Unlike high impact exercises, which can damage knees and the connective tissues of the lower body, rowers and rowing equipment most common injury site is the lower back. Proper technique is a necessity for staying injury free, with a focus on both mechanics and breathing, as correct rhythm, exhaling on the drive and inhaling on the recovery, is a stabilizing force for the upper body. Non-rowers commonly overemphasize the muscles of the upper body, while correct technique uses the large muscle of the thighs to drive much of the stroke. Also, good technique for rowing equipment requires that the angle of the upper body is never too far forward, nor too far back, both of which jeopardize the lower back and compression injuries on the knees and hip flexor muscles.
Rowers push the body backwards with the legs, then pivots the back, and pulls on the handle, causing the flywheel to spin. The flywheel has a braking mechanism applied that is intended to simulate the feel of an oar moving through water. Depending on the rowing exercise machine the rower either moves back and forth as part of the rowing action, or the rower remains stationary and the flywheel mechanism moves.
One benefit of the rowing exercise machine is burning lots of calories which means less workout time is needed than other home exercise equipment. Other benefits to rowers are improved flexibility, aerobic capacity and muscular strength and endurance. The rowing action provides a thorough workout for shoulders and upper back, chest and muscles in your arm. Rowing machines with sliding seat pans also work your legs and lower back. In addition, rowing exercise machines are non weight bearing and easier on the joints than jogging.
Indoor rowing exercise machines primarily work the cardiovascular systems with typical workouts consisting of steady pieces of 20-40 minutes. While cardio focused, rowing also stresses many muscle groups throughout the body anaerobically, thus rowing is often referred to as a strength-endurance sport.
In addition to the high levels of fitness attained, rowing exercise machines are an intense calorie-burning exercise. A rowing machine is an excellent all round total body work out piece of equipment. This makes rowers a fantastic option for home exercise equipment. Burning lots of calories in less time is always a plus. Why not start a new day by rowing your way to a tight and toned you!
