The concept of indoor rowing machines has been around since the 1900’s but old designs were more like a torture device and is not an accurate representative of actual rowing. Development of modern fitness rowing machines was established in the 1980’s. While the machine had been designed primarily as a training tool for watercraft rowing, it is gaining popularity as a favorite workout tool not just for rowers but also for other athletes and common individuals who want to get a full body exercise. Nowadays, these machines are portable, studier, and simulate rowing on a real boat more accurately.

Like any other fitness machine there are advantages and disadvantages in using rowing machines.

ADVANTAGES

1. Full body workouts. Rowing provides a full body workout. Besides being an excellent cardiovascular exercise, working out on rowing machines, stresses major muscles in the body anaerobically. It workouts arms, chest, back, and legs.
2. Very low impact workouts. Unlike treadmills, these machines provide very low impact workouts. You are not putting much stress on your ankles, knees, and joints. Although your legs are in full motion, your legs do not strike hard surfaces so it is more comfortable.
3. Intense calorie-burning exercise. You can burn up to eight hundred calories per hour by working out on the rowing machine, this is machine for losing weight.
4. Less expensive. It is less expensive compared to other fitness equipment such as treadmills and elliptical machines.

DISADVANTAGES

1. Lower Back Injury. This machine puts the toll on your lower back so this is not an ideal machine for people with back and spine problems. In using the machine, proper technique should be used.
2. Hard to assemble. Putting the pieces together can be frustrating for some people.