Safety
With every workout, there's risk. Falling, injuries, pains and strains are a part of training life. How safe is the exercise machine? How big is the risk of something going wrong?
A rowing machine workout is performed sitting, which makes falling off very unlikely.
Minimal Space and Power Needs
When you but an exercise machine for your home, you need to put it somewhere and sometimes plug it in as well. Every type of exercise machine has different needs in terms of space and electricity usage.
A rowing machine is considered a very good option for those who want to workout, but only have a limited space.
The rowers usually occupy a very small space, and many models are foldable - to be stored away under the bed when not in use.
Most rowing machines do not need to be plugged in at all, as all resistance is magnetic. Some machines have a workout monitor that usually runs on batteries (some will use a small amount of power instead of batteries or just in order to recharge them).
Workout Effectiveness
What type of exercise do you get from this exercise machine? What can you expect in terms of the exercises effectiveness?
An exercise on a rowing machine involves muscle groups in the arms, back and legs.
The rowing exercise uses both the upper and lower body for aerobic cardiovascular work with no impact on the joints.
Using a rowing machine correctly and regularly, and with adequate exercise level, you can expect it to work your back muscles but also stretch them, helping ease pain and discomfort. Note however, that using it incorrectly may lead to back discomfort and possible injury, so you need to seek advice regarding the correct way to perform the rowing machine exercise.
Rowing machines are considered to have an excellent workout value, as the exercise they provide works on large muscle groups and does not let you slack (use momentum) while working them.
Good results are achieved quite quickly in terms of increased fitness levels, weight loss and fat burning. Results will initially show toned thighs, buttocks and firmer arms.
Note that rowing machines do not provide a good level of exercise variety - you can only change the resistance you work against, but not, for example, the chair sliding length, or the angle of the string you pull.
Price
How much will it cost you to get a good fitness machine?
Rowing machines come very cheap. Sometimes at about a tenth of the price of other exercise equipment.
Fat Burning Efficiency
While every exercise burns fat, some forms of exercises allow more fat burning to occur. This usually has to do with length, intensity and the total number of muscles participating. Research shows that when more large muscle groups are exercised - more fat burning happens even after you finish the workout on the exercise machine.
Using the rowing machine for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, at a good pace with good resistance level burns anywhere between 350-600 calories.
The rowing machine is very effective at burning fat as it uses the larger muscles of both upper and lower body. Additionally, a rowing machine does not let you easily gain bodyweight momentum, so the workout is very effective.
Maintenance Considerations
Every fitness machine needs maintenance. The more moving parts your machine has - the more time and money you'll need to spend over the years on maintaining it.
Rowing machines have no motor, and are not composed of many small moving parts. This makes for easier regular maintenance.
On the other hand, most rowing machines have a cable which may break, and a seat that moves back and forth. These two parts require maintenance and checks to be performed on a regular basis.
Another moving part of the rower is the wheel, which usually works on magnetic resistance. The wheel compartment requires infrequent oiling, but other than that maintenance is quite a breeze.
Risk Free
What are the specific health benefits or risks involved with using the exercise machine? How can this machine contribute to your health specifically? This category is mainly around impact. Impact is the price the exercise machine takes from your joints. Running is high-impact, as your feet land on the hard ground many times. Swimming is non-impact. The more impact the machine has, the more risk you face of pain and damage to your bones, joints and other parts of your body.
While providing excellent workout, a rowing machine requires proper technique to prevent injuries.
The technique is important in order to avoid back strain. The rowing machine works on your back muscles and at the same time stretches them. This has the benefit of helping ease pain and discomfort.
When applying good technique, there is a very low injury risk as there is less pressure to knees and ankles. This allows you to exercise for longer durations, which lets you raise fitness levels and burn fat more quickly.
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Feel factor: 4
Terrible
(score 1/5)
I got the machine and it was bent. I bent it back out with pliers so that I could put it together. It was missing a screw and the cord to the monitor was ripped in half. I emailed the company and no response. One of the worst purchases I've ever made.
Posted on: 2010-09-27
By Greg
Great Entry-Level Rower
(score 5/5)
Great entry-level rower. The arms pivot for a natural stroke. The known issue of foot slipage at the heal was solved with a few dollars worth of velcro applied at the heal. In operation, the velcro at the heal is fastened over the ankle to hold the heel in place. The toe straps are fine as they are.
Posted on: 2010-09-26
By H2O
Demo of Stamina Rower
(score 5/5)
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2NN8NRK05JS7U So far, so good.
There are 12 levels of resistance. I was using resistance level 8.
The computer tells you how many complete rows you have performed, time performed, calories burned or you can scan through all three. My computer didn't work when it first arrived. I gave it a good punch (I was a little upset that it wasn't working) and it started working. I was worried I'd be returning this item, but it ended up just being another happy owner.
Also, the clicking noise was my feet hitting the foot rests at the end of each rep.
Posted on: 2010-09-26
By Louie Arrighi
best value for the $
(score 5/5)
Excellent value for the price paid. Sturdy - very well built. Smooth action. Easy to put together. Display easily read. One improvment would be for each foot pedal I would have two velcro straps instead of one - that is easily solved by "wraping" a strap around your ankle to the base. Would definitely buy again.
Posted on: 2010-09-14
By H. Chin
Love this machine!
(score 5/5)
Just received my Stamina 1050 rower. Nice, sturdy product for the price, and assembly was a snap. I am a 5'4 female, and the fit is fine for me. The key to keeping your feet on the pads is to wear comfy running/walking shoes with a good thick base. Strap the velcro snugly and you're set for a good workout with virtually no slips. I couldn't believe how quickly I got to target heart rate, especially after choosing a more resistant setting. I recommend this product highly for a quality, low-impact, full-body workout in half the time of other routines. Thanks, Stamina!
Posted on: 2010-08-30
By Dmac