Rowing machines are a great way to get a full-body workout, providing cardiovascular exercise and working your arms, legs, and core muscles. By understanding how to properly use a rowing machine and mastering proper rowing technique, you will achieve a stronger, healthier, and more energetic version of yourself. So get on that indoor rower, embrace the rowing motion, and let it take you on a journey toward better fitness and overall well-being.
Understanding the rowing machine
Also known as an indoor rower or ergometer, a rowing machine is a piece of fitness equipment designed to simulate the motion of rowing a boat. It is a great way to efficiently and effectively achieve your fitness goals. The machine consists of a sliding seat, footrest, handles and a resistance mechanism, often adjustable to suit the intensity of your workout.
Perform the rowing machine exercise
Proper rowing technique is crucial to maximizing the benefits of your training and preventing injury. Imagine yourself on a serene lake, hands gripping the handles of the paddle, ready to glide across the water. That is the essence of rowing.
Mastering the workout is important to get the most out of rowing machine exercise. Each blow is made up of three phases: the reception, the impulse and the finish.
To begin, position yourself correctly on the rowing machine by sitting on the seat and holding your feet to the footrests with your knees slightly bent. Grasp the handles with an overhand grip, keeping your wrists steady.
The catch position: start the stroke
The start of the rowing stroke begins with the catch position. This is when you sit forward on the rower, with your arms extended and your upper body leaning slightly forward. Your shins should be vertical and your core engaged.
Push through your heels to extend your legs while maintaining your body angle. As your legs are fully extended, lean back slightly, activating your core muscles. Now is the time to engage your upper body.
The impulse: engage the upper body
With your legs extended and core engaged, it’s time for the powerful push phase. Pull the handles toward his chest, keeping his elbows close to his body. Engage your back muscles and squeeze your shoulder blades as you pull.
Remember, the key is to generate power from the legs and transfer it through the core to the upper body. This seamless transition ensures an efficient and effective rowing stroke.
The end: complete the stroke
As you pull the handles toward your chest, lean back slightly to complete the rowing stroke. Your legs will be fully extended, your core engaged, and your upper body leaned back comfortably.
The recovery: sliding back to the starting position
After completing the stroke, it is time to gently recover to the starting position. Straighten your arms, rotate your hips, and slide the seat toward the front of the rowing machine. Bend your knees once your upper body is forward and return to the catch position for the next punch.
Benefits of rowing machine exercises
Rowing machine workouts offer many benefits for your body and your health. Some advantages of incorporating rowing into your fitness routine include:
- Full Body Workout: Unlike other exercise machines that target certain muscle groups, rowing engages almost all major muscle groups, including the legs, core, back, shoulders, and arms, making it a excellent exercise for the whole body.
- Low impact: Unlike high-impact exercises like running, rowing is gentle on the joints, making it a great option for people with joint problems or those recovering from injuries.
- Cardio workout: Rowing is an effective aerobic exercise that gets the heart pumping and improves cardiovascular health.
- Burning calories: Rowing is a calorie-burning powerhouse, helping you shed unwanted pounds and maintain a healthy weight.
- Stress reduction: Performing a rhythmic, repetitive movement, such as rowing, can reduce stress and promote a feeling of relaxation.
Proper form for maximum results
To achieve optimal results and prevent injury, it is essential to maintain proper form throughout your rowing machine workout.
Maintain a neutral column
Keep your back straight and avoid slouching during the rowing movement. A neutral spine minimizes stress on the back and ensures effective muscle engagement.
Engage your core
A strong core stabilizes your body during paddling and improves overall performance. Focus on engaging your abdominal muscles throughout the workout.
Coordinate your movements
Maintain smooth, coordinated movement, avoiding sudden jerks or pauses. Gentle movements prevent unnecessary stress on joints and muscles.
Breathe properly
Remember to breathe naturally during your rowing session. Exhale during the push phase and inhale during the recovery phase.
Get started with Chuze Fitness
Incorporating indoor rowing into your exercise routine can transform your workouts. By mastering proper rowing technique, you will be able to maximize the results of your indoor exercise and reap its benefits. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rower, the machine offers a challenging and rewarding fitness journey for everyone.
When it comes to achieving your fitness goals, it is important to have access to various exercise machines. Chuze Gym understands the importance of providing its members with top-notch equipment that accommodates all fitness levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a regular gym-goer, Chuze Fitness offers a wide range of workout machines, including rowing machines, to keep your fitness on track. Our commitment to creating a welcoming and motivating environment ensures that you can use these machines with confidence to optimize your workouts. With Chuze Fitness by your side, you’ll have the tools you need to improve your fitness routine and reach new heights. Find a gym near you today.
Reviewed by:
Ani is the Vice President of Fitness at Chuze Fitness and oversees the Group Fitness and Team Training departments. She has had over 25 years of career in club management, personal training, group exercise and instructor training. Ani lives with her husband and her son in San Diego, CA and loves hot yoga, snowboarding, and all things wellness.
