| There's no denying that getting regular exercise is very | | | | Proper form |
| important, and one of the very best types of workout | | | | The primary power for each stroke should come from |
| is a session on a rowing machine. Rowing is a great | | | | your legs and hips. Start sitting upright, hold your |
| all-body workout, raising your heart rate and giving a | | | | abdominal muscles in which will help prevent your |
| great calorie burning aerobic workout, while at the | | | | lower back from sagging, and power with your legs. |
| same time working every major muscle group. | | | | Your elbows and kept in at your sides, and you should |
| Your arms, shoulders, back, abs, glutes and legs all get | | | | not feel strain in your lower back. |
| a great workout, and since it's a low impact activity | | | | As you extend your legs, lean back slightly and pull |
| there is much less chance of exercise related injury | | | | with your arms, again taking notice of your back and |
| than in many other types of workout. | | | | ensuring that you're not straining, or over-reaching. |
| While rowing is a superb workout, like most things | | | | Once the stroke is complete, you slide back in a |
| there us a right and wrong way to go about it. | | | | recovery stroke to your starting position. All the time |
| Improper use can lead to injury, imbalanced workouts, | | | | you should be focussing on smoothness, not speed or |
| and simply not getting as much benefit from your | | | | power. |
| workout as you could. By following these simple tips | | | | Training aids |
| you'll be sure of getting the most from your rowing: | | | | Many modern rowing machines offer a number of |
| Setup and position | | | | training aids. Once you've learned the basic stroke, you |
| Ensure that adjustable machines are set up for your | | | | can use the computer to time your session, count your |
| size and experience. Set the resistance to an | | | | strokes, even monitor your heart-rate, but it's a good |
| appropriate level for your experience, if you're a | | | | idea to forget about all these bells and whistles for the |
| beginner you should set the resistance low, and | | | | first few sessions, and concentrate on proper form. |
| gradually increase it over a period of weeks. | | | | Rowing is without doubt one of the very best |
| Ensure that foot straps are properly adjusted and tight, | | | | workouts, but care must be taken to ensure that |
| that your weight is centered on the seat, and that you | | | | you're not causing stress or strain during your wokouts. |
| have a firm, but relaxed grip on the handle. As a | | | | By focussing on these simple tips you can get all the |
| beginner it's a good idea to alternate between and | | | | benefits of rowing, without any of the potential |
| overhand and underhand grip mid-way through your | | | | dangers. |
| workout. | | | | |