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Step 1
Read all you can about rowing machines and educate yourself on the various kinds available and what they can do. Learn the difference between a piston, magnetic, air and water resistance model.
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Step 2
Before you head out to the sports store, shop around online and compare prices between the various models, read reviews from other customers and create a budget. When you get to the store, don’t veer from your budget; sports equipment is expensive, running from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Don’t be smooth talked by a salesperson into buying an expensive model that you can’t afford. At the same time, be prepared to get what you paid for; if you choose a low priced, low quality piece of equipment, don’t count on your investment lasting very long. By the same token, don’t splurge on an expensive piece of equipment with all the bells and whistles that you don’t need and will never use.
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Step 3
Test out several rowing machines and see how they feel; sit on them and try out the equipment. Does it feel sturdy, glide smoothly, is the noise level low and does the machine feel that it is built to last? Is it comfortable? Does it adjust to your height? Check out the digital display, is it easy to operate and have all the options you need?
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Step 4
Decide where the rowing machine will go in your home and how much space you have to store it. If you have only minimal storage space, you should look for a machine that folds up for storage; a rowing machine can often take up more room than other exercise equipment.
