Obsession Fitness | Exercise Equipment, Home Gyms » rowing machine

Folding Scull Rowing Machine | HCI Fitness Sprint Outrigger Compact Hydraulic Piston Rower

Editor — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:21:04 +0000

The HCI Fitness Sprint Outrigger uses hydraulic piston resistance to simulate the natural motion of rowing on water. Hydraulic pistons are one of four types of resistance used in rowing machines. The others include magnetic resistance, water resistance and air resistance.

This rower is an alternative to the popular but considerably more expensive piston resistance Kettler Kadett Outrigger Style Rower Rowing Machine. It’s priced between the Kettler and the orbital style piston resistance Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine, among the most affordable and bestselling models on the market.

Rowing machines provide an excellent aerobic workout while developing the core, back, shoulders, arms, and to a lesser degree, the legs. Rowing is a highly efficient form of exercise for building strength, developing cardiovascular fitness and losing weight.

The HCI Fitness Sprint Outrigger has a solid and stable foundation that produces very little wobble during a workout. The resistance is smooth and even throughout each rep.

There are 12 levels of hydraulic resistance, adjustable by turning a knob on each piston. The downside to this design is that knob adjustment and setting the resistance evenly on both sides can be tedious. Other adjustment features include angle of seat incline and chassis length to accommodate a wide range of user heights.

The computer monitor has limited capabilities but does provide basic stats on stroke count, time, calories burned and includes two workout programs based on strokes and calories.

One of the most attractive features of this rower is the folding feature that reduces the size to just 11″ x 39″ x 20″ for easy storage when not in use.

The unit comes mostly assembled and can be fully setup and ready to row within 15 minutes.

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Stamina 1215 Orbital Exercise Rowing Machine | Free Motion Arms for Natural Rowing

Editor — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:55:28 +0000

The Stamina 1215 is a budget rowing machine, similar to the 1205 model, but adds free motion arms for a full range of motion that better mimics the experience of rowing on water. The arms can move both vertically and horizontally, creating a realistic circular rowing motion.

Rowing is one of the most efficient all around, impact-free fitness activities, working all major muscle groups including legs, arms, back, abdominal and buttocks.

The 1215 uses smooth hydraulic cylinder resistance with adjustable tension controls. The soft, padded seat glides smoothly on a ball bearing roller mechanism and the foam grips and pivoting foot rests add comfort. The beam incline is adjustable for varied difficulty levels.

A single button multifunctional exercise monitor tracks speed, distance, time, stoke count, calories burned, and miles rowed.

The 1215 is a compact rowing machine, measuring just 48″ x 32.5″ x 27.75″ and the rowing arms fold for easy storage.

With many reasons to recommend it, keep in mind that this is a very basic rowing machine. Stamina is a large manufacturer, producing low to mid-range rowers appropriate for experienced athletes, but mostly designed as an affordable option for home users.

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Click here for the Stamina 1215 Orbital Rowing Machine with Free Motion Arms
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Stamina 1215 Orbital Rowers on eBay

Stamina 1215 Orbital Rower & Free Motion Arms 35-1215
US $299.00
Auction Ends: Saturday Sep-11-2010 20:25:55 PDT
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Stamina 1215 Exercise Orbital Rower w/ Free Motion Arms
US $299.99
Auction Ends: Sunday Sep-12-2010 22:09:23 PDT
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WaterRower Classic Rowing Machine | Natural Resistance, Low Impact, Calorie Burning Exercise

Editor — Mon, 18 May 2009 21:27:15 +0000

The WaterRower Classic simulates the dynamics of a boat moving though water and provides the physical and physiological benefits of real rowing.

The water tank and flywheel create a self-regulating resistance system that eliminates the need for a motor and provides a smooth, fluid and quiet workout.

Don’t be misled by the simplistic look. This rower delivers among the most efficient aerobic exercises possible, involving 84% of muscle groups, helping tone and strengthen while burning more calories than most other cardiovascular exercise machines.

Resistance is adjusted by the amount of water in the tank — the fuller your tank, the more difficult to row. Also, as with real rowing, when you paddle faster the increased drag provides additional resistance.

The movement is also low-impact, eliminating body weight from the ankles, knees, and hips, but still moving the limbs and joints through a full range of motion, from completely extended to fully contracted.

This machine is a marvel of physics and design, with no moving parts that can wear out over time. The solid American Black Walnut wood, finished with danish oil helps absorb sound and vibration for quiet performance and smooth operation.

WaterRower Classic Rowing Machine Product Details

Water flywheel with two paddles replicates life-like rowing experience
Smooth, quiet, self-regulated resistance
Series 4 performance monitor tracks workout intensity, duration, distance, stroke rate and heart rate
Solid black walnut construction absorbs sound and vibration
Ergonomically contoured seat and floating heel-rest
Weight capacity of up to 1,000 pounds
Product weight: 117 lbs, 84″ x 21″ x 22″
Stores upright

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Concept2 Model D Rowing Machine | Strength Building, Calorie Burning Indoor Fitness System

Editor — Wed, 06 May 2009 00:32:58 +0000

Concept2 rowing machines are used by Olympic athletes and in commercial gyms around the world and have been called the “Rolex of Rowers”. This review will focus on the Model D, the more affordable of the two available Concept2 rowers, but still the best rower we’ve reviewed. The higher-priced Model E can be seen here.

The rowing motion on the Model D is impact-free, smooth and easy on the joints. The sliding seat compresses and extends your legs with every stroke to work the entire body, including arms, legs, chest, back and abdominals while providing an excellent cardiovascular workout. A spiral damper lets you can choose between simulated rowing in either a sleek, fast boat or a slow, heavy boat.

The self-calibrating Performance Monitor (version PM3) displays distance, speed, pace, and calories burned. A removable data card tracks all your info and allows you to set “personal records.” In this mode the monitor displays two boats — your current workout and a prior workout, or a pace boat — creating a simulated rowing competition. This is a fun and unique feature to help keep you motivated.

Concept2 rower handles are ergonomically designed with molded rubber grips. Beginners or regular users may want to use gloves to prevent blisters.

Unlike more conventional exercise machines like treadmills, rowing does take a bit of practice to achieve the most efficient motion. Be sure to watch the included DVD demonstrating proper technique. You can also take advantage of free online tools including the Concept2 logbook, rowing challenges, forums and the Million Meter Club.

The Model D is extremely easy to assemble; just attach the front support and you’re ready to row. It’s durable, built to last, can accomodate users up to 500 pounds and comes with a 5 year frame warranty.

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ProRower H2O Fitness RX-750 Home Rowing Machine | Water Resistance Indoor Exercise

Editor — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 19:31:47 +0000

This piece of equipment caught our eye with its unique look and innovative mechanics. The novel concept of using real water in a home rowing machine coupled with the quality of the actual workout makes this well worth our recommendation.

The ProRower’s Hydro-Power Drive system incorporates a water tank and paddle system that simulates the visceral aspects of a real rowing experience. The motion is fluid, natural and smooth and the rhythmic sound of the blades swishing through water is very soothing, almost addicting.

This machine is not complicated by mechanical adjustments. Resistance is varied by changing the amount of water in the tank. While the monitor provides essential feedback it may be the least impressive feature — but the iPod crowd is not the target market for this rower.

Additional features include over sized, easily adjustable, pivoting footrests, an ergonomic hand grip and a sturdy frame that measures just 20″ by 21″ when folded and stored upright.

The ProRower H20 RX-750 is an innovative, commercial quality, space saving rower that provides all the benefits of a low impact workout.

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Stamina 1205 Precision Rower | Low Impact, Low Stress Portable Cardio & Strength Exerciser

Editor — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 05:04:31 +0000

We give a borderline recommendation to this rowing machine for the space saving design, functional mechanics and affordability. Like most Stamina products this is a good option for casual fitness enthusiasts who may not be able to spend a fortune on a high end piece of home exercise equipment.

The Stamina 1205 is a precision rower operating on a standard ball-bearing track system. The hydraulic cylinders are easily adjustable for varied levels of tension. The rowing movement produced on this machine effectively works your arms, legs, back, shoulders and abs, while providing a low impact cardiovascular aerobic workout.

For the most part the comfortable seat, rotating footplates and continuous smooth motion does create the intended sensation of rowing on water — although you may be accompanied by some squeaks and rattles produced by the steel and aluminum parts. Foam grips add additional comfort and ease of use.

The multifunctional electronic exercise monitor tracks and displays time, speed, distance traveled, number of strokes and calories burned.

Assembly is relatively easy and the fully built rower measures 48 x 32 1/2 x 27 3/4″. At just 47 pounds and with the ability to fold when not in use this machine is small enough to be considered portable.

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Get this Stamina 1205 Precision Rower on Amazon

Stamina 1205 Precision Rowers on eBay

Stamina 1205 Precision Rower Workout Exercise Machine
US $171.99
Auction Ends: Saturday Sep-11-2010 19:13:14 PDT
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NEW Stamina Precision Cardio Fitness Rower 35-1205
US $239.00
Auction Ends: Saturday Sep-11-2010 20:26:09 PDT
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Stamina 1205 Precision Rowing Machine - slightly used
US $13.00 (4 Bids)
Auction Ends: Sunday Sep-12-2010 11:46:32 PDT
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BodyCraft VR100 Rowing Machine | Best Low Impact, Cardiovascular Workout

Editor — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 19:43:05 +0000

Rowing machines provide an efficient full body workout by incorporating a constant, fluid aerobic movement that doesn’t abuse the joints and muscles. The BodyCraft VR100 Rowing Machine mimics the smooth motion of rowing on water as the contoured ergonomic seat glides along a precision ball bearing roller system.

There are six easy to adjust resistance levels to accommodate any fitness level. The multifunctional fitness monitor tracks speed, distance, time, stroke count, and calories burned. However, unlike most computer enhanced exercise machines there are no pre-programmed workouts. A Polar heart rate monitor receiver is included.

The durable aircraft-grade aluminum and steel frame are complimented by quiet, smooth operation and a perfectly positioned built in fan to keep you cool. The sturdy build and 44 inches of travel from the pedals accommodate even the tallest users and weights of up to 250 pounds. The machine folds up easily when not in use and stores vertically in only 16″ x 24″ of space.

The BodyCraft VR100 Rowing Machine is a step down from commercial grade rowers you might see at the local gym. But the quality design and home user experience won it the Consumer Guide Best Buy award in this price range.

BodyCraft VR100 Rowing Machine Product Details

Contoured, ergonomic seat glides along precision bearing rollers
Utilizes both air resistance and magnetic resistance
Adjustable console includes built-in Polar Heart Rate Monitor receiver
Lightweight, rubber coated aluminum handle
Console displays speed, distance, time, stroke count, and calories burned
Compact design. Folds for storage into a 16″ x 24″ space

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Click here to get the BodyCraft VR100 Rowing Machine on Amazon

BodyCraft VR100 Rowing Machines on eBay

BodyCraft VR100 Rowing Machine-Buy it Now or Best Offer
US $699.00
Auction Ends: Friday Sep-10-2010 19:55:22 PDT
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BodyCraft VR100 Quality Air Rower Magnetic Resistance
US $699.00
Auction Ends: Saturday Sep-11-2010 20:01:14 PDT
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Bodycraft VR100 rower - Mint condition and Low reserve!
US $175.00 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Wednesday Sep-15-2010 13:33:14 PDT
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Kettler Kadett Outrigger Style Rowing Machine | No Impact, Smooth Cardio Rower Workout

Editor — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 22:37:43 +0000

Rowing is one of the most effective total body workouts, strengthening all muscle groups and providing a great cardio workout. It works your legs, arms and shoulders and isolates abs on every row. The rowing machine movement is smooth and natural, with no impact. In addition to building strength, burning calories and improving stamina, rowing machines are used for rehabilitating muscles, ligaments and joints after an injury.

The Kettler Kadett rowing machine’s outrigger design allows a natural circular movement, closely simulating the actual process of rowing on water. The two hydraulic cylinders can be set to resistance levels between 1 and 12. The comfortable ergonomic seat runs smoothly on rollers mounted on rails, the moving foot plates have adjustable straps and an anti-slip base protects flooring. When your training session is over the outriggers can be easily folded inwards to save storage space.

The Kadett also features an advanced training computer that displays time measurement, number of oar strokes, speed of strokes, distance covered during training session, total distance, energy consumption, and pulse rate. Visual and audio signals alert you when you’ve reached goals for distance covered and stroke speed.

Assembly is a bit complicated and time consuming but once you’re up and rowing expect one the most complete workouts you’ve ever had.

Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine | Compact, Portable Cardiovascular Exercise Machine

Editor — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 20:48:26 +0000

Rowing is widely known to be one of the best all around activities for cardiovascular fitness and strength. The Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine provides a total body workout that is efficient, effective, low-impact and utilizes all major muscle groups including the back, legs, arms, abdominals and buttocks. This is a compact, portable way to row yourself into shape. A great choice for those with limited space, time and budget.

Compact and portable with a footprint of 23 1/2″ x 46″, the arms fold down and the rower can be stored in a closet or in the corner of a room. The multifunctional fitness monitor shows speed, distance, time, stroke count, and calories burned during your workout, and keeps you motivated and on track.. The steel frame and aluminum center beam is designed to withstand years of use while giving you a stable, comfortable workout. Easy assembly.

Overall the unit is very quiet but creaks and squeaks just a bit until it’s warmed-up.
This rower looks and feels like a more expensive piece of equipment, but provides the same quality of workout.

Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine Product Details

Home rowing machine with compact footprint–23.5 x 46 inches
Adjustable gas-shock resistance
Monitor shows speed, distance, time, stroke count, and calories burned
Sturdy, steel frame construction
Folds for easy storage
Easy assembly
Dimensions: 23.5 x 46 inches