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Rowing Machines
The rowing machine is a cardio machine made for improving cardiovascular endurance and developing muscles across the whole body. Found in gyms across the world their popularity has boomed in recent times for HIIT, Hyrox, and functional fitness workouts. They’re great for all ability levels allowing anyone to increase cardiovascular endurance, stamina, and build muscle.
Being a low-impact training tool, rowing machines limit the stress placed on joints compared with equipment like treadmills. Searching for the right rowing machine is no simple task which is why we wanted to give you an overview of what’s out there and what our current range can offer your gym. To get the most out of training consider the points below before choosing that next rowing machine.
Types of Rowing Machines
There are many different types of rowing machines including magnetic and water resistance, but we currently only stock air resistance and ski machines as these are the most commonly found options in commercial gyms:
Air Resistance: These rowing machines work through a flywheel connected to the handle that is pulled during each rowing stroke. As the flywheel spins, it displaces the surrounding air. Moving the damper setting up or down, moves the fins on the fan which changes the amount of air that can get in, increasing or decreasing the level of resistance faced. Durable in design they are built for use in busy facilities, we currently stock our Origin Storm Rowing Machine and the Concept 2 Model D rowing machine. These are high-performance rowing machines with a range of technological features that make them perfect for busy commercial environments or home gyms if space is available.
Ski Machine: Around since the 80's these machines have boomed over the last decade and are commonly found in many gyms across the globe today. They provide a phenomenal workout building strength, stamina, and endurance in a mock ski movement emulating those seen in cross-country skiing. They now form a part of many different athletic training regimes such as CrossFit, Hyrox, and its original purpose of Nordic ski training. Check out our Origin Storm Ski Trainer or the original Concept 2 Skierg to see the benefits of this training style for yourself today.
Benefits of a Rowing Machine:
- Low impact on joints
- Improve cardiovascular fitness levels
- Strengthen major muscle groups in the lower body, upper body, and core
- Develop power, stamina, and endurance
- Great alternative to treadmills or elliptical machines
- Increased energy levels with prolonged use
- Reduce stress levels
- Total body workout
- Simple design makes rowing machines accessible to use for a wide ability range
Muscles Used by a Rowing Machine:
Being a total body conditioning tool, a rowing machine works multiple muscle groups in one go. Lower body activation targets the calves, quads and glutes, while the rowing motion targets the lats and delts in the upper body. It also targets the core abdominal muscles helping to strengthen them.
What To Consider When Buying a Rowing Machine:
Rowing machines are a great tool for different training styles including HIIT, rehabilitation, or warming up before training. We recommend speaking to one of our team to help guide you through the process of choosing the right rowing machine as there are many factors that can influence which one is right for your space including features, size, and training needs.
Comfort: Making sure the rowing machine is comfortable is key in picking a winning machine. Seating should be comfortable to sit on for long periods so look out for good padding with a supportive design. The footplate and straps should keep feet securely locked in position providing a solid platform to push off whilst still having enough wiggle room to not make movement too restrictive. Handles should also be easy to grip and keep a hold of even when sweaty so they don't slip out of the hands.
Resistance Level: Having multiple levels of resistance and adjustable dampening settings provides greater control over training allowing members to dial in the correct stroke for their chosen training intensity. Make sure that the resistance system itself is smooth and not janky when being pulled as this can make training rather uncomfortable otherwise.
Space: Modern rowing machines have a reasonably compact footprint which is perfect for fitting them into home gyms or tight commercial sites. While this isn't such an issue for larger commercial spaces, if it's being purchased for home use, then its key to measure out the space properly to make sure it will be fit for purpose in the place you plan to use it.
Rail Type: Rowing machines typically come with two rail types, single or double. The single type found on our Storm and Concept 2 models are slimmer offering a sleeker look. Double rail models are great if needing an even sturdier design, but it is not required with a good quality rowing machine.
Console Options: Technology on most rowing machines is pretty good with many featuring consoles that allow you to monitor workout timings, watt output, and distances as well as select a range of programs to workout from. When choosing the right rowing machine, make sure it has the features needed to allow for a wide range of training styles.
Accessories: Our rowing machines have additional features that make them a great choice such as a device mount which can securely hold mobile devices without obstructing console readouts.
Support
If you are still looking for a bit more information on which rowing machine is right for you, then check out our rowing machine buying guide or take a look at the rest of our cardio range . If you can't find the answers you are looking for, our team is always happy to help! Get in touch with them at [email protected] or call us on 0333 2000 750.
