A rowing machine, together with a treadmill and exercise bike, belongs to the real classics among exercise machines. It is a must for those of you who have the ambition to set up a functional and versatile home gym.
Depending on your goals with the training, you need different machines and tools, but the fact is that the probability is high that a rowing machine is the wisest investment you can make.
Concept 2 Model D – the Best Rowing Machine for Most People!
Concept 2 Model D was the best compact rowing machine for home, in our opinion, and it was at least as good in 2021! Concept 2 is known for its quality rowing machines, and model D is the most affordable, in our opinion. For a few 1000 dollars more, you can buy their Model E, which does not provide as much value for money. Model D has won Best in Test in many newspapers and website tests.
- user weight: 227 kg
- Machine weight: 26 kg
- LxWxH: 240x60x90 cm
- Seat height: 36 cm
- Resistance: Air, stepless
Master Fitness R6030
Master Fitness R6030 is a robust and high-quality model in the middle price range that does not cost too much. The right choice for you who do not want to buy the cheapest budget model but at the same time do not want to pay a fortune.
- user weight: 135 kg
- Machine weight: 40 kg
- LxWxH: 237x50x95 cm
- Resistance: Air / magnetic, flywheel weight 8 kg
Master Fitness R610 – Cheap and Best Budget Choice!
Master Fitness R610 is perfect for you who want a good rowing machine at as low a price as possible. The R610 is really cheap; it costs about a third of the popular premium models. Nevertheless, it is good enough in the home of a happy amateur. Perhaps the biggest disadvantage is the relatively low user weight of a maximum of 110 kg. For those of you who weigh a little more, it is therefore smart to choose a slightly more expensive and more powerful model.
- user weight: 110 kg
- Machine weight: 28 kg
- LxWxH: 202x53x67 cm
- Resistance: Magnetic in 8 levels, flywheel weight 7 kg
Casall R600 Pro
Swedish Casall is known for its quality training machines, and the R600 rowing machine is no exception. This is an updated “PRO” model with improved performance that does not cost too much. It is quite heavy matched to comparable models, but thanks to the transport wheels, you can easily move it around the home.
- user weight: 130 kg
- Machine weight: 53 kg
- LxWxH: 246x53x97 cm
- Resistance: Air / magnetic, flywheel weight 5 kg
How to Use Your Rowing Machine
Using a rowing machine may seem straightforward. That is also the case, but there are still some things that may be worth thinking about if you want to vary your training and minimize the risk of injury. It is mainly important to avoid “jerky” movements, which can be negative for joints, discs, and muscles. This is easy to avoid and is achieved by keeping the chain, or rope, taut throughout the movement. That way, there will be no jerks or shocks.
Three Different Training Approaches
When it comes to the variation of training, there are many possibilities. On the one hand, you can vary between different intensities. As an example, three different approaches can be mentioned, namely:
- Calorie burning / losing weight
- Condition
- Explosivity/strength
If you are mainly watching to burn calories (burn fat), you should set the machine to light resistance and calm at a relatively calm place. The essential matter is that you have the strength to rest long enough. Low-intensity training for one hour burns more calories than extremely hard training for 10 minutes.
Of course, you do not need to rest that long to get the effect, but 30 minutes can be a good benchmark. Feel free to present a TV that you can watch in the meantime, listen to an audiobook, or take the opportunity to meditate at the same time!
Fitness-focused training is another option where you set a slightly heavier resistance and row so fast that you get really short of breath. You can vary the training time from anything between 5 minutes and an hour, but 15-20 minutes is usually quite adequate.
Finally, we have explosive strength training where you set a very high resistance and row, in principle, as soon as possible. You do not have such intense training for very long, 30 seconds to a couple of minutes you can aim for. Of course, your legs and back get a good workout no matter which set-up you choose, but the result on the body will differ a little, from less fat, better “skin,” and bigger, stronger muscles.
Stimulation of Various Muscles
It is also possible to influence which muscles are stimulated most during rowing. The classic technique, where you grab the handle with an overhand grip, push away properly with the legs, and pull the handle towards the stomach trains, as I said, mainly the thighs and back. If, on the other hand, you grip the handle with a forearm grip and bend your arms when you pull the handle so that it hits the chest instead of the abdomen, you connect the biceps and forearms significantly more.
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