An indoor rowing machine is a great way to get fit. You can get all the benefits of rowing without having to go out onto a cold lake! And, it needn't cost you top dollar to get a good, reliable machine - see our reviews for more information.

Regular training on a rowing machine will improve your cardio-vascular fitness and help build muscle. It's ideal whether you're a honed-athlete looking for cross-training, or currently over-weight and unfit. Rowing placed very little stress on your joints but can burn upto 800 calories an hour. Or, if you do the maths - 200 calories in just 15 minutes.

Training on an indoor rowing machine compares very well to other keep fit activities when measuring calories burnt per hour. Rowing for fifteen minutes uses 200, compare that to the same time (70), swimming (150) and even running (170).

But before you start a new fitness regime (obviously, you'll already have consulted your doctor if unsure), it is worthwhile check you have a good rowing machine technique. A good technique not only reduces the risk of injury, it also helps you train for longer, increasing the benefits you'll get from your time on the rower.

The main benefits of using a rower are:-

• Trains all your muscle groups
• Low impact training - less strain on your joints
• Good for your cardio-vascular system
• Requires little space in your home - many models fold-up
• Burns a lot of calories compared to many other exercises

Of course you'll only get these benefits if you use it on a regular basis. This makes it doubly important that you buy the right machine to suit your needs and budget - see our comparison table for help on choosing your model.

Also see:-
rowing machine vs treadmills
rowers vs elliptical trainers
rowing machine vs exercise bikes