The Benefits and Proper Use of Rowing Machines

Rowing machines are exercise equipment that areway up to more resistance, this is especially important
designed to simulate the body movement of rowing aif your goal is to lose weight.
boat. The difference between rowing a boat and usingYou will need to learn how to properly grip the handles
a machine is that with rowing a boat your upper bodyof your rowing machine. You want a firm but relaxed
gets most of the workout, where with a rowinggrip on the machine so that you are not putting too
machine your legs get most of the workout and yourmuch stress on your arm muscles. Gripping the
upper body only benefits from about 30% of thehandles too tightly will cause you to use those muscles
exercise.for the grip and they won't be able to benefit from the
Rowing machines give a full body workout and workworkout as much.
both the muscles as well as your heart (cardio) in theCarefully read the instructions that come with your
same exercise. This is not something that can behome rowing machine, or watch the video if it comes
achieved with most exercise machines. But unless youwith one, and make sure that you are using the proper
use the machine properly, you will not achieve fullform when using it. If you are at a gym, ask one of the
benefit from it, and you may actually end up withtrainers to make sure you are using the machine
injuries.properly; they won't usually charge you for a personal
It is important to warm up prior to beginning yourtraining session just to answer that simple question.
workout with a rowing machine. This easy and anRowing machines work all of your major muscles.
important step as it will help you to avoid straining yourHowever, a rowing machine can put the same major
muscles and allow you work out longer. Warm upmuscles under undue stress if you are not using the
exercises should be done for a few minutes beforemachine properly. This stress on the muscles can
boarding the exercise machine.have several negative effects. First, you will not get
Once you are all warmed up and ready, check thethe full cardio workout that is intended with this
resistance on the rowing machine. If you are using onemachine if your body is focusing on repairing the
of the rowing machines in a gym, this is very important,stressed muscles. Second, your body does need to
but if you are using a home rowing machine, yourepair stressed muscles. You don't want to repair your
probably already have the resistance set where youmuscles; you want to build them and make them
need it.stronger. Lastly, you can end up with a serious injury to
However, it is a good habit to get into just in case oneyour back or other major muscles if you are not using
of the kids decided to use the machine the nightthe machine properly, which will impede on your entire
before and did not set the resistance back where youworkout schedule, as well as other parts of your life.
had it. Start with a lower resistance and work your