According to the Mayo Clinic, using a rowing machine for one hour has the ability to burn 500 to 700 calories depending on your body weight. Along with burning calories, rowing machines provide a low-impact total body workout for endurance and strength from the pushing and pulling motions. Top rowing machines are made with high-quality materials using simple designs and built-in computer tracking systems.
Design
The top rowing machines are made with high-quality materials to improve stability while allowing easy transport and storing. A nickel-plated chain and fully enclosed housing keep the chain clean while a powder-coated frame adds durability. The flywheel contains air resistance for a variable resistance setting that increases as your pace increases. This allows you to control the intensity of the workout but you can also move the damper allowing more or less air into the flywheel housing for added control.
Monitor
A built-in workout computer monitor tracks and displays your workout performance. Basic functions include speed, time, distance, watts and calories burned, but the top rowing machines have specific features for each function. For example, speed can be displayed in strokes per minute, pace per 500 m or average speed. The computer is self-calibrating, meaning it measures the actual power applied to calculate the different functions.
Workouts
The computer also offers built-in and customizable workout programs to challenge any fitness level. Sample built-in programs include single distance workouts such as 500 m or 5,000 m or intervals based on distance or time. After completing the workouts, you can enter your performance scores into online challenges to see your competitive rankings against virtual teams or other rowers from around the world. These tools keep you motivated toward using the top rowing machine and achieving your fitness goals.
Price
Basic rowing machines can be purchased for $600 to $800 as of 2011, but the top rowing machines sell for as much as $2,000. The price difference is a result of the materials, design and overall features. The top rowing machines also offer warranty plans such as a 2-year or 5-year limited warranty covering any manufacturer defects. A 30-day money-back guarantee is also commonly offered where you can return the rowing machine within 30 days of shipment for a full refund.
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