Advice on buying a rowing machine

Post Reply New Topic

Looking for advice on buying a rowing machine, as an exercise machine for home.

Just general advice on what to look out for when buying one. I thought it would a good affordable option for what I'm planning on using it for.

I don't just want to use it for cardio. I want some explosive reps and also slow resistance.

I though I would get one with the option to lock the seat, as it can do different types for resistance exercises like slow traversal of the arms pulling and slowed return in the handlebar position and with vertical grip on ends.

It is relevant what I what I want to develop. The only thing lacking is push resistance. Not sure how I could do that. I guess resistance cords in other direction.

I thought about combining the two things, if that doesn't sound too ridiculous. I would have to attach resistance cord behind me an loop it round the bar. It would have to be well secured obviously.

Otherwise I could train push resistance separately.

It has been a while since I have used one so maybe I'm missing something.

Concept2 ergometers are what rowers use.
They're good quality machines with very smooth action.

Thank you. It is not really in my price range, probably want to spend a third of that.

I'm not a rower as such.

If you are not a rower make sure you properly educate yourself on how to correctly use an erg (rowing machine). According to my rowing coach, whenever he sees people at a regular gym erging (using an erg) most of them are in a form that is not a proper exercise and will probably pull out your back. This surprises most non-rowers but rowing (and erging for that matter) is all your legs. If you are looking to buy an erg make sure that the tension is adjustable, some of the cheaper, lower quality ones are not. Good luck.

^ That's true.
Many non-rowers sit with their pelvis tilted backwards, whereas it should be tilted forwards.
I also agree about not going for a cheap ergo.

^This. We have these at the gym I go to and they have a ton of features you would find useful for setting up a workout.