| You've seen them in films--students at Ivy League | | | | For "the finish," return to the starting position. You may |
| colleges gliding swiftly through the water in sculls with | | | | notice your body slumping over the knees. Correct by |
| that distinctive back and forth sliding motion. Turns out | | | | bending at the hips and keeping your back straight. |
| it's a great workout, and one that you can do at home | | | | Rowing machines are available in a wide range of |
| on your own rowing machine. | | | | styles and prices. While perusing the vast array, keep |
| Rowing machines support the user in a smooth, | | | | the following in mind: |
| low-impact motion that works the entire body. Regular | | | | - Handles. Are they comfortable enough for a longer |
| use promotes a trim waist, improved posture, excellent | | | | workout? Do they cushion and support the hand? |
| cardiovascular health, and an overall full-body workout. | | | | - Features. Do you want a heart monitor or an display |
| While stairsteppers and treadmills put most of the | | | | that provides speed and other rowing statistics? |
| focus on the lower body, rowing machines offer a | | | | - Stability. You'll have less confidence on machine that |
| more balanced exercise solution that is kind to your | | | | wiggles and tips, so it's worth the money to invest in a |
| joints. | | | | machine that glides smoothly and remains stable |
| Is there any drawback to using rowing machines? If | | | | throughout the full range of motion. |
| used improperly, back injury may result. Pay attention | | | | - Resistance. Hydraulic rowing machines tend to be |
| to proper form and take your time learning to use your | | | | smaller and more affordable, but the hydraulics tend to |
| machine. | | | | leak after long-term daily use. Air resistance is a |
| First, make sure you are properly seated on the | | | | popular choice and offers a very smooth glide. |
| rowing machine. The first position in the rowing motion | | | | Magnetic resistance is the quietest choice if noise is an |
| is called "the catch." Arms should be straight with | | | | issue. Water resistance rowing machines offer the |
| wrists flat. Lean forward slightly with calves straight up | | | | closest experience to rowing on actual water, but they |
| and down. Your chest should be close to your thighs. | | | | are pricier and do require some maintenance. |
| Check for a straight back and remain aware of any | | | | If you work out at home without a dedicated space, |
| tendency to hunch. | | | | look for a foldable model that will fit under a bed. |
| The next part is "the drive." Push your feet down on | | | | Ideally, check out the rowing machines at a gym to get |
| the rowing machine's pedals as you pull the bar | | | | a firsthand idea of the comfort, features and model |
| toward you. Do not hyperextend the knees; keep | | | | you seek. |
| them slightly bent at all times. Stop when the handle is | | | | Rowing machines are simple to use and diverse |
| about one inch away. Elbows should be back. If you | | | | enough to suit everyone's preference. With a little bit of |
| are tipped back slightly, take care that you are not | | | | attention to detail and smart shopping, you're well on |
| hyperextending. | | | | your way to the perfect workout. |