The Rowing Machine



When I think about rowing, I don’t usually think of it as being associated with a hardcore workout. At first glance, the rowing machine is far less intimidating than a step mill, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a challenging workout.


There are many reasons a rowing machine can be as challenging as a step mill. The key factor to rowing is that you have to keep yourself accountable because you’re in complete control of the pace, moving the machine without a set level to as a challenge, unlike the step mill that pushes you along by continuous, automatic movement.


Rowing Machine Benefits

  • Full-body workout that works more than half the muscles in your body

  • Works your upper body and builds strength in your shoulders and back

  • Targets quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes

  • Works the core without added weight

  • Low-impact work, so it’s easy on your joints.

The key to getting the most benefit from the rowing machine is making sure you’re set up properly, so here’s how to position yourself:


  1. Strap both feet in place

  2. Start with bent knees, a straight back, and your arms reaching forward while holding the handle

  3. Push back with your legs while simultaneously leaning back to a 45-degree angle

  4. Pull the bar to the top of your upper abs and below your lower chest with your elbows lifted high

  5. Go back to the starting position and repeat


If you’re doing it properly, this is a hardcore, full-body workout, so you’ll need to be bursting with power and energy. Beyond just being mentally prepared, here’s what you can take before and after your rowing workout.


Before: Tight Xtreme Reloaded for a great energizing pre-workout stack as well as being the ideal fat-burning combo to amplify your results.


After: L-Glutamine 2000, which is one of the most important amino acids when it comes to muscle recovery. This can also be taken along with your pre-workout combo if you like.


If you have a rowing machine in your gym and have never given it a try, I highly recommend it. Use the info above to get yourself prepared, and let me know how it goes.


 

Candice Lewis-Carter