In recent years we have seen the popularity of the rowing machine at a gym drop as more cohesive workouts and equipment have been introduced. However, in this blog post we are going to look into what a rowing machine can provide for you in terms of a full body workout with added resistance. So, if you want to find out more about this forgotten piece of kit in your local gym, then keep on reading.
Benefits of Using a Rowing Machine
Rowing machines are generally the most understated piece of equipment in the gym. Often perceived as a machine for those who want to improve their strokes while rowing competitively, this machine is often neglected by the general public. However, in recent years we have seen more and more people gravitate towards this machine at home and in the gym due to its abundance of health and fitness benefits. Here are just a few effects which you could benefit from by using a rowing machine regularly as part of your exercise regime:
- Weight loss
- Increase stamina
- Stronger immune system
- Enhanced core strength
- Improved posture
- Strengthens arms and shoulders
- Tones muscles
- Improves flexibility and balance
When using a rowing machine, you are working your entire body in a push and pull motion using your upper and lower body simultaneously. As a result of this you will get an effective full body workout form this single piece of equipment.
Your upper body will be worked efficiently as you reach forward and pull back at a force while still keeping your shoulders and chest in the correct positioning to avoid injury. This part of the movement will help improve your upper body strength, posture and help tone your arms and shoulders.
Your core will be worked as you move forwards and backwards on the rowing machine. This movement mimics a crunch with the addition of resistance from the cord as you pull. As a result of this you will begin to strengthen your core the more you use the machine.
And for the lower body you will be working your legs almost as if you are doing a squat as you complete the push and pull motion. This part of the exercise builds and strengthens your leg and thigh muscles greatly.
The movements carried out when using a rowing machine help to work a range of muscles in your body which not only help to keep them strong and toned but the repetitive pulling motion helps to increase your metabolism and in turn help you to lose weight.
Above we have discussed only a few ways in which regular use of a rowing machine could affect your physical health. This key piece of equipment is fantastic as it offers a full body workout while in a sitting position with added resistance. As you are in a sitting position you will often find this a more relaxing piece of equipment to use rather than those that require you to remain on your feet.
Incorporating the Rowing Machine into Your Workout
Now we have looked into the positive health effects of using a rowing machine during your workout session, I bet you are thinking about how you can start making use of it in your regime. There are various ways in which you can incorporate a rowing machine into your fitness routine such as these listed below:
- Add it into your gym plan
- Join a rowing class
- At home equipment
As the rowing machine is already a core piece of equipment in a gym, then you could start by slowly introducing reps on the machine into your gym plan. By starting small you can start to build up your stamina on the machine so that you can use it more and for longer during your workout. If in doubt on how the machine works or how to get an effective use out of it at the gym, there are trained professionals supervising who should be happy to talk you through it and get you well acquainted with the machine.
Alternatively, if you don’t want to jump in at the deep end and start using the machine solo, you could look into a class run at your local gym that specializes in the use of a running machine. These classes are taught by a qualified professional who has catered the routine to an optimum level so that you can feel the full effect and reap the numerous amounts of benefits that the rowing machine can give you. Attending these classes could also give you the confidence to use the machine effectively in your solo training sessions too.
And last but not least, if you prefer to workout at home rather than heading out to a gym, you could look at investing in a rowing machine which you could use in the comfort of your own home. When using the machine at home you can row as fast and as far as you want at your own convenience which gives you the freedom to work out on your own terms. You can also look online for videos which you can follow to get a fully effective at home workout on your rowing machine.
Do You Use the Rowing Machine?
Throughout this article we have looked into the positive health effects of using a rowing machine and different ways in which you could start using it as part of your fitness regime. But now we want to know your thoughts on the machine, do you use it regularly or have you started recently? Let us know over on our social media pages where we would love to know your thoughts on this key piece of equipment. Don’t forget that you can kit yourself out with a new fitness wardrobe using our high-quality exercise gear available at Sports Fitness.
This article was written exclusively for Sports Fitness by Loren Astbury
