With all the exercise options available today, it can be difficult to choose.  Why should you consider a rowing machine?  Because it offers many benefits for people of all ages and fitness levels.  It is a highly effective, low impact, full body workout.

What is an indoor rowing machine?

Remember rowing? Perhaps the last time you rowed, it was in a creaky old rowboat on a lake.  An indoor rower, such as the WaterRower, takes rowing to the next level.  You can use it at any time, in the comfort and privacy of your home.  There are several types of resistance mechanisms.  Water rowers use a water flywheel connected to a chain and handles for a smooth, quiet motion.  During the rowing movement, the rower pulls back on the handle, and a sliding seat allows the rower to use the lower body in the drive motion.  Most rowing machines come equipped with monitors to track speed, power, calories, and distance.

Benefits of indoor rowing machines

More and more people are turning to rowing machines to achieve their health and fitness goals.  In 2017, approximately 11.71 million people used rowing machines.  Some of the benefits include:

1. Increased strength and endurance

Pushing and pulling with the handles and your legs gives you a full body workout. During the drive phase, you work your leg muscles, then your core, and your upper body and back.  Working your leg muscles helps you improve your balance and flexibility.  As you develop a stronger back and shoulders, your posture will improve, and any back pain will be reduced.  You will also be working your arms and abdominal muscles, which strengthens your core.  Even gripping the handles will work your hands and wrists.  Over time, you may increase your resistance level and achieve greater endurance.  Working out on a rowing machine can burn an average of 600 calories per hour.  Burning calories and toning your muscles will give you increased energy and help with weight loss.

2. Improved cardiovascular health

When rowing, you use your upper and lower body almost simultaneously.  Because you are working all of your major muscle groups, indoor rowing is an excellent cardiovascular workout.  Even when rowing at a moderate rate, you increase the amount of oxygen your lungs take in, so your heart, blood, and overall body functions benefit with every stroke.  The improved blood supply delivers energy to your cells and efficiently removes waste products.

3. Low Impact

As we age, high impact activities such as walking and running can become difficult.  No matter what your age or fitness level, however, rowing is a low impact activity.  Your feet are on the footrests and your hands on the handles.  Therefore, as long as you maintain good form, there is little or no impact on your ankles, knees, hips, elbows or shoulders.  This makes it a great exercise for those who have a problem with weight-bearing exercise, including the elderly, those with health concerns and those recovering from injuries.  When exercise does not hurt, we are more likely to stick with it. Also, it’s fun.

4. Reduces stress

As with many forms of exercise, rowing increases the endorphins released in your brain.  The endorphins are the “feel good” hormones.  They generally improve your mood and sleep quality, so having higher levels of endorphins helps lower stress and can even help reduce symptoms of depression.

If you are new to rowing, start slow, and gradually increase your pace.  Maintaining a good form and being safe is always a priority.  High-quality WaterRowers are easy to use, easy to store, and affordable.  For more information on indoor rowing machines for your home gym, please view our collection of WaterRowers.