Review of Home Rowing Machines

Review of Home Rowing Machines
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What To Look For

Rowing on the open water will burn calories and help control weight. It will increase endurance and build muscle and it will strengthen the cardiovascular system and heart. But with a quality home rowing machine, you don't have to set foot on a boat to reap the benefits of this incredible from of exercise.

When considering a home rowing machine you want to look for a unit that has smooth and even resistance. Look for one that has a decent warranty, is built to last and has a comparable amount of useful features that fits your budget.

Common Pitfalls

A big mistake that many people make when looking for a home rowing machine is not looking to the future in terms of a machine's functionality. There is no doubt that you can get a durable rower for under %500, but the question you need to consider is whether that rower will grow with you as you become more fit and need a bigger challenge. Look for a rower that has a number of different levels of resistance. It may cost you a little more money, but the fact that you won't outgrow it in six months will be well worth the extra money.

Where To Buy

Home rowing machines are available from a number of different sources. Top quality choices like Concept2, Kettler and Lifespan can be purchased directly from their respective manufacturer's websites or from authorized online fitness equipment distributors. If you are on a budget and interested in getting the best value for your dollar, reputable online retailers like Amazon.com offer a wide variety of options and as a bonus you'll be able to read customer reviews to help you make an even more educated decision.

Cost

Depending upon exactly what you are looking for in terms of your home rowing machine, prices can vary by quite a bit. Reasonable quality units with limited additional features and shorter warranties from companies like Phoenix and Stamina Products can be purchased for between $150 to $300. For a top-of-the-line unit from Concept2 or WaterRower that is loaded with features and that will most likely last a lifetime you can expect to pay anywhere between $1,000 and $1,500 or more.

Comparison Shopping

A home rowing machine can be a pretty sizable investment so be certain that you do enough research before you make your final decision. With the top rated brands you know that you'll be getting a quality machine that could possibly outlast your need for it, and you can feel completely comfortable that you won't be disappointed. That being said, not everyone looking for home gym equipment has a thousand dollars or more to spend on it. If you can't afford a Concept2 or Kettler rower, be certain that the rower you get is backed by a decent warranty.

References

Article reviewed by Dan Keen Last updated on: Dec 7, 2010

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