A low-impact full-body workout – this is what you can get from rowing.
Rowing is considered one of the best aerobic exercises. Through its smooth flowing movements, you can boost your heart rate without putting much stress on your joints. This is because a proper rowing position removes body weight from the hips, knees, and ankles. While being easy on the joints, it still delivers a full range of motion that gives all your muscle groups a good workout and burns loads of calories.
Benefits of a Rowing Machine
Most people forego rowing for the usual cardio exercises like running, walking, or jogging. There is a common misconception that this exercise can only be done during summers in actual bodies of water. However, there really is no need for water to engage in this exercise. Your local gym most likely has several rowing machines available.
Or better yet, you can consider getting your own machine to get quality workout anytime you want to. You can definitely reap the benefits of a Rowing Machine right in the comfort of your own home. Check out some of them:
- simulate real rowing without having to leave your home
- do rowing exercises anytime
- exercise quietly without disturbing other family members and neighbors
- easily store the compact machine by tucking it under the bed or putting it inside a closet
- exercise anywhere in the house whether in front of the tv or a patio with a view of the sunrise or sunset
What to Look for in a Rowing Machine
When choosing a quality rowing machine, here are some of the factors you should consider:
It is highly recommended that you try several machines before purchasing one that feels most comfortable for you. Here’s one rowing machine you may want to consider when choosing a rowing machine for your personal use.
The WaterRower Rowing Machine
Since 1988, WaterRower has been handcrafting stylish rowing machines that are built to last a lifetime. They are committed to caring for the environment by using only wood from sustainable forests.
Their latest WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine stays true to this promise of longevity and durability. It’s handcrafted in premium American ash wood, stained in honey oak for a nice even color, and finished with Danish oil for deep luster.
Aside from bearing the brand’s signature finishing touches, it also boasts of the following features.
Beauty and Strength
Aesthetically, this rowing machine is quite a beauty. More than that, it has sound construction, stable structure, and excellent craftsmanship. Its weight capacity is also a hefty 1000 pounds.
Zen Experience
Its smooth and quiet operation creates a zen-like atmosphere. Ashwood effectively absorbs sound and vibration. Rowing becomes meditative as you hear only the sound of water swooshing inside the water tank.
Performance Tracking
Track your workout intensity through the S4 Performance Monitor. It has information and programming windows, selection buttons, and navigation buttons that allow you to easily monitor your heart rate, stroke rate, duration, distance, and other factors. The monitor is also compatible with a heart rate chest strap and receiver which you can purchase separately.
Realistic Rowing
Like other WaterRowers, this machine features the patented WaterFlywheel that simulates the dynamics of real-life rowing. The two paddles in the enclosed water tank have self-regulated resistance while replicating the actual rowing feel.
Quick Assembly and Storage
While the machine does not come fully-assembled, it can easily be put together following the instructions on the manual. There are also instructional videos available on their website. Also, storage isn’t a problem because it can be conveniently stored under the bed or upright in the closet.
Easy Maintenance
This machine doesn’t require much maintenance. The recoil belt and pulleys do not require lubrication. Moreover, there are no motors to maintain. It only requires putting a water purifier tablet in the tank every few months.
Aside from these main features, the WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine has dual rails and corner wheels for better seat stability, too. It also comes with a home training DVD, a siphon pump, and water purification tablets.
Key Specs:
Warranty
The WaterRower machine comes with a 5-year warranty for the frame and 3 years for its parts.
Concept2 Rower vs WaterRower
When people choose a rowing machine, the decision usually ends up between the WaterRower and the Concept2 Rower. Both are manufactured by the most trusted brands in the industry and offer durability and performance. Both are also in the same price range and have similar basic features.
Their difference mainly lies in their mechanism and aesthetics. The Concept2 has a fan mechanism that offers more powerful strokes but can be a bit noisy. Meanwhile, the WaterRower runs on water that produces a soft therapeutic sound. In terms of aesthetics, Concept2 looks very serious and mechanical in light gray and black compared to the homey glossy wood finish of the sleek WaterRower.
The choice between these two boils down on how and where you want to use our rowing machine. For intense workout for sports or competition, the Concept2 provides more powerful performance. For home use, the WaterRower is the best choice for its looks and quiet performance.
What People Have Said About the WaterRower
People who have purchased the WaterRower comment on how beautiful and compact this exercise equipment is. Moreover, satisfied customers rave about its powerful yet smooth and quiet mechanism.
Plus, a 4 out of 5 stars rating is more than enough testament to the WaterRower’s effectivity as a rowing machine.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to indoor rowing machines for home use, the WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine is a great choice. Its high-quality construction provides a rowing experience that’s very close to actual rowing on water. Its sleek appearance, quiet operation, and good performance make it suitable for those who want to vary their fitness routine at home.