So you’ve decided to purchase a rowing machine, but are wary of spending so much money only to watch it sit unused. Or maybe you already own one, but aren’t seeing great results yet. Have no fear, because this is your guide on how to get your money’s worth out of your rowing machine, get amazing workout results, and keep your equipment rowing for a long time to come.
Types of Machines
First of all, know what you’re getting yourself into before you decide to invest your time and money. If you already have a rowing machine, you can skip to the next paragraph. Know the different types of rowers (see reviews of best rowing machines), and the benefits and disadvantages to each one. There are four types of resistance: water, air, magnetic, and hydraulic. Your lifestyle and fitness goals should determine which machine is best for you.
- Water resistance uses a tank filled with water, which provides the resistance. Your resistance depends on your activity level, which is perfect for long-term use as well as a family machine with multiple users. It is also very stationary and heavy.
- Air resistance utilizes a flywheel to provide your workout. It has the longest successful history of any rowing machine, so it would be something to consider if you appreciate proven tradition. It does make a loud noise when in use.
- Magnetic resistance uses a set of magnets to provide resistance. Some consider it to be the best type of machine because the magnets provide the most consistent and most difficult workout.
- Hydraulic (also known as “piston”) resistance machines use a set of cylinders filled with oil. Most of these types of rowers are lightweight, easily foldable, and can be moved, and are therefore the most common in home use.
Getting the Best Results
Okay, so you have a rowing machine that is best suited to your needs! What now? You will want to make sure that your money was well spent and that you are going to get great results. And fast! A rowing machine is just the right piece of equipment for that. Rowing machines are loved and utilized all over the world because it works all of your basic muscle groups: abs, arms, shoulders, legs, back, and buttocks. It also gives you a great heart-pumping cardiothoracic workout simultaneously. To get the best results possible, you need to pay attention to a few key things.
Most importantly, check to make sure that your form is correct on the machine. At the bottom of the page, you will find a Youtube video demonstrating the perfect form. Follow this form on your own, and you will achieve great results with little chance of injury.
The second thing you should pay attention to is your monitor. Virtually every rower on the market has an attached monitor. If your rower does not happen to have one, you can purchase one online. These monitors will tell you numbers and statistics such as your heart rate, calories burned, strokes per minute, time, stroke rate, and much more. Looking at these things will keep you motivated from workout to workout. It’s an easy way to see for you own eyes how you are improving and getting stronger every time you use your equipment. It’s a fact that having results makes us feel validated in our decisions, so having numbers that tell you how much you are improving because of this investment will make you feel like it was a worthy purchase.
Taking Care
Now the hard part is over! You’ve made the right purchase for you, you’ve perfected your form, and you’ve literally seen results right in front of your eyes. You’ve made the investment, and it would be a shame to let your machine go lifeless after a couple of years because it’s not being taken care of properly. Here is how to make sure your machine will live a very long life.
Check your machine’s manufacturer for warrantee policies. For example, the LifeSpan Fitness RW1000 Rowing Machine offers a five year frame warrantee and a two year parts warrantee. Use this to your advantage, and don’t be shy about asking for a replacement part if something breaks or is defective. Once you’ve utilized their policies, just make sure you are keeping general maintenance of your machine. Wipe away sweat, dirt, and grime after each use. Keep in a cool, dry area of the house. Let children use the machine selectively and keep away from curious pets. With these tips, your machine should last you a very long time.
Loving a Machine That Will Last
The most important aspect of getting your money’s worth in any investment is to make sure that the purchase is right for you. Once you’ve got that down, treat it right and your machine will live with you and your healthy self for years to come.