A rowing machine called an ergometer is best known for a resistance-based workout. What if your rowing machine offers no resistance? You will not feel any drag force against your action and resultantly no fat burn.
You will know about resistance’s role and adverse impacts if your rowing machine has no opposition.
Types Of Resistance In A Rowing Machine
There are four different types of rowing machines. But here we are not going into details about their type, pros & Cons, and functionality. Let’s just stay stick to the type of resistance offered by these machines.
Resistance depends on the type of rowing machine. So, it is essential to know about the types of rowing machines because their price is relative to the resistance type, noise, comfort, and storage capabilities.
Always get a suitable rowing machine. Sometimes we buy stuff without knowing it. Here are some rowing machines according to the type of their resistance.
Air Resistance
The rowing machine works on the air resistance principle. Its fan flywheel spin and produce wind. The quantity of resistance is proportional to the strength of the pulling handle.
Water Resistance
The water-based rowing machine is similar to air resistance. This machine has a large footprint to accommodate paddles and water in the tank.
When the rower pulls a cord toward his body, it will produce water resistance. If you drag the handle harder, the paddles spin faster and generate more excellent resistance. Thus, the resistance level is dependent on the rowing intensity.
Magnetic Resistance
It is different from air and water resistance-based rowing machines. It uses a magnetic brake system for resistance.
When you fill the cord, the flywheel will spin, and the magnet will move close or away to produce resistance. Its footprint is also huge due to the seat rail. Its resistance is lower and is quieter than the water and air resistance rowing machines.
You can also buy a dual resistance rowing machine to enjoy both magnetic and air resistance.
What Do Numbers On The Side Of Rowing Machine Represent?
You can see numbers on the damper and a lever on the side of a flywheel.
The flywheel is enclosed in the fan cage. The value of the number will decide the quantity of resistance:
- The higher value of the damper will allow maximum air in the rower. Thus, it will slow down the flywheel. You have to apply more force for recovery.
- If the damper is at lower settings, less air will act against the flywheel. As a result, less resistance, and you have to apply less workforce.
This option is only available for air resistance rowing machines. You have to adjust the speed units to change the resistance in the water and magnetic rowing machine.
Recommended Resistance For A Rowing Machine
The rowing machine offers a wide range of resistance, but you must determine the best resistance value for your body. If you work at a high value, you may stress your body.
Resistance Number For Air Resistance Machine
The preferable damper setting is 3 to 5. If you want a longer workout, set the damper at 3. Always work in consistent settings. You can change it during rest intervals but do not fluctuate resistance in a single distance workout.
Resistance Rate For Water-Based Rower
The recommended resistance rate for a rowing machine is 4.5 to 6.5. It is easy to adjust it in air resistant device, but you have to follow the below-given steps for a water-based resistance machine:
- Start the ergometer.
- Pull the cord and start rowing.
- Click the main menu button on display.
- Select Drag factor.
- Adjust resistance when you achieve a consistent number.
Why Is There Not Enough Resistance?
There are several possible reasons why your rowing machine has not enough resistance. Your cord stretch is not intense. When you drag the cord slightly, it will not capture more air. So, there will be less spin in the fan, generating low resistance.
Try to push the cord at 16 to 20 stroke rates or ten damper settings.
If your flywheel is not clean, it will hinder resistance generation. Look for the dust or any firm material that may block the spin. You should clean its fan after every six months.
It will become easy to pull if your cord is worn out. So, you cannot feel resistance as minimum force will be able to move the rope. If this is the issue, change your cable.
Final Words
Rowing machines work on different resistance mechanisms, so there are resistance-based malfunctions like rowing machines have no resistance sometimes, You can read the above article to understand this topic in detail.
These machines have diverse price ranges depending on their durability, design, and unique characteristics.
Hello,
This is Safeer Ahmad founder of FitnessGearsHub. I’m an aspirant fitness freak, I commenced my career as a blogger and I opted for “gym and fitness” as my primary domain. As all fitness gears fancy me, I spend considerable time on research before buying one, I believe a health fanatic should be mindful of the product before making buying decision so I’ll try my level best to provide you ample information to buy one or maintain your gym equipment.
