Are you bored with your exercise routine? Does jogging on treadmills stepping on stair climbers
and riding on stationary bikes seem bland recently? Every day you may ride your bike to work,
climb the stairs to your floor and run from office to office. The last thing you want to do is go
home and exercise by doing the same thing. The oblong waking pattern of an elliptical machine
doesn't do it for you, either. You want an exercise routine that is completely different from
your daily grind.

If this description fits you, think about buying a rowing machine, unless you are a competitive
rower, life next to a major body of water or are a diehard romantic who frequently participates
in moonlit rows, you should find this machine's movement completely unique, and its easy to
learn.

Rowers are one of the few exercisers that provide total body conditioning. They build aerobic
endurance and strengthen muscles. The first part of the rowing motion works muscles in the
shoulders, arms, chest, back and legs. Rowing back to the starting position strengthens the
shoulders, arms, chest, legs and even abdominals. These machines also burn lots of calories.
A 160 pound user will burn around 690 calories an hour at 25 strokes a minute. Upping the
tempo to 40 strokes a minute increases the caloric burn to around 1,095 calories an hour.
Rowers are also extremely safe.

Don't despair of finding a high-quality rower on the market today. There are several. One
example is the concept II. This machine uses air to provide resistance, a technique which
accurately simulates rowing and has proven to be much more durable than piston-driven models.
Peter and Dick Dreissigacker, both competitive rowers, developed the ancestor to the concept
II in 1981. They wanted to build a machine that would accurately simulate the fluid drag of a
boat but would be within the budget constraints of the typical home user. They designed a
rower that can still claim to be the best machine on the market. Purists say it simulates the
feel of rowing better than any other rower; professionals use it to train during the off season.

The tension on wind-resistance rowers comes from the finned flywheel at the front of the
machine. As the user pulls back on the chain, the flywheel sucks in air, providing resistance.
The faster you row, the more resistance you feel. If the loud, sucking sound of air being
dragged by fins just doesn't do it for you, and you'd rather buy a rower that closely replicates
the soothing sound of water as well as providing an authentic feel, consider the WaterRower.
Using a stainless steel paddle in a 22-inch circular tank, the WaterRower recreates rowing
almost exactly. Close your eyes and you could swear you were speeding down your favourite
river rather than working out in your living room. Place just a little bit of water in the tank if
you want an aerobic workout, and add a little more for strength building.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Don't just look at resistance when buying a rowing machine. Also make sure it has a sturdy
frame that won't wobble during workouts. (While a swaying motion may simulate being on
choppy water, this is one bit of reality you won't miss).

Try out the seat to make sure its stable and comfortable and moves smoothly and quietly.
While you're at it, examine the pedals too. They should be easily adjustable to accommodate
different users and remain steady as you push back.

Finally, take a step back and look at the entire machine. Start by looking at its dimensions to
be sure it will fit in your house. Measure it and the space you have available if you are unsure.
You don't want to find out it doesn't fit when you are in the middle of putting it together. The
Tunturi Air Rower R701 folds up for easy storage for those who have enough space to fit its 93
inch length but don't want it cluttering up the floor when not in use.

Make sure it fits your tastes too. While no rower can beat the WaterRower when it comes to
looks, some of the rest in the field are more attractive than others.