Magnetic rowers are one of the most popular type of rowing machine - especially for use in the home. The resistance mechanism makes them easily the quietest of all types available and they're more compact than water rowers and air rowing machines.

To provide a decent workout for your muscles and cardio-vascular system, a rowing machine needs to resist your efforts to move the handle and seat. The higher the resistance, the harder you have to work and the more challenging the workout.  

These machines work by varying the distance between strong magnets and a spinning flywheel attached to the handle by a chain. Resistance levels are adjusted using either mechanical sliders or digitally by the console controls. Magnetic rowers often give a smooth rowing action and as mentioned earlier are very quiet.

Advantages of Magnetic Rowing Machines

• Very quiet in operation (some are almost silent)
  
• Wide range of resistance levels
  
• Usually smaller than air or water rowers
  
• Little maintenance required.
  

Disadvantages of Magnetic Rowers

• They don't simulate rowing on water (not a problem if you just want a workout)

Many models in this category are foldable making storage easy when not in use. Something else to check is the weight of the flywheel - a general rule, the heavier the flywheel, the smoother the ride. So if undecided between two models go for the one with the heavier flywheel.

The brands of this type include Lifecore, Kettler, LifeSpan and Body Rower.

For information on other types of resistance see air rowing machines, water rowers and hydraulic rowing machines.