The Benefits of Using Rowing Machine

The benefits of rowing machine training make it definitely worth buying one in our view. Regular sessions on a rower will improve your cardiovascular fitness and help build muscle whilst putting little stress on your joints. 

It's a shocking fact that over 80% of adults are not doing enough activity to either improve fitness or strengthen muscle.1 Yet nothing could be easier than rowing indoors to meet the targets necessary to maintain good health. For a good explanation of cardiovascular fitness, check out Wikipedia page here.

Cardio workouts have a huge impact on your health and well-being as they increase your heart, lungs and organs ability to take-in, deliver and use oxygen. Every part of your body needs oxygen, so the more efficient your cardiovascular systems can perform this function, the better your body can repair injury and fight illness.

Rowing Machine Workout Program

The big advantage of a rower in is the variation of workouts you can do - it's not just about rowing at break-neck speeds. By adjusting the resistance you can alternate between aerobic and anaerobic training and vary your sessions from a gentle exercise to an extremely demanding session.

One hour of strenuous rowing burns around 800 calories!

Of course it will take time to build up to this sort of session if you're currently unfit. But compare the calories burnt on a rowing machine in one hour to walking (300), swimming (600) and even running (650 – 700). And you can do this in your own house and don't have to get wet! 

However, we recommend you learn how to use your rower safely as soon as you start a new fitness regime - see rowing technique. One big advantage of rowing is that if your technique is good you can really work your body hard with vigorous sessions without risk of injury.

And note it's always advisable to see your doctor before you begin a new routine.

The main benefits of using a rowing machine are:-

• Works all your major muscle groups
• Low impact training - less stress on your joints
• Good for your cardiovascular system
• Heart rate programs make it a safe way to burn fat and lose weight
• Need little space in your home - many models can be folded for storage
• Burns a lot of calories compared to many other exercises

Of course you'll only get these benefits if you use it on a regular basis. This makes it doubly important that you buy the right machine to suit your needs and budget - see our reviews for help on choosing your model.

​Another, yet often overlooked benefit, is the sense of achievement you'll feel when you start to achieve your goals. Are you unhappy with your weight, lack of tone, or poor fitness? To set an objective, work out a plan and then take the positive steps to achieve it, is empowering and gives a sense that anything could be possible when you set your mind to it. 

​And lastly, the benefits aren't all physical. To row in the right state of mind is a joy in itself. Sports people call this sublime state, The Zone.

 You'll know what it feels like when you're in it. You could be rowing at a challenging stroke rate when you'll suddenly feel it's easier and, what's more, it's fun! I've always been fascinated by this phenomena and spent 10 years researching a book on the subject - you can read more here.

Rowers are also an excellent choice for use in the home. Many models fold up when not in use so they can be stored out of the way. They require little maintenance when compared to a treadmill or elliptical trainer, and magnetic rowers can be quiet and cause little annoyance to your family and neighbors - especially if you live in an apartment.

To get the best results from your rower, try my workout program.

How To Set Achievable Targets
So you want to lose weight, get fit, improve your cardiovascular health, but where do you start? Set yourself a goal and know what steps you need to take, and you'll improve your chances of succeeding. See my guide here.

How Does a Rowing Machine Compare with other Fitness Equipment?

Treadmills - So which is best? A rowing machine or treadmill. Both have obvious benefits but which would suit you. If you have the space and budget then buy both! But if you have only limited space, which would deliver the best results? See here...

Exercise Bikes - What are the benefits of a rower over an exercise bike? Many people find both rowing and cycling dull. But if you have little space and don't have time to visit a gym three times a week, which would get you fitter, slimmer and lighter quickest? Find out here...

Elliptical Cross Trainers - Elliptical trainers and rowers both provide safe ways to improve cardio fitness and lose weight in your own home. But can a trainer also improve muscle tone, or does a rower with a high resistance level do more? More here...


Reference
1. www.fitness.gov/resource-center/facts-and-statistics/


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