Top 3 Oar-some benefits of rowing machines
We could list endles reasons on why we love rowing machines at Fitness Warehouse, to save you reading time here's 3 of our favourites...
1). It's a total body workout - Rowing is an excellent form of exercise that impacts the upper and lower body, which is great for burning calories. Simply put, the more muscles you move, the more calories you burn. Every stroke engages the calves, quads, hamstrings, glutes, abs, obliques, pecs, biceps, triceps, deltoids, upper back, and lats. So if you're short on time this is a fantastic piece of gym equipment that gives you big bang for your buck.
2). They're versatile - A rower allows you to perform both CrossFit/HIIT and Steady State styles of training. Depending on what type of workout you're doing it can be used for long form steady state cardio sessions if that's your thing, or you can use it for quick bursts of exercise commonly used in WOD's and HIIT sessions. Again giving you real value for money.
3). Rowing is low Impact - As I mentioned earlier, rowing burns a lot of calories whilst also being low impact on your joints. Life is hopefully long, ideally you want your body to be performing at it's optimum for as long as possible. In my humble opinion, treat your body like a high performance vehicle, put good fuel in it, take it out for a few spins every week and don't thrash it. The repetitive and impactful nature of running and plyometric style exercises simply don't suit some people.Which is where rowing might benefit you.
Speaking of benefits, in 2014 a study of 24 people done over 8 weeks found that before the experiment, significant differences of joint torques in the elbow, shoulder, lumbar and knee were present between subjects in the group. After the rowing exercise, significant improvement in every joint was witnessed by 30 percent. In fact, accordning to the study all aspects of basic fitness increased significantly, thanks to rowing.
Want to learn more about rowing?
Check out this video from Jane Erbacher - One of my favourite fitness instructors and rowing gurus. Make sure you follow here on instagram for somegreat rowing/ ski erg inspiration!
Varitey of options
At Fitness Warehouse we're fortunate to have a variety of options when it comes to rowing machines, which means we have a rowing machine to suit all budgets. Having said that, when it comes to rowers there is a big difference between commercial grade units and domestic. The commercial units are designed for heavy usage and load, plus they feel great too. In fact, rowing at level 3 resistance on a Concept2 Rower replicates the feeling of rowing on water.
Commercial:
1). Concept2 Model D Rower - Recognised by competitive rowers as the standard for indoor training, the Model D delivers an effective cardiovascular workout that will increase your fitness level and tone your physique. This is currently the only indoor rower that you can break a world record on. Built with the components designed to withstand 24/7 commercial gym use.
2). Matrix Rower - According to Matrix, their rower provides the finest rowing experience out of the water. It's also faetures magnetic resistance which is different to the fan driven rowers on the market. Built with the components designed to withstand 24/7 commercial gym use. Interesting point to note with the Matrix Rower is that it is really quiet and wider range of resistances.
Domestic:
4). Oxford 6 Rower - It provides a transformative workout that fits your body comfortably and your home beautifully. Designed to handle home use.
5). Horizon Air Rower - This is a great entry level piece of cardio equipment. Easy to use, easy to store this rower will help you burn calories in the comfort of your own home whilst maintaining your health and fitness.
As always we recommend that before you purchase any piece of fitness equipment, make sure that is is aligned with your fitness goals. It means you'll get the most out of your purchase.
Happy Rowing!
Written by Fitness Warehouse Personal Trainer, Simon Mitchell. Simon has a Bachelor of Human Movement, is a certified FMS trainer and has worked in the fitness industry since 2003. Simon started his fitness journey as a trainer with iNform Health and Fitness before moving into commercial radio and then back into fitness with Bodyism in the United Kingdom and Australia. A career highlight was being one of Daisy Ridley's personal trainers on Star Wars IX - The Rise Of Skywalker.