Rowers

Rowing is a good aerobic exercise that is non-impact and involves all major muscle groups. It does involve more intense upper-body work (although legs still supply at least 60% of the effort), and therefore it takes longer for most people to feel comfortable with the action. Rowers enjoyed a surge of popularity in the early 1980's when "total body workouts" first became popular. They were quickly abandoned, because the old piston-resistance design with the non-adjustable side handlebars (see picture) felt crude and awkward. Along with junk exercise bikes, cheap rowers may be the most ubiquitous abandoned exercise machines gathering dust in the dark corners of basements. With newer designs, however,rowing can still be an important part of your workout.

Types and Price Range:
There are two types of rowers. Both seat the exerciser higher off the floor, and both use a single, free-moving, center-pull handlebar that connects to the flywheel by a chain or cable. This keeps the back straight and allows each individual to pull the arms at the height that is most ergonomically correct. The Liferower by Life Fitness uses magnetic resistance, includes a computerized video monitor to display performance, and costs $3000. The Concept II Model C uses a weighted flywheel with fan blades that produces air resistance like the Schwinn Airdyne. It includes a digital monitor that displays time, strokes per minute and power output in three different modes. The Model C costs $725, plus $31 shipping.

Recommendations: If you take into account price, quality of manufacture, customer support, and effectiveness of design, the Concept II Model C might be the best piece of exercise equipment ever made. The only drawbacks are that it takes up some space (although the Model C can be folded up for storage) and it makes more noise than treadmills and bikes.

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