Seated Rowing v/s Chest Supported Rowing (Vertical Row)

[abhi_w92]

Hi all

Let me first introduce my concern here. I am planning to start up a small commercial gym in my locality, and there is a constraint of space, so I have to choose one from the two options of rowing machines

1. Seated Rowing (without chest Support/padding)
2. Seated Row with Chest Support (also vertical Row)

Two versions available in the chest supported rowing machines- One is independent pulley for each arm, and the other type is one single pulley(inhibiting single arm rowing) (pictures)



I need a suggestion based on the following:-

1. ROM
2. Functionality:-
3. Cost Effectiveness Independent pulley on each side means more cost.

As of now, a local manufacturer is providing me with a non supported indigenous version of the machine (similar to picture)


As a trainer, so far I have researched and concluded the following wrt to the two machines

1. Chest Support aids your technique, while protecting the lower region of the back against excessive strain and potential injury (especially when you're a beginner)
2. Chest support enhances your back's function, placing more focus on the upper back.
3. Prevents rounding your back, (again supporting # 1) leaving you less vulnerable to injury

Suggestions welcome

[ppwc1985]

Just my personal preference, I don't like chest supported. I just don't feel it in my back, low pulley rows I get so much more feel out of it and feel like I can get a much better lat contraction out of it. Just my personal preference.

[abhi_w92]

Personally I don't favour this either. Since the height of arm movement is restricted and it feels similar to squat on a smith machine.
Since it is a public gym I would take public opinion for that

[Bio-Active]

Coming from someone with a bad disc in my lower back I always use chest support for rows. When I was younger I didn't but at this point in my life I avoid compressing my spine with all my lifts

[kelkel]

Since it's going to be in a small commercial gym I'd opt for the supported version for now. Add the non-supported later. Most gym goers are not body-builders and it's just easier for them to handle without instruction as the machine already puts them in (arguably) the proper position. BB-ers can always do BB rows, DB rows, deads and the like for non-supported movements.

[BG]

Since it's going to be in a small commercial gym I'd opt for the supported version for now. Add the non-supported later. Most gym goers are not body-builders and it's just easier for them to handle without instruction as the machine already puts them in (arguably) the proper position. BB-ers can always do BB rows, DB rows, deads and the like for non-supported movements.

Good advice right here.