top priorities that potential buyers highly consider in the process of his survey. Knowledge of your working budget will help in narrowing down your search among the brands and models you can choose from. Quality rowing machines are usually offered at $600-800, while the high-end ones usually sell for as much as $2000 or more.


It may be a good idea to invest some extra cash to ensure a durable and a more comfortable machine. But it is also very crucial to understand that it is not necessary to spend a tremendous amount of money just so you can get the best benefits from rowing machines because it is your fitness goals and preferences which will ultimately decide this factor.


So when it comes to price, it really all boils down to your budget, some may want to buy high end rowing machines but doesn’t have the budget to do so hence ending up buying something less expensive.


User Profile


Of course, it is appropriate to consider the person who will be using the machine prior to making your purchase. Apart from his fitness goals, it is also important to note the requirements they may specifically need from rowing machines. For example, tall people should best acquire a model with a seat rail that is long and, if possible, is set higher off the ground.


Similarly, small people may feel better comfort to get a rower with a small seat rail. It is also advisable that professional healthcare consultation is done by those with special medical condition before they undertake new fitness regime. There are people with certain health conditions that though they want to buy a rowing machine, their health condition doesn’t permit them, so users profile is a big factor.


Progress Tracker and Control Panel


Performance monitor of rowing machines usually comes as a LCD screen which provides digital readout about user’s useful routine information, such as rowing speed and distance travelled.


These parameters may also be modified according to which you are most interested to track through its console controls. By keeping you accordingly updated with your workout progress, this machine provides considerable amount of motivation in staying focused on your fitness goals.


If this feature is particularly important to you, you must carefully review the parameters tracked by the unit you consider to purchase since this function varies among different brands and models. Of course, you must also consider the allowable user info the machine can store.


There are rowing machines that can only store one user info so if another person uses the machine, you may need to reset everything when you use it again. So check for this feature, some allows up to 4 user info to be stored on the training computer of a rowing machine.


Below is an example of a rowing machine display. This one belongs to the Kettler Favorit Rowing Machine


kettler-favorit-rowing-machine-oversized-display


Another example: the very detailed training computer of the Proteus Par 5500 Club Series Rowing Machine


proteus-par-5500-commercial-club-series-rowing-machine-display


Warranty/Reputation


It is definitely recommended that you check the warranties offered by the models you consider purchasing, especially when the unit you intend to buy is high-end and expensive. Most rowing machines provide at least a year of warranty to parts and labor, while higher quality machines offer two three years. Usually, top manufacturers offer generous warranties to their durable equipment.


Not surprisingly, the two companies that put out the most popular rowing machine, Concept2 also have reputable customer service.


As another example, Kettler has good days and bad days. And Proteus seems to be responsive, but distant (and they have no US-based support, only from overseas).


That Concludes This Portion Of Our Buying Guide


Now that we’ve explained the main types of rowing machines and the various features, we will go through some recommendations next! So be on the lookout for the next part: Part 4: Recommended Models And Brands


Here are links to the complete guide:


Cheers!


Check out more reviews, tips, and guides to buy rowing machine online

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How To Buy A Rowing Machine Part 2: Types Of Rowing Machines

The purpose of this buying guide is to help you find the best rowing machines for you to buy.


Here are links to the complete guide:


Now that you have hopefully read Part 1 to get familiar with rowing machines, we’ll cover some different types of rowing machines here.


Types Of Rowing Machines



Types Of Rowing Machines


When it comes to fluid circular motion, technology continues to advance. Mostly famous in cycling (both stationary bikes and bike trainers), rowing machines add a new twist onto the idea of fluid motion as there are two main motions to simulate



  • Back and forth motion of the lower body
  • Circular rowing motion of the upper body

See this short video to illustrate rowing form






Standard models operate through one of the four resistance types of rowing machines:



  • Hydraulic Piston
  • Magnetic
  • Air
  • Water

Each provides varying workout intensity, so understanding them is necessary to ensure that you can get what you want to expect in the fitness device you will purchase. Of course, some types of resistance feel much better and more natural than others. And of course, those are much pricier as well.


Here are each type in more detail


Hydraulic Piston Resistance Rowing Machines


Rowing machines which work on piston resistance delivers less realistic rowing action but maintains to give excellent value for one’s money since it provides great workout for a less expensive cost.


Also known as hydraulic rowing machine, this type is a low-end option that works on piston resistance through hydraulic cylinders that are attached to the arms of the rowing machine. They offer resistance levels by manually moving these clamps or levers for adjustment.


Advantages of Piston Resistance Rowing Machine


  • Price Range: $100 – $500
  • They are offered at a more affordable cost compared to other resistance models but it does not sacrifice the quality of the workout it delivers. This is a smart choice considering the price you pay for the features you get.
  • They come in compact size, not being as large as the other models. This allows it to easily fit under beds or smaller spaces for storage. Some can even fit your closet in an upright position.
  • Resistance levels are adjustable, allowing users to workout according to their preferred intensity. This makes your work out interesting, you are in control of your own rhythm and pace.

Challenges of Piston Resistance Rowing Machine


  • Its motion will not be as smooth and natural as the other resistance types.
  • This resistance type provides more arm workout than a leg and full-body routine.

Most people who buy rowing machines for home will be these hydraulic rowing machines. The two main reasons: inexpensive price and compact design for easy storage.


Stamina Rowing Machines are the most popular on the market. Good fluidity with ball-bearing technology. Their two most popular machines are the Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 (left) and the Stamina 1215 Orbital Rower (right)


Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine     Stamina 1215 Orbital Rowing Machine


Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machines


Magnetic resistance type of rowing machine provides smooth and natural feel of rowing across water.


In this resistance type, powerful electromagnets provide control to the resistance of the rowing machine. They are somehow similar to the piston resistance models but offers better and more impressive operation. There are rowing machine models which combine this resistance type to air resistance model.


Advantages of Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machine


  • Price Range: $500 – $2000

    It delivers a much smoother flow of motion than a piston model
  • It works almost completely silent.
  • These models have adjustable resistance levels, providing better options to users in choosing preferred intensity for their routine.
  • Progress are more accurately measured through electronic components which provide a digital display about user’s routine profile in terms of distance, calories burned, scans, time, heart rate and a lot more.

Challenges of Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machine


  • It is not as easily stored as a piston resistance machine because it has a long main rail that cannot be folded, but if you have a decent space at home for this equipment, then this should not be a problem.
  • Not as good as Air Rowing Machines which are about the same cost.

Considering Air Resistance Rowing Machines are about the same price and are much better quality, most people looking for a quality rowing machine at this price range will opt for Air Rowing Machines instead of Magnetic Rowing Machines


Air Resistance Rowing Machines


Air resistance rowing machines are the ones most commonly used by off-season rowers.


This kind of resistance is often found in good quality rowing machines, making it the preferred type of off-season rowers. In this model, resistance is dependent on your own pace. This means that greater resistance is provided as your speed increases. It works through a finned flywheel that sucks in air when the row arm is pulled back.


Advantages of Air Resistance Rowing Machine


  • Price Range: $800 – $2000
  • With the resistance being dependent on user’s performance, it provides him good control over his workout.
  • This also means that resistance adjustment is unlimited (stepless) since more resistance can be obtained by simply rowing faster.
  • It has a longer main rail which can greatly benefit tall users.
  • Easily identified by the use of a flywheel.

Challenges of Air Resistance Rowing Machine


  • Its fan blade has the potential to get somewhat noisy.
  • Its longer main rail cannot be folded, making it not conducive to compact storage. But this should not be a significant issue if you have a good amount of space to accommodate this equipment.
  • A bit pricier

When it comes to looking for a high quality rowing machine for home, most people will opt for the Air rowing machines. Very smooth feeling and fun to use. The flywheel provides an extra element of fun as well.


Concept2 Rowing Machines are by far the most popular Air Rowers on the market. Fantastic design, well constructed flywheels, comfortable seats and grips. Concept2 is head and shoulders above the rest in this arena. Their two most popular machines are the Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine (left) and the Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machine. (right)


Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine     Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machine


Water Resistance Rowing Machines


Water resistance models provide the most authentic emulation of actually rowing on water.


This resistance type is known to deliver the most natural simulation of real outdoor rowing. It provides resistance through a stainless steel paddle placed inside a water-filled tank. Its resistance levels are adjusted in two ways: (1) through dependence on the user’s pace, with the resistance proportionally increasing with it and (2) through the addition or removal of water in the resistance tank.


Advantages of Water Resistance Rowing Machine


  • Price Range: $1000 – $5000
  • It provides two great options for resistance adjustment, allowing users to freely customize his workout.
  • Users can expect a naturally smooth and vibration-free rowing motion.
  • The soothing sound of water movement during use adds to the natural feel of rowing.

Challenges of Water Resistance Rowing Machine


  • It may produce a considerable amount of noise during operation but this is not as much as air resistance models do.
  • This model is extremely heavy, secondary to its accompanying tank which is full of water. Therefore, it is advisable to allot an ample space for this equipment which will serve as its permanent location.
  • Expensive!

Most people looking for rowing machines at home will pass this one up. For much less cost, the Air Rowing Machines provide the proper amount of natural feel for the majority of folks looking to workout at home.


That Concludes This Portion Of Our Buying Guide


Now that we’ve explained the main types of rowing machines, and that for most people the Hydraulic Resistance Rowers or the Air Rowers will be the right pick when you want to buy a rowing machine, we’ll now move on to specific features to look for when buying rowing machines.


So be on the lookout for the next part: Part 3: Rowing Machine Features


Here are links to the complete guide:


Cheers!


Check out more reviews, tips, and guides to buy rowing machine online

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Monday, February 10, 2014

How To Buy A Rowing Machine Part 1: Benefits Of Using A Rowing Machine

The purpose of this buying guide is to help you find the best rowing machines for you to buy.


Here are links to the complete guide:


There are a lot of great rowing machine benefits. Rowing machines are fitness exercise machines which provide a great cardiovascular and body building workout. The actual rowing motion effectively helps in improving the tone of your upper and lower body muscles and in promoting better blood circulation


But which one is the best rowing machine to buy??


Let’s find out!


how-to-buy-a-rowing-machine



The Rowing Machine


The rowing machine provides a fantastic full body workout, and it can provide both a cardio workout as well as a strength workout. These machines were designed to mimic and simulate the action of rowing a boat. In fact, some of the fancier rowing machine models even have water tanks to provide the natural rowing ability plus you hear the sound of water every time you row.


Let’s go over the benefits of the rowing exercise machine


Benefits Of Using Rowing Machines


For Building Strength


Since rowing machines provide great workout for the improvement of muscle tone and strength, some people may be purchasing it for this specific reason. For those belonging under this category, consider buying models which provide higher amount of resistance levels to have better options in choosing an intensity for one’s routine.


Cardio/Aerobic Workout


As we have already mentioned, rowing is a great cardio workout as well and can get your pulse up quite effectively. There are many major muscle groups involved and a rowing machine makes it easy to raise your heart rate and increase oxygen update to your muscles.


Effective Lower Body Workout


rowing-machine-muscles-usedOne of the top benefits of rowing machines is the effective lower body workout which you can get. Hard-core rowing machine users agree that it is a very strong lower-body workout. There is a lot of heavy quad use and thigh use with rowing machines, especially with resistance turned up. The back-and-forth sliding seat of rowing machines also provide the glutes and hamstrings with a great workout.


Effective Upper Body Workout

Rowing machines give a great upper body workout, especially with the resistance turned up. You can get both a chest and back workout, and a good shoulder and neck workout as well. With full range of motion there can even be tricep and bicep workouts as well.


Strenuous Full Body Workout


In other words, you can get an effective full body workout with the rowing motion. Studies show that rowing machines impact your lower body muscles of up 30% while 70% impacts your upper body muscles.


[Picture diagram on right from http://www.buzzle.com/articles/rowing-machine-benefits.html]


Low Impact Exercise


Rowing machines are also known to perform low impact operation, ensuring that minimal stress on user’s hips, knees and ankle joints occur while it strengthens the arms, shoulders and other major muscle groups. It certainly is a great health device that can provide the benefits of aerobic exercise with the improvement of muscle strength, tone and flexibility.


For Losing Weight


This may also include people who are intending to purchase a rowing machine for general fitness purposes. If you are among this, it is best to acquire a low-cost rowing machine such as the pistol resistance model. If you are a beginner, it is advisable that you consider models which feature light resistance to help you get started.


For Event Training


For this group of people, purchasing a rowing machine with a good range of resistance levels and with more program option is highly recommended in order for them to have greater access to workout variation.


Conclusion:


Therefore, if you are in the market for an impressive piece of exercise device which has the ability to burn good amount of calories at an affordable or even expensive price, a rowing machine is certainly among the top equipment that you must highly consider.


There are several brands, styles and price ranges available now in the market and to make sure that you are making a sound choice in the process of your purchase, reading this Rowing Machine Buying Guide is definitely helpful. This includes essential information that you should look into to guarantee that the rowing machine you will buy can perfectly meet and satisfy your needs.


That Concludes This Portion Of Our Buying Guide


Now that you know a brief overview of best rowing machines, you can think about your own situation and then be ready for Part 2: Types Of Rowing Machines


Here are links to the complete guide:


Cheers!


Check out more reviews, tips, and guides to buy rowing machine online

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