Rowing machine is an apparatus that simulates the action of watercraft rowing for the purpose of exercise.  Sometimes the rowing machines are also known as indoor rower and they are used for the training for rowing too. Rowing machines came into existence around 1900 that means these machines are with us over a century now. The earlier machines used the linear pneumatic resistance technology, but these rowing machines were not able to simulate actual rowing action very accurately. By 1950s many countries began using specially made rowing machines designed with a large, heavy, solid iron wheel that included a mechanical brake on it. These machines soon became unpopular with the users and were considered something of a torture device.

The research and further development in this segment resulted in introduction of the rowing machines based on air resistance technology around 1980s. By the year 1988 rowing machine based on hydraulic flywheel design was introduced. Most of the modern rowing-machine designs are a hybrid variation of these earlier designs. These modern rowing machines are also termed as ergometer, a device which measures the amount of work performed. The modern rowing machine is calibrated to measure the amount of energy the user is generating by the use of the rowing machine.

At present mostly the design of rowing-machine consists of a flywheel connected to a chain and handle. The movement of flywheel is controlled by using pneumatic, hydraulic or magnetic damping. While using this machine the rower pushes their body backwards with the legs, then pivots his back, and simultaneously pulls on the handle, this causes the flywheel to spin. The braking mechanism of flywheel simulates the feeling of an oar moving through water by producing the resistance to the movement of the flywheel. The rowing machines made by the Concept 2 are able to calculate the user’s power during the stroke and recovery. Using the known moment of inertia of the flywheel the in-built computer of the machine calculates everything. The rowing machines are considered excellent alternatives for the fitness training and weightless. These machines are capable of providing the aerobic and anaerobic exercises. That means these machines are fully capable of giving a workout for each and every part of the human body including heart, lungs, each important muscle group of the body.  But at the same time it is very important that you train on these machines under the supervision of an able coach at least for few days so that you may not get any injury. The most common form of injury you can get from these rowing machines is the lower back pain.    

Some of the manufacturers of the rowing machines like Concept2 organize a large number of indoor rowing competitions all over the world, including the world championships. The rowing machines are mostly used for fitness, training and self-improvement of the individuals. The existence of the rowing machines has provided the individuals with the best option to train indoors. Most of the individuals working with it get amazing results.