A Quick Guide To Rowing Machines: The Different Resistance Types

Regular exercise is very important for anyone who wants to lead a healthy life. Rowing machines provide full body workouts, tone your heart, exercise every major muscle group, support speedy calorie burn and they can also be used by virtually anyone because they are low impact

However, finding the right rower can be a very daunting process largely because you have to choose from so many different features, brands, and price ranges. However, one of the most important factors you need to consider when choosing a rowing machine is its resistance type. The type of resistance usually determines the monitor functionality, build quality and cost of the rowing machine. Moreover, determining the type of resistance you like best also helps you narrow down your options the most, making the process less of a headache.

Types of Rowing Machines

1. Air Rowing Machines
   

Air rowing machines have been around since the 80’s and are one of the most popular types of rowers. In fact, they are often considered the best type of rowing machine. You exercise your muscles by working against an opposing force that is designed to provide resistance. Air rowers use air flowing over internal flywheels to provide resistance. The flywheel is usually connected to the rowing handle by a chain and as you pull the handle, the chain spins the wheel. The flywheel spins faster as you increase your rowing speed, thus increasing the resistance. Better air rower models alter the flow of air using additional dampers in order to change the general feel of the stroke.

 Advantages of Air Rowing Machines

• They replicate rowing on the water and offer a wide range of resistance options.
• Smooth action
• Resistance automatically adjusts to your stroke rate

 Disadvantages of Air Rowers

• Can be noisy particularly for indoor use

Most rowing enthusiasts and professional rowers prefer air rowers for training because it closely replicates rowing on water. Some rowing machines combine magnetic and air resistance to give users the best of both worlds.

See Our Top 10 Air Rowing Machines HERE!

2. Water Rowing Machines

Water rowing machines use paddles and water to create resistance. Many indoor users prefer the smoother, quieter action of water rowers which use water paddles (flywheel) spinning in a tank of water to create drag and provide resistance whenever you pull the handle. Therefore, resistance increases gradually as you increase your rowing speed. Besides providing a smoother action, water rowers also produce constant resistance throughout the stroke. Therefore, you’ll never experience a flat spot (a drop in resistance) during the stroke cycle.

 Advantages of Water Rowing Machines

• Consistent and smooth resistance throughout the stroke cycle
• Requires very little maintenance
• Quiet in operation
• Many people like the ‘whoosh’ sound of water as the flywheel spins in the tank

 Disadvantages of Water Rowers

• Many water rowers are larger than other types of rowers
• They tend to be in the ‘higher’ price bracket of Rowing Machines.

Water rowing machines usually come with very elegant designs. Although they may not be the preferred choice for many professional rowers, they are an excellent buy for home users because they are very stylish, quiet and require little care and maintenance.

See our Top 10 Water Rowing Machines HERE!

3. Magnetic Rowers

These are some of the most popular rowers especially for indoor use mainly because the magnetic resistance mechanism makes them the quietest models available. They are also more compact than air rowers and water rowing machines.

Magnetic rowers use an electromagnetic brake system which varies the distance between a spinning flywheel and strong magnets. Resistance levels can also be adjusted either digitally by the digital console or by using mechanical sliders. As mentioned earlier, magnetic rowing machines provide a very smooth and quiet rowing action.

 Advantages of Magnetic Rowers

• Very quiet (almost silent) in operation
• Adjustable resistance levels
• Require very little maintenance
• Most magnetic rowers are smaller than water or air rowers

 Disadvantages of Magnetic Rowers

• They don’t replicate the action of rowing on water. However, this is not a problem for people who just want to exercise.

Many magnetic rowing machines are foldable and this makes storage very easy especially when the machine is not in use. Be sure to check the weight of the flywheel and go for models which have a heavier flywheel because they offer a smoother ride.

See our Top 10 Magnetic Rowing Machines Here!

4. Hydraulic Rowing Machines

Hydraulic rowers are generally cheaper and tend to be quieter and smaller than flywheel models. Resistance in hydraulic rowers is created by pistons connected to the handles. Unfortunately, they don’t give the flowing and smooth feel of flywheel rowers. The level of resistance is adjusted using clamps or levels. Although they provide a decent workout, it’s just not quite as smooth as the ride provided by flywheel models.

 Advantages of Hydraulic Rowing Machines

• Many hydraulic rowers are foldable and easier to store
• Quieter than flywheel rowers
• Low cost compared to air/flywheel models

 Disadvantages of Hydraulic Rowers

• Require regular maintenance which can turn out to be costly
• The resistance level changes as the fluid inside heats up
• Most hydraulic rowers don’t provide a quiet and smooth rowing action

Hydraulic rowers care ideal for you if you don’t have much room to use it and/or if you’re working with a limited budget.

Why is the type of resistance so important?

Different types of resistance provide users with different rowing experiences. Moreover, each type of resistance is tied to various unique characteristics ranging from size, storage capabilities, noise level and price. Therefore, one you figure out which resistance type you prefer, your search becomes more efficient and much easier because you narrow down the search field by ruling out rowing machines that are not in your preferred resistance category.