Fitness Equipment Repair and Maintenance for Rowing Machines

If you're looking for a way to put some variety into your current fitness routine or regimen, one thing to consider is acquiring a new piece of equipment. While treadmills and elliptical trainers tend to be the most popular types of fitness equipment, there is another one that's worth looking at: the rower. Here's some information about rowers, their benefits, maintenance and some general fitness equipment repair techniques for these versatile fitness machines.

Fitness Equipment Repair - About Rowing Machines

Rowing is a safe and effective way to either begin a fitness programme or enhance your current one. Rowing works all the body's major muscle groups and has significant cardio-vascular benefits. Because it is a low-impact way to exercise, rowing is an appropriate for people of all ages and fitness levels. There is one caveat, however. Persons who have low back conditions should check with their physician before using a rowing machine.

Benefits of Rowing Machines

Like cross-country skiing, rowing works an exceptionally high percentage, over 80%, of the body's muscles, large and small. Rowing also has benefits for the joints because it exercises them through a significant range of movement with virtually no impact. Who should use a rower? Consider a rower if you're interested in:

Improving cardio-vascular fitness
Toning all major muscle groups
Losing weight
Increasing flexibility
Gaining strength
Improving endurance

Types of Rowing Machines

There are three types of rowing machines: air, water and magnetic. Air rowers have a fan attached to a flywheel that provides resistance. The resistance level is adjustable and the action is smooth. Water rowers get their resistance from water and aim to emulate accurately the motion of a row boat in water. These rowers offer the actual sound of water, a feature that may or may not be attractive to users. Magnetic rowers have smooth, variable resistance and are popular in gyms and fitness centres. Equipped with a magnetic braking system, these machines are virtually silent in operation and produce no friction, which means a fluid, uniform action.

Rowing Machine Maintenance Activities

Wipe the rowing machine with a soft, damp cloth after every use, paying special attention to the monorail. Weekly, or after about 50 hours of use, clean the chain and lubricate it with an oil or grease recommended by the manufacturer (see the owner's manual). Check the screws that attach the front leg to the frame and tighten as necessary. Also, check that the nuts and bolts that secure the toe pieces are tight. Check the battery level of the monitor. After about 250 hours of use, or monthly, check the chain and make sure all links are moving easily and are not stiff. Lubricate as needed and replace if lubrication fails to remove the stiffness. If necessary, tighten the shock cord. Check inside the flywheel cage for dust and vacuum if necessary. Every year, replace the batteries in the monitor.

With proper care and maintenance, a rowing machine should give trouble free service and require very little fitness equipment repair.

Find out how we can help you by calling our friendly office staff on 0845 6410753 or email contact@fitnessworld.co.uk