What are the benefit of using the ROWING MACHINE

pudgypie
pudgypie Posts: 83 Member
edited November 9 in Fitness and Exercise
I usually incorporate a good workout on the rowing machine into my gym routine everyday. I know it's a good cardio workout but is it good for toning? Will it work the arms/back/abs/shoulders/legs or does it just keep the muscles warmed up?

Replies

  • sculley
    sculley Posts: 2,012 Member
    I know with me it feels like it's a abs/arms/shoulders/ and legs sort of thing :) If I am doing it right.
  • Scorpiotwinkle
    Scorpiotwinkle Posts: 69
    Good question I would like to know too! I row every day for my cardio.
  • schnugglebug
    schnugglebug Posts: 330 Member
    Benefits of Rowing

    Whether you already row or are considering rowing to keep in shape, lose weight, cross-train for another sport, compete on the water or rehabilitate from injury or surgery, rowing is the complete exercise for you.

    Arms, legs, chest, back, abs—even your mind. Your whole body gets a complete workout from the efficient, rhythmic motion of rowing. Rowing is such a great exercise in so many different ways.

    Low-impact (easy on the knees and ankles)
    High calorie burner (because it uses so many muscle groups)
    Great for joint health (joints move through a wide range of motion)
    Upper body (completes the stroke)
    Lower body (the legs initiate the drive)
    Works the back and abs too!
    Superb aerobic fitness (great for cardiovascular fitness)
    Relieves Stress (for overall health and well-being)

    This is different from the rowing you may have done as a kid in a rowboat. The difference lies in the sliding seat. Your legs compress and extend with every stroke—in addition to the more obvious work being done by the back and arms.

    Legs: You begin each stroke with your legs compressed and your shins vertical. You initiate the drive with the powerful muscles of your legs, and finish with your legs fully extended. Rowing promotes both strength and flexibility through this wide range of leg motion.

    Arms: At the catch, your arms are outstretched; at the finish of the stroke, they have pulled the handle into your abdomen. As with the legs, this range of motion promotes both strength and flexibility.

    Core: chest, back, abs: At the start of the stroke, the power of the legs is connected to the handle by means of the arms and the core muscles of the body. Then the back is more fully involved as it swings open through the middle of the stroke. Finally, the body is stabilized at the finish by the abdominal muscles.

    found from this site
    http://www.concept2.com/us/indoorrowers/benefits.asp

    I row too and it feels great!
  • pudgypie
    pudgypie Posts: 83 Member
    Benefits of Rowing

    Whether you already row or are considering rowing to keep in shape, lose weight, cross-train for another sport, compete on the water or rehabilitate from injury or surgery, rowing is the complete exercise for you.

    Arms, legs, chest, back, abs—even your mind. Your whole body gets a complete workout from the efficient, rhythmic motion of rowing. Rowing is such a great exercise in so many different ways.

    Low-impact (easy on the knees and ankles)
    High calorie burner (because it uses so many muscle groups)
    Great for joint health (joints move through a wide range of motion)
    Upper body (completes the stroke)
    Lower body (the legs initiate the drive)
    Works the back and abs too!
    Superb aerobic fitness (great for cardiovascular fitness)
    Relieves Stress (for overall health and well-being)

    This is different from the rowing you may have done as a kid in a rowboat. The difference lies in the sliding seat. Your legs compress and extend with every stroke—in addition to the more obvious work being done by the back and arms.

    Legs: You begin each stroke with your legs compressed and your shins vertical. You initiate the drive with the powerful muscles of your legs, and finish with your legs fully extended. Rowing promotes both strength and flexibility through this wide range of leg motion.

    Arms: At the catch, your arms are outstretched; at the finish of the stroke, they have pulled the handle into your abdomen. As with the legs, this range of motion promotes both strength and flexibility.

    Core: chest, back, abs: At the start of the stroke, the power of the legs is connected to the handle by means of the arms and the core muscles of the body. Then the back is more fully involved as it swings open through the middle of the stroke. Finally, the body is stabilized at the finish by the abdominal muscles.

    found from this site
    http://www.concept2.com/us/indoorrowers/benefits.asp

    I row too and it feels great!

    Thanks for that. Delighted that it's an overall workout. Funny but I actually use it as the last thing on my gym routine as I find it so relaxing. I push myself while doing it but I find it the most relaxing thing in the gym.....mind you I only do about 15 mins on it but it's full on for 15 mins and then I do my warm down and stretching. Love it. Thanks for the info.
  • jrow0524
    jrow0524 Posts: 42
    Wow - Schnugglebug - you just convinced me to add rowing to my routine! :happy:
  • HeidiMightyRawr
    HeidiMightyRawr Posts: 3,343 Member
    Aside from a general cardio workout, it would work your legs and upper back with the pushing back, and pulling. Also I was told bi's / tri's depending on whether you use under or overhand grip.

    I personally much prefer rowing to other cardio exercises as it feels more full body than other stuff such as running or biking.

    In terms of toning up, it will be great for the lowering body fat part of that, and would work those muscles mentioned to some extent, but I would say you'd get better results on the muscle side of things from a proper strength training routine, rather than relying on certain cardio exercises.
  • marycmeadows
    marycmeadows Posts: 1,691 Member
    you shouldn't do it every day though - you need to change up your work out to help your muscles stay efficient at burning calories, if you do it every day, your muscles become accustomed to it and then they don't have to work as hard. :)
  • arc918
    arc918 Posts: 2,037 Member
    Great workout, but you need to use proper technique to reap the benefits. You can't just sit down and start yanking and sliding.


    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhGfdYlXqBI
  • jessie_rose24
    jessie_rose24 Posts: 40
    Definetly learn proper techniqie for rowing, I cringe when I see people hop on the C2 at the gym and start going crazy thinking they are getting anything done...concept2 has great videos of how to row efficiently and so you don't injure yourself.
  • jenhowse1
    jenhowse1 Posts: 49
    Definetly learn proper techniqie for rowing, I cringe when I see people hop on the C2 at the gym and start going crazy thinking they are getting anything done...concept2 has great videos of how to row efficiently and so you don't injure yourself.
    This!
    If you erg (row) properly it's a fantastic workout.
    You can mix it up too like you can running. Sometimes I'll do longer steady rows eg 10k. Other time I'll do sprint interval sessions. 8x500m flat out is a good one
    Also make sure you know how to set the machine up properly. Don't just jan the lever up to 10 and row. You need to set the drag factor. Also make sure your feet are in the right place.
    Concept 2 website is a great resource.
  • feisma
    feisma Posts: 213 Member
    Best shape I have EVER been in was when I was a rower on the women's team at UCLA....still convinced that rowing is the best sport out there for a variety of reasons. Enjoy!
  • JaneUK
    JaneUK Posts: 102
    you shouldn't do it every day though - you need to change up your work out to help your muscles stay efficient at burning calories, if you do it every day, your muscles become accustomed to it and then they don't have to work as hard. :)

    I don't agree with this. It's fine to row every day, or six days a week if you like to include a rest day. Of course you will find it easier to hit the splits as you get stronger, so you just need to adjust your goals and keep working as hard.

    If you enjoy it, do it as often as you feel like it. It's a great workout and weight loss machine. Your heart will enjoy the benefits too.

    Go to the concept2 website and find the forum - lots of brilliant advice there. If you want to build up a programme for yourself, search for advice on The Pete Plan (or Pete Plan Lite)
    Jane
  • jenhowse1
    jenhowse1 Posts: 49
    you shouldn't do it every day though - you need to change up your work out to help your muscles stay efficient at burning calories, if you do it every day, your muscles become accustomed to it and then they don't have to work as hard. :)

    I don't agree with this. It's fine to row every day, or six days a week if you like to include a rest day. Of course you will find it easier to hit the splits as you get stronger, so you just need to adjust your goals and keep working as hard.

    If you enjoy it, do it as often as you feel like it. It's a great workout and weight loss machine. Your heart will enjoy the benefits too.

    Go to the concept2 website and find the forum - lots of brilliant advice there. If you want to build up a programme for yourself, search for advice on The Pete Plan (or Pete Plan Lite)
    Jane

    I agree with Jane - no reason not to row everyday - I pretty much do!
    Pete Plan is a good place to start if you want some ideas.
  • mhotch
    mhotch Posts: 901 Member
    Bump, gotta go and I want to read this.
  • Agefyter
    Agefyter Posts: 105 Member
    {/quote}
    Thanks for that. Delighted that it's an overall workout. Funny but I actually use it as the last thing on my gym routine as I find it so relaxing. I push myself while doing it but I find it the most relaxing thing in the gym.....mind you I only do about 15 mins on it but it's full on for 15 mins and then I do my warm down and stretching. Love it. Thanks for the info.
    [/quote]

    I feel the same way! Relaxing even though I push. I was starting to think it wasn't worth my time in the gym but I see I can enjoy it and get great benefits as well. I will increase my minutes now!
  • BrandyontheRun
    BrandyontheRun Posts: 204 Member
    Buuuuuump- Fantastic question- I've wondered about the rowing machine a million times lol. I'll be back to continue reading this thread!
  • joyrachael
    joyrachael Posts: 24 Member
    Great and thorough post. Thanks so much for the info.
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