Types of Rowing Machines

A rowing machine is a piece of indoor exercise equipment that simulates the experience of sport rowing, working the arms, legs and core. While it is used by competitive rowers for training, rowing machines are found in many commercial gyms and can be a part of any cardio and strength training regimen. The different types of rowing machines are categorized by the way they produce resistance.

Magnetic Resistance Flywheels

Magnetic resistance rowing machines use electromagnets to provide braking resistance on a flywheel. This type of resistance tends to be quiet and smooth, and can be accurately measured through electronic components, allowing for digital displays that provide detailed information on distance, calories burned and other data. Resistance on these machines is fully adjustable, but because they have a rigid central rail that cannot be folded up or collapsed, they typically take up a lot of room and therefore may not be ideal for home use in smaller spaces.

Air Resistance Flywheels

Air resistance rowing machines have a flywheel that resembles a cylindrical fan blade, and as this blade is spun by pulling on the handlebar, it creates wind resistance. Instead of adjusting the resistance manually as with the magnetic versions, the resistance of these models responds to how hard and how frequently the handlebar is pulled; the harder and faster you row, the greater the resistance will be. Resistance can also be measured with a series of electronic sensors, which can provide data through a digital display. This style also has a rigid central rail, so it tends to take up lots of space, and the fan blade may be considered noisy.

Water Resistance Flywheels

Water resistance rowing machines feature an enclosed tank of water with paddles suspended inside. As the handlebars are pulled, the paddles spin, using the water to provide a type of resistance that most closely simulates the feel of actual rowing. Like the air resistance models, this style provides more resistance the faster and harder you row, but they can be adjusted to some degree by adding or removing water from the tank. These are also relatively large and rigid, and because of the water tank, they are very heavy. They are not as noisy as the air resistance models, but noisier than the magnetic versions.

Piston Resistance Rowers

Piston rowing machines feature pairs of hydraulic pistons that are connected to separate handlebars. These pistons provide the resistance, and are often adjustable, but most machines of this style provide more of an arm workout than a leg and full-body workout. This is partially because the handlebars on this style of machine are fixed, which provides a less-natural stroke, and partially because piston resistance machines are designed to be compact, usually featuring a fixed seat position and shorter range of motion. Advantages of this style include relative affordability compared to other models and compact size. Many piston rowers can be folded up and slid underneath a bed.