Tuesday, 7 October 2008

How To Use A Rowing Machine Properly For The Best Benefits

By Chris Channing

Rowing machines have been a way to get in effective cardiovascular exercise with little impact on fragile joints and bones. Elderly people generally benefit greatly from a rowing machine, but those who are in physical therapy may also benefit.

Rowing machines are specially designed to be low impact in your bones and joints, while maintaining a high enough impact to give your entire body a cardio workout that is both heart healthy, and feels good. It is important to know that those with very weak backs and improper stretching techniques will end up damaging their bodies with a rowing machine. It is advisable for you to stretch for at least 10 minutes, and strengthen your back prior to using a rowing machine cardio regimen.

A rowing machine is a simple machine, with a seat, a foot rest for your feet, a pull cord, and a wheel that rotates everything and keeps you moving. You pull the handles, and basically move back and forth. However, moving your weight can be difficult for beginners, which is why the rowing machine is so beneficial for weight loss and cardio strengthening.

While there are risks and dangers associated with rowing machine usage, the benefits are far greater. Many people would benefit from adding this routine to their exercise regimen. Rowing will strengthen all of your limbs including your arms, abdominal section, heart, legs, and everything else! It literally works all of your muscle groups in one fluid motion back and forth.

While the rowing machine looks easy enough, it takes a lot of training to get used to using a proper formation. Never slouch, drop your head, bend unnaturally, or strain your body too hard. Avoid using your neck for extra pushing, and never use your back when it is not supposed to be used.

Prior to starting a rowing machine workout, spend a considerable amount of time warming your muscles, getting your heart rate boosted, and stretching. You should stretch for at least 5 minutes per 30 minutes that you intend to exercise, and warm up with low intensity cardio for 5 minutes after stretching. Once on the machine, focus on keeping the proper form, and breathing.

Closing Comments

Rowing machines are fairly easy to use, highly effective, and beneficial for anyone that wants a different exercise regimen.

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