Rowing Machines

What to focus on when choosing a rowing machine

Types of resistance control 

• Manually controlled
  • The resistance is adjusted through a dial on the machine's flywheel.
• Electronically controlled
  • Changes the resistance settings dynamically according to the preset route profile, which can be viewed on the display. The user can also set the resistance himself.
  • Easy to use and offers a wide range of settings.
  • Continuously adapts the resistance depending on the user’s current heart rate and maintains it within the set range, which leads to more efficient fat loss.

Resistance regulation

• Fixed damper
  • This type is cheap, but its drawbacks include a shorter service life and the inability to set low resistance settings.
• Spiral damper
  • The resistance is set through a dial.
  • Another low price type, but once again, its service life is relatively shorter.
• Air brake
  • This type uses fan blades to create resistance. The resistance is adjusted by opening or closing the air intake.
  • Qualitatively comparable to the magnetic braking system. The drawback is that the fan blades make a fair amount of noise.

• Magnetic brake
  • The resistance is regulated by engaging a mechanical brake with the flywheel. The most widely used type.
  • Rowing motion is smooth and quiet and the resistance is usually highly adjustable. This type is also very durable.
• Induction brake
  • The resistance is adjusted by a computer, which controls an electromagnet coil.
  • The pros include the option to set very high resistance, measurement accuracy, and minimal failure rate.
  • The drawback is its fairly high purchase price. This type is suitable primarily for commercial use - in gyms, fitness centres, and so on.

• Water rowing machine
  • Consists of a paddle revolving in an enclosed tank of water, with the mass and drag of the moving water creating the resistance. A water valve regulates the amount of water, enabling smooth resistance adjustment.
  • Its big advantage is instant response, faster than what can be achieved with magnetic or air braking systems.

Construction and weight capacity

• The heavier you are, the more robust structure you need. If the rowing machine is going to be used by multiple people, choose the construction type based on the heaviest of them.
• The weight capacity should be at least 20% higher than is the weight of the user.

Heart rate monitoring

• Most models include a touchscreen or an ear sensor. The accuracy of the measured data is only approximate.
• The more expensive models are compatible with chest strap heart rate monitors of different brands. The data is wirelessly transmitted to the computer. It’s the most accurate measurement method available.