A rowing machine is a low-impact, total body workout. This machine is commonly used to help rowers train indoors, in rehabilitation programs or as a means of general fitness. The use of rowing machines dates to the mid-19th century. The rowing machine has a come a long way since its beginning and provides users with many health benefits.
The First Rowing Machine
The patent for the first rowing machine was filed in 1871. Created by William B. Curtis, who was the founder of the New York Athletic Club, the first rowing machine had a flywheel and a ratchet system. When rowers pushed their legs and moved the handles, a resistance was created by the flyheel that was similar to the resistance of moving an oar through water. This invention drew the interest of rowers. Curtis even founded an amateur rowing club to practice with his invention.
First Hydraulic Rowing Machines
In 1900, the Narragansett Machine Co. in Providence, Rhode Island, created the first hydraulic rowing machine. It would manufacture this machine until the 1960s. This device was especially popular for indoor training of college crew teams.
Air Resistance Rowing Machines
In the 1980s, rowing machine manufactures began using an air-resistance technology that was combined with the flywheel idea. This made the machine easier to use and less expensive. This model was created in 1981 by Dick and Peter Dreissigacker. They created the model known as Concept2 Indoor Rower. This rower is the type of machine found in homes, gyms and rehabilitation facilities across the globe. With this invention, indoor rowing became a sport unto itself. In 1982, the first World Indoor Rowing Championships began and attracted indoor rowers from around the globe.
Benefits
Rowing provides a lower and upper body workout as well as all the benefits of a cardiovascular workout, including increased endurance and improved heart and lung health. The pushing and pulling mechanics of using a rowing machine is beneficial to toning your back, thighs, calves, arms and shoulder muscles. As a low-impact exercise, rowing machines are also used in physical therapy settings to help increase strength and range of motion in injured patients.
References
- RowingHistory.net: Equipment
- NASM: Essentials of Personal Fitness Training; 2008
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