Trainers at the United States Sports Academy state that rowing is one of the best exercises that can be performed to achieve maximum physical fitness. A stationary rowing machine can aid in increasing stamina, strengthening cardiovascular function and building muscle, just like rowing a boat in water. Rowing machines are popular with all age groups, but they are particularly helpful for older people because of the limited strain the machines place on the joints and back.
Stress Reduction
Because of their compact size, rowing machines are popular choices for at-home exercise equipment. Some machines fold up for easy storage in closets, under beds or in the corner of a room. By having access to exercise equipment in the home, trips to the gym and expensive gym memberships can be avoided.
Rowing machines are relatively quiet so that you can have a stress-free workout in front of the television. According to the Mayo Clinic, the pleasure centers in the brain become stimulated with physical activity. Performing cardiovascular exercises increases the number of endorphins that are released in the body, which leads to a reduced amount of stress.
Muscle Toning
The motion of rowing evenly uses all of the muscles in the body. While putting little to no pressure on the joints, a rower works the buttocks, hips and legs with every stroke. The machines use muscles from the upper body, strengthening the arms, shoulders and back. The core and trunk are also engaged with each stroke the rower performs. You can also build muscle by adjusting the rowing machine to have a tighter resistance.
Cardio
When being performed at a low resistance for an extended period of time, rowing is an endurance exercise. Endurance exercise utilizes carbohydrates from your diet to provide your body with energy and increases your heart rate. Keeping the resistance of the machine low, you are able to maintain a high rate of speed, which allows you to reach an aerobic state. According to the Mayo Clinic, aerobic exercise is a vital part of any effective exercise routine because it improves the circulation systems, heart and lungs.
Weight Loss
Using a rowing machine is an excellent addition to an exercise and weight loss program. A person can burn up to 125 calories for every 15 minutes spent vigorously working out on a rowing machine. For a full hour, you can burn up to 500 calories. By using the rowing machine one hour each day, a dieter can lose up to one pound a week.
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