Rowing Machine Benefits

Rowing is a well-known water activity amongst water-sport aficionados. It is an activity that requires rigorous movements of almost all important body parts, from shoulders to toes. Rowing helps tone the muscles and shape them up. This must be the reason why we hardly find a rower with an extended belly! The same rowing technique is applied while making rowing machines, which function as all-rounders that provide the benefits of cardiovascular exercise as well as muscle toning workouts. The benefits of rowing machines are multiple, and when you learn about these benefits, you will definitely be convinced about getting one for yourself.

All About Rowing Machines

Rowing machines provide low-impact (and high-intensity) workout regimes for all parts of the body. The rowing machine is also called the 'ergometer' as it has a performance monitor that measures the speed and distance traveled, as well as calories burned while using it for a workout. Rowing machine exercises help reduce excessive fats from the upper body regions like arms and back, as well as the lower body parts like thighs and buttocks. It switches the body into the 'calorie burning mode' only after 5-10 minutes of warm up, which makes the rowing machine more effective. The older versions of rowing machines were made using hydraulic pistons that made the workout a bit difficult as well as tiring. Modern rowing machines are made of flexible graphite and flywheel tanks filled with water. Modern-day rowing machines actually give you the feel of rowing on water with the oars in your hand, which make the exercise more exciting. There are various types of rowing machines with respect to their resistant qualities. They are:

• Water resistant rowing machine
• Air resistant rowing machines
• Piston resistant rowing machines
• Magnetic resistant piston machines
• Air and magnetic resistant rowing machine

Before getting any type of rowing machine, it is a good idea to get expert advice on the type that will be suitable for your body and capabilities.

Rowing Machine Benefits for Women, Men and Kids

The benefits of using a rowing machine are almost the same for men and women. However, men should not rely only on rowing machines to build muscle. Kids may use rowing machines at a low intensity for short durations, under the supervision of an adult.

Total Muscle Workout
Rowing machines work on a large group of muscles at a stretch. Hence, during a rowing machine exercise, significant effort is placed by the thighs, hips, torso, and the pelvis to perform it. This way, while exercising with a rowing machine, the whole body gets toned. Rowing machine benefits are also visible on the forearms, triceps and shoulders. While exercising on a rowing machine, a significant amount of resistance is placed on the upper body muscles. Another great benefit of the rowing machine is that it helps to strengthen the core or abdominal muscles. A rowing machine also builds up the calf muscles to a certain extent.

Calorie Burning
The rigorous movement of the body on a rowing machine can help burn about 800 calories in an hour. Of course, the amount of calories burned depends largely on the intensity of the exercise. However, be assured that you are bound to lose a fair amount of weight if you exercise using a rowing machine regularly, and if you follow a healthy diet. A rowing machine burns out calories and increases lean muscle mass. This way, those who are aiming for weight loss can enjoy the benefits of a rowing machine.

Low Impact Workout
A rowing machine is very soft on the various joints in the body since it is a low impact machine. Hence, no stress is applied on the knees and elbows while exercising. As such, even the elderly can benefit a lot from rowing machine exercises. You can adjust the resistance and the speed of the rowing machine as per your requirements so that the body doesn't get overstressed.

Stress Reduction
Exercise, especially with a rowing machine, is a great stress buster when done on a regular basis. This is also an important yet underrated significance of rowing machines. Exercising regularly on a rowing machine reduces anxiety and stress to a great extent. Hence, regardless of age, any person can work out with a rowing machine. It actually proves to be a fun as well as healthy exercise. Another significant aspect of rowing machine is that it is easily installable within the home too.

Some More Benefits of Rowing Machines

Here are some additional benefits of a rowing machine workout performed on a regular basis.

• Since a rowing machine provides an aerobic workout, it enhances the heart rate and thus, strengthens it.
• This aerobic activity also strengthens the lungs as you increase the pace and duration of your workout.
• Because your heart and lungs strengthen upon using a rowing machine regularly, your metabolic rate as well as stamina also improves, thereby enhancing weight loss.
• Say hello to a beautifully toned body that will eventually be yours if you exercise on a rowing machine regularly.

So you can see the benefits that you can avail of by investing in a rowing machine. Moreover, you get to exercise when you have the time, without worrying about running late for work or any other activity, when you have a rowing machine of your own. A rowing machine is said to be a great exercise machine for beginners who would like to start exercising regularly. All you need is a good quality and less noisy (some rowing machines are noisy) rowing machine to experience the rowing machine benefits on your own!

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of an expert. It is best to begin any new exercise under the supervision of an expert to prevent injury.