I really dig this machine. I have never seen it in any club I've worked in, or been a member of. Maybe it's because I'm in the middle of the country, we never get the cool stuff. Anyway...

Most rowing machines use air as the form of resistance. The WaterRower is able to emluate the physical benefits of rowing through actual water. So you get the physical benefits of "real" rowing.

The WaterRower is alos eco-friendly. It is made using a selection of hardwoods, like Ash, Cherrywood and Black Walnut. Only wood from replenishable resources where more wood is planted then is harvested is used. In addition to being a replenishable resource the use of wood as a primary construction material helps alleviate carbon build-up in the atmosphere.

They have several models to choose from. Most are made of wood. But, and if you've ready any of my other recommendations, I'm partial to the stainless steel models. Because they are shiny.