How To Use A Rowing Machine

If you think that rowing machine is just for the off-season rowers, you are wrong. Actually few exercising machines can match with a rowing machine when it comes to toning the body and turning the flab into fab. Rowing machine is an excellent cardiovascular workout and it works wonder in burning the calories. It can be used by anyone and everyone as it is very easy to use and can be learned easily. It is relatively safer than other exercising equipments and a great way to tone the muscles. Although it is a low impact activity, it burns the calories like magic. It is one of the best fitness machines as it works on the whole body and unlike many other machines, it is very kind on the body. So what are you waiting for? Read on to know how to use a rowing machine.

Tips For Using A Rowing Machine

The first thing, which you have to do, is to invest in a good quality rowing machine if you are thinking of practicing at home. Rowing machine often comes with basic features such as speed, time, rowing functions, distance, and calories burned. Some models even provide several monitoring methods and even facility to do other exercises. Know the features you want from your rowing machine before you spend big bucks on it.
Rowing machine offers a total body workout. When you are using a rowing machine, knowing how to adjust the foot straps, and adjusting it properly is very important in order to have a comfortable exercise. Your heel should rest against the base of the foot paddle and the strap should be secured. Wear shoes as going bare feet may harm your feet soles.
A rowing machine is not much different from an actual rowing machine. Therefore, the grip matters a lot in it too. It shouldn’t be too tight or too lose and should be overhand or underhand or overhand depending on your preference.
Start by scooting forward on the machine to be able to grab the mechanism. Now hold the rowing handles, with one hand on each handle. Before you start the exercise, make sure that the cord connected to the rowing handle is not tangled as a knotted wire may injure you.
You need to use your legs and hips in particular to avoid straining your back. A poor posture while at exercise can strain your back. The right posture is to sit up straight and bend forward at the hips. Keep your elbows close to your body while you’re pulling the oars.
Have a firm hold of your feet on the platform. Let your legs positioned away from your body and towards the front of the machine. Keep your feet apart from each other and glide forward to sustain your buttocks closer to your feet.
Now using your legs, shoulders, and back, pull the weight in your direction along the track. Maintain a steady motion and use all the body part involved. Now repeat it for 20 times or more, keeping your workout regime in mind.
If you are beginner then it is always better to start with low weight. Even if you are a pro, you need to start slow for few minutes for warm up. After you have warmed up continue increasing the speed until you are comfortable.

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