The reason I subjected myself to this ordeal is because indoor rowing is one of the best types of exercise you can get. I used to go to a gym and using the rowing machine was one of the few exercises I actually enjoyed. Weights were too heavy, and require either willpower (which let's face it is hard to come by), or a drill sergeant training instructor bellowing in your ear, "One more rep, One more rep!". Running on a treadmill reminds me too much of being a gerbil. Bikes were ok, but not as satisfying because only the legs do the vast bulk of the work. And to use a 'stepper' it is a legal requirement to have an arse the size of Wyoming. Unfortunately for me, I am not endowed with a large enough posterior to make the grade.

Nick D Kim Conclusive proof that sweating through exercise is NOT the only way to lose water

Rowing on the other hand places the arse where it best belongs. On a seat. It looks cool zipping backwards and forwards, and also has the added advantage that it gets you fit. This is because it is great for all over body conditioning, and also for aerobic capacity. It is a 'Cross-Trainer' par excellence.

It has to be said that there are any number of rowing machines that you could opt for, and money being no object you would not plump for a Beny V-Fit. This is not because it's bad. Frankly, I am rather impressed with it. It is now twelve or so sessions into its program of acclimatisation to my maisonettes third bedroom , and it is coping admirably with the pressure of being my 'third bedroom gym'. However, it does strike me as being slightly on the flimsy side, and I'm not totally convinced by how it is put together. Still, it cost £105, and the competition that I would realistically swap it for costs about £1000. So you pay your money and you take your choice. A Beny V-Fit and £895, or the other rowers.

Water Rower Natural in Ash

The 'other rowers' broadly fall into two camps. 'Water' Rowers, which contrary to their name do not involve you getting wet, are almost architectural in their use of wood and styling, and use enclosed water and paddles for resistance rather then air. They also tend to be quieter then air rowers and are as much pieces of art as exercise equipment. They look good no doubt, but I tried one in a shop and didn't like the feel of it as much as the air rowers. The second camp is the Concept 2 Air Rower.