The Rowing Machine is often overlooked; however, it is a total body workout. It provides aerobic exercise, upper body, and lower body workouts all in one! Rowing is a coordinated muscle action that encompasses every large muscle group in the body. This low-impact cardio increases endurance and is good for all levels of fitness. Frequent workouts on a rower can help you burn calories, tone muscles, and give you increased energy. A rowing machine workout burns an average of 600 calories an hour or, about 280 calories in 30 minutes for a 130-pound woman. Although rowing won’t magically spot reduce your belly fat, it can be a very effective component of a fat-burning program.
Unlike running on the treadmill, the rowing machine gives back only what you put in, so if it seems easy, you’re not working hard enough. It may be possible to “cheat” when using other cardio machines, for example, on an elliptical you can let go of the handles to give your arms a rest but the elliptical will keep going. On a rowing machine, you must use your entire body to complete a full stroke every time. In addition to a great upper body workout, rowers exercise the rhomboids in the shoulders, trapezii in the upper back, and lats in the lower back, all while building strong legs and glutes. Most importantly, using a rowing machine gets your heart pumping and lungs working, providing a serious aerobic workout. Learn about the catch, the drive, the finish, and what each means. Indoor rowing machines offer an ideal way to get in shape and stay fit while varying your routine at the same time.
