How To Use A Rowing Machine

When doing any exercise, proper technique is essential to receiving all the benefits of your workout and preventing unnecessary injuries.

Getting a good stretch before you start rowing is important. This prevents muscle strain.

When you are ready to start rowing make sure to set a good resistance and remember to keep it light, you have to be able to go for awhile to get a full cardio workout.

Since the idea behind a rowing machine is to simulate rowing a boat, you generally will sit on a bench and, leaning forward, take hold of the provided "oar" handles with both hands. The important thing here is to grip the handles properly. A proper rowing grip is one that is firm, but relaxed.

It is also important to use proper posture and form to avoid back strain. To avoid straining your back, use primarily your leg and hip muscles. Sit straight up and bend forward at your hips. Your elbows should stay close to your body when pulling the oars or handles.

The three main phases of rowing are: the catch, the power stroke, and the recovery. The catch phase is when you move forward on the rower. Your knees are bent and against your chest. Your upper body is leaning slightly forward while still maintaining good posture. Your back isn't hunched over and your head is up.

The power stroke is when you push against the foot pedals and extend your legs while bringing your hands to your upper ab area. Exhale on this part. Lean back "just a lil' bit" to get maximum benefit.

The recovery phase simply involves straightening your arms, bending the knees, and bringing your body forward again. A good rower blends three of these phases into one another in a smooth continuous fashion.

So now you know exactly how to use a rowing machine! To make it more comfortable, add a padded seat and start rowing your way to a beautiful body.

Benefits of Owning a Rowing Machine

Rowing machines are an excellent way to increase the overall health of your body, inside and out. A rowing machine is specifically designed to imitate actual boat rowing so that it feels as if you are pushing oars through water. The rowing machine is the perfect tool to aid with weight loss and improve stamina. It is really a great machine to have.

Rowing Machine Workouts

A workout on a rowing machine creates a muscle and cardiovascular workout. Suprisingly, the legs get about 70% of the workout, leaving about 30% to the arms. Rowing machines can help burn up to 15 calories per minute, which means you can maintain a good fitness level with just 20 minutes of exercise!

Muscle Groups Worked by Rowing Machines

The muscle groups in the legs, arms and back are worked by the rowing machine. Muscle mass burns calories more efficiently than fat, so as your muscle mass increases from rowing your body weight will naturally decrease.

In conclusion, a rowing machine is the best machine to simulate rowing a boat. They are versatile in the fact that they can be used as a warmup because of the full body and cardiovascular workout offered. Rowing machines are also great for strengthening your back and core-strength in general! Rowing machines are great for people of all ages and really deliver where promised.

Make sure to use correct technique, a straight back, to avoid stress on the lower back. If you have back problems, you should consult a physician before you start rowing, or any exercise plan for that matter, to avoid further damage.