Rowing Machines: Are They for You?

Rowing machines offer one of the best aerobic fitness workouts. A workout on a rowing machine or rowing ergometer achieves two things: a cardiovascular and muscle workout. If you are keen on developing your cardiovascular systems, but also your muscular system, then a rowing machine could well be what you have been looking for.

A full body workout on one machine

Other cardio machines, such as exercise bikes, stair climbers, and treadmills do wonders for your legs and butt, but do not give an adequate workout to your upper body. Rowing machines, believe it or not, actually work both upper and lower body. In fact, workout analysts say that your legs get up to 70% of the workout benefits, but your upper body gets the rest. This basically translates to getting a full body workout on just one machine.

Rowing machines are low impact

The other major plus is that the rowing machine offers a safer alternative to jogging. Jogging, whether you do it on a treadmill or in the outdoors, is a high impact exercise and is not suitable for everyone. Each time you jog you are in danger of trauma to your bones and joints. Rowing machines offer a low impact workout, which is a very safe way to increase your overall health and fitness.

Which rowing machine is for you?

There are a number of rowing machines on the market today. A hydraulic machine is a good choice if you don't want to spend too much. Air or flywheel rowing machines have a real outdoor rowing feel. Air and flywheel rowing machines feel natural and smooth, while hydraulic machines don't. The magnetic resistance machine is a very popular rowing machine because it is very smooth and quiet.

Whatever machine you choose, you will get your full body aerobic workout that is low impact and the best thing for your muscles and your heart.

Dylan Miles, journalist, and publisher, is the owner and co-editor of http://www.physicalfitnessgear.info on which you will find more a detailed version of this article