|
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A ROWER.
MAIN BENEFITS.
Rowing is a popular form of exercising. There is now a large range of rowers
available from very basic models to the new fluid and water rowers. These new
rowers actually use water as the resistance rather than a chain or magnetic
resistance. They feel incredibly like rowing on water and are extremely smooth
to use. All rowers are low impact and they have several plus points these being
that they are usually compact and quiet to use. Rowing is a very intense and
challenging workout and is not recommended for beginners or people with back
problems. Rowers are suitable for moderate to very high fitness levels and athletes.
The concept 2 used to be the choice amongst athletes but is now being over taken
by the water and fluid rowers. Anyone suffering with back problems or older
people would not be advised to select a rower. Most models fold for storage.
Rowers improve general health and well being in many ways. When used at a comfortable
level for 30 minutes 3 times per week they will reduce blood pressure, reduce
the risk of heart problems, reduce the risk of diabetes, help lower body fat
levels and not stress any joints. When used at a moderate to higher level they
are excellent for cardiovascular fitness. This is due to the fact that they
provide an almost all over body workout that uses back, arms, shoulders and
legs. They will also improve muscle endurance due to so many muscles being involved
at the same time.
People wishing to lose body fat but maintain maximum muscle tissue, such as
bodybuilders, would be best to select a different category of fitness equipment.
Even though they are low impact rowers provide an excellent workout and it is
possible to elevate heart rate to very high levels (+90% of Maximum Heart Rate).
I would recommend them for someone of a high fitness level looking for a challenging
workout at home.
In the home fitness buyers guide rowers are given a very high score for cardiovascular
fitness this is due to the fact they provide such a challenging workout that
can continue to increase in intensity as fitness levels increase. Rowers are
a good alternative to a treadmill with less stress impact on the joints as long
as the user does not have back problems and uses a good technique whilst rowing.
KEY FEATURES.
1. WARRANTY.
First of all it would be wise to decide how long you intend to keep the rower.
If you think you will change it in a few years for an updated model or different
type of equipment then the length of warranty is not as critical. If however
you think you will keep for a long time then go for a model with a good warranty.
Also consider the parts and labour cover this usually ranges from 1 to 3 years.
2. RESISTANCE TYPE.
There are 5 different types of resistance.
a. CHAIN/CABLE. The most basic type available. Uses a chain or cable for the
resistance. Can usually vary the resistance but not the smoothest or quietest
type available.
b. MAGNETIC RESISTANCE. Smoother and quieter than chain resistance. On some
models can vary the resistance. Not usually as hard a workout as an air rower.
c. AIR RESISTANCE. These models are fitted with a large air fan which provides
the resistance. In theory provides infinite resistance as the harder you pull
the more resistance is generated. Fairly smooth but not quiet.
d. COMBINATION OF AIR/MAGNETIC RESISTANCE. Some models combine both types of
resistance so you can get the benefits of both.
e. WATER RESISTANCE. The resistance is provided by water encased in a large
glass tub. By far the smoothest resistance and feels incredibly like rowing
on water. There is a little noise but it is very pleasant as it is the noise
of the water moving around.
3. RESISTANCE LEVELS.
This indicates the range of resistance levels the machine is capable of. The
lower the value the easier the resistance. The higher the value the harder the
resistance. Obviously the more levels of resistance there are the more variety
available. You could use a low resistance level at high speed to increase the
heart rate. Or you could use a high resistance level at low speed to increase
the heart rate. Both options will also improve muscle endurance.
4. MAXIMUM WEIGHT OF USER.
Quite explanatory just ensure you select a cycle with a heavy enough weight
limit. There is a little more to this though the more sturdy and robust model’s
tend to have heavier user weight limits. So even if you are no where near the
top limit it may be worth considering as an indication of the robustness of
the machine.
5. PROGRAMS.
Unlike all other categories of fitness equipment not that many rowers are programmable.
Most will have a console which gives feedback of the workout such as time, distance
covered, number of strokes per min etc. Some models will be programmable and
below I will describe below the different types. The main benefits are variety,
safety, effectiveness of training, detailed feedback of progress and individual
monitoring of progress. Some models offer a recovery mode; although this is
not a program it measures how quickly the heart rate decreases after training
and is a recognised measure of fitness level.
MANUAL. The user varies all the components. I.e. Speed, time and incline.
PRE-SET PROGRAMS. Set by the computer. For example Hill run or Weight Loss.
These are fixed in time length and the computer will vary the speed and incline.
On some models it is possible to increase or decrease the speed and incline.
HEART RATE PROGRAMS. These are probably the safest and also most effective method
of training. The user chooses a target heart rate zone and the machine will
increase or decrease speed or incline to ensure the heart rate is kept within
the zone.
USER PROGRAMS. This is the ability of the computer to store individual data
for people and store and retrieve the programs they have designed themselves.
Some models will only store 1 set of data, some will store 5.
Some models will also measure body fat levels, a very useful tool if your goal
is reduce body fat levels.
RECOMMENDED MODELS.
REEBOK 3 SERIES ROWER 279
HORIZON OXFORD 2 ROWER 449
FLUID S500 ROWER 999
|
![[Gaspari] Halodrol-50 Supplement](/Images/Sh/tn/pdgaspari-halodrol.jpg)
