How To Use A Rowing Machine Properly For The Best Benefits
Rowing machines look scary, and they look even more ineffective. However, none of those are true. Rowing machines are high impact and high intensity machines that can be used by anyone. Many elderly people find them easier to use than a treadmill, and more beneficial than other forms of cardiovascular exercise.
Rowing machines are specially designed to be low impact in your bones and joints, while maintaining a high enough impact to give your entire body a cardio workout that is both heart healthy, and feels good. It is important to know that those with very weak backs and improper stretching techniques will end up damaging their bodies with a rowing machine. It is advisable for you to stretch for at least 10 minutes, and strengthen your back prior to using a rowing machine cardio regimen.
Rowing machines have only a few “parts”. They are very simple, and pretty simple to use as well. You mostly use your hips to push forward, versus your back or neck muscles. Surprisingly many people use their neck to move, and that can be dangerous.
While there are risks and dangers associated with rowing machine usage, the benefits are far greater. Many people would benefit from adding this routine to their exercise regimen. Rowing will strengthen all of your limbs including your arms, abdominal section, heart, legs, and everything else! It literally works all of your muscle groups in one fluid motion back and forth.
While the rowing machine looks easy enough, it takes a lot of training to get used to using a proper formation. Never slouch, drop your head, bend unnaturally, or strain your body too hard. Avoid using your neck for extra pushing, and never use your back when it is not supposed to be used.
Prior to starting a rowing machine workout, spend a considerable amount of time warming your muscles, getting your heart rate boosted, and stretching. You should stretch for at least 5 minutes per 30 minutes that you intend to exercise, and warm up with low intensity cardio for 5 minutes after stretching. Once on the machine, focus on keeping the proper form, and breathing.
Closing Comments
Rowing machine exercises are fantastic for anyone that wants a challenge for their exercise routine, and those that want to expand on what they already do.
