Rowing Machines

Basic Elements of an Indoor Rowing Machine

An indoor rowing machine is a machine used to simulate the action of watercraft rowing for the purpose of exercise or training for rowing. Indoor rowing machines have become established as a popular method of exercise both at home and in gyms.

An indoor rowing machine can also be referred to as an ergometer or ergo, which is a device that measures the amount of energy or work performed when rowing. The indoor rowing machine is calibrated to measure the amount of energy the rower is generating.

Indoor rowing machines consist of a flywheel connected to a chain and handle. The rower pushes his body backwards with the legs, then pivots his back, and pulls on the handle, causing the flywheel to spin. The flywheel has a damping mechanism applied (using either air or water) that is intended to simulate the feel of an oar moving through water. Depending on the machine the rower either moves back and forth as part of the rowing action, or the rower remains stationary and the flywheel mechanism moves.

The standard measurement of speed on an ergometer is generally known as the "split," or the amount of time in minutes and seconds required to travel 500 meters at the current pace. For example, a 2:00 split would correspond to a 2:00 time for a 500 meter race, or an 8:00 time for a 2 kilometer race. The split does not necessarily correspond to how many strokes the rower takes (the "rating") since strokes can vary in power. These measures are used by those training on an indoor rowing machine to measure their gains in strength and stamina.

Indoor rowing machines were first designed for water rowers to be able to practice during bad weather and in the off season, but the exercise has a number health benefits so indoor rowing machines are now found in most comprehensive gyms.

Enter your search terms Submit search form