|
|
| |
 |
|
| | Using varying resistance levels, rowing machines build and tone muscles of the upper arms, legs and back while providing a cardiovascular workout.
Rowers come in four types-- piston, magnetic, air and water. Piston, air and magnetic rowers accommodate between 250 and 300 pounds. Water machines can often hold 500 pounds. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Most rowers cost between $134 and $1,000 based on the type of resistance and construction material. Rowers are most often made of metal, but some top-of-the-line models, which cost $2,500, are made partially of high-quality wood.
- Piston rowers usually cost the least because they are smaller and do not simulate real rowing. The Rowing Machine Superstore sells the piston-based Stamina GlideMaster 1210 Conversion Rower with a built-in abdominal exerciser for $149.
- Magnetic rowers and air rowers are often mid-range in price. Although both employ long strokes, magnetic rowers are usually smoother, larger and quieter. The air-based Integrity 3000 tracks time, speed and distance of a ride for $174, but lacks the durability, strength settings and PC interface technology for training offered by the magnetic Kettler Ergo Coach for $1,259.
- Water rowers are usually the most expensive ($1,095 to $2,500) because they use a tank of water to simulate the tough resistance posed by a lake or river. With its patented WaterFlywheel design, WaterRower offers a range of top-quality rowers, like its Classic model made of Danish-oil embossed black walnut for $1,495.
|
| What should be included: | - All rowers should have adjustable resistance to control the intensity of a workout. Most models include a console that tracks the speed, distance and time of a row. Costlier models have ergonomic tracks, wireless control features and adjustable, contoured seats.
- Machines come with limited warranties for at least one year, though better brands offer longer warranties. Concept2 offers a 2-year warranty for its Model E and other machines that cost $850 to $1,200, depending on their advanced console features.
|
| |
| |
| Shopping for a rowing machine: | |
| |
Article updated April 2007 |
|
|
Digg this
del.icio.us
E-mail
Post