You may have tried a rowing machine in the past and passed it off as too hard, and indeed it is a challenging form of exercise requiring a certain technique. However, if done correctly, rowing is a great way to improve your overall strength and heart fitness. Keep reading to find out more about why rowing could be right for you.
Oh, and before you start thinking you’ll need getting up before dawn on a freezing cold morning to go rowing, it’s much easier to just rent a rowing machine for your home. You don’t have to go anywhere, and you’ll never have to miss your favourite tv shows!
Why rowing?
The main reason why rowing is such a great form of exercise is that it gives a full body workout. From the arms, shoulders and core, to the lower back, glutes and legs, rowing works numerous muscles, toning and strengthening simultaneously. Rowing also provides a cardio workout, increasing your heart rate and lung capacity, and strengthening the cardiovascular system.
For losing weight and gaining lean muscle, rowing is an excellent exercise as it burns a lot of calories in a short amount of time. The time factor is also popular with people as it means less time working out with more efficient results.
In short, here is a breakdown of the six benefits of rowing:
1. Rowing is an effective aerobic exercise to increase your heart rate and use several different muscle groups.
2. Rowing will burn calories, as much as 600 calories in one hour.
3. Rowing conditions the upper body including the trapezius, rhomboids, abs, biceps and pectoral muscles.
4. Rowing conditions the lower body including the glutes, quads, calves and upper thighs.
5. The risk of injury during rowing is minimal as it is near the ground and has a low impact on joints.
6. Rowing can eliminate stress and calm the mind.
What’s the Proper Technique?
If weight loss is your goal, then a healthy diet, combined with a regular half hour session of rowing will rapidly burn off calories. But the right technique is important to ensure you’re exercising your muscles properly.
The best technique is to first employ a strong leg drive, lean back slightly from the hips (think of swinging from 1 to 11 on a clock face) and pull the handle in smartly to your lower ribs. Reverse the motion by extending your arms, lean forward and bend your knees into the next drive stroke.
How Often Should I Row?
The more you row, the more calories you’ll burn, but you don’t want to overdo it either. Between 60 – 90 minutes a day is recommended as the maximum, with one rest day a week for muscle recovery. Don’t row if your muscles are really sore or if you have unusual fatigue.
Check out MacRae Rentals rowing machines and row yourself to fitness today!
