A rowing machine is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to enjoy a great, total body workout without leaving home. Forget about expensive memberships, long lines to use machines, and searching for parking at the local health club. A good rowing machine can meet all of your primary fitness needs.

Although it common to look primarily at treadmills and elliptical trainers when shopping for home exercise equipment, a good indoor rower might be a better choice for you. Here are three key reasons why you should consider buying one of these machines.

1. Low impact

The rower provides smooth, low-impact exercise that will be easy on your joints. For this reason, these machines are often recommended for prenatal exercise. They offer an excellent way to improve your overall fitness level without the risk of injury.

Key to using a rower safely is proper form. Initiate the movement from your legs, not your lower back. Don't fully straighten your knees, and pull the handle in a fluid stroke.

Some of the best rowers come prepackaged with instructional videos and manuals, demonstrating correct form and technique. Look for this when you shop.

2. Total body workout

The act of rowing involves several major muscle groups, including your legs, buttocks, arms, and back. It's as invigorating as any workout that you could complete in a regular gym with multiple pieces of equipment.

Rowers use different resistance methods, each of which stimulates your muscles in a different manner. The four resistance types are piston, air, magnetic, and water.

Air and water rowers provide the most realistic rowing experience and would be a good choice for serious workouts. If you're just getting started with rowing, look into a piston-driven machine. Piston models still deliver a complete workout and tend to be less expensive, and are easily stored under a bed or in a closet.

3. Cardio

Ever watched the rowing competitions during the Olympics? If so, you've seen how hard those guys breathe! A rowing machine provides outstanding cardiovascular exercis; it'll get your blood pumping and condition your heart and lungs in a way that few other pieces of exercise equipment can match.

Any good machine includes a console display that tells you calories burned, time, distance, and your heart rate. You'll know precisely how hard you worked during your exercise session.

Kettler, Concept 2, Tunturi, Stamina, and LifeCore manufacture some of the best rowing machines on the market. You can find several quality rowers for under $500, less than the cost of an annual gym membership.