Why dynamic indoor rowing?
Why the Oartec DX?
Better for the body
There is a big difference in the way the dynamic rowing machine and the stationary rowing machine replicate the biomechanics of the rowing stroke.
The stationary rowing machine forces the body to absorb much higher loads than naturally occurs in a rowing boat. While it looks like rowing, it’s not a realistic simulation, is not the way real rowing is meant to feel and can be doing more harm than good!
Better rowing movement
The DX dynamic movement is a true replication of the biodynamics of rowing on the water, giving it a superior rowing feel compared to all other rowing machines.
The DX has a smooth and fluid rowing action with an instantaneous connection at the beginning of the drive. Gone is the slip and jerky take up of load common to other rowing machines. This engages a better utilization of the leg muscles and a better balanced load application across the whole body.
With a free floating seat and moving flywheel assembly it feels like you are gliding through the water when you are rowing with a continuous and rhythmic movement throughout the whole stroke cycle.
Low impact workout
Rowing on the DX is the ultimate low impact, full body workout. It works the whole body – legs, arms, back and core muscles.It’s a great exercise for getting fit, losing weight, strengthening and toning the body.
The sophisticated workout monitor measures and compares your progress, giving targets to compete against and motivation to improve each time.
It is also a time effective fitness exercise, with huge benefits realised in a short period of time.
Even for those who enjoy the physicality of other training disciplines such as running, rowing on the DX is the perfect low impact workout alternative. Rowing on the DX preserves the body, and especially the knees and hips, from excessive wear and tear common in other sports.
Rowing cross training also complements all other athletic pursuits such as strengthening the legs for cycling, providing high intensity workout for circuit type applications, and building general endurance for increased stamina.
Easy for everyone to use
There is a common misconception that dynamic rowing machines are specialized pieces of equipment, suitable for on water rowers only.
The best thing about the DX is you don’t have to be a rower to use it. In fact, anyone can use the DX and quickly discover the benefits of indoor rowing – even if you have never used a rowing machine before.
The DX simplifies the rowing movement, and at the same time encourages better rowing technique and coordination helping you to transition from being a beginner to an accomplished rower in no time.
Stationary vs Dynamic rowing machines
On a stationary rowing machine the rower has to accelerate and decelerate their total body mass each stroke. This constant changing of direction increases the work the body has to do which in turn increases the rate of muscular fatigue and wear and tear on the body.
This repetitive overloading also impacts the rate of recovery and has a roll on effect into following activities and exercises such as weights and this residual fatigue can make the body more vulnerable to injury.
The dynamic movement of the DX significantly reduces the risk of injury by loading your body in a much safer and more natural way.
On a dynamic machine, instead of moving your body mass back and forth, the dynamic frame of the machine which is substantially lighter than your body, moves instead.
Therefore the initial loading absorbed by the lumbar spine during the drive phase is much lower, and your body does not have to be decelerated at the finish by the hip flexors or by the knees at the catch.
The big advantage of the DX is how the reduced loading and rate of fatigue preserves the body, improves the ability for you to train safely, regularly, with higher intensities and for longer distances. Even if you only use a rowing machine for a short workout or warm up you will feel a significant difference and benefit.
Studies and References
A Discussion of Fixed vs Dynamic Ergometers – Ivan Hooper
The Rowing Ergometer- It’s Relevance to Training and Testing – Ivan Hooper
2018 Dynamic Rowing Machine Review
2018 Dynamic Rowing Machine Video Comparison