I'm always asked if listening to music while working out is a good idea. In my opinion, I think it definitely is, especially for rowing - but don't let the rhythm of the tune determine your speed. MP3 players make it a lot easier - I have a play list for rowing, a different one for running and another for walking the dog. I feel it helps me to get into The Zone and row faster and longer. But does the type of music make a difference? I love rock, pop and classical but I find it impossible to exercise to classical.

Do you have a favorite track to row along to? Do you think it helps you row better? Let me know,

I caught this really interesting documentary made by the BBC (UK) about the benefits of high intensity training (you can see more about it at http://bbc.in/xz8WPf\) A study has shown that just 3 minutes of high intensity training (HIT) a week can get you fit!

This goes against years of advice and has got quite a few trainers hot under the collar, but the results seem to prove it. A rowing machine is great for this sort of training - short blasts at your maximum stroke rate - see this Rowing Machine Workout Program for the different types of training, including HIT.

However, I still think there's more to exercise than just getting fit. For example, a sense of achievement when you break a personal best or first row 5,000 meters. However, if you're time to train is limited, adding HIT sessions to your workout will achieve fast results.

We've just set up a LifeCore R88 rower to test. We're big fans of their R100 so we're looking forward to putting the cheaper model through it's paces. In our opinion, LifeCore is the only serious competitor to the tried and tested Concept2. The R88 is a around half the price of the top of the range R100, so we'll be keen to see how it performs.

We'll hopefully post our review within a week (or maybe two)

I get many emails about what's the best workout on a rower for fat-burning, building stamina and fitness. It seems many people buy a rower and then struggle to know what to do with it. So now I'm happy to recommend 'The Complete Rowing Machine Workout Program by Roy Palmer. it's packed with great workouts, plus advice on technique, avoiding injury and how best to optimize your training.

If you want to know more about pyramid training, heart rate programs and wattage workouts, this guide explains the benefits of each and how best to include them in your training.

For more information please click here.

If you've bought one of the rowers we've reviewed here, or have one we've not tried yet - please tell us what you think. Remember to tell us the make, model, how long you've ha

Apologies for the delay, but we've finally posted our review of the Stamina Air Rower. Yes, it's a budget machine - but it ain't that bad, all things considering. To see the full report at Stamina Air Rower Review.

We've just unpacked a Stamina Air Rower and looking forward to putting it through its paces. First opinion is that it looks pretty good. We'll spend the next week using it for some challenging workouts and see how much punishment this machine can take. The review will be posted in around 10 days to keep watching this space.

If you've used a rowing machine at the gym it was most likely an air resistance machine (I bet it was a Concept2) But many find air rowers too noisy for home use. So what about a water machine? They're much quieter and many users love the whoosh of the water as they row. We've tried three water rowers so far ranging from $600 to $1000 - for more information see water rowing machines.

Also see our reviews of the WaterRower Natural, First Degree Neptune Rower and the ProRower H2O.  

One problem many new users experience with a rowing machine is not knowing what workouts to do. The last thing you should do is the same workout day-in, day-out. Not only will you get less benefit as your body becomes conditioned to it, you'll soon get bored and de-motivated and therefore stop training.

The answer? Variation is key - keep mixing it up and do short, fast workouts, or longer, easier workouts. Or you may do intervals, sprints etc. With some imagination you'll think of many more. Top rowers come with racing programs and the ability to record your performance over time. Keep it fresh, keep it challenging and you'll want to get back onto your rower everyday to test yourself,

For more information see rowing machine workouts.