There's nothing better than getting out on the lake, river or canal and rowing for several miles.  The quiet solitude and the graceful flow of the water is both relaxing, and at the same time, physically demanding.  In fact rowing works every major muscle group in the body, while at the same time providing an excellent cardiovascular workout.



But if you're like most of us, you may not have the time -- or the means -- to get out on the water and row on a regular basis.  But these days, that's not much of a problem.  Indoor rowing machines these days are better than ever, and take physical fitness to a whole new level, providing an excellent upper body workout, superior core training and an almost perfect cardiovascular exercise.

If you have considered purchasing a rowing machine for your home, there has never been a better time to buy.  Hydraulic technology has advanced in recent years, making modern rowing machines that operate smoothly and reliably, while providing a consistent level of resistance.  In this article we will cover basic tips for getting the best rowing machine for your money.  Let's get started.

A rowing machine is an investment; by purchasing a quality, well-built machine, you are investing in your physical fitness far into the future.  But just because it is important to buy quality doesn't mean you necessarily have to buy the most expensive model out there.  The best strategy is to focus your attention on midrange rowing machines that are well-designed, and skip all of the fancy bells and whistles that more so-called "advanced" machines will incorporate.

The fact is, a well-built rowing machine does not require a plethora of advanced options -- it is simply overkill.  Rowing is a phenomenal exercise, and any attempts to "improve" upon the basic methods and routines often end up compromising the benefit of simply rowing.

With this in mind, don't be fooled by flashy models that seem to include everything but the kitchen sink!  You will get the same quality work out from a well-built mid range rowing machine that does one thing, and does it well.

There are three basic types of rowing machines and each has its pros and cons.  A hydraulic machine is normally inexpensive, and can often fold up to be stored in a limited amount of space.  However, these are not normally as smooth in their motion as other types.  The hydraulic system can also wear out over time, so if you plan on having your machine for 10 or 15 years, you might want to opt for a different type of rower.

Air rowing machines are relatively inexpensive as well and can offer greater resistance.  The big problem with these is that they tend to be very noisy.  This may not seem like a big deal at first, but over time it can become annoying and prevent you from working out as often as you should.

The third type is the magnetic rowing machine.  Magnetic rowers are almost maintenance free and are very easy to store in a small area.  A quality magnetic rowing machine can't easily last 10 or 20 years, so if durability is your main concern, be sure to check out magnetic rowing machines first.