The Benefits Of Using A Rowing Machine

Are you looking for an exercise routine that strengthens your muscles and also increases your cardio endurance? You need to try working out on a rowing machine. Keep reading to discover my rowing experience along with the benefits of rowing.

 If you could only choose one exercise machine for the best exercise, you should consider the rower machine. This is a gym equipment that gives you an amazing cardio workout while also some amazing strength exercise. The rower is an all-in-one exercise machine that gives you a total body workout. 

 If your fitness goals are to both strengthen your muscles and increase your endurance, then you need to give rowing a chance. Rowing on a rower machine is the best HIIT exercise to give you amazing body results. From strong muscles to stronger lungs, check out the benefits of using a rowing machine.

Why is the rowing machine at the gym the least used piece of gym equipment at the gym?

 If you belong to a gym, you will notice that the rower is seldom used by anyone while other gym equipment is always in use. There are always people on the treadmills, bikes, and ellipticals but the rower just sits there waiting for someone to use it. Why is the rowing machine at the gym the least used piece of gym equipment at the gym?

Some gyms are actually eliminating the rower from their cardiovascular section. 

When I joined a gym several years ago, the first piece of gym equipment that I used was the elliptical. After several weeks of using the elliptical, I decided to use the treadmill and then I alternated between the two machines. While my gym had a rower, far away from the other gym exercise machines, I never was interested in using the rower. My thoughts about the rowing machine were it was a piece of boring gym equipment that could not give me a good workout. I thought how could sitting down while exercising give me a high-intensity workout?

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I wanted to shape the muscles on my back

 Then one day, my opinion about the rowing machine all changed. I was frustrated by the way my back looked and I wanted to change the shape of my back so it would look better while wearing backless dresses. So I searched online for the best exercises to build back muscles and I discovered that rowing could strengthen my back muscles while also giving me a great cardio workout.

 Rowing is a total-body workout, meaning it will strengthen major muscle groups in your arms, legs, and core and increase cardiovascular endurance. In short, if you consistently use the rowing machine, you'll notice that you'll become stronger and less out of breath. You may even notice some muscle gain.

 So I decided to try rowing at the gym to see if it made a difference in my muscles and my endurance. My workout plan was to row for 20 minutes, 5 days a week, for 3 months. Before I started my rowing routine, I watched some rowing machine how-to videos. I wanted to learn how to use the rowing machine the correct way for the maximum rowing benefits. 

I was amazed at how rowing changed my body  

 The first time I used the rower, I could feel many muscles in my body getting a good workout. From my legs to my stomach to my arms and back, my muscles were getting some strength exercise. I was also experiencing some cardio from using the rowing machine.

What I liked about rowing on the rower, was I could change the intensity of the workout from easy to hard with how fast I moved. I could also increase my muscle strength training by adjusting the intensity on the rower dial. After 3 months of using the rower, I noticed that the muscles on my back were more pronounced. I also noticed that I was losing inches in my stomach and I started to see definition in my leg muscles.

 As for my endurance, my lungs were getting stronger. When I first started rowing, I needed to take breaks after a couple of minutes as my asthmatic lungs were not enjoying the cardio part. Then after a couple of weeks, I no longer needed to take breaks and I was able to increase my rowing speed. I also noticed that I was no longer experiencing exercise-induced asthma symptoms.

Rowing Machine Workout Benefits

1. It’s a low-impact exercise ~ There’s no running or jumping involved. Therefore, your joints don’t feel any pain or pressure when performing the workout.

2. It’s a complete body workout ~ Rowing uses both lower and upper body muscles, such as pecs, arms, abdominal muscles, obliques, quadriceps, glutes, and calves

3. Rowing is for everyone ~ Regardless of the fitness level, people can reap the health benefits of rowing machines. You can row fast or slow. Rowing machines have resistance levels that can be adjusted to make your workout harder. With a lower resistance level, you can focus on cardio, and with a higher resistance level, you can focus on strength. Selecting a middle resistance level allows you to have both cardio and strength.

4. Rowing is a great cardio workout ~ Rowing involves using your whole body and you control the speed. So if you want an intense cardio workout, just row faster. Even a slow row will still give your body plenty of cardio. Rowing is also great for burning calories.

5. Rowing builds muscle ~ Rowing activates nine muscle groups and utilizes 85 percent of the body's muscles. Increasing the resistance level on the rower will help you strengthen your muscles even more.

6. It can help to improve your overall posture ~ Working out on a rowing machine exercises all major muscle groups. It strengthens the core and back of the body, improving its posture.

7. Good for your lungs and heart ~ Rowing is a potent cardio exercise that strengthens the heart, blood vessels, and lungs.

8. You can easily use it in your home ~ Rowers don't take up much space in the home. Most rowers are foldable, so they can be stored in a closet or a corner. Rowers also don't require electricity so they can be used anywhere in the home. Rowers are also quiet, unlike treadmills or ellipticals, so they are perfect for those living in apartments. I use my rower early in the morning, while everyone is still sleeping, in my upstairs home gym next to the bedrooms, and no one wakes up.

Is rowing on a rowing machine hard to learn?

 One of the main reasons people do not use the rowing machine is due to mild back soreness. While mild back strain can occur from rowing, this pain should go away after a few days as it’s no different from the pain and soreness you feel in muscles when you exercise for the first time on any exercise machine. 

 One can also experience pain from using the rower incorrectly. To get the maximum benefits from using a rower, you need to learn how to use a rowing machine. One needs to watch a video about how to use a rower machine correctly. Without instructions, it’s very easy to use it in bad form and that can cause pain. Beginner rowers should focus on the technique before they increase their speed and resistance.

Do I need to buy an expensive rower to get the best results?

There are many types of rowing machines and choosing the right rowing machine often boils down to the type of resistance it offers. This article explains the difference between two popular options: water resistance and magnetic resistance rowing machines. While there are cheaper rowers on the market, one needs to focus on the quality of a rower before the price.

 I have used the expensive rower at the gym and a more cost-effective rower made for home use and they each have their pros and cons.

~ The expensive gym rower is made for ultra durability as it will be used by many people but it does not offer the best resistance for strength training. So I like the gym rower for my cardio workout. 

~ The rower that I use at home has a better resistance system and has 16 levels of resistance. I like to use my home rower for both cardio and strength training. I have owned a Yosuda Rower for 6 months and it has held up to my intense workouts. The Yosuda Rower is an excellent choice in a rower for both beginner rowers and experienced rowers.

Check out my full review of the Yosuda Rower 

An Affordable Rower

 What I like best about the Yosuda Rowing Machine is the price. Right now this affordable magnetic rower is priced at around $300. That is cheaper than a gym membership. This rower does not take up much space so I have my rower in a corner of my home fitness room. While it can fold up, I decided to not fold it up. That way I can use it after I run outside, for my core and strength exercises. When the grandchildren visit and my home gym becomes the playroom, I can easily fold the rower up and move it into my bedroom.

 This rower is also durable. I have put a lot of miles on my rower over the past 6 months with intense workouts and it is still in great shape. 

Rowing is a fun workout

 I still enjoy rowing and find it to be a fun way to exercise. I listen to music while rowing and I find that helps me have fun. A rower is very quiet while in use, so you can also watch your favorite TV show while rowing. You can also watch interactive rowing videos that feature fitness trainers.

So give rowing a chance and see how it can change your body. You will be surprised at how rowing can tone and shape your body.