The Kettler Kadett Rowing Machine

If you're considering a home rowing machine – maybe after using one in a gym - but aren't sure if a Concept 2 indoor rower is for you, then maybe the Kettler Kadett piston rowing machine is what you would want.

The Kettler Kadett is a piston-based rowing machine that uses a special outrigger design to provide an accurate simulation of the feel of actually rowing on water. The hydraulic cylinders allow the user to set the resistance and the training computer provides various information during the training sessions.

The frame is much more stable and smooth than those of its competitors and the outrigger design ensures that the rower experiences the elliptical path of a true rowing motion. The Kettler Kadett comes with included heart rate monitoring and a performance monitor that tracks a range of workout statistics, including the rower's pulse.

Rowing is one of the best forms of exercise for exercising at home, for a number of reasons. It works a wide range of muscle groups through a wide range of motion, while being an impact-free form of exercise. Knees, hips, arms and shoulders will all get a good range of rotation during each stroke, while the intensity is completely down to the user's input, as you can row as hard or as softly as you like. As a result, a rowing machine is suitable for a very wide range of ages and abilities, giving them all a low-impact, full-body workout, exercising every major muscle group in a weight-supporting, non-jarring movement.

The Kettler Kadett rowing machine provides a close simulation of the actual feel of water rowing. The special outrigger design ensure an elliptical movement of the handles, tracing the same path as real oar handles do, to provide the same 'feel' as water rowing.

The two hydraulic cylinders allow the resistance force to be set (using a scale of 1 to 12) while the rower sits on an ergonomic seat which itself is supported on running rollers mounted on rails.

The rowing machine has a 250-pound weight capacity and measures 59 x 67 x 18 inches when setup ready for use, but the be folded in seconds to a much more compact 49 x 31 x 10 inches. It's also easy to adjust for tall rowers, as the footboards can be adjusted independently of the seat, allowing a full rowing cycle without any danger of the seat reaching the end of the track.

The supplied training computer provides measurements of time, the number of strokes rowed, the stroke rating (with audible setting), pulse (detected via a supplied ear clip), calories burned, and distance covered. You can program settings for desired distance covered and stroke speed and receive visual and audio signals when you've reached your goals.

The Kettler Kadett is a German-made rowing machine and the quality is high, meaning that there are no rattles or rocking motions when in use.  It isn't completely silent, as there's a little noise from the pistons and the seat rollers but it is quiet enough to not have to worry about what time you're exercising if in an apartment.  It also means that you can still listen to music or watch TV/DVDs while exercising without needing to have the volume blasting!