You may have never rowed on a team or even in a rowboat, yet you can simulate this great exercise in your own home. Work your body in terms of both cardiovascular and muscular fitness with a rowing machine. This indoor fitness equipment has oar-style handles or a moving bar with a sliding seat. Rowing is a cardio workout that does not place force of impact on the lower body but can create some issues due to the repetition of movement. In other words, you still have to be very aware of body mechanics even though you are not pounding your feet into the ground. The rower also tones, leading some to term it "a total body workout." So shop carefully, get some instruction and get ready to row.
What to Look for
If you are going to do a lot of rowing, you want a comfortable, well-padded seat that moves with your body. You may be surprised to learn that higher end and even entry-level rowing machines today offer the LCD monitor technology found on treadmills and ellipticals. In addition to the usual time, speed, distance and calories, you may be able to see your "stroke rate" as well. Since more expensive machines are chosen by more competitive rowers, the variety of programs on these models may include race workouts for a serious challenge. Just imagine you're in the NCAA Women's Rowing Championships or the Men's Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championships!
If you want to vary your workout targets, some machines provide adjustable rail elevations so you can center on the abs and hamstrings. When shopping, you may see the term "hydraulic rower" which refers to the adjustment of the tension through hydraulics. On other rowers, the tension comes from a combination of air and magnetic resistance. More advanced machines, sometimes called performance rowers, simulate an "on-the-water" feel through their technology. Manufacturers also have developed rowers with longer middle beams for the taller rower.
Common Pitfalls
When people first start rowing, they may concentrate on using and building the strength of their arms and back. The leg muscles have to work hard too, initiating the drive for a safe, challenging workout. Start slowly; your first training on a rower may last just 10 minutes. To protect the back through proper posture, consult a fitness professional or experienced rowing instructor before starting your program. Some sales sites, such as waterrower.com or concept2.com, offer customer education programs or technique DVDs. As with many pieces of fitness equipment, you may see a definite difference between the years-long warranty on the frame and the shorter warranty on parts and labor. When shopping, review information on several different models to find decent coverage. Then enjoy an amazing overall body workout while winning a regatta.
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