When you walk into a fitness center, you will probably notice treadmills, ellipticals, and bikes within the cardio section. Lurking on the sides are machines that might not be frequented as often but still pack a powerful punch in cardiovascular health and can appeal to just about anyone wanting a heart-pumping workout.
From beginner exercisers to elite athletes and even those recovering from an injury, this low-impact machine can significantly improve health and wellness!
Benefits Of Using A Rowing Machine
Along with being a cardiovascular piece of equipment that almost anyone can utilize, the rowing machine also has several other benefits. For one, rowing is a total body workout. Not only does the motion of rowing work the upper body (hitting muscles such as the traps, pectorals, abs, and arms), but it works the lower body as well (targeting the hamstrings, glutes, quads, and calves). Rowing is also fantastic for helping to burn calories and torch fat. A study done in 2015 showed that people who incorporated rowing into their workout routine five days a week for a month and a half had a remarkable decrease in their total fat percentage and fat mass within the body.
Rowing machines are also beneficial in boosting mental health and are a fantastic alternative to other machines such as ellipticals or treadmills. But with so many on the market, how do you know what type to get and which brand gives the most bang for your buck?
Let’s take a look at both ProForm rowing machines and NordicTrack rowing machines. These brands are top of the line for fitness equipment and offer several different lines of products to choose from. Let’s review price points and accessory options, and then you can decide which machine might be best for you and your fitness goals!
NordicTrack Rowing Machines
NordicTrack offers three different types of rowing machines: the RW600, RW700, and RW900. All three of these rowers range from $900-$1899 and allow you access to the iFit Live community. These on-demand workouts let you work out with virtual trainers (who can adjust your resistance remotely) and choose your workout location, with many choices of both exercises and scenery.
The NordicTrack rowers also come with oversized footbeds and adjustable straps so that you can be in and out of your seat in no time. With touchscreens that reach up to 22” and 26 levels of dual digital resistance options, you’ll be on your way to rowing yourself to better health.
ProForm Rowing Machines
ProForm also offers three different types of rowing machines: the Pro R10, the 750R, and the 550R. A dual bike/rower machine is offered for those looking to switch up their cardio routine more frequently. The ProForm rowers are priced from $799 to $1403, with the iFit subscription included for a month on the 750R and the option of having iFit on the Pro R10 for three years.
ProForm allows for a wide variety of screen display options if that is a deal-breaker for some. The Pro R10 rower has a 10” high definition touchscreen, the 750R has a 5” display, and the 550R has a smaller LCD that shows just the basics – perfect for those not wanting all the extra bells and whistles.
The Pro R10 has 24 levels of resistance and oversized footbeds. The 750R has automatically adjustable resistance (perfect for those virtual workout sessions). In contrast, the 55R has an adjustable handle to ensure you have resistance at the right point in your workout!
ProForm Rowers vs NordicTrack Rowers
When comparing and contrasting equipment from both ProForm and NordicTrack, it’s imperative to look at your own fitness goals, as well as other specifics: how much space do you have for a rower? Can it easily fold up and be put away if needed? What about if you’re working out with family nearby – does it have silent magnetic resistance, enabling you to get the workout you need while letting your family sleep peacefully?
These factors need to be considered when purchasing a rowing machine and can help narrow down your choices if need be. Other than those types of things, just think about what you want out of the device itself – if you don’t need all the bells and whistles, then a less fancy rowing machine will work just fine.
However, suppose you like to connect virtually, have Bluetooth options, and even be pushed gently by a virtual trainer during a workout. In that case, one of the higher-level rowing machines might be more suitable. Either way, find a machine that will work best for you and your goals, and you’ll find that you are on the path to better health in no time!
