RowBike vs Other Exercise Equipment - Feature Comparison
Recumbent Bicycles
Also referred to as “bents,” recumbent bicycles are named for their seating position. Some are hand powered, hand and foot powered, or leg powered. Recumbent seats are large; you actually sit in the seat. Handlebars are either above the seat at shoulder level, or below the seat at a position that allows your arms to hang down naturally.
Like the Rowbike, the Recumbent bike design creates a comfortable ride, eliminating neck strain, saddle sores, and wrist pain.
There are different styles of recumbents, separated mostly by size. There are recumbents with a long wheel base; a short wheel base, and what is called a “compact” long wheel base. Ryan, Linear and Infinity are popular long wheel models; Lightning, P-38 and Presto are welcome wheel favorites, and Bike-E and ReBikeE*. The top shelf Lifecycle C7i (upright) and recumbent R7i are popular pedal powered models. They offer varying resistance levels and pre-programmed workouts. However, if you are looking to spend a little less on a recumbent bike, the Nautilus NR 2000 offers the warranty, pre-programmed workouts, and sixteen different resistance levels at a lower price.
Many major bicycle manufacturers such as Schwinn, Giant Bicycle, Cannondale, Flevobike, Penninger and JTB are now or soon will be producing recumbent bikes. As more people seek out alternative fitness motivators, big bike companies are responding by heavily marketing the comfort and adventure of the outdoor recumbent.
The Bowflex at Home Gym
Bowflex offers a multitude of models that are made to target specific fitness wants and needs. The Bowflex Ultimate 2, Ultimate XTLU, Extreme 2, Sportand Motivator are just some of the models that are available to choose from. All Bowflex models come with a basic frame and offer varying weight resistances, attachments and warranties. The Sport, Ultimate and Ultimate 2 are the only models that come with the aerobic rowing feature.
Consumers look into buying a Bowflex mostly for weight loss or body building. Because the machine works many different areas of the body, customers find it beneficial as a supplemental part of their fitness regimen and/or weight loss program. As consumers increasingly refuse to wait for machines in health-club lines, sales for both the Rowbike and the Bowflex continue to rise.
Elliptical Trainers
Also rising in popularity are the elliptical trainers. The Precor EFX S.17i, widely accepted as the best elliptical trainer, includes features such as no weight limit, 20 resistance levels, and an optional heartrate. But even this top shelf machine can’t offer the upper body workout assured with the RowBike!
The Smooth CE elliptical trainer offers an upper body workout and adjustable pedals but is weight limited. The Smooth CE also bases the resistance level and speed on a user-chosen program, which won’t provide the challenge of a Rowbike ride. And there is no incline adjustment on the elliptical trainer, which the Rowbike finds naturally.
Step Machines and Treadmills
The popularity of conventional stair machines is being usurped by newer machines
And although the sale of treadmills still rivals anything on the market, none meets the upper body and overall conditioning inherent in the Rowbike design.
Stationary Bicycles
Stationary bicycles have once again become popular among those who do spinning classes, but unless you go to a class consistently the motivation can seem elusive. Although few bicycles like Schwinn Air Dyne and Turnturi Ergometer have arm levers; the total benefit of these stationary bikes has been most apparent when used in conjunction with other fitness activity. But only the Rowbike targets areas in both upper and lower body; along with cardio and stress health.
*source:Ihpva.org