by jaybob

Created on: August 18, 2008   Last Updated: August 22, 2008

A rowing machine, or indoor rower, makes an ideal contribution to any home gym. Compact, excellent for cardio, and a perfect way to give yourself a full body warm up before strength training, a rowing machine is a must have for the home gym of any rower or other athlete serious about their physical fitness. This is why it is so important for someone who is purchasing a rowing machine for their home gym to really understand what to look for in an ergometer or indoor rower.

~ Get a quality model of indoor rower that has a large wheel in the front connected to long a chain that you can pull back to your full extension. These are the ideal models to choose for a rowing machine. They will last for years and are perfect for working nearly the entire body. A few shady companies will try to sell you an oddly designed "compact" ergometer, but these are almost useless, so try to stay away from the other infomercial designs out there.

~ Make sure the seat of the rower slides safely back along its base to your full leg extension. Too many tall people hurt themselves in public gyms by accidentally falling off the back of rowing machines that are too small for them.

~ Get an ergometer with an electric gage of calories, speed, and distance. Without this basic feedback, you won't be able to reach your full potential because you'll only be guessing how fast or far you have gone. Feedback is how you measure your overall progress and is a key tool in fitness training.

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