A lot of people are often discouraged to use the rowing machines in the gym because they think that it is not giving them the intensity that they are looking for in a workout. Most people also say that it is not even strengthening their muscles like it is supposed to.
Use The Right Technique
But the truth is that most of the times it’s the wrong technique which is the reason and not the machine. Before a person can enjoy the rowing machine benefits, one must really understand how to use it first. Maximizing the benefits of using the rowing machine always comes down to the techniques that are applied by the user on the machine. If the techniques are wrong, then they will not be able to experience any benefits from rowing machines.
However, if used properly, there are actually at least five main rowing machine benefits that one can get from using it.
Non Weight Bearing
First is that it is non-weight bearing. This means that there is no big impact whatsoever and is very safe to use not unless, people will use their back to pull instead of their legs. As a non impact exercise, rowing can be very beneficial part of your strength training.
Full Body Workouts
Secondly, the rowing machine can aid in upper body conditioning. If done properly, this could be the answer for all the women out there who want to tone and get rid of those saggy arms. It is because even though you are only using at least 25 % of your arms’ pull force, you will still need to apply pressure and use strength from your biceps, forearms, shoulders, and back especially when you would have to do that final blow.
The remaining 75% of your pull force should come from your legs and hips. By doing so, you will be able to have solid thighs and toned legs. If know how to use your leg muscles properly in a rowing machine, then for sure, you will be able to get the third rowing machine benefits – lower body conditioning.
As with any other intense exercise rowing will help you in toning up and strengthening your muscles.
Work on Abdominal Muscles
Most of the rowing athletes have one thing in common, strong and solid six pack abs. With the help of the rowing machine, the solid six pack abs is easy to achieve. If you can learn the right technique, the rowing machine will give a very intensive workout on your core and this helps in strong inner core muscles and thus, the six pack abs.
Cardiovascular Training
One of the rowing machine benefits is that it can improve cardiovascular functions. You can do so by setting the resistance level to your fitness level or slightly higher than that. But there are two things that you have to take into consideration when working on a higher level – your stroke and your resistance. The rower can also effectively burn your calories and will help you lose weight. Machines like Concept 2 rowers or Waterrower Classic can give you a very good overall workout.
Benefits for Runners and Running
As stated earlier, rowing machines help to increase edurance and stamins by giving you a cardiovascular workout combined with the stregth and power. When it comes to running, it gives you a better form and improved posture. Toned up muscles of your upper back help in increasing your core strength. You develop muscles which will help you in exercises like running and cycling. More stregth you have the better it is.
When you are cross training, or on days when you can not run, you can combine rowing exercise in your schedule. Runing and rowing give you almost same cardio benefits but the muscular workout they provide is very different.
A good proper rowing session will give you cardio workout, abs, core and lower back. It will also help in increasing the flexibility of hamstrings and calves.
Always make sure that to be able to fully maximize the advantage you get from these machines, it is very important that you take time to know the machine and learn the right techniques first. This machine can be very powerful if used properly because of the many benefits that it can give to our body and to us.
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