Rowing machines represent a steadily increasing percentage of the cardiovascular equipment now found in the modern health club.
Their popularity, in part,
reflects the improved function of current designs.However,
it is likely that much of their appeal lies with the promise of a `total body
workout' and the opportunity for the user to `measure' their fitness via small
computer consoles.
Virtually all of the models found in health club settings are of the `straight
pull' variety, with a centrally placed handle attached to a cable, chain orbit,
which in turn is attached to the resistance mechanism.
Resistance is usually provided by air (as in the Concept II) or electromagnetic braking (e.g., the Kettler Coach).
Different models offer different displays. These may be as simple as power output (in watts), time, distance covered, stroke rate and split time (per 500m).
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