Are you familiar with the rowing machine? It’s a popular piece of equipment that utilizes a flywheel, a cable and a fan and that requires you to pull two handles towards yourself against the resistance. The motion is designed to build strength in the upper body and also acts as a cardio exercise, raising your heart rate and more. The air resistance provided by the fan simulates the motion you would feel when rowing across the water.
Total Body Workout
When you use a rowing machine, you are getting a total body workout. It’s more than just a sport and it’s for more than just getting ready for some water sport. Rowing machines are a part of the Bowflex and also found as standalone pieces of equipment in fitness clubs and more.
A rowing machine utilizes the muscles in your butt and your legs and while it does provide a workout for your back, it does not strain your back muscles when performed correctly. Rowing is extremely repetitive and you can get into a symmetry of motion once you get started rowing. It’s amazing how easily you can lose yourself while rowing. It’s a great way to relax the mind as you perform the rowing motions.
Not Everyone Will Like It
Not every one will enjoy rowing, it can be incredibly boring because of the repetitiveness of motion. There are others who will not care for it because it does take some practice to get used to the motion and it doesn’t feel all that natural. Walking, biking and running are all more natural motions as opposed to rowing.
Still, it’s important to remember that when you are rowing that you want to make the motion come from the legs. Don’t straighten your knees out one hundred percent and even when you have your legs stretched fully, keep your knees slightly bent.
Do you enjoy rowing as a part of your cardio workout?
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