At this point, it's essentially uncontested that rowing is one of the best exercises you can do if you want to give your whole body a workout. But there is still a debate raging over rowing for some: whether it's better to use a modern rowing machine, or an actual rowboat. The truth is that, like most things, they each have their uses. Whether one is better than the other simply depends on your situation. But if you're not doing either, then chances are you're neglecting your body of the workout it deserves to stay fit without risk or strain. Finding the proper way to row is, for you, something that takes place while finding out what matters to you in a rowing experience. Rowboats will offer one kind of experience, and rowing machines another, even if they both perform the same basic exercise.
A rowboat has both the benefits and the disadvantages of being outdoors. Crisp air, a relaxing yet interesting environment, the sound of birds and maybe even waves lapping on a shore. If you need to work on your tan, get some fresh air, or just plain get out of the house for a while, rowing with a rowboat can be a terrific way to do it. It helps you enjoy the outdoors and get back to nature while getting your body fit as a fiddle. Many people find that the stimulation provided by an outdoor setting allows them to work harder and enjoy their exercise more, and the motivation this can give you to help you get a great workout shouldn't be underestimated.
However, in many ways a rowing machine does a better job of emphasizing the strengths of rowing as a pure exercise. If you don't need the motivation provided by the great outdoors, an inside environment is more practical. Weather, temperature, and humidity are taken out of the way as a factor. Unlike a rowboat, a rowing machine has more built into it to allow you to customize and keep track of your exercise routine more specifically and personally. You can adjust the resistance, keep count of the number of row strokes you make, and do all sorts of other things to personalize your rowing experience. This lets you use rowing as pure exercise rather than as a combination of exercise and outdoors experience. If the outdoors isn't your thing, then a rowing machine will allow you to get the most impact for your time investment.
Know yourself, and you'll be able to learn easily what kind of rowing experience you want. You can get strong arms, strong legs, a toned and balanced body and new inner reserves of energy with either a rowboat or a machine, but you need to know which one is better for your personal wants. It's really not that hard to figure out, once you realize what each one offers.
