Exercise is good, in any form. But there are some forms that score head and tail over the others, and rowing, or more specifically indoor rowing, is one of them. If there ever was a complete body workout in one exercise, it’s rowing. It looks as if it’s just the arms that are getting a workout, but no, that’s not true at all. A surprising fact about rowing that not many people are aware of is that, contrary to popular belief, this exercise works your legs more than your hands – an indoor rower offers your legs three times more work than your arms. Rowing is a great workout for people of all ages, and here’s why:
It’s not weight-bearing: Rowing, unlike jogging or walking, does not put additional strain on your lower limbs, but still exercises your legs like running does. This prevents wear and tear on your knees, lower limbs and other joints, a side effect that appears when you jog regularly over a long period of time.
It exercises your whole body: Rowing offers you the double benefits of a cardiovascular workout and strength training all rolled into one. It exercises all the major muscle groups in your body. You get a complete workout with just one machine.
It’s safe for people of all ages: Rowing can be done as gently or as vigorously as you choose, which is why it’s a great exercise even for people who’re not in the prime of their life. Older people, especially those who have knee trouble, find it more convenient and less stressful than walking.
It’s great for rehab: People who have undergone a major knee surgery find rowing a safe and low-impact, yet energetic workout during rehab when they must exercise without stressing their knees. Rowing also helps smokers who have quit the habit to exercise their lungs and thus undo the damages caused by years of smoking.
It helps you lose weight: Because it’s a complete exercise, it helps you lose those unwanted pounds and also tones your body.
It’s an all-weather activity: You don’t have to worry about rain or shine; all you need is an indoor rowing machine and you’re good to go. Work out at any time of the day according to your convenience.
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This article is contributed by Sarah Scrafford, who regularly writes on the topic of Online EKG Programs. She invites your questions, comments and freelancing job inquiries at her email address: sarah.scrafford25@gmail.com.
Xeno Muller, Olympic gold and silver medalist, indoor rowing, rowing technique.
This is the reason that i have bought a C2. My starting weight was 17st 7lb (246 lb) and so running was not an option for me. So i have made the investment of the rowing machine.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to following your posts. The problem with blogs that i have read so far on rowing is that they seem to be giving advice to rowers who know what they are doing. (how to row for an hour, breaking 7 mins for 2000m, or even the rowing 100,000 mtrs). not for beginners!
Hello Will,
ReplyDeleteThe issue you are raising is the problem as to why rowing has not evolved into a more mainstream sport. The rowing world is difficult to crack into, the rowers are bread from a young age... It is my passion to explain that rowing is simple to learn and accessible to everyone, especially when it comes to rowing on the ground. Go to youtube and type in "rowing technique" you should find a bunch of stuff that can be useful. Let me know if you need more information.
Xeno
Hello Xeno!!!Can rowing,combined with a good nutrition,build muscle?I want to gain muscle especially in back muscles and i don't want to lose weight.
ReplyDeleteHello John,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post. If you have never rowed and therefore not used the "rowing muscles" on your back for longer training sessions such as 45 minute workout you will notice an increase in muscle density. Building muscle in rowing is limited. You will not bulk up from rowing. Rowing is great for toning the body. The higher the torque, which is power per stroke, and lower the stroke rate, will make the rowing stroke more like lifting weights, which in turn activates more muscle fibers.
The bottom line is that rowing builds lean muscle tissue. Rowing is an endurance sport, during which very few micro-tear in the muscle tissue occur, and therefore does not require the muscle to rebuild itself stronger similar to the what happens after a heavy weight lifting session.
OK?
All the best,
Xeno