Benefits of a Rowing Machine

The science behind a growing fitness craze

Any water sport enthusiast will tell you that rowing is one of the best workouts available.  The motion of rowing uses your entire body and works all of your muscles without the risk of high impact injury.  Although rowing can be a little tricky for beginners, once you get the hang of it the rhythm is both fun and exhilarating.

Using a rowing machine, whether at home or at the gym, is a great way to get the benefit of rowing without the need for a boat!  Rowing machines are growing rapidly in popularity as more and more people discover the fun and exercise they can offer.

But did you know how good for you rowing really is?  The list of benefits offered by rowing machines may be longer than you think.

Work those muscles

Rowing machines work every major muscle group. As you catch the "oars" of the machine and begin to pull forward, you are engaging your pelvis and thighs.  As you pull, your arms, shoulders, back, and abdomen get involved.  As you slide back, your legs, hips, and torso do the brunt of the work.

Smooth, low-impact motion. Because rowing is done with a fluid movement, the sliding of a rowing machine is easy on the joints and doesn't jar elbows or knees like other types of exercise.  Do remember to keep your joints loose and unlocked, and not to over-extend yourself with each slide.

Hard-to-reach areas. With regular use of a rowing machine, you'll notice muscle toning and development in areas of the body that can be difficult to work.  The backs of your upper arms, shoulders, and butt all get a good workout with proper rowing form.

Lose weight

Burn more calories. In order to lose weight, your body must burn more calories than it takes in.  Vigorous rowing machine workouts can burn anywhere from 500 to 800 calories an hour. 

Increase muscle mass. A rowing machine will help tone and strengthen your muscles.  Muscle mass burns calories more efficiently than fat, so as your muscle mass increases from regular rowing your body will drop weight naturally.

Strengthen your system

Work the heart. Rowing is considered an aerobic activity.  It raises the heart rate and gets your blood flowing, in turn strengthening your heart and helping prevent serious diseases in the future.

Exercise the lungs. The exertion of rowing will get your system moving and leave you a little breathless, particularly if you're doing some rigorous working out.  Over a period of time your lung capacity will increase and your body will process oxygen in a healthier, more efficient manner.

Stay healthy, have fun

Rowing machines are a great way to increase the health of your entire body, both inside and out.  Regardless of age or ability, anyone can operate a rowing machine with a little training, and if you stick with a good workout schedule it won't take long to see results.

Fun, safe, healthy, and effective... not bad for an activity you can do in front of the television!

More information on rowing machines