Rowing Machines

The Rowing Machine

There are numerous different styles of rowing machine to choose from dependent upon your budget or preference. There are four different ways in which rowing machines work;

	Hydraulic Resistance – This type is economical but simulates rowing on water the least.
	Air Resistance – simulates rowing on the water by using air pressure and a flywheel. They can be noisy.
	Water Resistance – uses water pressure to create resistance.
	Magnetic Resistance – This type uses magnetic resistance, they are generally quiet but do not simulate rowing well.

The Difference between the Rowing Machine and Rowing in a Boat

The basic rowing stroke technique, sufficient to be safe and effective, can be developed in a short period of time. However it can take years to master and refine - just ask those athletes that spend 6 hours a day, 350 days a year trying to perfect their stroke.

The rowing machine does not require all the technical subtleties required to row on the water. However, whether you are training on a machine for general fitness or to improve your boat speed, the fundamentals of the technique are identical.