The CTA Digital Rowing Machine is the latest in a string of unorthodox controllers for the Nintendo Wii, a gaming machine with considerable fitness pedigree and a rather unusual approach to control. Gaming titles such as Wii Fit have been praised by fitness experts, albeit with some reservations – most physical fitness gurus suggest that the Wii offers limited health and fitness potential.

So is the CTA Rower a reasonable substitute for the rowing machines we’re used to seeing at the gym or in the home? Not quite. While the unit’s promotional video stresses its potential to burn calories, it’s far from the full-body workout on offer with a complete rowing machine. There’s no resistance to speak of – only ‘pulling’ sounds from the television’s speaker set.

Great fun? Yes. A complete workout? No. The CTA Digital Rowing Machine certainly catches the eye, but it’s little more than a cute fitness gimmick. However, the Wii itself offers some reasonable health and fitness advantages to users, particularly those looking to increase flexibility. While we’re hesitant to endorse the Wii rower, we are sure it’s a lot of fun before a real rowing machine session.