People who are truly serious about their own fitness often think of having their own home gym. It can be a place of peace and contemplation as well as a location where you can improve your own physique, or a dedicated workout spot for you and your friends to pump yourselves up.

I'm certain you've given some thought as to which fitness equipment you want installed in your gym. You've probably done a lot of reading on Internet fitness sites and discovered most of them have little information and a few are actually unsafe. When you look at glossy ads, trying to make a decision, you find it difficult to determine which equipment will benefit you and which can cause you harm.

One machine that can produce great gains relative to its cost, and one you'll never likely outgrow, is a rowing machine. True, it's not a very versatile piece of equipment like a barbell or an exercise ball, and it can be a very expensive purchase, but it's not nearly as pricy as a good treadmill.

Part of the huge price difference between top of the line rowing machines and top of the line treadmills are the complicated mechanics and motors and ultra-sturdy frame of the latter that have to withstand pounding from people weighing 300 lbs or more. The former, on the other hand, can use simple parts made well, which always cost less than well-made complicated parts.

A rowing machine is just at versatile as any other cardiovascular equipment. You can decide if you want to work out by time, distance or endurance also. You can incorporate the upper body as well. You can't do that on other equipment like stepping machines or bicycles.

It's not a be-all, end-all proposition, however. You'll find that while a rowing machine is good for your back, biceps, legs, and butt, it doesn't really help you address muscles you want to show off at the beach. To reach that goal and work your abs, triceps, chest, and shoulders, will need work as well. Another caution for a rowing machine is that it should not be your only leg exercise regime. You don't want to get locked in to a single movement pattern which can cause repetitive strain problems.