Many of us desire to pursue fitness training. We have made attempts in the past to become more physically fit by purchasing fitness equipment. Unfortunately, this fitness equipment has been banished to the garage, basement or the back of the closet. While the equipment is gathering dust our fitness level does not improve. Over time the amount of money we have spent on unused fitness equipment discourages us even more.

It might seem like you would be throwing your money away, but wouldn't a rowing machine be a good idea? I don't mean those pneumatic piston things you buy through the mail or over the internet, that don't feel anything like actual rowing and that break in less than week, like the home gym machine that's gathering dust in your garage. I mean good equipment, similar to your mountain bike; the difference is you can use it every day for a few minutes indoors while looking at television instead of getting a sunburn outdoors.

A quality rowing machine will actually give you the feeling that your are rowing on water. They are quiet enough that you can still watch television without raising the volume much and your spouse can still read in the next room without being disturbed. With rowing, there is no impact, so there is no strain on your joints.

The best thing about rowing is that it uses your whole body. Your muscles in your legs, back, and biceps are some of the muscles used. If you add in some pushups to work out your chest and triceps, you will have a complete body workout.

A rowing machine can fulfill almost all of your exercise goals. If you are looking to become stronger, you can substitute a workout for lifting. Simply increase the resistance to maximum and perform several quick repetitions. Conversely, if you are looking to build endurance, you can crank down the resistance and stay on the machine longer. Modern rowers even let you compete against the computer, or others as a way of keeping you interested and involved in your routine.

Invest well and beware of diminishing returns. A new company out to sell a $1000 rower may or may not be a great deal, however, a reliable and established company is likely to have a stock of replacement parts. When in doubt, it is best to buy used. People who love rowing seldom give up their rowing machines. But at times this machine breaks down and the owner is not aware that it can be still be easily fixed.