What Kind Of Rowing Machine Should You Be Getting?
When contemplating a rowing machine, you have numerous options to consider. There exist three primary variations of rowing machines: Magnetic Rowers, Air rowers, and Water rowers. To aid you in determining the most suitable rower for you, we will delve into the key distinctions, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each type.
Magnetic Rowers are known for their lower price point compared to the other variants, making them more accessible to a wider range of individuals. Operating on a resistance-based mechanism, Magnetic Rowers employ magnets to regulate the movement of the flywheel, thereby adjusting the difficulty level of rowing. While this design allows for higher resistance during the pull, it typically limits the rowing speed. As a result, Magnetic Rowers are excellent for strength-focused workouts but may be less tailored to cardio-oriented routines.
Air rowers are among the more prevalent rowing machines, offering a familiarity that can lead to enhanced comfort compared to the alternatives. Commonly found in commercial gyms, competitive settings, and high-intensity workouts, Air Rowers allow for partially self-regulated resistance. The resistance is generated as the fan mechanism expels air from the system. Although some control over resistance is possible by adjusting the airflow through the slide mechanism, rowing faster intensifies the challenge as more air is forced through the vent. While Air Rowers are conducive to cardio workouts due to their capacity for higher speeds, they might not provide as much resistance for muscle-focused exercises. It is also important to note that Air Rowers can be quite noisy, which might not make them suitable for noise-sensitive environments.
Water rowers constitute the final variant on this list, featuring a purely self-regulated resistance system where the effort you exert determines the level of challenge. In comparison to Magnetic and Air Rowers, Water Rowers are generally quieter and emit a calming sound reminiscent of actual water rowing. The resistance mechanism parallels that of Air Rowers, utilizing water instead of air. The key difference lies in the contained system of Water Rowers. This design permits achieving higher resistance levels than Air Rowers, although, due to the self-regulated nature, you might not attain the same speed. This places Water Rowers as a balanced compromise between Magnetic and Air Rowers.
Selecting the most suitable rower hinges on identifying the kind of workout you aim to achieve through rowing sessions. Magnetic Rowers are optimal for muscle-centric routines, Air Rowers excel in cardio workouts, and Water Rowers provide a middle ground. For calorie burning, Air or Water Rowers are preferable due to the potential for higher workout intensities compared to Magnetic Rowers. To truly determine the best fit, consider trying out each machine, as they offer distinct tactile experiences. Comfort plays a pivotal role, as an uncomfortable workout environment can deter consistent use.
Contact our team today to explore the diverse range of rowing machines tailored for your home gym!