If you think that rowing exercises appeal greatly for you especially benefitting your weight loss program, then you might want to buy your own rowing machine rather than search for this equipment in various gyms. But before you go to your nearest shop to purchase one, you should know each type, and then evaluate which one can be the best for you. It is a common fact that price really matters especially in investing in fitness equipment. Remember that those that are priced lower really give the best deal. Oftentimes, those that are priced higher prove to more durable and are the real best deals for you.

Here are some of the typical rowing machine varieties for you to select:

Piston resistance. This variety has the following features:
- Uses hydraulic cylinders attached to the handles
- The handles are adjustable
- The handles cannot be adjusted while rowing
- Strokes can be less precise because of the handles
- Has a fixed seat
- Simple and compact in size
- Inexpensive

Braked Flywheel. This second variety has the following features:
- Uses magnetic, aero and hydro resistance
- The handles are connected by a strap, chain or rope
- Allows free trajectory of the hands
- Uses sliding seats

Magnetic Resistance
- Uses electromagnetic resistance
- The resistance can be used for its mechanical brake
- Adjustable braking resistance
- Accurate measurement of energy exerted

Air Resistance
- Uses air fins that are fan-like that are used in its braking mechanism
- Creates noise while in use
- Resistance level is based on the energy exerted by the user
- Energy measurement is based on the weight of the flywheel and the speed sensor that measures its deceleration
- Often used in competitive indoor rowing

Water Resistance.
- Uses a paddle-like wheel in a secured tank of water.
- Provides the feel of being actually in the water
- Gives the realistic action of rowing in the water
- The resistance is generated when applying more speed to the flywheel

Calculating the performance of each of the machine is based on the computation set by the rowing machine manufacturer as well as the effect of the resistance applied. If you want to get an accurate computation of the energy applied as well as the calories burned, you may want to purchase this type of equipment that has monitor that tracks essential body information while performing the rowing exercise. Presumably, these types of rowing machines can be more expensive than those that have limited tracking features but can prove to be an essential feature for those who want to monitor the calories they’ve burned. In the absence of a tracking device, one cannot conclude that they are diligently following the prescribed work-out on their programs. In the absence of this monitoring device, one may not get his or her desired outcome. You may consult the manufacturer’s agent or distributor if some features of the product are quite unclear.