Abstract: Featured is a rowing simulation machine including a single base having a first pair of spaced apart rails; a carriage having a second pair of spaced apart rails and engaged with the first pair of rails and moveable therealong in a generally horizontal translation; a seat engaged with the second pair of rails and moveable therealong in a generally horizontal translation. Also included is an energy dissipating unit fixed to the carriage. The energy dissipating unit includes a frame for supporting a flywheel, the flywheel being rotatably mounted on a flywheel shaft; a handle; a drive device connected to the handle, for converting a translation of the handle into a flywheel rotation; and a take up device for rewinding and maintaining a predetermined tension on the drive device. The carriage includes a foot rest assembly disposed therein between the second pair of spaced apart rails.