When it comes to fitness, not having enough time to work out is one of the main excuses or complaints. Effective training should help you reach different goals, often at the same time such as burning calories while engaging diverse muscle groups and feeling energised. All that can be difficult to achieve without a personal trainer, especially for beginners. If this is you, and you’re asking yourself whether there’s a single solution to all those problems, I’m here to tell you: there is, and it’s called rowing.
What Are Rowing Machines Good For?
Rowing makes you use every muscle in your body– it engages your core strength while working your knees, arms, and back. Moreover, it’s simple for people of different ages and fitness levels, and thanks to the range of user-friendly row machines, it’s quite available. Designed for durability and performance, these versatile devices are perfect for a full-body, low-impact workout, and an excellent addition to any home gym. Here are some more reasons why buying a row machine is the best way to get value for your money.
It Promotes Full-body Exercise
Compared to other activities focusing on particular muscle groups, rowing works both your upper and lower body with each stroke, enabling you to tone and build your muscles while increasing your endurance.
Rowing targets different muscle groups, which is why it’s a successful exercise. During the drive phase, you stretch your legs to push yourself backwards. In addition to strengthening your lower body, this movement works your core muscles, which support your body’s stability and help you keep good posture throughout the exercise. It also actively engages your back muscles, including the arms, lats, traps, and spinal erectors.
It’s a Low-Impact Workout
The low-impact design of rowing machines is another important advantage. Rowing provides a workout that’s more gentle to the body than high-impact exercises like running, which can strain your knees and other weight-bearing joints.
This makes it a good choice for persons with osteoarthritis, beginners, and those recuperating from accidents, among others, regardless of their fitness level. Also, you can modify it to fit your unique needs and objectives because you have control over the workout’s intensity and pace.
It Offers Versatility
Additionally, rowing machines are quite versatile, providing a variety of training alternatives, such as strength, endurance, or interval training. For example, using a rowing machine for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a great method to burn calories immediately and keep burning them after your workout is over. Because of its adaptability, you may change up your routines and avoid the boredom of doing the same old aerobic activities.
It Provides Many Mental Benefits
Rowing is well-known for its positive effects on mental health in addition to its physical benefits. It’s a contemplative, repetitive, rhythmic activity that promotes calmness and reduces stress. Because of this mind-body link and the physical effort, rowing is a great way to reduce stress and enhance mental health.
An Exciting Alternative for Boring Cardio Exercises
Last but not least, adding rowing to your workout regimen might give your standard aerobic activities some freshness and variation. Rowing can provide a pleasant alternative that still offers a thorough cardiovascular workout if you find running on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike to be boring. Focusing on the shoulder and upper back muscles which are typically overlooked in other types of exercise, also aids in improving posture.
What Row Machine Is Best?
Like with any sports equipment, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. You must look for the right row machine for your needs, though, and here are some considerations to help you choose correctly.
Set Your Goals
Decide what you hope to accomplish with a rowing machine first. Are you hoping to grow muscle, lose weight, or enhance general fitness? Various row machines offer strength and cardio training to meet different goals. Choose an option that allows you to gradually increase the resistance as your strength improves if you’re new to rowing.
Learn the Different Kinds of Rowing Machines
There are various rower types, each with certain features. Understanding them can make choosing easier.
- Air Resistance Rowers: These provide a smooth feeling akin to rowing on the water by creating resistance with a flywheel. However, they may be noisy and require regular maintenance.
- Magnetic Rowers: They’re perfect for home usage, quieter than air rowers, and provide constant resistance regardless of rowing speed.
- Water Rowers: To simulate the feel and sound of rowing on water, use tanks filled with water to provide resistance. They don’t exactly mimic the experience of rowing outside, despite being therapeutic.
- Hydraulic Rowers: These are quiet and tiny, making them ideal for cramped areas, but they don’t provide a real rowing experience.
- Screen-equipped Hybrid Rowers: These are perfect for novices since they have displays that provide educational movies and guided workouts to help you learn the right rowing technique.
Consider Noise Level and Space Availability
Larger equipment requires more space, while compact options like hydraulic rowers are ideal for smaller areas. Choose a quieter rower like a magnetic or hydraulic one if noise is an issue, particularly if you intend to work out early or late.
Display and Monitor Options
These are a few of the main characteristics of rower machines that differ. Simple models measure time, distance, and strokes per minute, among other important parameters. More sophisticated models provide guided workouts and interactive displays with virtual rowing experiences. Think about the kind of support and feedback you require when working out.
Set a Budget
Higher-end models include advanced features, such as interactive displays and greater build quality; that’ll cost more but offer a more immersive experience.
Check Warranty and Return Policies
Ensure the machine has a favourable return policy in case it doesn’t live up to your expectations and a comprehensive guarantee to guard against problems.
Read Reviews
Lastly, check user reviews to gain insight into the machine’s performance, longevity, and customer service before buying it. This can give you important information about a specific model.
