Exercise

Rowing Machines

Rowing is an excellent and safe activity to stay in shape working all of your major muscles as well as being an ideal cardio-vascular activity. the rowing motion makes it a low impact sport making it safe for people of all ages and levels of fitness Top quality rowing machines are also comparatively cheap, making them ideal for those on a budget seeking a serious aerobic training machine! In fact, the only caveat is that while rowing in itself is unlikely to cause lower back problems, the biomechanical requirements of the rowing action could aggravate an existing lower back condition. If you fall into this category, try some regular rowing down at your local gym first in order to ensure that you and the rowing machine are totally compatible!

The Benefits of Rowers

Rowing is second only to cross-country skiing in overall muscle management, using over 82% of the body's muscles. It also works most of the body's joints through a significant and beneficial range of movement with virtually no impact. This makes it one of the best forms of exercise for all kinds of people: Those seeking weight loss, cardiovascular fitness or muscle tone Those seeking flexibility, strength or endurance Competitive athletes People recovering from injuries People of any age

Choosing the Correct Rowing Machine

There are currently 3 different types of rowing machine Air Rowers: Often referred to as flywheel, these rowers rely on resistance provided by wind. This is caused by the fan blades attached, which in turn cause the flywheel to spin. The resistance can be altered depending on the strength of the pulling motion used. At present the Concept 2 rower is proving the most popular air resistance rowing machine. Water Rowers: At Fitness Superstore we offer the First Degree Fluid Rower and the Waterrower range. The ideal behind water resistant rowing machines is to emulate the dynamics created by a boat in water. Apart from the sound of the water these machines offer a silent fitness workout. Magnetic Rowers: These rowing machines offer smooth and variable resistance, invariably found in gyms. In addition they are virtually silent utilising a magnetic brake system that produces no friction. We offer a wide range of magnetic rowers with the Kettler Coach rower proving very popular.

Rowing Machine Essentials

Standard of construction - look for a well-finished all-metal construction, with an aluminium seat rail. Sit on the seat - there should be no flexing in any part of the frame as you put your weight on Braking system - Electronic rowers use magnetic braking and are very quiet in use, but tend to lack the feel of top quality air and water rowers. Air rowers can offer a very high standard of movement and accuracy of feedback, but can be a little noisy. Water rowers create the closest feel to actually rowing on water and provide a wonderfully soothing swishing sound to boot! Transmission - Look for chains or straps, which give a positive feel to the oar action without any stretching or give as you accelerate the oar. Quality of movement - look for a smooth and even feel with no jerkiness or points where resistance suddenly drops away, especially at the beginning of the stroke (common with rope transmission). Check the range of the movement; when you're as far forward on the runner as possible (i.e. buttocks as close to the heels as possible) with your arms fully extended and holding the oar, the oar shouldn't have reached its start position. Console feedback & ease of use - how clear and comprehensive is the displayed information? How easy is it to access programmes (if there are any)? Are the buttons clearly visible and easy to use? Seat comfort - the seat should feel comfortable, even after rowing! Seat runner and rail - Move the seat to one end of the rail and tilt that end of the rower up a couple of inches - a good runner and rail will allow the seat to roll freely to the other end with a tiny amount of tilting. Oar grip - does the oar feel comfortable to hold? Does it offer good grip, even when you're hands are becoming tired and sweaty? Footplate adjustability - check that your feet can be securely and comfortably accommodated in the footplates Overall dimensions - Rowing machines generally are amongst the most compact of home CV equipment but tend to have a long, narrow footprint. Some rowers can be stored upright, useful if you're tight for space. Warranty - rowers are pretty robust, but check what warranty is offered on the frame, transmission and any electronics.

Leading Rower Brands

With Concept 2 rowing machines, Waterrower and First Degree specialising in Rowing machines; other brands (although focused towards cross trainers, treadmills andexercise bikes) offer a range of equally impressive rowers.