Air Rowing Machine

What is so special about air resistance rowing machines?

If you've ever used a rowing machine in a gym then the chances are you've used an air resistance machine, such as the ever popular Concept II rowers. They work by spinning a flywheel with fans which are slowed by air resistance. While relatively noisey (compared to magnetic resistance) this system is reliable, durable, and it's easy to adjust the resistance to tune your workouts.

It's that durability and ease of adjustment that has made air rowing machines such as the Concept 2 range so popular. Whether in the gym, or at home, they are superb machines which perform and last extremely well - so long as you can put up with the noise level!

If you've used both air and water resistance rowing machines in the past you'll be aware that there is a different "feel". Air machines tend to have a fairly even resistance throughout the stroke, with an easy start that gets progressively harder as the wheel spins up to speed. Water machines on the other hand give considerably resistance right from the star of the stroke.

Whether air, water, or magnetic resistance is the best is largely a matter of personal taste, and a hotly debated topic. If you've used rowing machines in the past then chaces are you'll already know which you prefer the feel of. If not, then pop along to your local gym or home gym store and give a couple of different units a try.

Concept II

The concept 2 range deserve a special mention, simply because they are so well known and loved. They are used in the majority of gyms around the world, and also by an increasing number of home owners. If you're looking for a serious air rowing machine then a Concept 2 rowing machines should at least be on your short list to try out, and I've seen some really good bargains from online stores recently so shop around!