Indoor rowing machines have been given top marks by fitness training expert Matt Roberts.

Writing in the Telegraph, Mr Roberts - who counts Tom Ford, Naomi Campbell and Amanda Holden among his celebrity clients - hailed indoor rowing as "the ultimate full-body cardio exercise".

"Rowing strengthens your heart and lungs and builds powerful arms and lats (upper back) while reducing body fat," he added.

Mr Roberts, who runs a string of personal fitness training clubs around London, explained that on average, use of an indoor rowing machine burned 600 to 800 calories per hour.

In addition, he awarded the equipment eight marks out of ten as a tool for successful weight loss.

Mr Roberts is the man behind the PHA fitness training plan, which combines the resistance training with a cardio workout.

By alternating the use of an indoor rowing machine with dumbbells or resistance tubes, the PHA plan claims to offer fast results for those who want to lose weight and get fit.

For more fitness training tips using an indoor rowing machine, visit the Concept2 website.