York R700 Rowing Machine - Details

The York Fitness R700 rowing machine uses a combination of two resistance mechanisms of air and magnetic to provide a smooth rowing experience through the whole workout. The York Fitness R700 rowing machine features a height adjustable rowing handle to maximise comfort and a computer displaying time, distance, stroke index and calories.

The York R700 Rowing Machine - With a combination of magnets and air as resistance, combined with an aluminium seat track that is set on durable runner wheels, the York R700 Rowing Machine offers an ultra smooth and natural rowing action. The harder you row, the greater the air resistance and the harder the magnetic resistance, meaning the harder the workout.

The rowing handle is height adjustable, so you can find and row in the most comfortable position for you, and with a retractable telescopic seat post the seat track on the York R700 can be compactly stored when not being used. Coupled with the heavy duty pivoting footplates, a large comfortable seat and a multifunctional computer display this York Rowing Machine is the complete the package suitable for all ages, abilities and fitness levels.

York Fitness R700 Rowing Machine Features:

• Computer Displays: Time / Time/500m / Distance Covered / Theoretical Calorie Burn / Stroke Index
• Max user weight: 115kg: (253lbs) 
• Length (In Use): 178cm
• Width (In Use): 48cm
• Height (In Use): 62cm
• Length (Folded): 125cm
• Width (Folded): 48cm
• Height (Folded): 62cm
• Product Weight (Kg): 28 
• Warranty: Lifetime frame, 3 Years other parts
• Safety standards: EN957 1+7

No Customer Reviews Yet

What to Look for in a Rowing Machine

Before you consider purchasing a piece of fitness equipment, you should familiarise yourself with the different parts and features that are available. The rowing machine is no exception, of course. When it comes to rowing machine fitness, there are quite a few things to know, so we have created this list to help you make sense of it all.

The Bar / Handle

The bar or handle is pretty self explanatory. It is the part of the machine that allows you to grip and pull toward you, creating a rowing movement. It is attached to your rowing machine by a cable.

The Flywheel

The flywheel is an internal component that creates the resistance that provides you with a better workout. It creates momentum as you manoeuvre the bar forward and backward that allows for smooth operation.

The Seat / Saddle

It doesn’t take a college degree to help you realise that the seat, sometimes known as the saddle, is where you sit while operating the rowing machine. Most often the seat slides forward and back in tandem with your pulling and pushing motions, recreating the sense that you are gliding across the water in a row boat.

Sculling

A variation on the normal rower is the sculling machine. This type of rowing machine uses a swinging lever (or levers) rather than the usual bar and cable. They are generally much easier to use.

Stroke

When you have completed an entire back and forth rowing movement, you have made one stroke. Machines that record your progress will most often display it using a measurement of strokes per minute.

Pulse or Heart Rate Monitor

Another common sense term that still bears mention here is the pulse or heart rate monitor. They are available on many rowing machines and as far as I’m concerned they are an invaluable part of your exercise routine, especially if you are in less than perfect health to begin with. A monitor will display your heart rate while exercising thus allowing you to adjust your pace as needed to maintain the most effective heart rate for exercise (generally 70-80% of your maximum heart rate). Some higher end machines allow the heart rate monitor to directly interact with preset programs, increasing or decreasing the resistance as your vital signs dictate.

A home rowing machine can be a fantastic choice for people who are interested in losing weight or increasing their strength, stamina and speed. Now that you are armed with a basic knowledge of the machine itself, you’re better prepared to compare the different brands and options available to you.

Buyer's Guide to Rowing Machines

The rowing machine is an excellent exercise tool for your home gym that simulates the action of outdoor rowing. Though we’d all rather be outside on a beautiful day, rowing across a beautiful lake, that’s just not a practical option for most of us. The rowing machine offers the same heath benefits at home, no matter what the weather. The major muscle groups all get a steady and thorough workout while your heart gets a boost.

Firm up!

Anyone who has ever tried it knows that rowing isn’t easy. If it was, they wouldn’t call it a workout! The rowing acting causes you to stretch your way into a firmer, more supple body.

Build up!

Using high resistance and some energy, a rowing machine is a great way to build muscle. You’ll see broader shoulders and chest and a flatter stomach with regular high resistance use of your machine.

Keep it loose!

The long, sweeping motion of a rowing machine is an excellent way to become more flexible and maintain that flexibility over time. Don’t forget that a proper warm up and cool down are absolutely essential to avoid strains and sprains.

Here are a few key tips to keep in mind when you are considering a rowing machine for your home:

What is your budget?

Before you bother looking at rowing machines, you have got to sit down and decide how much you can spend on this investment. Rowing machines vary in price a great deal depending on the design and features available. Remember the old saying “you get what you pay for”? It rings true here as well. Basic machines can be had for as little as £100, but these are bare bones and very simple. On the high end, rowers can be electronic and computerized and cost in excess of £1,000.

What features are available and how do they benefit me?

Many rowing machines have programs that vary in intensity and duration based on your needs. Heart rate monitors are also a great feature because they can be used to ensure you are keeping your heart rate at the best level for optimum benefit from your routine.

How is the resistance achieved?

Depending on the machine, a rower can provide resistance by an internal electromagnet (usually found on less expensive models), air or water. Most find that air or water resistance is smoother as well as being the closest to boat rowing. Note that magnetic rowers are often foldable, making them more convenient when space is an issue.

How To Use a Rowing Machine

Proper use of a home rowing machine can give you an incredible whole body workout that helps you tone while burning fat and calories. In this article we will discuss the basic features of a rowing machine as well as how to perfect your rowing style.

Adjustment and Grip

When you take your seat at the rowing machine, the first thing you should do is adjust the foot straps by placing your heel comfortably at the base and ensuring that the strap is snug and secure. Resist the temptation to use your machine while barefoot. The minute you’ll save by not putting on your shoes isn’t worth the extra pressure and discomfort you are putting your feet through.

Beginners (or those who have not rowed in a while) should always set the resistance adjustment to the lowest possible setting. Setting the resistance too high can tire your muscles out too quickly resulting in a less effective workout and increasing the potential for injury. Save the heavier resistance for later when your body is more adapted to the routine.

Proper form is essential. Your rowing grip should be firm yet relaxed. Gripping the rowing bar too tightly can cause unnecessary fatigue to your hands and forearms. If you like, it is perfectly acceptable to alternate your rowing grip between overhand and underhand. Changing between the two options will lessen the likelihood of fatigue.

Body Mechanics

As with any exercise, rowing technique is important. Rowing with bad posture leaves you at risk for severe back strain. To avoid this, do not arch your back too much when you complete the stroke. Instead rely on your leg muscles and your hips to do the work. Sit upright and bend forward at the hips, keeping your elbows close to your body as you pull.

The three phases of rowing and good posture is equally crucial in all three.

During the “catch” phase, your body is moving forward on the rower. Your knees should be bent and close to or against your chest. Though you are leaning forward, you should not be hunched over and your head should remain upright. Inhale during this phase.

In the “power” stroke, you are extending your legs by pushing back against the foot pedals while simultaneously pulling the grip toward your upper abdominal area. When you reach full extension, stretch your back to the rear slightly for added benefit. Exhale during this phase.

The “recovery” phase is exactly what it sounds like. You are straightening your arms, bending your knees and preparing to once again bring your body forward for another stroke.

You’ll be a bit clumsy at first but don’t be too concerned. With a bit of practice, you will soon be able to successfully blend the three phases into a single fluid motion and row yourself right into better health and a better looking you!

The Pros and Cons of Air Rowing Machines

Rowing machines not only offer efficient and effective full body exercise, they also give a great cardiovascular workout at the same time. Of the various types of rowers on the market today, one of the most popular is the air rowing machine. In order to help you understand how they work and better decide if an air rower is right for you, we have created a list of pros and cons of using an air rowing machine as opposed to hydraulic piston or water pressure rowers.

The advantages of an air rowing machine

The first major advantage that air rowers have over their hydraulic counterparts is that they offer a much smoother stroke and they generally weigh a great deal less, a factor you’ll appreciate should you ever have to move your machine.

As a result of the smooth stroke action, air rowers offer a more consistent resistance from one stroke to the next. This is much more akin to the action of rowing an actual boat with each stroke having the same resistance. Water, of course, maintains a constant resistance and the air rowing machine is excellent at recreating that. By forcing air through a chamber, the resistance remains consistent from stroke to stroke because like water, the resistance of air doesn’t change.

A consistent stroke provides a much more consistent and beneficial workout, so the air machine is a smart choice because you know every stroke will be the same from start to finish.

Another potential plus is that most air rowers are compact in design and many can be collapsed to fit in a closet or under a bed, keeping to a minimum the space needed for your workout routine.

Now to the down-side of the discussion…

Air rowing machines are noisy! With each stroke, you will hear a WHOOOSH! sound that will get louder and louder as you quicken your pace. The sound is the result of the air being forced through the resistance chamber.

Another potential problem may actually turn out to be a benefit depending on the user of the machine. Air rowing machines create quite a breeze while in use, due to the air being forced from the chamber. If you’re anything like me, I appreciate the extra breeze, especially after I’ve been at it for a few minutes! Whether this is a pro or a con is entirely a matter of personal opinion and preference.

Air rowing machines offer a smoother and more consistent stroke than their counterparts, while being lighter weight and more compact. They are quite cost effective and not out of reach for most budgets.

Consider these key points before you make your decision about what type of rowing machine is right for you!