Getting fit is a challenge in more ways than one but one of the best ways to stay motivated and get fit is to buy some home exercise fitness equipment. The problem is which piece do you buy? There are so many options available on the market making a good choice can be hard. Two of the most common groups of fitness equipment are elliptical trainers and rowing machines. Both have distinct advantages and disadvantages but both machines will give you a good low impact cardiovascular workout that will exercise upper and lower body at the same time.
Rowing machines, at the basic end of the market tend to be the cheaper option compared to basic ellipticals. Of course you can spend big money on an air rowing machine or water resistance machine if you have tried rowers and decided these are your preferred fitness machines, but most people start at the cheapest and work up to minimise risk. A cheap rower such as the stamina bodytrac glider 1050 rowing machine are often gas or hydraulic resistance. They are easy to store, generally flat enough to slide under a bed, and are easy to use. You just sit and row, no balance required. You can expect a cheap rowing machine to start at just over $100.
An elliptical, or cross trainer or stepper machine is a machine you stand on and simulate walking whilst paddling arm bars to exercise the upper body. These machines won’t fold so you need space to store them permanently. Choosing a good one can be tough as you generally have to select the stride length of the machine. 18 inches is usually the lower recommended stride length, although most found in gyms are 21 inches or higher. It is also advised that you get on and try one inshore as the footplates on the equipment need to be positioned to suit your walking gait. If footplates are to wide apart you can stress knees and hips unnecessarily. Most cannot be adjusted so you need to find a brand and machine that suits you. Even the most basic models are not cheap, and most users comment that finding a smooth enough machine for under $500 is tough. A popular machine at this level is the Schwinn 430. The resistance wheel is at the front making for a smooth operating action, stride length is 18 inches and it comes with a host of features more common to the more expensive machines.
If you are looking for a cheap, easy to store, effective and easy to shop for option a rower makes the best choice. If you have your heart set on an elliptical then think $500, go try out the options to get the right machine for your body shape and go from there. Whichever option if you pick wisely, you should be able to get a machine that will get you fit and last the distance.