Have you seen a machine like the above picture in your gym?
This machine is what we call rowing machine. Some call it rower or ergometer. Though rowing seems to be easy, it is actually one of the most challenging forms of exercise as it works most major muscular areas of the body. As not all of us stay at the seaside or close to lake, indoor rowing is the much common choice.
Old rowing machines were made with cheap hydraulic pistons, which produced a dragging rather than gliding feel. Nowadays, with the technology advancement, new rowing machines feel and sound like you are actually rowing on water, thanks to the use of flexible graphite composite and water-filled flywheel tanks. Electronic control panels will normally offer a number of pre-set program options and display elapsed time, stroke count, strokes per minute, calories burned, and even tempo.
Two main types of rowing machines are air rowers and water rowers. I personally find the air rowing machines to be more satisfying than the water rowers. When you exercise on these air rowing machines, each stroke turns an enclosed fan. The resistance of the air provides the resistance you feel when you pull for the stroke.
So, what are the benefits of using rowing machine?
4 Reasons You Should Use Try Rowing Machine
- First and foremost, rowing machines offer a workout with little impact on the joints. Therefore, they are something senior citizens can use.
- I like rowing machine because the exercise is self-paced; I can row as hard or as easily as I like. I am sure you can do the same. You glide back and forth on a seat as you pull back the pulleys in a traditional rowing fashion. You can change the resistance and rowing speed according to your fitness level and ability.
- Apart from that, vigorous rowing is one of the most effective calorie burners, potentially burning more than 800 calories per hour.
- Last but not least, rowing is excellent for strengthening arm, back, shoulder and abdomen muscles. Rowing machines are one of the few pieces of gym equipment that exercise many muscle groups. If you want to build and tone your muscles, simply set your rowing machine up for grater resistance.
With the above benefits, you should consider exercising with rowing machine. Check out next post on how to row safely.
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fred // Mar 5, 2008 at 1:37 AM
Yeah, I love this machine.
The thing is, that once you get lazy -> you loose the posture and it hurts eventually… Nowadays I try to use it from time to time only, as threadmill is more natural for me…
KEN // Mar 6, 2008 at 9:54 AM
I don’t think California Fitness in Mid Valley has it. They have the rower with weights, so I’d usually use that for back workout other than the assisted-chinup.
KEN // Mar 7, 2008 at 10:37 PM
Errr…. correction, just came back from CF.
Turns out there are two rowing machines, near the studio upstairs.
Molly // Jan 18, 2009 at 1:11 AM
I never considered myself very athletic; however, this has been my favorite machine for years. I first discovered it at my college wellness center back in 1987 and have used it on and off since. I feel like I get the most “bang for my buck” rowing. I agree with you that it is self=paced, and the time flies on it while listening to music. I love it and have always been in the best shape during the periods in which I used it! (I am female.)